INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- The Cavaliers selected point guard Collin Sexton from Alabama with the eighth pick of the 2018 NBA Draft on Thursday, and he immediately made his pitch to LeBron James to stay in Cleveland. "Man, LeBron, let's do it," Sexton said during ESPN's telecast of the draft, which was held at the Barclays Center in New York. "Let's do it," Sexton continued. "I seen you needed a few pieces, one or two pieces this past season, and let's do it. Let's go back to the Finals." Sexton, 19, averaged 19.2 points and 3.6 assists in his only season for the Crimson Tide. He worked out for the Cavs the day after they lost Game 4 of the Finals, and owner Dan Gilbert called him a "very intriguing draft prospect" on Twitter, after the workout, and on Thursday tweeted again from the Cavs' draft room. Welcome to CLE and the @Cavs franchise, @CollinYoungBull. Everybody here in the draft room is more than excited you will be bringing your talents, skills, and most importantly your passion & work ethic to The Land. Let’s go #youngbull. PS...Your sport coat is fire. — Dan Gilbert (@cavsdan) June 22, 2018 Sexton said he was at Game 4, which turned out to be the Warriors' title-clinching win. "I'm very excited," Sexton said. "I'm glad the Cavs picked me at No. 8. When I was working out for them, I felt like that was one of my better workouts, probably one of my best workouts, actually." So Gilbert got his man. James' camp also liked Sexton, preferring him to any point guard in the draft, though Cleveland's selection of him does not guarantee James will return to the Cavs. James can be a free agent in July. Sexton said it would mean "a whole lot" to play with James "because he's one of the best players to ever play basketball. "Just being able to come in and learn from him, it'll be big for me and big for my growth." The Cavs had a chance to draft Missouri's Michael Porter Jr., who was often linked with Cleveland. People inside and outside the organization thought earlier this week that Porter would be the Cavs' pick if he were still there at No. 8, but Porter began to plummet on draft boards Wednesday and Thursday over new medical information related to his injured back that needed surgery and forced him to miss all but three games this season. Porter fell to the bottom of the lottery -- going 14th to the Denver Nuggets. Sexton, meanwhile, set the school's season and single-game scoring records for freshmen, with 632 points overall and a 40-pointer against Minnesota in November. He shot .336 from 3-point range. From Marietta, Ga., Sexton is listed at 6-3 and 190. He's known not only as a scorer, but as a fast, high energy player and physical, capable defender. He said "the most important side is the defensive side, just because of all the players you have to go against night in, night out." The Cavs were ranked 29th in defense last season. Opposing college coaches say he came "out of nowhere" to star as a freshman, and was in fact named the SEC's freshman and newcomer of the year. Then again, Sexton was a Naismith High School second-team All-American in 2017. "It just shows all my hard work paid off," Sexton said. "I just grinded -- started from the bottom and came back up to the top. That was the biggest thing, just show people what I can do." The Cavs picked eighth thanks to their trade last summer of Kyrie Irving, the point guard they hope Sexton can replace. General manager Koby Altman traded Irving to Boston for three players and two draft picks, including Brooklyn's first rounder this year. Hey, Sexton even wore No. 2 at Alabama -- Irving's number in his six seasons with Cleveland after the Cavs made him the No. 1 overall pick in 2011. Sexton is Altman's first draft choice as general manager, and the Cavs' first pick in the first round since late in the 2015 draft, when they took Tyus Jones and traded him to Minnesota. "Of all the guys I've coached in the (NBA), played against in the league, he was arguably the fastest guy I've seen with and without the basketball," said Sexton's college coach, Alabama's Avery Johnson. "But he's got a lot of room to grow. He's going to get better." The Cavs also have point guards George Hill and Jordan Clarkson on the roster, though they view Clarkson as more of a shooting guard. Cleveland entered the draft with no second-round pick. As expected, the Suns drafted Arizona center Deandre Ayton No. 1 overall. The Kings followed with Marvin Bagley III of Duke. The Mavericks moved up from No. 5 to third in a trade with the Hawks to take 19-year-old Euroleague star Luka Doncic of Real Madrid. Atlanta picked Trae Young from Oklahoma fifth. Jaren Jackson Jr. of Michigan State went fourth to the Grizzlies. The Magic selected Mo Bamba, center from Texas, sixth, and the Bulls drafted Duke center Wendell Carter Jr.