Cleveland Cavaliers: 2019 NBA Draft grades
By Tony Pesta
![NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: Darius Garland poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted with the fifth overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: Darius Garland poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted with the fifth overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/1bda5b0ac4ec0b894a9f65dd4d46ed0a3a0b4fe796c47e1e23018cd026c2435e.jpg)
Overall
It’s time to go over the entire draft and give this thing a final grade for the Cleveland Cavaliers. While some fans might be disappointed at first glance, this draft wasn’t as bad as it seemed for the Cavs.
If there’s anything to complain about, it might be the fact that the Cavaliers drafted three players that could play the guard position. With Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson and David Nwaba already being key components to the team, it’s confusing as to why the franchise would draft even more guards.
On top of this, it’s frustrating that they failed to draft a shot-blocking big man or a defensive wing. The Cavs were horrid on defense last season and this should’ve been a major goal for them in the draft. Sadly, they only created more defensive issues with their decision to draft multiple guards.
However, it’s important to note that this is a guard-driven league now. Plenty of teams around the NBA are desperate to find their star backcourt player and if it comes down to it, the Cavaliers will be able to work out deals to acquire more assets in exchange for one of these guards.
Overall, Cleveland did a solid job of taking the best player available, regardless of fit. This is something that’s bode well for teams in the past and will hopefully work out for the Cavaliers. They landed a steal at the end of the first round and a potential All-Star in Darius Garland. This draft wasn’t perfect, but it was a good start to the rebuild.
Next. Complete 2019 NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams. dark
Final Grade: B