Hoops Habit
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How the Cleveland Cavaliers revamped culture after James Harden trade

By Tony Pesta

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 06: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on January 06, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 06: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on January 06, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Cavaliers (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
Cleveland Cavaliers (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

Cleveland Cavaliers Rebuild: The NBA Draft

When a small-market team is looking to rebuild, there aren’t many options other than stockpiling draft picks and hoping for the best. It’s a truly difficult thing for a team like the Cavaliers to climb out of mediocrity in a league where star players are more empowered than ever to leave the franchise that selected them.

The Cavaliers have been heavily criticized for their draft selections in the past. Considering they chose Anthony Bennet first overall in 2013, we can’t really defend them for everything. However, Koby Altman’s recent work in recent years has laid down the foundation for the future of this team.

Collin Sexton

We’ll start with Collin Sexton. The speedy guard out of Alabama entered the league with concerns that he would never be a good enough shooter to last in the NBA. Now in his third season, Sexton is the only player in the league to average 25+ points on above 50 percent shooting from the field and 3-point line.

Sexton has exceeded every expectation and then some. His ceiling as a scorer is limitless and he continues to put in the work to become a better defender. It’s hard not to be excited about Sexton’s development at just 23-years of age.

Darius Garland

Then, there’s Darius Garland. While he had arguably the worst rookie season of every lottery pick in his class, he’s brushed all of that off with ease and is hitting his stride in year two. Garland was averaging 17.2 points and 6.3 assists before a shoulder sprain sidelined him.

We can expect Garland to pick up where he left off as a crafty shot creator with promise as a playmaker as soon as he is healthy enough to compete again.

Isaac Okoro

The 19-year-old rookie has been a difference-maker for Cleveland. Isaac Okoro‘s athleticism makes him an exciting threat in transition and his physicality on defense is a core reason for their leap in the rankings.

Okoro has all of the intangibles of an elite defender. With time, he can round out the rest of his game to be a top-tier two-way player for the Cavaliers.

Kevin Porter Jr. 

Though Kevin Porter Jr. has been away from the team while handling personal issues, there are no questions he’s one of their most promising prospects.

Porter is an electric scorer with natural fluidity and touch around the rim. His offensive bag is deep for such a young player and his physical build lends us to believe he can become the inverse of Okoro at some point – meaning he has a high ceiling as a shooter and the potential to become a deadly defender.

Dylan Windler

It’s been a tragic two seasons for Dylan Windler. The 3-point sniper from Belmont has only appeared in one game due to back-to-back season-ending injuries.

Nonetheless, his role as a floor spacer and rebounder is something he should be able to thrive in with ease. Expect Windler to be a solid contributor when he’s finally healthy.

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