<doc-sep>Chris Elise/Getty Images The first shoe dropped in the LeBron James sweepstakes Thursday night, as the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Alabama point guard Collin Sexton with the No. 8 pick in the NBA draft. Sexton, you should know, is a player LeBron liked in this draft, as reported by Cleveland.com's Joe Vardon. You should also know—and, as a voracious consumer of NBA draft content, you most assuredly do—that James' favorite player in the 2014 draft was another point guard, Shabazz Napier of Connecticut. With James hurtling toward free agency after four straight Finals appearances in Miami, the Heat heeded the King's advice and traded up two spots to No. 24 and selected Napier. A couple of weeks later, James left Miami and returned to Cleveland. Napier was most recently spotted as a backup in Portland. And James is barely a week away from the next Decision in an illustrious career of not only playing basketball better than almost anyone else who has ever lived—but also choosing where he does so better than almost anyone else who has ever lived. So as the text messages went out from this author's phone to those of executives around the NBA on Thursday night, the question was straightforward: Does the Cavs' selection of Sexton move the needle whatsoever in James' impending decision to stay in Cleveland or leave as a free agent? The answers were swift, decisive and—as late character actor Lane Smith famously declared in My Cousin Vinny—I-DENTICAL. Video Play Button Videos you might like "Nope." The Cavs went into the draft intending to make their selection without regard for whether James would stay or go as a free agent, league sources told Bleacher Report. The same approach applied to general manager Koby Altman's bold moves at the trade deadline—moves that ultimately proved not to be enough to give the Cavs a fighting chance against the Warriors in the Finals. Cavs management and ownership were in the dark all season with regard to James' free-agent intentions, so they made their deadline moves with the intention of hedging their bets. They did the same with the Sexton pick; league sources told B/R it was a selection the team is comfortable with either way. So where does this leave the Cavs in their sales pitch to LeBron to stay in Cleveland? Not really in any different position than they were in before: Guessing, at best. The Cavs continue to explore the possibility of working a deal with the Charlotte Hornets for two-time All-Star Kemba Walker, two league sources told B/R on Thursday night. Their best chance at such a deal would seem to have involved the eighth pick in the draft, which didn't happen. One person close to Walker said Thursday night that he still believes such a deal is "possible." Another league source pushed the notion of a trade for Walker one step further when it comes to the Cavs' chances of keeping LeBron: Acquiring Walker, the person said, "is the only way LeBron stays." Some rival executives are more dubious. Asked what it would take for the Cavs to keep James, an Eastern Conference exec told B/R, "Ownership of the team." Ouch. James' uneasy relationship with Cavs owner Dan Gilbert could wind up being a deciding factor. But a Western Conference exec was more optimistic about the Cavs' chances, putting them at "50-50, as LeBron runs the city and the arena." That, he does. But that still got him swept by the Warriors. For his part, Sexton lobbied James to stay Thursday night, urging James in his post-selection interview, "Let's do it. … Let's go back to the Finals." But as we all know, getting to the Finals has not been an issue for James, who has been there eight years in a row. Winning—he's 3-6 in his nine trips—has been the problem. So what factors is James weighing as he closes in on the decision to opt in or out of the $35 million he is due next season from the Cavs by June 29? Family and legacy, according to a person familiar with James' strategy. ESPN's Brian Windhorst—longtime and expert chronicler of all things LeBron—reported Thursday that James is focused on the Cavs and Lakers as his two possible destinations. Repeating a previously reported theme, Windhorst mentioned the apparent aversion James' family has to relocating to Houston. But geographic preference and a family straw poll aren't the only factors under consideration—not for a man who is trying to establish his case as the best to ever play. The talent surrounding him, the chance to extend his streak to nine or even 10 consecutive Finals—or more—and the opportunity to have a legitimate chance to dethrone the mighty Warriors will undoubtedly be part of the equation. The Cavs made their first move Thursday night, adding one of the best point guards in the draft in Sexton—a James favorite. But just as a draft pick wasn't enough to compel James to stay in Miami four years ago, it won't be enough to move the needle this time, either. So, nice move, Cavs. Let's see your next one. Let's also see what the Lakers are able to do, such as persuading the Spurs to reopen the door to discussing a potential Kawhi Leonard trade that San Antonio has summarily closed on them to this point, according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne. The only certainty that emerged from the 2018 draft is that the Summer of LeBron is about to get serious. For his part, Altman told reporters Thursday night that he has had "good dialogue with his management team. LeBron has more than earned the right to approach his contracts the way he does." Indeed, like a King. Ken Berger covers the NBA for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter: @KBergNBA.