FanSided Network 2018 NBA Mock Draft

By Staff | Jun 13, 2018

Kentucky's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander throws down a dunk in the second half against Davidson during the first round of the NCAA Tournament West Regional at Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho, on Thursday, March 15, 2018. Kentucky advanced, 78-73. (Darin Oswald/Idaho Statesman/TNS via Getty Images) /

23 of 30

Duke. Wendell Carter Jr.. 8. player. 156. . C

The Cavaliers are caught in the strange position of needing to use this pick to convince LeBron James to stay, while simultaneously needing to protect their future from his possible departure this summer. Trading the pick as part of a package for someone like CJ McCollum may be the best way to convince LeBron to stay but if the Cavaliers do keep thepick, Carter Jr. presents a nice compromise.

While he doesn’t appear to have the same sort of star potential as fellow bigs like Deandre Ayton or Jaren Jackson Jr., several analysts and projection models are extremely high on Carter Jr. With good size and athleticism for the center position, he projects to be a very strong defender — able to protect the rim and hold his own on switches and defending in space. On offense he can post-up against switches, step out and hit the 3-pointer and crash the glass. He also the potential to develop into a solid passer and facilitator from the elbow.

He may not be that exciting for LeBron, but Carter Jr. is a player who could definitely help the Cavaliers on the court the next few years if they’re still fighting to be at the top of the Eastern Conference, or be a foundational piece for the next iteration of the team.

— Ian Levy

For more on the Cleveland Cavaliers, read King James Gospel and follow on Twitter.

Home/NBA Draft