NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Wolves trade down, Warriors surprise?

NBA Mock Draft: Cleveland Cavaliers take Franz Wagner at #6

Okay, truthfully, this pick could be a little bit weird. The Cavaliers have spent picks in weird places over the course of the past few years. They have long-term commitments to all of Darius Garland, Collin Sexton, Larry Nance, and Isaac Okoro. They also traded for former Nets big man Jarrett Allen, who they will look to re-sign in restricted free agency.

Anyways, I think Franz Wagner could fit a lot of what Cleveland doesn’t really have. With Kevin Love… having clear on-court frustrations, Wagner could be an option as a combo-forward, someone that can play either spot. He’s a little slower than most lottery picks and isn’t going to blow you away with his play style, but he’s consistent, fluid, and creative in finding ways to score.

The best way I can put it is this: Franz Wagner plays exactly how his name sounds. He understands spacing (and will be helped by that in the NBA), always finds open teammates, and can play at any pace.

Wagner’s anticipation and smarts will allow him to be at least an average positional defender at the NBA level, and Cleveland can’t really miss on this draft pick. Wagner isn’t exciting, but a lineup of Garland/Sexton/Okoro/Wagner/Allen is as fun as it is effective.

Additionally, the Cavaliers would be more inclined to move off of Kevin Love, as his lack of interest in playing in Cleveland becomes more present as the days go by. At 32 years old, it will be interesting to see whether the team can find a landing spot for him – or whether they end up buying-out his contract.