Cleveland Cavaliers: Is the No. 3 Pick Too High for Jonathan Kuminga?

Jonathan Kuminga is a talented 6-foot-8 forward that most consider to be the best forward in the 2021 NBA Draft. However, Kuminga is seen as the fifth or sixth best overall player in the draft. Before getting a higher than expected pick in the lottery, the Cavaliers were a possible landing spot for Kuminga. Cleveland was expecting a pick between five to seven, but they happily ended up with the third pick. The third pick could be too high for Kuminga considering his overall prospect ranking. According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Cavaliers are still considering Kuminga at the third pick.

Is three too high for Kuminga? Could Cleveland justify taking Kuminga at a higher pick then expected?

Kuminga’s Upside

If the Cavs are considering Kuminga at three, they clearly like his skillset a lot. Cleveland could see a higher potential in Kuminga than most scouts see. If Kuminga was to reach his ceiling, the Cavs could certainly justify taking him this high. However, what makes Kuminga’s upside so appealing?

First off, the talented wing has elite athleticism. Alongside his athletic ability, Kuminga has good length for his height. His greatest offensive strength is his driving ability. While his athletic ability is certainly one reason for Kuminga’s driving ability, he can also finish through contact. In addition, Kuminga should bring an instant impact to the NBA with his impressive frame. His frame and athleticism creates elite defensive potential.

While Kuminga has strengths, he also has glaring weaknesses. His knocks are why Cleveland may want to pass on Kuminga at three. The clear problem in his game is his jump shot. In the G League, Kuminga shot only 38.7% from the field and 24.6% from three. Kuminga also struggled from the free throw line shooting 62.5%. Three-pointers have of course become vital in the NBA. The Cavaliers already have weak three-point shooters at their wing positions, Kuminga could make this issue worse. Kuminga’s jump shot does have room for growth. He has solid mechanics, and with repetition he could become a solid to good shooter.

Kuminga could develop into an elite defender with superior driving ability. In addition, Kuminga can improve as shooter. It makes sense why Cleveland thinks the third pick is fine for Kuminga. He certainly has a high potential, but needs time to develop.

Fit in Cleveland

Perhaps the biggest reason Cleveland likes Kuminga at three is his fit. Outside of Kuminga, the two prospects mostly rumored for the third pick are Jalen Green and Evan Mobley. The Cavs’ backcourt seems set with Collin Sexton and Darius Garland. Drafting the guard Green at three could cause problems in Cleveland’s guard rotation. The Cavaliers are set at center if they decide to resign Jarrett Allen in free agency. Mobley at three may not work alongside Allen. This could force the Cavaliers to let Allen depart from Cleveland.

Cleveland has a glaring need for length, defense and wing scoring. Kuminga can fit all of these needs if he develops well. Also, the idea of having two potential elite wing defenders in Isaac Okoro and Kuminga is quite appealing. On the other hand, the Cavs already have Okoro why draft Kuminga? First off, Okoro stands at only 6-foot-6 and could lack size to start at the small forward position. Kuminga stands at 6-foot-8 with good length, which is roughly the prototypical NBA small forward size. Also, Okoro could be a very effective defender that brings energy off the bench. Of course this is assuming Kuminga turns out as a better option than Okoro.

Should Cleveland Take Kuminga?

Kuminga could fit very well in Cleveland and fills nearly every need. The Cavs have good guards in Sexton and Garland. They have a possible small forward in Okoro. If resigned, Allen is a good starting center. Green at three would have to battle with Sexton and Garland. Mobley would contest with Allen if Allen is resigned. Kuminga would also have to beat out the wing Okoro. No matter what, Cleveland’s pick will not be an immediate starter.

In conclusion, Green and Mobley are considered better prospects for a reason. Considering Cleveland’s current roster, they might want to take the best available. Kuminga will not be best available at three, it will be Green or Mobley. Kuminga certainly fills some needs in Cleveland, but so do Green and Mobley. Kuminga’s current shooting struggles are simply too alarming. Overall, Kuminga is a bit more raw than Green or Mobley. Green or Mobley would likely be a better instant impact, and would be the safer pick.

All stats courtesy of Basketball-Reference. 

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