The Cavs have innumerable holes to plug, but at No. 1, best player available is likely the decision. While Anthony Edwards isn’t my personal No. 1, he’s the top prospect on most mainstream boards. He gives Cleveland another scoring outlet next to Collin Sexton and Darius Garland on the perimeter.
At 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, Edwards has the size and length to hold up at small forward defensively. On offense, he’d immediately become Cleveland’s top option on the perimeter — a bullish slasher who can hit difficult shots at every level. He has a tendency to settle for contested jumpers, but his shot-making gene is strong. If he can polish his decision-making, Edwards should become a reliable go-to threat on the wing.
While not consistently engaged on defense at UGA, Edwards’ athleticism and physical tools bode well for his development long term. The Cavs will not compete any time soon, and while defense is a big reason why, it’s not as though Cleveland can’t afford to suffer through another defensively questionable rookie campaign.