The Cleveland Cavaliers are set for a dramatic offseason. Already firing their head coach, and with multiple players involved in trade talks, it could be a tumultuous summer in Cleveland.
But with Cleveland’s President of Basketball Operations, Koby Altman, suggesting that no major moves are imminent during his end-of-the-season press conference, where is that next gear going to be found?
While the Cavaliers were struggling with injury all season, the Cleveland Charge were quietly developing some promising young players. With that in mind, here’s a look at 5 Cleveland prospects to watch in 2024-25.
Emoni Bates
Emoni Bates, Cleveland’s second round draft pick in 2023, has the potential to find his way into the Cavaliers’ rotation next season. Averaging 19.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and two assists per game, Bates proved he can be an effective scorer.
His biggest setback, it seems, is his inconsistency. He scored a lot, but he also shoots the ball a lot. Averaging 17.2 attempts from the field (10.7 average from deep), he posted a field goal percentage of 38.7 percent.
It was, however, only his first season in the league and he managed to lead the team in scoring. If he can limit his quick trigger, Bates could easily be a quality small forward for the Cavaliers very soon.
Sharife Cooper
Sharife Cooper has been honing his game with the Charge over the last couple seasons, and could easily make his way onto the Cavaliers’ roster this upcoming season. Averaging 19.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and eight assists, Cooper is one of the best pure scorers on the Charge roster.
That’s not to take away from the other facets of his game, though, as this season he posted career highs in rebounds, assists and field goal percentage (47.4 percent).
Turnovers have always been an issue for Cooper, as he’s never averaged less than three per game. Although, he did commit a career low 3.5 per game this season. If he can commit to his command of the ball, Cooper could be an excellent fit alongside Mitchell.
Isaiah Mobley
Isaiah Mobley is another player who’s now spent multiple seasons with the Charge. In 2023-24, Mobley put up averages of 17.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists with a block per game. He also shot 48.3 percent from the field.
While he did play better his rookie season (21 points, 8.6 rebounds and four assists with 1.2 blocks per game), there are a couple reasons for that.
Primarily, he was sharing the court with more talented players this season. Not only does this mean less court time, but less touches. Another reason, however, is because he’s taken this chance to evolve his game.
Much like his brother, Evan, on the main roster, Mobley spent this season developing his outside shot. Going from 35.3 percent his rookie season to 39.0 percent this year, he took a massive step towards being more of a stretch four.
Especially if (Evan) Mobley moves to the center position this season, there’s a good chance he could be playing next to his brother.
Zhaire Smith
A surprise late signing for Cleveland, Zhaire Smith made his return to the NBA this season. Spending most of his time with the Charge, Smith averaged 13.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and two assists with 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per game.
This also came with an impressive 54.8 field goal percentage, and a 41.0 three point percentage.
These are career highs for Smith in both points and rebounds, and are a testament to how far he’s come since his first stint in the league. He’s also averaging only 1.5 turnovers per game, meaning he’s become quite an efficient scorer for the Charge.
He may not be the most likely, but could easily land him a rotational role for the Cavaliers this season.
Craig Porter Jr
Although the term ‘prospect’ doesn’t exactly apply to Craig Porter Jr, he’s still a young player with extremely high upside. Working his way onto the Cavaliers’ roster this season, Porter Jr proved he can be effective on the big stage.
Already possessing the poise of a well-established player, Porter Jr should fit seamlessly into the lineup regardless of what the backcourt ends up looking like. Of all of Cleveland’s young prospects, Porter Jr is the most likely to get real playing time with the Cavaliers.
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Featured photo courtesy of NBA.com
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- Source: https://thegamehaus.com/sports/5-cleveland-prospects-to-watch-in-2024-25/2024/05/31/
