NBA Mock Draft 9.0: LaMelo Ball falls out of the top 3; Knicks snag Obi Toppin

5. Cleveland Cavaliers – Deni Advija, F, Maccabi Tel Aviv

Selection and commentary: Matt Modderno 

It would be hard to see the Cleveland Cavaliers taking another guard this early in the lottery given their last several drafts. They need a talent infusion and some positional versatility at the forward spots. Avdija is skilled and quick enough to play some small forward and big enough to play power forward. Given Kevin Love’s uncertain long-term status with the team, it makes sense to draft a potential replacement that makes it easier to move on from him.

The big offensive question mark for him is his jump shot. Post-quarantine, Avdija’s perimeter shooting looked drastically improved. If that uptick wasn’t fool’s gold and actually carries forward, Avdija becomes an even more impressive prospect. His shot looked pretty smooth (especially in the second half of the season) and he seemed to have a much more consistent release point. Free-throw shooting is usually a key indicator of long-term shooting potential and Avdija has not been great from the line thus far in his career.

Overall, he handles the ball well, he passes well, and he has a strong feel for the game. Considering their guards have been more scoring-oriented, having a forward who can also create for others would be useful. At this point in the lottery, he just makes sense for them. Assuming that the shooting continues to improve with more reps, I think he’s worth the risk.