2018 NBA Mock Draft: Knicks go big with Mo Bamba

This is another pairing I’ve gotten fond of the last few weeks, especially watching Tristan Thompson struggle to consistently impact games for the Cavaliers this season. Carter’s game is like the best parts of Thompson’s game, but with better defensive impact as a result of his size and athleticism. He would help the Cavs.

Not only is it important that Cleveland has the potential to add a cheap rotation piece this June, it obviously matters for trade purposes as the Cavs continue to try and build a contending team around LeBron James. Thus far, outside of Love, Cleveland has been unable to find a floor-spacer who can add value on defense. Those are extremely rare players in the league, but in a deep draft, Cleveland can fall back and still get him.

Carter can clean up misses as an offensive rebounder, make smart decisions controlling the ball when he gets it, and he’ll take open shots. Whether he makes them or not is a separate question, and one James will have much to say to him about when and if the time comes. Carter could be a game-changer for Cleveland.

Finally, Carter is just young. We factor in internal improvement for most of the best teams in the league every summer, but it’s not something we typically have to account for with the Cavs considering how old they are as a team. If Carter were to come in and play with energy, the Cavs would benefit simply from his presence.