Looking back at the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, it was clear they were in no short supply of big men at power forward or center. In the starting lineup was the defensive dynamic duo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Coming off the bench, the Cavs had Tristan Thompson, Damian Jones, Dean Wade, Georges Niang, and Isaiah Mobley available as well. But with Isaiah Mobley, Thompson and Jones set to become free agents and Wade, Niang and possibly Allen as trade chips this offseason, the Cavs may have to consider their options regarding their big man depth.
Sure, the Cavs may get a new big man or two in any trades they agree to this summer. But if the Cavs want to keep their options open for depth elsewhere, they may want to consider their options in the 2024 NBA Draft. Although Cleveland only has one pick at No. 20 in this year's draft, thankfully, there could be two options that could answer the team's needs when it's their turn to pick: Kyle Filipowski and Johnny Furphy.
Could Kyle Filipowski or Johnny Furphy be worth it for the Cavs?
While Fillipowski has the prototypical size of a center that Furphy lacks, both prospects fit the interesting niche of being able to pair nicely with either of Cleveland's starting bigs, which is a major prerequisite for the Cavs. That's because both prospects have showcased the touch and ability to develop into a reliable three-point shooting threat at the next level, which is something Cleveland needs more of no matter what big man is on the floor.
Furphy has showcased it more readily during his time with Kansas, displaying elite awareness for finding open space off the ball. He constantly moves and displays shooting prowess as a major force in launching three-pointers off screens and handoffs, which would pair beautifully alongside a big man with passing talents like Mobley. Although he's incredibly raw and not that physical of a defender, Furphy could have an immediate niche role off the bench for the Cavs as a movement shooter who can slot in at either forward position or even earn some minutes as a small-ball center as well.
Filipowski, meanwhile, is more of a player with glue-guy skills on offense, often keeping the ball moving, relocating, screening, and cutting. He is already adept at running handoffs, so he could thrive if surrounded by shooters, giving Cleveland a little extra juice whenever Mobley sits. Filipowski can also slot in for Allen as well since he's a hard-nosed defensive rebounder who is comfortable and can start offensive possessions by bringing the ball up on his own.
Although Filipowski isn't an immediate three-point shooting prospect like Furphy, he projects as a reliable 3-point shooter because of his fluid shooting touch. He's showcased in college that he's comfortable and fluid when taking jump shots. It'll just take a little extra coaching for him to stretch out further beyond the perimeter to maximize his potential and, in turn, maximize his opportunities to share the floor with Mobley or Allen.
When the Cavs select in the 2024 NBA Draft, they will have many options, likely including Filipowski and Furphy. Either would be great additions to what the team is trying to build and, more importantly, can help alleviate some of the trials and tribulations the rest of this offseason could present.
Follow Us
Subscribe