No. 21 — Cleveland Cavaliers (via Houston Rockets): Sekou Doumbouya, PF
Team: Limoges | Height: 6’8″ | Weight: 230 | Age: 18
Unfortunately for Cleveland, they missed on Zion in this scenario so their franchise is likely in for a decade of losing. The Cavs nabbed Jarrett Culver with their first draft selection, whose upside is solid but not Zion level.
So with this pick, I decided to take a punt on the highest upside player left, the Frenchman Sekou Doumbouya. The youngest player in the draft, Doumbouya won’t turn 19 until December, months into his rookie season. He has a strong frame and an encouraging physical profile, with good coordination and athleticism.
Doumbouya is very raw, though, as he is often unaware off of the ball and struggles on the ball. His offensive game is raw, though he’s flashed some shooting and driving ability.
He is a project pick but 21 is good value for a team like Cleveland who is thoroughly talent-starved. — Ben Pfeifer