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Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Should Select Justin Anderson

By Nick Dudukovich

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In this weekend’s mailbag, I make the case for the Cleveland Cavaliers to take Virginia wing man Justin Anderson, while also exploring what the Cleveland Indians have left in their minor league system. And last but not least, a question on the Ohio State quarterback competition.

What’s the best move the Cavs can make if they stay put at No. 24?

–Teddy D, Cedarville, Ohio

Teddy, Some mock drafts have the Cleveland Cavaliers selecting Virginia guard/forward Justin Anderson during the 2015 NBA Draft. The Cavs own the 24th pick–and I’m in agreement with this selection.

Anderson is a 6-foot-6 wing man who can shoot, as he shot 45 percent from downtown last season. He could become a good pro shooter, but at the very least, he’ll be ready to play NBA level defense on day one.

Something the Cavs need to consider as they choose between size, a wing, and a backup point guard is how difficult it is to find viable wing players.

Remember who started for the Cavs when LeBron James left? It was Jamario Moon. And who started at small forward in the season prior to James’ return? Earl Clark. Alonzo Gee was waiting in reserve.

The point is that it’s hard to find good players who can play the wing and the Cavs need players who can sub in for James without the Cavs falling too far behind. That’s why I’d go with Anderson. If he’s gone, I’d be interested in Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, a 6-foot-7 wing man who made the Pac-12 all defensive team while at Arizona.

Francisco Lindor, Giovanny Urshela and Cody Anderson are all up. Do the Cleveland Indians have anything left in the minors?

–Jake L, Annandale, Va.

One prospect who continues to intrigue is Triple-A first baseman Jesus Aguilar. He’s really the only bonafide power prospect in the upper levels of the Tribe’s farm system. Aguilar is slashing .261/.318/.425 with nine homers and 42 RBIs.

At Triple-A, the Indians also have James Ramsey, who was acquired in the Justin Masterson deal, as well as former first-round pick Tyler Naquin. Ramsey is struggling a bit at the plate this season, batting just .246, while Naquin was recently promoted.

Naquin was having a breakout season with Class AA Akron in 2014, until he broke his hand.

There’s also power hitting prospect Clint Frazier, who has seven homers in the Class A Carolina League. He’s slashing .250/.336/.398.

Bradley Zimmer, the top pick in 2014, is slashing .300/.399/.489 for Class A Lynchburg. He also has nine homers.

On the mound, there’s not much immediate help. That’s why Anderson was promoted. The Indians need someone who can fill the fifth starter’s role without getting shelled.

Ryan Merritt was the organization’s pitcher of the year a season ago. He’s hurling for Class AA Akron this season. He’s 4-6 with a 3.89 ERA. He’s showing good control and has only nine walks in 83 1/3 innings.

At Class A Lake County, Justus Sheffield is blowing batters away by fanning 10 batters per nine innings…but he’s only 19.

Braxton Miller…can he really be the starter this season?

–Brian R, Elyria, Ohio

Brian, look for the Buckeyes and Urban Meyer to field a competition where every pass, every completion, every interception is charted. Miller, along with Cardale Jones and J.T. Barrett are going to be given every opportunity to win the starting job…and I kind of like Meyer’s approach.

Why create controversy by already casting Miller aside?  Remember, the two-time Big Ten player of the year entered last season healthy, and injured the shoulder in a non-contact drill. Maybe Miller gets hurt again during training camp? Maybe he sees what’s become of Terrelle Prior and realizes he needs a position change if he wants an NFL future?

It’s hard to envision Jones going back to being the third guy on the depth chart. You could say the same about Barrett, for that matter.

Next: Rumor: Cavs To Ask Wade To Take Pay Cut

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