NBA Draft Lottery 2018: Who each team should take with the No. 1 pick
By Ian Levy
8. Cleveland Cavaliers — Luka Doncic (2.8% chance)
The most pressing need for the Cavaliers is using this pick to help convince LeBron James to stay in Cleveland. As such, they really don’t have the luxury of considering players with potential upside who aren’t ready to contribute right away. However, getting a player with star potential in the event LeBron leaves them high and dry would certainly be a nice bonus.
LeBron may prefer someone like Ayton, but Doncic probably gives the Cavaliers the best chance of offering LeBron help next year and guarding against his departure. Shooting, playmaking and chutzpah have definitely been missing from LeBron’s supporting cast during this playoff run and Doncic can offer all three in spades. Being able to do it from the wing position is important as well, as the Cavaliers stare down potential matchups with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward for years to come.
If he were to find himself as the primary ball-handler next season, Doncic could also be a piece to help the Cavaliers begin the arduous task of starting over. He’s a savvy playmaker and could help leverage the existing veterans until they can slowly be flipped into younger players.