With the 2018 NBA Draft quickly approaching Thursday night in Brooklyn, there’s now a good chance that Kentucky product Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be the first point guard off the board.
The 6-foot-6 Canadian has surpassed the better known Trae Young as this year’s best point guard. It likely means Gilgeous-Alexander will be a top-10 pick when all is said and done.
Firmly on the market for an upgrade over George Hill at the point, the four-time defending Eastern Conference champion Cleveland Cavaliers could very well look in that direction with the eighth pick.
If so, it appears that Cleveland shouldn’t even consider drafting Gilgeous-Alexander. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, he has no interest in playing for Cleveland.
Windhorst: I know Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is shooting up draft boards but from what I can tell, it doesn't seem like he wants to play for the #Cavs. He patently refused to work out for them, in fact made a point to tell them he didn't want to be there.
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) June 21, 2018
With LeBron James’ future in Cleveland remaining up in the air, it makes sense that prospects might be a bit hesitant. Then again, going in the top 10 should be considered an honor.
For their part, the Cavaliers have been linked more to Young than Gilgeous-Alexander. They’re also reportedly interested in Charlotte Hornets All-Star guard Kemba Walker, who would require the eighth selection and change to acquire.
It’s certainly something to look at with the draft starting Thursday evening in New York City.