The Cleveland Cavaliers entered Draft Night with one pick, #49, in the 2023 NBA Draft. While there were some rumblings of potential trades, nothing materialized and the Cavaliers stuck with that draft selection, selecting Eastern Michigan Forward Emoni Bates.
While Bates was their only selection in the draft, they weren't done with adding players from the collegiate draft pool. Following the completion of the selections, the Cavaliers signed point guard Craig Porter Jr. out of Wichita State to a two-way deal. The scrappy point guard led the Shockers this past season in rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals. He will serve as an insurance piece behind Ricky Rubio in reserve of Darius Garland.
The 6'2" product will split time between the Cavaliers and their G-League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge. Given Rubio's advanced age (in NBA terms) and injury history, having a solid plan B/C in place bodes well for the Cavaliers as they shape their roster for the 2023-2024 season.
Although a rookie, unlike Bates and many other rookies, Porter Jr. played 3 seasons at Witchita State after spending 2 seasons at Vincennes (IN) University and is 23 years old, which as the league sees more and more players opting for the 'One-and-Done' is an abnormality. Given his seasoning throughout his college career and the onus that is placed on point guards, look for Porter Jr. to be ahead of the curve of some of his rookie counter parts at the point guard position.
Be sure to follow All Things Cavalier, Believeland Media's Cavaliers podcast to stay in the loop as the Cavaliers navigate the off-season and look to return to the NBA Playoffs in the 2023-2024 campaign.
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