2012 NBA Draft Grades: Cavs Select Jared Cunningham For Mavericks

Pick 24: Cleveland Cavs (Traded to Dallas Mavericks)
Selection: Jared Cunningham

Bryan Rosa – A Royal Pain

While effective at getting to the rim in college, there are many questions about him doing the same in the NBA. If he can, he’ll be an effective player off the bench but trying to advance his on-ball skills might be more beneficial, allowing him to play more of a point role then a two-guard. He does have a great scoring ability though, so if he can figure out how to add some bulk he’ll keep opposing two guards from zeroing in on him.

Grade: C-

Jack Winter-Saving the Skyhook

The Mavs need an infusion of athleticism, and Cunningham certainly fits that bill. He has nice size, can put the ball on the floor, and projects as a good defender, too. Again, though, someone with potential like Perry Jones III or Tony Wroten – the latter a replacement for Jason Kidd, too – might have made more sense.

Grade: C+

Quixem Ramirez- Air Alamo

A bit of a reach though I can understand Dallas’ reasoning. They are devoid of a lot of perimeter scorers and Cunningham, who is compared to Jeremy Lin and Russell Westbrook for his scoring ability, will help in that department. It’s likely that Cunningham could’ve been had at the 33rd pick but you can’t fault a team too much for getting a guy they like.

Grade: C+

Bryan Wendland-Roberto Gato

Cunningham is the perfect pick for the Dallas Mavericks at this spot. They’re probably going to lose Jason Terry in free agency and Cunningham can do a ton of things offensively. He shot 34 percent from behind the arc last season, scored more than 17 points per game and dished out almost three assists per game, too.

Grade: A