NBA Draft 2020: Biggest needs for each Eastern Conference franchise
By Tim Edmonds
. team. 156. . . . Cleveland Cavaliers
Picks: 5
Needs: Defense, Franchise Cornerstone
The Cleveland Cavaliers are sitting at a massive crossroads in their efforts to rebuild this offseason.
After falling in the draft lottery, the Cavs sit at the fifth overall pick and have likely missed their chance at top prospects James Wiseman and Anthony Edwards, both of which would’ve fit well in their system.
Despite this, the Cavs can still address their most pressing need as a franchise this offseason — defense. With question marks regarding Andre Drummond’s long-term status in Cleveland, they could target a big man such as USC’s Onyeka Onkongwu to add size, shooting, and defense to their young core going forward.
Other options could be adding a defensive-oriented prospect on the wing like Auburn’s Issac Okoro or Dayton’s Obi Toppin to add much-needed athleticism to a team that struggled to find any consistent wing play last season.
Overall, General Manager Koby Altman carries the pressure of continuing to build around his young backcourt in Collin Sexton, and Darius Garland and potentially missing on such a high draft pick could cost him his job in a year’s time.