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Draft Analysis: Breaking Down the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2015 NBA Draft Selections

Cedi Osman and Rakeem Christmas of the Cavs

Cedi Osman, No. 31, Turkish Basketball League

Cedi Osman of the Cleveland Cavaliers

Cedi Osman Scouting Report – Draft Express

With the 31st selection in the 2015 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Turkish guard Cedi Osman.

The pick came in a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves, where the Cavs traded the 24th overall pick for the 31st and 36th picks in the draft along with a future second-round pick.

Osman is a 6’8″ wing player who will likely spend some time overseas as a “draft stash” player, allowing the Cavs to save some money while allowing Osman to develop and mature overseas.

Cedi operates largely off the ball, scoring most of his points in transition and off cuts in the half court.

His three-point shooting ability (30% from three) is nothing to write home about, but he has time to improve his form and get that number up in Europe.

The Macedonian is willing distributor and could become a very strong role player for the Cavs off the bench in a few years.

On the defensive end, Osman has the potential to be very effective with a big wingspan to bother defenders.

Rakeem Christmas, No. 36, Syracuse University

Rakeem Christmas of the Cleveland Cavaliers

Rakeem Christmas Scouting Report – Draft Express

With the 36th selection in the 2015 NBA Draft, the Cavs selected Syracuse big man Rakeem Christmas.

The 23 year old recorded 17.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, .8 steals, and 2.1 blocks a game during his senior season.

Christmas adds some frontcourt depth to a potentially unpredictable roster with the free agencies of forwards Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson fast approaching.

Christmas stands at 6’9″ with a 7’5″ wingspan and has incredible shot blocking and rebounding potential.

Offensively, Christmas is very strong with his back to the basket, and shot 71% from the free-throw line, a good number for a big man.

So why was he available in the second round? His intensity leaves something to be desired and his advanced age suggests that there might not be much potential for improvement for the big man.

However, selecting Christmas as a second-round pick insulates the Cavs from the risk of a guaranteed contract. If Christmas can come in to give the main rotation big men a rest (something they desperately needed in the Finals) then the front office will consider this pick a success.

Sir’Dominic Pointer, No. 53, St. Johns University

Sir'Dominic Pointer of the Cavs

Sir’Dominic Pointer Scouting Report – Draft Express

With the 53rd selection in the 2015 NBA Draft, the Cavs selected St. Johns forward Sir’Dominic Pointer.

He recorded 13.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.9 steals, 2.4 blocks per game last year for St. Johns.

Pointer makes his money on the defensive end. Standing 6’6″ with a large wing span and endless amounts of energy, reminiscent of NBA veteran Gerald Wallace. Sir’Dominic makes the game difficult for his opponents, fitting in perfectly with the Cavs’ current roster of wings.

The former member of the Red Storm is held back by his lack of shooting touch, especially from deep where he shot 8% last year, yes that is an eight.

Again, picking this late in the draft tends to limit expectations, and if Pointer can simply contribute a few minutes of competent basketball a game, the Cavs will be more than happy.

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