NBA Mock Draft 2019: The chaos of this draft is only beginning
Virginia. De'Andre Hunter. 8. player. 156. . F
This pick comes via the Hawks. The full deal is outlined in the slide for the fifth pick later on in our mock as you know, but Jeremy Woo explained in his own intel-based mock draft on Tuesday morning why Cleveland would be thrilled to move back and nab Hunter:
"“The Cavs are also thought to be high on De’Andre Hunter, who should be available at this spot, but could also be on the board for them if they decide to move down later in the Top 10.”"
Indeed, ESPN has thrown Hunter to the Cavaliers repeatedly on their own mock drafts since the draft order was solidified on lottery night. Few seem to actually have Hunter in their top five based on his perceived low ceiling on offense, but this led to the idea initially that Cleveland fancied Hunter.
The fit makes sense — give Collin Sexton a pick-and-pop partner who can defend multiple positions and brings a sense of competitiveness and culture from Virginia after winning a national championship the way this year’s Wahoos did it. There’s also the convenience on Hunter’s part of moving from one team with a Cavalier as a mascot to another. Do it for the brand, Koby Altman!
Hunter, Cedi Osman and Larry Nance Jr. in the frontcourt is a fun trio. The Cavaliers simply need to attack the draft with volume in mind over quality. You can’t know whether draft prospects will be good, but you can set yourself up for success by finding a lot of different young players you like and seeing where their development takes your organization.