The 2024 NBA Draft is here, bringing fanfare and excitement as fans await the addition of new talent that could potentially change their favorite team’s fortunes. The Cleveland Cavaliers enter the draft with just one pick in each round, including the 20th overall pick in the first round. The Cavaliers are in need of a solid 3-and-D forward or a larger guard, addressing a long-standing gap in their roster, as well as adding some bench depth during the offseason. In this article, I will highlight two prospects who could make sense for the Cavs and who are likely to still be available at the 20th overall pick in the 2024 draft.

Tristan Da Silva, Forward, Senior, University of Colorado
Tristan Da Silva has been frequently mocked to the Cavaliers in various NBA mock drafts leading up to the draft, and for good reason. Da Silva has never been the number one option during his time at Colorado, having played all four years of eligibility for the Buffaloes. However, Tristan, a native of Germany, has excelled in adapting to the role a team needs him to play, which is exactly what the Cavaliers would ask of him. The Cavs do not need another star player but rather a rotational forward who excels at defending and shooting the three-ball—both of which Tristan can do, having shot 39% from three during his senior year at Colorado. While Da Silva is not the most athletic player, which is his biggest drawback, his ability to fulfill a specific role makes him a strong candidate to shine in Cleveland. His defensive capabilities and reliable three-point shooting fit well with what the Cavaliers need to bolster their lineup.

Kyshawn George, Forward/Guard, Freshman, University of Miami
Kyshawn George is a 6’8″ guard/forward from the University of Miami and originally hails from Switzerland. George is a raw prospect, having played just 23 minutes per game in his only season at Miami before declaring for the draft, averaging 7.6 points on 40.8% shooting from three. George fits the Cavaliers’ needs similarly to Da Silva due to his three-point shooting upside. Additionally, George has a solid build, weighing 210 pounds, and shows defensive potential, particularly in team defense rather than one-on-one situations. George represents a high-risk, high-reward pick due to his potential with his size, shooting stroke, ball-handling, and understanding of team defense. However, questions remain about how his limited college experience will translate to the NBA.

The 2024 NBA Draft has been described as a weaker draft class compared to previous years, lacking the same level of standout prospects. However, that does not mean that the Cavaliers will not find valuable talent at the 20th pick. Both Tristan Da Silva and Kyshawn George offer the potential to fill critical roles for the Cavs, providing three-point shooting and defensive capabilities that the team needs. As the Cavaliers look to build on their successful season and the hiring of new head coach Kenny Atkinson, the addition of a player like Da Silva or George could be a key move in their pursuit of further success. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing the direction the Cleveland Cavaliers will take in the 2024 NBA Draft.