Cavs likely to look to best player available with 29th pick

After a poor showing in the Eastern Conference finals against the eventual champion New York Knicks, the Cavaliers certainly have needs. With the 2026 NBA Draft kicking off tonight at 8, Cleveland owns the No. 29 overall pick in the first round. One can't expect a lot of help with that selection, but through the years there have been some outstanding players picked at 29. Perhaps the best is Basketball Hall of Fame guard Dennis Johnson, picked by Seattle in 1976. Let's not forget forward Toni Kukoc, selected by Chicago in 1990. In recent years, the San Antonio Spurs have made some incredible selections at 29, including Keldon Johnson (2019), Derrick White (2017) and Dejounte Murray (2016). Dallas also picked Josh Howard in 2003. The Cavs could use a wing player with some size, defensive ability and shooting prowess. Another need is a backup big man behind Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, which would alleviate the need to re-sign unrestricted free agent Thomas Bryant. Cleveland's front office will likely just take the best player available and worry about where he fits later. In their last two drafts, the Cavs picked swingman Jaylon Tyson with the No. 20 overall selection in 2024 and point guard Tyrese Proctor with the 49th pick in 2025. Both could eventually evolve into rotational players, though Proctor's trek will likely be a bit down the road. The Washington Wizards own the No. 1 pick and are expected to draft BYU forward AJ Dybantsa. The Utah Jazz will pick second and will choose between Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, who prepped at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, and Duke power forward Cameron Boozer, son of former Cavs star Carlos Boozer. The following are five potential picks at No. 29: Meleek Thomas, Arkansas, SG, 6-3, 175: "Leek" averaged 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists last season for the Razorbacks and shot .435 from the field and .416 from the 3-point line. He can create his own shot and could eventually evolve into an elite scorer. He showed signs of that during his one season at Arkansas. Henri Veesaar, North Carolina, F/C, 7-0, 235: The native of Estonia spent three seasons at Arizona before transferring to the Tar Heels. He possesses a European flair with strong fundamentals and can shoot from deep, as evidenced by his .426 from beyond the arc last season. He averaged 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 blocks and shot .608 from the floor. Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State, PF, 6-8, 230: He averaged 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists with the Cyclones last season. He owns a good basketball IQ and can defend multiple positions. Koa Peat, Arizona, SF, 6-8, 220: He averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and shot .528 from the field. His perimeter game is a work in progress, but he has good size, strength and versatility. Alex Karaban, Connecticut, SF, 6-8, 230: Superb 3-point shooter who shot .375 from long range in his career. He averaged 14.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 blocks as a senior. He was a second-team All-Big East selection and helped UConn to back-to-back NCAA titles. Contact can be reached at rfinnan30@gmail.com. Follow him @BobCavsinsider on X.