2018 NBA Draft: 3 options for Cleveland Cavaliers with Brooklyn Nets’ pick

Wendell Carter Jr., PF/C, Duke

When talking about Duke’s top NBA prospects, chances are Marvin Bagley III will dominate the conversation. As it so happens, there’s another top talent who has the Blue Devils sitting as one of the favorites to win the 2018 NCAA Tournament.

If you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m talking about Wendell Carter Jr. Another freshman for Coach K’s squad, Carter has spent most of the 2017-18 campaign playing in the shadow of the more-talented Bagley. While his teammate may be the more tantalizing NBA prospect, there’s no denying that Carter offers plenty of intrigue as a one-and-done sensation.

Like many of the other top prospects in the 2018 draft class, Carter does everything well. He’s a great athlete, shows an impressive motor, boasts a reliable jumper and is more than capable of making an impact on the defensive end. He may not be as flashy of a player as Bagley, but his impact is undeniable.

What I like about Carter is that he can own the boards when he wants to, and displays the ability to be a consistent rim protector. The former Blue Devil seems like an excellent replacement at the power forward position, especially if the Cavaliers decide to move on from Love as they’ve been trying to do for some time.

Just to clarify, Carter is more of an option if this pick lands more in the 6-8 range.