Well the Cleveland Cavaliers have truly shown the fans something after that rough regular season by adding 3 first round picks in this year’s NBA Draft. Coming off a 19-63 regular season there was really nowhere to go but up honestly. Koby Altman sat there with the 5th overall pick and the 26th overall pick (acquired via Houston trade) going into the night and would later hold the 30th overall pick (acquired via trade on draft night), and lastly no second round picks. As the draft has come to an end, let’s review the selections made by Altman.

Round 1 Pick 5: Darius Garland (Guard), Vanderbilt University

The biggest knock on Garland is sample size, coming off a 5 game season in college that took a toll with a meniscus injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the Commodores season, it can be a bit risky taking a chance on damaged goods this early. The best part of Garland’s game is truly his shooting ability to pull up anywhere inside the half court line to the basket, he has a clean shot stroke and it is truly something that will not be affected by that injury, in theory. Coming out of high school Garland was regarded as the #1 point guard in the 2018 high school class and was a projected lottery pick from the start. He averaged 16.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, while shooting 47.8% from the three, which is the most exciting part of his game. His NBA player comparison is Damian Lillard, according to ESPN analysts. The biggest concern in my eyes on Garland are how does he fit with Sexton, what does this injury truly affect, and can he get better on the defensive side of the ball. All in all John Beilein should be very excited to get to work with this caliber of skill and potential.

Round 1 Pick 26: Dylan Windler (Forward), Belmont University

Windler is a two-time All-Ohio Valley Conference selection and a finalist for the Julius Erving and Lou Henson awards as a senior. Windler at Belmont averaged 21.3 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and shot 42.9% from the three. This pick came as a surprise to most people as he was not majorly talked about going into the draft but his numbers speak to his advantage, even if they are in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC). The Cavaliers desperately needed a small forward at the departure of Lebron James last off season and it is apparent that the draft selection here was based off need. While I will never compare anyone really to James, Windler does offer some enticing capabilities as he is an effective around the rim scorer and great pick and roll player, which will help the Cavs young backcourt. Standing at 6’ 7.5” and 196 pounds I would expect Windler to start a play good minutes, despite being a rookie he is 22 years old and played all four years of college ball which speaks on his experience level and I am sure with this young team coming in to next season Beilein will look to Windler to hopefully teach some of the others a few things and step up as a young leader.

Round 1 Pick 30: Kevin Porter Jr. (Guard/Forward), USC

To acquire this pick the Cavaliers traded 4 future second round picks, and cash incentives, to Detroit Pistons to acquire Kevin Porter Jr. A lot of potential here in a player that has yet to turn 19, a 6’ 5” who mostly plays two-guard is also a great position of need for this roster, and the price the Cavs paid for this selection shows that. Porter Jr. a 6’6” 218 pound prospect coming out was very much limited on the court, time-wise, due to injury and a one game suspension due to “personal conduct issues”. The biggest concerns on Porter Jr. are the off the court issues as he lacks the overall maturity and decision-making as those around him have voiced. However if this can be resolved his athleticism, and overall skill set do

make him a worthy NBA first round talent, lets pray this is not another Josh Gordon style disappointment.