For the first time since 2021, the Cleveland Cavaliers have a first-round draft pick that will likely join their rotation for the 2024-2025 season. But the 2024 NBA Draft has so many unknowns at the top end, let alone pick 20. So who should the Cavs target with their first-rounder this year?
2024 NBA Draft: Who Could the Cavs Target at Pick 20?
Cavs Land Buffs’ Superstar Wing
Following the NBA Draft lottery, Bleacher Report‘s Jonathan Wasserman predicted the Colorado Buffaloes’s Tristan Da Silva to Cleveland. The German-born wing averaged 16 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in his senior campaign as Colorado advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. At 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, Da Silva projects as a 3-and-D wing in the NBA. Da Silva shot 39.5% this past year and would provide an important role off the Cavs bench that shot a measly 27.9% this postseason from long-range.
There are questions surrounding Da Silva’s athleticism after the NBA Draft Combine, where he posted an average vertical leap of 35.5 inches. However, Da Silva was still a stout defender in college and his length certainly makes up for any athleticism he lacks. The Cavs don’t need an off-the-dribble scorer, but a reliable spot-up three-point shooter. That could make the Cavs target Da Silva in the draft.
Cleveland Drafts Young G-leaguer
Power forward, Tyler Smith has been another name on the radar of the Cavs during this draft cycle. The 19-year-old played for the G-league Ignite this past season where he put up 13.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.7 stocks per game. Smith also shot 36.4% on 4 attempts this year from three which projects well at his young age, as he could turn into a high-volume shooter. During the Combine, Smith was listed at 6-foot-11 and 224 pounds giving him great length at his position.
Smith averaged nearly three fouls per game, which comes with his age. Smith would likely be a project for the Cavs, but his upside is undeniable and in a draft like this upside is huge. Again, Cavs General Manager, Koby Altman, will likely look for a wing that leaves Smith’s name on their board.
Cavs Find Potential Garland Replacement
Another Cavs draft target is 18-year-old Pittsburgh Panthers Guard Carlton Carrington. Carrington averaged 13.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in his freshman campaign. He is seen to have tremendous upside in his position with his age. At the combine, he was listed at 6-foot-4 which would be huge for an already small Cleveland backcourt. If asked to create off the dribble Carrington would be comfortable as both a passer and shooter. He shot 41.2% from the field and 32.2% from three on a staggering 6.1 attempts a game.
His finishing left a lot to be desired but he is so young and learning from Donovan Mitchell would certainly help develop that skill. With rumors continuing to swirl about the future of Cavs point guard Darius Garland leaves Carrington as an intriguing prospect. This is one of the most unpredictable drafts in about a decade. There are several prospects in and around the Cavs selection that they could choose.
