The Cleveland Cavaliers tied with the Thunder for the fourth-worst record in the NBA. This put them in a position to likely get a pick from the range of 4-7 in the NBA Draft Lottery. However, the Cavs landed a pick higher than expected in this year’s lottery. Cleveland locked in a top four pick after the Thunder landed an unexpected number six pick. The Cavs’ luck only continued after they landed the number three pick.
THE N3XT PIECE #CavsDraft pic.twitter.com/E4zOyrrJqd
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) June 23, 2021
Cleveland had only an 11.2% chance to get the third pick in the lottery. This was certainly a pleasant surprise for the Cavaliers. If the Cavs got a pick in the range of 4-7, they would have been left with a tough decision. The drop off from the top four prospects to the rest of the field is rather significant. Landing the third pick gives Cleveland the chance to get an instant contributor.
Furthermore, the Cavs are given more flexibility with the third pick. If Cleveland decided to get aggressive and wanted to acquire the number one pick in the 2021 draft, it is now somewhat possible. Also, the Cavaliers have more options at the third pick. The best big man in the draft, Evan Mobley, could be available at three. In addition, an elite guard Jalen Green or Jalen Suggs will be there at three.
Overall, Cleveland should be extremely happy with landing the third pick. While the 2021 NBA Draft is quite guard heavy, Cleveland can still be successful if they take another guard at three. The immediate reaction is the Cavs will likely target the supremely talented guard Green or the freaky athletic center Mobley.
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