NBA Draft Mock 1.0: Early pre-lottery projections for all 30 teams

Cade Cunningham - Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Cade Cunningham - Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
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NBA Draft, Scottie Barnes
NBA Draft, Scottie Barnes – Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NBA Draft Mock 6th Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers

Scottie Barnes is another player molded in the form of a playmaking forward which is essential in today’s game. The forward boasts a tremendous all-around game as a versatile cog who can play multiple positions with the ability to orchestrate an offense, defend 1 through 5, corral rebounds and score in the post.

He’s still a long way towards developing a reliable outside shot, but his niche as a playmaker alone can certainly alleviate the Cleveland Cavaliers’ ailing offense, which ranked 28th in the season. His skillset fits well with his possible companions in the backcourt with Collin Sexton and Darius Garland each capable of exploding at any given night. Jarrett Allen should be ripe for more lobs as well, assuming he re-signs.

Barnes may not be a top-five pick in this draft, but his potential is sky-high. Players with his cerebral skillset are widely coveted in the league and the 6’9 stud can absolutely be a force to reckoned with on both ends of the floor, though patience will be key as he learns the NBA game.