Cavs: Derrick Jones no longer on team radar possibly due to draft

The Cleveland Cavaliers appear to be no longer interested in pursuing Miami Heat forward Derrick Jones Jr., possibly a sign that they may draft one instead.

The Cleveland Cavaliers need help on the wings and early reports seemed to think that the Cavs would be pursuing the Miam Heat’s SF/PF/C Derrick Jones Jr. in the offseason. The idea was that he’d be able to come in and play defense, replace Tristan Thompson and play multiple positions. Now, Sam Amico has reported, however, that the Cleveland Cavaliers are no longer interested in Jones.

"Meanwhile, despite earlier reports, the Cleveland Cavaliers do not have an interest in Jones, Amico Hoops has learned."

So why have the Cavs moved on from Jones? Well, it’s likely they’ve started to prioratize their draft order and may be leaning toward taking one of the prized forwards in this year’s lottery; Dayton’s Obi Toppin or Israel’s Deni Avdija.

Toppin is a conventional athletic power forward type, great in transition, can rebound but has limited low post scoring moves and his defense has been seen as suspect. In a run-and-gun, seven-second offense, Topping would be highly useful.

Avdija is a point-forward of sorts, with respectable athleticsim, great court running ability and a dynamic offense that sees him be able to score anywhere and pass extremely well. His youth and lack of perceived top level competition has hindered him as a prospect.

There’s also the usual “can Euro players translate” fear.

Both men provide a needed element to the Cavs and unless they’re able to swing a trade for both of the soon-to-be-rookies, they’ll need to prioratize which position they need. If the team wanted a player like Jones, neither really fit the bill.

There’s also a possibililty that the Cavs are turned off due to Jones postseason injury but that doesn’t seem the likelist of reasons.

Perphaps they don’t really want a player like Jones and were just looking at him incase the Cavs went with a guard or center on draft night. With Jones off the board, it seems to be a situation where the Cavs have figured out who they want to draft.