<doc-sep>The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly in the market for San Antonio Spurs All-Star Kawhi Leonard since it was first revealed that he is no longer interested in playing for his current team. With the 2018 NBA Draft just 24 hours away, according to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, the Cavs have made an offer for the All-Star forward: “Some of those suitors know they don’t have enough: The Cavs peddling Kevin Love and the No. 8 pick, the Grizzlies with No. 4 and Chandler Parsons, the Clippers with Tobias Harris and Nos. 12 and 13.” Compared to the other offers that are reportedly on the table, it seems that the Cavs may be offering the best deal for Leonard currently. Part of the reason why better offers have seemingly not been made is likely because many around the NBA believe that Leonard has already decided to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers next summer when his contract ends. “In theory, almost no team should pony up its best assets for a player who could bolt in a year without a nearly ironclad assurance he will re-sign,” he wrote. “With Leonard, obtaining such assurance may not even be possible. No one knows whether they can trust the word of the advisors around him. There are deep suspicions that Leonard has already decided he wants to play for the Lakers. “Even so, teams will look hard. Leonard is a bona fide top-five player. He finished second in MVP voting in 2016, and third in 2017. Teams can go decades without acquiring a player that good.” If the Cavs were to make a trade for Leonard, it would likely be because Cavs general manager Koby Altman and owner Dan Gilbert feel confident that the addition of Leonard would convince LeBron James to re-sign this summer. Beyond that, they must also feel confident that Leonard and James suiting up together for one season would certainly be enough to convince the two-time Defensive Player of the Year to forgo signing with the Lakers and instead re-up with the Cavs. Based on this package, it seems clear that the Cavs are willing to put it all on the line to try to keep James in Cleveland and build another superteam around him. Considering he is one of the greatest players in NBA history, it is no doubt worth the try.<doc-sep>NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Moritz Wagner poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted 25th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) What the Los Angeles Clippers should have done with the 13th pick What the Los Angeles Clippers should have done with the 13th pick by Jason Reed The Los Angeles Lakers may not have used their draft picks to trade for a star, however, the team did select with a certain star in mind. The Los Angeles Lakers had a fairly interesting showing in the 2018 NBA Draft. Although the team drafted guys that were not heavily connected to LA prior to the draft, the selections themselves served a bigger purpose. With the 25th overall pick the Lakers selected power forward/center Moritz Wagner from Michigan. Wagner excels at stretching the floor and shooting the three as well as rebounding. However, Wagner may be a defensive liability and entered the draft with second-round projections. Twelve picks later the Los Angeles Lakers selected center Isaac Bonga, who likely will not suit up for the team in the coming year or two. Bonga needs work overseas but has the potential to return to LA to play a huge. The front office obviously loved Bonga, as they traded up for this selection to draft and stash him. With the 47th pick, and the team’s last, the Lakers went with the sharpshooting guard, Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, out of Kansas. Mykhailiuk averaged 6.6 three-point shots per game while making 44.4 percent of them. He also set the school record for three-point shots made in a single season. Like Wagner, Mykhailiuk does not thrive defensively, but his strengths obviously lie in making the three ball. And that is what is so telling about this draft. The Los Angeles Lakers essentially added two depth pieces in Wagner and Mykhailiuk that will serve distinct roles off the bench. Wagner will likely line up as the second unit’s starting center while Mykhailiuk will likely be the back up two guard. Both are spark plugs that should get things going for the second unit and can come in during crunch time to be potential targets to knock down