NBA Draft 2020: 5 teams who most needs a Small Forward/Wing player

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers need a whole lot to return to a competitive state while still recovering from their second Lebron James induced hangover, certainly including an answer at the small forward spot.

Despite averaging almost 30 minutes per game last year, Cedi Osman averaged only 11.0 points, 2.4 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game at the position adjacent to second-year star Colin Sexton. Although Kevin Porter Jr. showed some occasional promise, his sample size remains far too small to trust as a starter just yet.

But besides Osman’s disappointing play and the questions surrounding Porter, its also Sexton’s presence on the team which continues to pressure the Cavaliers into drafting a talented wing partner for him, as failing to keep him happy by providing the adequate help might persuade him to abandon his team once becoming a free agent, essentially pulling the rug out from under Cleveland’s rebuilding strategy.

Luckily for Cavs though, they possess the 5th overall pick during this year’s draft, offering them an impeccable chance to accomplish this necessary feat.

Okoro immediately comes to mind for the Cavaliers similarly to the Pistons. Cleveland however picks two spots ahead of their long time rivals, prompting them as the favorite to land Okoro instead. Already drawing comparisons to  Kawhi Leonard, Okoro enters as a prospect with superstar defensive capabilities.

His shooting still requires some work, but his raw athleticism and true capability to cover any position earns him this nod at the 5th overall pick and adds some much needed defensive grit to a team that surrendered the highest field goal percentage to their opponents amongst all NBA teams last year.

However, other teams ahead of Cleveland include the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets, both lacking definitive starters at the small forward spot who could easily find themselves cataloged on this list as well. Either team here might step up and snag Okoro out under Cleveland’s nose, especially Chicago, who lose Michael Porter Jr. after the 2020-21 season even if he chooses to opt back into his contract.

This calls for the Cavs to draw up some backup plans which might include the formerly mentioned Vassell, Edwards if he slips outside the top three picks or mysterious Euro League prospect Deni Avdija.