Cavs eye draft gems like Coleman Hawkins & Steve Settle III in June 2025 to bolster roster after 2024-25 playoff exit. How will they use picks 43 & 52?
StatPro NBA Beat Reporter
The dust has settled on the 2024-25 season, but the work is just beginning for the Cleveland Cavaliers. With the NBA Draft rapidly approaching, the front office is in full evaluation mode, hosting prospects and strategizing how to address the shortcomings that led to their playoff departure. It's a critical juncture, folks, where every decision could shape the team's trajectory for years to come.
The Cavaliers, holding picks 43 and 52, are considering Hawkins as a potential second-round selection or undrafted free agent, looking to add young talent and defensive versatility.
The pre-draft circuit is in full swing, and the Cavaliers are actively searching for diamonds in the rough. On Wednesday, June 4th, Kansas State guard Coleman Hawkins showcased his skills in a workout for the team. Standing at an intriguing 6-foot-10, Hawkins isn't your typical guard; his final college season stats tell a story of impressive versatility: 10.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks. With picks 43 and 52 in the upcoming draft, the Cavs are clearly looking for players who can contribute in multiple facets, and Hawkins fits that bill as a potential second-rounder or even an undrafted free agent pickup. Adding to the draft intrigue, reports also surfaced linking the Cavaliers to Steve Settle III, another prospect on their radar as they aim to inject youth and adaptability into the roster.
Beyond the draft, significant questions hover over the existing roster, particularly concerning Jarrett Allen. While 'Fro' was a force in the early playoff games, his effectiveness waned against the Indiana Pacers' 'five out' offense, highlighting a potential vulnerability. The front office is now tasked with evaluating Allen's role and his significant value as a rim protector and rebounder against the team's need for more offensive spacing and frontcourt depth. It's a delicate balance; any potential trade involving Allen would require acquiring another impactful big man to fill the void. The consensus is clear: upgrading the frontcourt depth is a non-negotiable this offseason.
It's impossible to discuss the offseason without acknowledging the sting of the playoff exit. The Cavaliers' campaign ended on May 13th, a five-game series loss to the Indiana Pacers. Donovan Mitchell, ever the competitor, went down swinging with a heroic 35 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 steals in that final game. However, the series exposed critical areas for improvement: matching opponent pace, consistent execution, addressing backcourt size limitations, and, crucially, generating better spacing with the current Mobley-Allen frontcourt. These aren't just painful memories; they're the data points driving the current strategy to build a more resilient and versatile squad.
As June unfolds, the Cavaliers' front office is clearly hard at work, scouting new talent and dissecting the current roster. The pre-draft workouts and player evaluations are just the beginning of what promises to be a busy offseason. The goal is clear: learn from the past, make smart additions, and build a team capable of a deeper playoff run. All eyes will be on the draft and the subsequent moves as Cleveland aims to retool and come back stronger.
