IT WAS an extremely disappointing end to the 2024/25 season for the Cleveland Cavaliers, being eliminated in five games in the second round of the NBA Playoffs, despite being the best team in the Eastern Conference.

It could not have been a more perfect start to the season for the Cavaliers, winning their first 15 games of the season and looking a serious championship contender for most of the season, clinching the top seed in early April.

However, Cleveland was stunned by a surging Indiana Pacers side, losing the Eastern Conference semi-finals series 4-1, and being eliminated in five games in quite a collapse from one of the championship favourites.

Having traded their first round selection, it will be a quiet draft night for the Cavaliers, with just two picks in the second round. However, some gems have been found late in the intake over recent weeks, and with several players on big contracts, it could be a cheaper way to add some pieces to their roster.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Draft Selections

49, 58

Contracted Players

Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Deandre Hunter, Jarrett Allen, Max Strus, Evan Mobley, Isaac Okoro, Dean Wade (non-guaranteed), Jaylon Tyson, Craig Porter Jr, Chuma Okeke (team option)

The Cavaliers will head into next season with one of the most star-studded rosters in the NBA, although it does loom likely that they will make some changes to accommodate the salary cap. Regardless, there is still the opportunity to find some gold at the draft, despite having late picks.

Cleveland will undoubtedly take the best player on the board with both of its selections, unable to be too picky given how far it has slid down the order. Not making their first pick until the 49th selection, there will be a lot of talent off the board, but the Cavaliers could find some positional needs addressed regardless.

One key piece that looks likely to leave the Cavaliers over the off-season is Ty Jerome, who is out of contract and looks set for a pay rise after an impressive campaign, so Cleveland will need someone to run the show off the bench.

One player that can fill this void is Jamir Watkins, who is not a like for like replacement in the sense that he is not a point guard, but the wing has the capability to handle the ball if needed and has no troubles getting to the basket off the dribble. Although his jumpshot does need work if he is to take the next step, Watkins is certainly worth a punt in the second round if still on the board.

An intriguing option that could also be on the board, and is certainly a familiar face for Aussie fans is Tyrese Proctor. The point guard was forced to take a reduced role at the Duke Blue Devils due to the arrival of Cooper Flagg, but worked on other areas of his game, and became a reliable three-point shooter, which was once a big area of concern.

During his first season with the Blue Devils, Proctor was an elite playmaker who could also get to the cup and had a tight handle. If he can still show scouts that he still possesses those traits, he could be an excellent long-term replacement for Jerome, and having current stars such as Garland and Mitchell will give him time to develop his craft.