2024 NBA Mock Draft: Timberwolves grab seasoned prospect, Wizards reach for center
By Austin McGee
20. Cleveland Cavaliers - Isaiah Collier, USC
Isaiah Collier's minor slide ends in Cleveland. Of course, the Cavaliers are set in the backcourt with Donovan Mitchell (maybe) and Darius Garland. Nonetheless, drafting in the 20s usually yields reserves.
The Cavaliers lack quality reserve guard play. Aside from Caris LeVert, the Cavs' rotated between Sam Merrill and Craig Porter Jr. as the backup guards. Both Garland and Mitchell are more than capable ball handlers, but both guards have yet to suit up for at least 70 games since Garland entered the league in 2019.
Isaiah Collier is reminiscent of the 2023 NBA Draft's 20th selection, Cam Whitmore. He's a good prospect, likely to have a successful rookie season, but some things are missing. With Whitmore, it was concerning medicals and inconsistent workouts.
Similar to Whitmore, Collier's physicals are top-notch sans the height. However, Collier won't have the same concerning medicals. What the USC guard suffers from is the Trojans' porous season and inefficient marks from both the 3-point and free-throw line.
The 6-foot-5 guard shot 33.8 percent from beyond the arc and 67.3 percent from the charity stripe. Despite the inefficiency, he averaged 16.3 points per game and knocked down 49.0 percent of his field goals.
Collier is a big guard who possesses a unique frame for a point guard. He's strong but also quick at 205 pounds. Collier is a shifty ball handler who uses a wide array of dribble moves to get past his primary defender. Aside from his scoring, Collier's passing potential is vast.