Why the Cleveland Cavaliers will draft Andrew Wiggins

Now that the Cleveland Cavaliers have landed the top overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, former Kansas Jayhawks’ forward Andrew Wiggins has been instilled as the favorite to be the top overall pick.

As soon as the lottery ended, ESPN’s Chad Ford reported the Cavaliers like former Duke Blue Devils’ forward Jabari Parker, but soon corrected himself and reported Wiggins was actually the most likely choice.

On Wednesday, Ford explained why he believed Wiggins would be the pick.

"I think Jabari Parker has been a top their board most of the year. It makes sense. He’s the most NBA ready and with Luol Deng’s future hazy, it’s easy to see Parker (who has some statistical comps to Deng) as a replacement who can help them right away. However, there are concerns about his defense on an already poor defensive team. There are also concerns that he doesn’t have the long-term star potential that the Cavs crave. They also have a need at the five. Varejao is 32 years old and they need a long term replacement. Joel Embiid has as much upside as anyone in the draft and would be perfect. However, the back concerns are real. The Cavs don’t even know yet whether they’ll get him in for medicals. And he’s the least NBA ready of the prospects. That leaves Wiggins. Wiggins is a balance between the now and the future. Addresses defensive needs right away. Takes care of some of the issues they have with a Dion Waiters/Kyrie Irving backcourt. Can play the 2 and the 3. And he has star potential. Will be interesting to see how it plays out. Different people in the Cavs have different opinions. But in totality, I think Wiggins is the favorite."

Wiggins averaged 17.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.