Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 best NBA lottery fits for LeBron James at No. 8

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 02: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats drives to the basket against Zavier Simpson #3 of the Michigan Wolverines in the second half during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

4 of 6

DURHAM, NC – JANUARY 20: Wendell Carter Jr #34 of the Duke Blue Devils dunks against the Pittsburgh Panthers during their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 20, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 81-54. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Wendell Carter Jr, C, Duke

Duke’s Wendell Carter Jr. is the defensive threat Mohammed Bamba is, but the 6-10 big with a 7-foot-3 wingspan will block and alter plenty of shots in his pro career.

And unlike Bamba, Carter is more polished around the rim. He’s got good hands and should even keep defenses honest with his perimeter shooting.

Often overlooked because of probable top-3 pick Marvin Bagley, Carter averaged 13.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per contest while shooting 56 percent from the field.

Putting Carter in the same lineup James puts a big man who can contribute on both sides of the floor to along with shooters such as Kevin Love, Kyle Korver and J.R. Smith.

ESPN mocked Carter to Chicago with the sixth pick, but the Bulls of recent vintage haven’t been known for making the smart call.

Depending on how the draft plays out, a player such s Michael Porter, whom some believe has franchise potential, will still be available at No. 6. If the dominos falls the Cavs way, Carter would be an excellent fit alongside James.

Home/Lebron James