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Cleveland Cavaliers: 8 times they missed out on a superstar in the NBA Draft

By Tony Pesta

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Staples Center on January 14, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Staples Center on January 14, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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5. Damian Lillard – 2012

There are a few good reasons why the Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t select Damian Lillard with the fourth overall in the 2012 NBA Draft. For starters, Lillard wasn’t heavily recruited and the franchise felt they already had a solidified star playing point guard in Kyrie Irving.

Irving had just won the Rookie of the Year Award by averaging 18.5 points per game. The Cavs weren’t looking to overcrowd the backcourt and limit Irving by drafting another ball-dominant point guard so they decided to select… Dion Waiters.

Yeah, it’s safe to say Waiters wasn’t the best option for Cleveland. It only took two and a half years to be traded from the roster for repeatedly clashing with Irving and LeBron James.

Looking back, Lillard would have been a much better option. It would obviously be difficult to stagger possessions between Lillard and Irving back a backcourt with this much offensive firepower would have been historic. Lillard and his current running partner C.J. McCollum have found some success so it’s easy to imagine Lillard and Irving lighting it up together.

Not to mention, the trio of Lillard, James and Irving would have been nearly unguardable. The three could create their own shot at any time and would be a nightmare for opposing teams to contain on a nightly basis.

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Lillard is in the midst of perhaps his best season to date, posting nearly 30 points a game and shooting 45.7 percent from the floor. As for Waiters, he was outcasted by the Miami Heat earlier this season and is now looking to revive his career as a role player for the Los Angeles Lakers.

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