Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 options with No. 5 pick in NBA Draft

1. Devin Vassell

Two of the Cavaliers’ biggest needs – perimeter shooting and defending – can be addressed at the same time by drafting Devin Vassell. Vassell is a 19-year-old, 6’7″ forward with a near 7’0″ wingspan that makes him one of the premier 3-and-D prospects in the draft.

The Ringers’ Kevin O’Connor listed Vassell as the fifth-best player in the draft and gave him comparisons to Khris Middleton, Robert Covington and Mattise Thybulle. He has received high praise for his off-ball defense and ability to catch-and-shoot with the best of his class.

Vassell recorded 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocks per game last season. Though he didn’t reach an All-Defensive team, he was one of the most effective perimeter defenders in the NCAA. He has a never-ending motor that helps him hound opponents relentlessly and disrupt plays with his foot-speed and long arms.

The Cavaliers would love to have Vassell in their rotation to help plug up passing lanes and assist Garland and Sexton in the backcourt. He has great size for the three position and is fast enough to keep up with opposing guards. This combination gives him the potential to be an elite two-way player in the future.

On offense, Vassell is a pure shooter from the 3-point line. He connected on 44-of-106 (41.5 percent) of his 3-point attempts and is great at moving off screens to get his shot off. His slow release is something he will need to work on but his height allows him to shoot over the defense regardless.

Vassell hasn’t shown much strength at putting the ball on the floor and creating a shot for himself. But, this isn’t a horrible thing for the Cavaliers as they are in desperate need of a spot-up shooter to spread the floor for their guards. Vassell fills this role and can act as the perimeter presence they need on defense. This should make him their top priority in the draft.