Cleveland Cavaliers: 4 prospects to target in the 2020 NBA Draft

The Safe Pick: James Wiseman, C, Memphis

James Wiseman might be one of the two best players in this draft for my rankings and would be a home run selection for Cleveland at five. There’s a real chance Wiseman will go second overall to the Warriors, but in The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor’s latest mock draft he has him falling to Cleveland at fifth overall. I could easily see the board playing out for this scenario to happen and even with Andre Drummond in place, the Cavs shouldn’t hesitate at taking Wiseman.

Wiseman only appeared in three games for the Tigers this past season, due to violations of NCAA rules and after missing seven games because of a suspension, decided to leave Memphis and declare for the draft. His numbers were impressive nonetheless in those outings, averaging 19.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3,0 blocks per game on 77 percent shooting from the field. His consensus number one ranking coming out of high school, being named a McDonald’s All-American and the Gatorade National Player of the Year, should calm down any team’s doubt of his three-game stint in Memphis.

For a team that was 28th in points off of turnovers per game (14.4), tied for 30th in opponent points in the paint per game (53.6), 30th in defensive rating (114.8), and 30th in blocks per game (3.2), Wiseman would be a godsend for Cleveland’s defense. He’s one of the better shot blockers coming out of college, I can remember seeing in quite some time.

Wiseman’s got really good timing, athleticism, and combined with his seven-foot-six wingspan, is a dream as a rim protector. But he’d also improve nearly every other element of the Cavaliers defense, whether it be in defending the pick and roll or just having more ease with switching along the perimeter. Wiseman has a tremendous range as a defender, he can cover a ton of space with his length and quickness as a seven-footer.

Wiseman is also pretty polished offensively, with his combination of shooting, post scoring, and athleticism. His rim running and rolling ability would be a welcomed addition for Garland and Sexton in the pick and roll too. Wiseman would have no problem consuming easy lob passes, but he’d also have no problem scoring on the post either with his footwork and feathery touch, showcasing a nearly unguardable turnaround jumper.

He should have no issue with feasting off dunks and scoring off of the offensive glass when needed too, Wiseman averaged 4.3 offensive boards per game for Memphis.

This would almost be a best-case scenario pick I feel for the Cavaliers. Adding a talent of Wiseman’s caliber at pick number five doesn’t happen often, nor is it an opportunity Cleveland should pass up if presented. He’s oozing the two-way potential to be a dominant center in this league for the next decade and should be a walking double-double from day one.

Drafting Wiseman also provides Cleveland with the option to move on from both Drummond and Love. If he falls to selection number five, the Cavs should be celebrating and calling in the choice of Wiseman as quickly as possible.