The Cavs have a lot invested on the perimeter. In the event Andre Drummond and Tristan Thompson leave this summer, Cleveland could be looking for a long-term solution in the frontcourt. Kevin Love‘s presence is also temporary, one would expect.
Onyeka Okongwu was a surprise to many this season. He’s one of the less-heralded prospects to crack the top-10, but his new status is well-deserved. Okongwu quickly became one of college basketball’s most efficient, explosive frontcourt players. He’s a productive rim-runner and, despite his smaller 6-foot-9 frame, should have no trouble finding a home in NBA offenses.
Where Okongwu shines most is defense. He can both protect the rim — arguably better than anyone in this class — and slide his feet on the perimeter. Okongwu is built to anchor a modern defensive scheme. The Cavs are an abysmal defensive team in need of such an anchor.