Can Cavs Find Help If They Keep Their Picks? A Look At Nos. 49 and 58

We’ve already relayed that your Cleveland Cavaliers could trade both of their draft picks. After all, the Cavs aren’t even making a selection until the second day.

That means the second round. More specifically, Cleveland’s picks are coming at Nos. 49 and 58 overall. Not exactly the spot where you will find the next Donovan Mitchell or Evan Mobley. But hey, some of those picks have worked out well. Not necessarily for the Cavs, but for some teams (and yes, for the Cavs, too).

And keep in mind that current Cavs contributor, reserve point guard Craig Porter Jr., wasn’t drafted at all. So, yes, I’m telling you there’s a chance. This is all assuming the Cavs keep the picks.

If not … well, fans can trust president of basketball operations Koby Altman and the front office. They tend to make moves with the best interest of the organization in mind, right? Without a doubt.

So let’s take a look at some of the notable No. 49 picks throughout history, followed by some Nos. 58.

NUMBER 49

Emoni Bates, 2023: Still a member of the Cavs and still trying to find his way out of the G League. This is expected to be a make-or-break season in Cleveland.

Isaiah Joe, 2020: An occasional contributor on a team that just won a championship (Oklahoma City). So hey, Joe has more rings than Charles Barkley already.

Kyle O’Quinn, 2012: A backup reserve big man who brings toughness, as O’Quinn once did for multiple teams, is exactly what the Cavaliers could use.

James Jones, 2003: A lethal outside shooter who won two championships with LeBron James in Miami, and another along with LeBron in Cleveland. Can’t go wrong with a guy whose nickname is “Champ.”

Jeff Cook, 1978: Back when Cook was drafted, the No. 49 pick took place in the third round. He spent some time with the Cavs and was sort of the forefather to Dean Wade in terms of style.

Eddie Johnson, 1977: Not to be mistaken for the sharpshooter of the same name who now hosts a show on NBA radio. Instead, this Eddie Johnson had the nickname of “Fast” and was a fantastic point guard. He remains perhaps the greatest No. 49 pick of all time.

NUMBER 58

Chris Livingston, 2023: The Akron product and Rich Paul client is still finding his way in the NBA, but upside remains. It may not work out for him in Milwaukee, though.

Jericho Sims, 2021: Another energy-type off the bench in the frontcourt; another guy that the Cavs could use to back up Jarrett Allen.

Paul Reed, 2020: Solid backup center first with Philadelphia, then Detroit. I think the Cavaliers wouldn’t mind landing him now.

Lester Hudson, 2009: Real Cavs fans will remember how this undersized shooting guard scored a bundle of points for the franchise during a 13-game stretch in 2012.

Yeah, not exactly a list that generates high hopes for finding an instant contributor. But let’s remember, players such as Matthew Dellavedova, Fred VanVleet, Ben Wallace, Austin Reaves, John Starks, and Bruce Bowen weren’t drafted at all.

So if the Cavaliers do trade their picks, don’t sweat it. Help maybe possibly potentially could still be on the way. Or something.