This is the aforementioned pick that the Cleveland Cavaliers will receive as part of the Brandon Knight trade with the Houston Rockets at the trade deadline.
Scouts are projecting Luguentz Dort to be a good defender at the next level. His strong frame, 6’8.5″ wingspan, and relentless motor could make him into a valuable perimeter defender similar to Marcus Smart at the next level.
However, I am skeptical of Dort’s ability to become that impactful, but many front offices will have a first round grade on him.
His shot selection needs to improve. Dort made only 30.7% of his threes but still attempted 5.2 per game. His athleticism and strength will help him score at the rim.
Despite his deficiencies, the overall potential is there. The Cavaliers need all the help they can get, and with multiple first round picks, they can roll the dice on Dort’s potential.
Dort could hypothetically take the defensive pressure off of Collin Sexton and defend opposing point guards.