The Cavaliers enter the offseason with several needs, though finding talent on the wing may be chief among them and the NBA draft could be a spot where they address that need. Kyle Boone of CBS Sports has Cleveland doing just that in his latest mock draft, projecting Jonathan Kuminga to the team at No. 5.
Kuminga, who spent this past year in the G League instead of going the NCAA route, is a 6-foot-8, play-making wing. Some of his skillsets overlap with 2020 No. 5 overall pick Isaac Okoro at the forward spot, though Kuminga is the superior offensive player. The two should be able to thrive next to each other, as Congo-native holds the ability to play and defend multiple positions.
Shooting and decision-making will be hurdles at the next level for Kuminga. In 13 G League games this past season, the forward shot just 24.6 percent from the floor on 5.0 attempts per game. Still, there’s a lot of optimism around Kuminga, who will turn 19 in October, within NBA circles.
More on the NBA Draft
- Auburn’s JT Thor has decided to remain in the 2021 NBA draft, as he announced on his Instagram. The 6-foot-10 forward is currently ranked No. 66 on ESPN’s big board.
- Terry Taylor, who was a four-year starter at Austin Peay, has workouts lined up with the Warriors, Grizzlies, and Kings this week, according to Alex Kennedy of BasketballNews.com.
- Cameron Thomas makes sense as a potential candidate for the Celtics at No. 16, our own Cole Sullivan notes. The shooting guard plays in the mold of Lou Williams and would give the franchise another play-maker, possibly one who could contribute off the bench as a rookie.
