reflections
June 28th, 2008 2008 NBA Draft Grades: Cleveland Cavaliers

By: Dustin Chapman

Transactions

  • Selected J.J. Hickson 19th overall.
  • Traded a 2009 second round draft pick to Miami for the rights to Darnell Jackson (52nd overall).
  • Acquired the rights to Sasha Kaun (56th overall) from Seattle in exchange for cash considerations.

Hickson was a bit of a reach up at 19, and surprised many. He’s got some long-term upside, but he’ll likely take a few years to come into his own. Cleveland needs help now; Hickson may not be ready to give them what they need. Down the road, he could be a player, but the Cavaliers aren’t about potential. They want to win. Hickson is an interesting prospect, but was he the right fit?

Darnell Jackson may be able to crack the roster with his athleticism, strength, and tenacity. He could be sent to the D-League early on, but he may have a shot at sticking in the league.

Sasha Kaun, a teammate of Jackson at Kansas, may look like a solid value pick at 56 based on the name, but don’t expect the 2008 NCAA Champion to wear a Cavaliers jersey for quite some time. Kaun has reportedly signed a multi-year deal overseas, where he’ll get an opportunity to refine his skills and earn extra money for himself early in his professional career.

Grade: C

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