Cavaliers Projected to Snag Alabama Standout in NBA Draft

The Cleveland Cavaliers are in the midst of the NBA playoffs and a very hot series against the New York Knicks. But, their front office still has to be focused on the future, and that means the upcoming NBA draft.

The Cavs are strong, so they could really go with a plethora of different players in the draft.

In a mock draft released on Wednesday, May 20, Isaac Trotter of CBS Sports lays out his picks after the Combine. “Beyond the measurements and testing, the conversations behind the scenes provide an illuminating look at where some of the top NBA Draft prospects are trending,” he states in the piece.

For the Cavs, he links them to small forward Amari Allen out of Alabama.

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“Amari Allen’s compilation of high-feel passing, shooting, defense and a tablespoon of on-ball responsibilities makes him an intriguing bet at the end of the first round, especially for a Cleveland roster that could use a bit more help on the wing,” he states in the piece. “Allen didn’t sniff the 6-foot-8 measurement that he was given at Alabama, but evaluators are still big fans of a 6-foot-6 jumbo guard who can pass, dribble, shoot, defend and cut.”

My Analysis: Amari Allen to the Cavaliers

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So, Allen measured closer to 6-foot-6 than the 6-foot-8 listing he had at Alabama. But, even with that in mind, scouts love his all-around game because he can handle the ball, make plays, shoot, defend and move well without it. It’s worth noting that there’s a chance he’ll return to Alabama for a big sophomore season and pull out of the NBA draft, but if he doesn’t, he’d be a great addition to the Cavaliers.

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This story was originally published May 23, 2026 at 12:06 PM.