The Cavaliers should peruse Drew Timme in the NBA Draft

The Cleveland Cavaliers may be in a position to land Drew Timme in the NBA Draft

The Gonzaga Bulldogs are still dancing after a massive performance by Drew Timme, where the Zags were able to mount a second-half comeback and hold onto the win 82-78. Timme isn’t the star of the team or the most wanted prospect from the squad, that goes to seven-foot, hybrid forward/center Chet Holmgren.

The 7’0, 200lb big man is the prize of the draft for many due to his mobility, creative offense, and shot-blocking potential. He’ll go in the first few picks, but not Timme. Timme, who’s a great college forward, is seen as a second-round pick due to his limitations athletically and his lack of a three-point shot. The thing about Timme is he’s a great rebounder and a gifted scorer.

Guys like him are not easy to find and while he isn’t blocking shots like some guys, his low post defense is good enough that he’s able to hang with anyone he plays with. That type of grit and offensive creativity makes him the perfect fit for the Cavaliers.

The Cleveland Cavaliers should invest in youth during the NBA Draft

The Cavs have the San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat second-rounders. Those two picks are vital for the continuation of the team beyond the 2021-2022 season. Getting two rookies, granted project picks at best, is key to the team. The Cavs won’t have a lot of money to work with, and save for trading Caris LeVert or Cedi Osman, the team isn’t going to have a lot of moveable assets. You’re moving Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley or Lauri Markkanen. Kevin Love has shown his worth, even if it’s not $30 million a year, it’s still something.

Osman has found himself out of the rotation and LeVert is good in spurts but his long-term outlook for the team is murky at best. Obviously, if both men have great playoff runs, then who knows.

All that trade bluster is just to show you how valuable these second-round picks are. It’s not likely the Cavs get much for them in a trade, and it’s even less likely still that the Cavs get a starter in the second round, let alone an All-Star but the Cavs have to focus on long-term building.

It starts with getting Timme to backup guys like Mobley and Allen.