NBA Draft 2019: 5 targets for the Cleveland Cavaliers

LUBBOCK, TX - JANUARY 05: Jarrett Culver #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders brings the ball up court during the game against the Kansas State Wildcats on January 5, 2019 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Kansas State 63-57. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

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LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – MARCH 28: De’Andre Hunter #12 of the Virginia Cavaliers in action against the Oregon Ducks during the second half of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament South Regional at the KFC YUM! Center on March 28, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

2. De’Andre Hunter, Forward, Virginia

The Step Back Big Board Ranking: 7

Hunter is a popular name for the Cavs at five right now, and he should be given how good of a fit he is for the roster. While he doesn’t have star upside as a creator, Hunter seems very likely to be a useful rotation player, and probably one that his drafting team can keep relatively cost-controlled through his second contract. The Cavs probably only have one player like that on their roster in Cedi Osman, so adding another wing that can be a productive supporting cast player is a strong bet for them, especially with Hunter on the board.

In particular, Hunter’s fit as a spot-up shooter and ancillary passer is a strong one for the Cavs offense. He makes the simple extra passes to move the ball and set up open shots that veterans in the NBA master, and his shooting threat, especially after relocating off ball, is a good threat to have on a team with minimal productive floor spacers outside of Love. Defensively, Hunter is a sound perimeter defender who mirrors well and can defend at the point of attack, and has the strength to defend the post against 4s.

Hunter figures to be the type of player that doesn’t move the needle a ton for a rebuilding team while they’re rebuilding, but sets them up to make a bigger leap when they do finally add star-level talent to their current cast. He won’t be a spectacular pick at five, but in a class where there’s likely to be a lot of variance in terms of outcome relative to draft spot, Hunter to Cleveland feels like a safe choice for a team that is probably just looking to just not make a mistake in this draft.

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