New NBA Mock Draft has the Cleveland Cavaliers taking a forward

The Cleveland Cavaliers are predicted to take a forward in the latest NBA Mock Draft.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking to use their 14th pick in the upcoming 2022 NBA Draft to help fill out some needs. The biggest need would be a two-way wing, who can play defense and shoot threes, but the odds of finding the perfect player to do that specific thing aren’t always that great. So you look for the best fit, usually. Despite many people believing that the perfect fit is Malaki Branham, Sam Amico of Hoops Hype has a different player in mind going to the Cavs with his latest NBA Mock Draft.

According to Amico’s latest Mock Draft, he has the Cavaliers taking LSU forward Tari Eason, a 6’8 combo forward. His shooting splits aren’t bad by any means, going .521/.359/.803 from the floor, three-point line, and free-throw line respectively. He finished his year averaging nearly 17 points, over six rebounds, nearly two steals, and over one block per game.

For those wondering, this isn’t a situation where Branham was taken prior to his NBA Mock Draft, as Branham didn’t go until the very next pick to the Charlotte Hornets.

Tari Eason could be a very good prospect if his defense is up to team standards

While you would hope his three-point shooting was a bit higher, on paper he’s a very solid prospect and could be what the Cavaliers need. The question should be, how does he play in the team’s defense, however.

For what it’s worth, NBA Draft Net gives Eason a 9. They, like an outlet such as Pro Football Focus, are not the end-all-be-all of evaluation but they do a good enough job giving people expectations to expect. They may not nail the evaluation but you’ll know if they don’t. So that’s at least something.

Eason could be a very good fit, and if he can improve his three-point shot, then he’ll be exactly what the Cavs need.