Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 options for pick No. 5 in 2019 NBA Draft

4. Brandon Clarke

If there is one thing the Cleveland Cavaliers are lacking, it is a dominant big man. While Kevin Love is still capable of playing at an All-Star level, he will never provide the type of athleticism and rim protection that the modern-day NBA calls for.

This is why Brandon Clarke is a perfect fit for the Cavaliers. In his junior season, Clarke averaged 16.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game on 68.7 percent shooting from the field. His two-way play was key in leading Gonzaga to a perfect 16-0 West Coast Conference record.

Clarke isn’t landing in the top 10 for most mock drafts, so why would the Cavs risk taking him with the fifth overall pick?

Well, Cleveland has a massive issue when it comes to shot-blocking. The team finished dead last in the NBA this season, while Myles Turner totaled more blocks himself (199) than the entire Cavs roster combined (195). The Cavaliers also placed in the bottom five for both defensive rebounds and total rebounds.

Standing at 6’8″, Clarke doesn’t exactly have a height advantage. However, in a league where small-ball lineups are becoming more and more prominent, it’s possible he could have some value. Clarke is a very athletic forward who could thrive in a fast-paced atmosphere.

Considering the fact that there aren’t many other players with his skill-set projected to be drafted in the top 10, the Cavs could certainly convince themselves to give Clarke a chance — especially if it means patching up their biggest weakness.