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Cleveland Cavaliers: Best and worst case scenarios for 2018 NBA Draft

By Ryan Rosko

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: The draft board is seen displaying picks 1 through 30 after the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: The draft board is seen displaying picks 1 through 30 after the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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During the 2018 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers could go down a number of different routes as they adjust their roster.

It would be great if one of the top 2018 NBA Draft prospects lands in Cleveland but to do so, teams picking ahead of the Cleveland Cavaliers will have to be sold on players in that second tier. Second tier players get selected ahead of where they are projected all the time but the question is will those top players slide far enough for Cleveland to draft them?

Mo Bamba, Luka Doncic, or Jaren Jackson Jr would all be great additions but unfortunately, it is very slim that any will be there at eight. That said, from a prospect standpoint, if any are there, they are the best case scenario and will end up in Cleveland.

Going off of the assumption though that none of them are going to be there, what are the best and worst case scenarios for the Cavaliers come Thursday night?

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Scenario 1: Best case – trade the eighth pick along with two or so players (depending on the money) for an established all-star.

Worst – Michael Porter Jr., F, Missouri. Porter is extremely talented but his medicals are very concerning. Cleveland cannot afford to risk the pick on such a hit/miss prospect like Porter. They very well may end up with the next Brandon Roy and while they cannot afford the risk they may not have any other choice.

Scenario 2: Best case – Collin Sexton, G, Alabama. His shot needs work but outside of that, he does not have truly glaring weaknesses. What Cleveland thought they were getting out of Jordan Clarkson is what they should expect out of Sexton but with a larger ceiling.

Worst case – Miles Bridges, F, Michigan State. If he could solidify one position then the knock on him would not be what it is. Instead, he has questionable athleticism and is a disadvantage given his size on both ends of the court.

Scenario 3: Whether LeBron James returns or not, players that are mismatches who can take over games are needed. After all, James is not playing forever. Best – A name to keep in mind is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA), G, Kentucky.

While he is listed as a guard, who knows how tall he will actually get. SGA can already guard positions 1-3 with his best work coming against ones and twos. If you want to see the next Donovan Mitchell, De’Aaron Fox, and others, SGA is on the short list of being that guy.

Next: 6 trades the Cavs must consider with or without LBJ

Worst- Mikal Bridges, F, Villanova. He does not do anything spectacular but his overall game is impressive. Whether he is a compliment to James or is involved in a bigger role as a rookie, Cleveland can build around for the future.

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