Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 options for No. 26 pick in 2019 NBA Draft

By Tony Pesta | Jun 1, 2019

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - FEBRUARY 5: Daniel Gafford #10 of the Arkansas Razorbacks reacts after a big play near the end of a game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Bud Walton Arena on February 5, 2019 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Commodores 69-66. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) /

3. P.J. Washington

This bulky forward out of Kentucky would be a solid pick up for the Cleveland Cavaliers. P.J. Washington uses his brute strength and athleticism to beat out opponents. His strong rebounding and finishing skills have made him an interesting prospect.

Rebounding is something that the Cavaliers weren’t very good at last season. Ranking as one of the worst defensive rebounding teams in the league, this is clearly an area they should look to be improving on.

This is why Washington is a good fit. In his sophomore season, Washington averaged 7.5 rebounds per game and displayed an elite ability to box out opponents and secure the board. He is also a talented scorer in the paint, averaging 15.2 points on 52.2 percent shooting.

The largest concern for Washington is that his skill set may not translate to the NBA level. Standing at 6’8″ he is shorter than most players playing the four and five position.

Combine this with the potential that he might not have the quickness to keep up with smaller forwards and guards and it is possible that Washington will end up stuck in between positions.

Still, the Cavaliers should absolutely take a chance on P.J. if he falls to the 26th spot. A small-ball lineup with Washington at the power forward could turn out to be a successful move for Cleveland.

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