Cleveland Cavaliers 2004 Draft Preview

The Cavs, who finished 35-47 and missed the playoffs by just one game, have a young nucleus to work with. Rookie of the Year LeBron James is the cornerstone of the franchise. Cleveland management will continue to try to surround him with players that fit his style of basketball.

In his rookie season, James averaged 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists. The Cavs roster also consists of center Zydrunas Ilgauskas, power forward Carlos Boozer and point guard Jeff McInnis.

The 22-year-old Boozer averaged 15.5 points and 11.4 rebounds in his second year in the NBA, while the 28-year-old Ilgauskas contributed 15.3 points and 8.1 boards per game. McInnis gives the Cavs solid play at the point.

Forward Eric Williams, who was acquired from Boston earlier in the season in the trade that sent Ricky Davis out of Cleveland, is a solid veteran. He averaged 10 points and four rebounds in 71 games this season with the Celtics and Cavs. The 31-year-old Williams, who started 36 games for the Cavs this season, is a free agent and could be headed to a new team.

The future of basketball is bright in Cleveland. The Cavaliers have a chance to add another talented player to their mix. Don’t be surprised if guard Dajuan Wagner is used as bait to help the Cavs move up to acquire a player that they covet.

Stanford’s Josh Childress and Arizona’s Andre Iguodala could be on Cleveland’s radar.

Key Player(s): Carlos Boozer (forward), Zydrunas Ilgauskas (center), LeBron James (forward/guard), Jeff McInnis (guard), Eric Williams (forward).

Team Needs: A scoring forward or guard.

Draft picks: 1st round (10th overall),