shots. These two selections and the two roles that are being filled tailor to LeBron James’ needs perfectly. Throughout his career, James has always needed that spark plug like player to be successful. On the Cavaliers, it was J.R. Smith and Kyle Korver. Before them, it was Ray Allen. These are not two players that will likely progress into future stars like the current Lakers’ core. Instead, these are two guys that fit very specific roles in a much bigger picture. These selections were used to entice LeBron James to the Los Angeles Lakers. Perhaps his mind is already made up and he just gave a slight tip to Magic Johnson who he liked in the draft. It wouldn’t be surprising, considering Rob Pelinka said that Wagner was a big target for Magic himself.<doc-sep>
Aside from teams swapping picks, there were no major deals made during Thursday’s NBA Draft. It might’ve been the calm before the storm as the basketball world prepares itself for a wild offseason. Consider this: the league’s two best players (LeBron James and Kevin Durant) are eligible to hit free agency, and arguably the league’s third-best player (Kawhi Leonard) has demanded a trade. A nine-time All-Star (Chris Paul) is seeking a new contract, and a participant in five of the last six All-Star Games (Paul George) could join his third team in as many years. Here are five teams to watch with the official start of free agency less than 10 days away: Los Angeles Lakers No one has a chance to make a splash this offseason like the Lakers. With room under the salary cap to sign two free agents to max contracts, L.A. has their eyes set on both LeBron James and Paul George. The Lakers also have the pieces to make a big trade with young potential stars like Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma on the roster. The San Antonio Spurs might not want to send Kawhi Leonard to the Lakers, but a deal is certainly a possibility since the superstar reportedly only wants to play in Los Angeles beyond next season. The Lakers have been bad for the last few seasons with an eye on this year’s free agent class. It’s time for them to make a splash and return to relevancy. Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James holds the fate of Cleveland’s future in his hands. The Cavs will be among the favorites to reach the NBA Finals if the league’s best player decided to stay put for another season. If James goes elsewhere, Cleveland will likely be among the worst teams in basketball next season. The Cavs will explore adding another All-Star in hopes of enticing James to stay, though it’s hard to believe they can pull off a significant deal with their assets. Cleveland has reportedly reached out to San Antonio about Leonard. It would make sense for the Cavs to trade Kevin Love and start a complete rebuild if James leaves. A recent report by ESPN, however, suggests that Cleveland will hold onto their second All-Star, no matter what James does. Photo: Elsa/Getty Images San Antonio Spurs The Spurs don’t want to trade Kawhi Leonard. The organization hopes to repair its relationship with the team’s best player, whom Gregg Popovich indicated might even be better than James when he was last fully healthy. Maybe Leonard will soften his stance on being traded and sign a supermax extension, giving him the NBA’s most lucrative contract. All of that is probably wishful thinking on the Spurs’ part, and they might soon come to the realization that they can't lose Leonard for nothing in a year. The Boston Celtics can probably offer San Antonio the best trade package, though both L.A. teams and Philadelphia seemingly have a shot to land Leonard this summer. Philadelphia 76ers Philadelphia is the best team that has the ability to sign a max free agent. They earned the East’s No.3 seed with their two best players still under 25 years old and would be a sensible landing spot for either James or George. Head coach Brett Brown acknowledged last postseason that the team needs another superstar to become a title contender, so don’t be surprised to see the 76ers make a big trade if they strike out in free agency. Former No.1 overall pick Markelle Fultz is still a valuable trade piece, despite missing most of last season. Dario Saric or Robert Covington could be included in any deal that might land Philadelphia an All-Star. Boston Celtics The Celtics don’t have to make any big moves this season. Boston just came one victory away from reaching the NBA Finals when their two best players were hurt. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep your eyes on them and team president Danny Ainge, who has a treasure trove of assets that can potentially be turned into a star player. No one expected the Celtics to acquire Kyrie Irving this time last year, but that’s exactly what they did later in the offseason. Boston will potentially have four first-round picks in the 2019 NBA Draft, which teams that are looking to make trades will certainly be interested in acquiring.