Unless a last-minute trade materializes, the Cleveland Cavaliers will sit out the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, holding no picks among the top 30 selections. Their absence from the opening round stems from the blockbuster trade that brought star guard Donovan Mitchell to Cleveland several seasons ago—a move that cost them their 2025 first-rounder.
Despite lacking a first-round presence, the Cavaliers still hold two late second-round selections—No. 49 and No. 58 overall. While those slots may not be glamorous, they offer a chance to uncover undervalued talent—an opportunity Cleveland appears to be exploring thoroughly.
One name generating buzz in connection to the Cavaliers is Temple University forward Steve Settle III, who is slated to participate in a pre-draft workout with the team on Wednesday. Settle has already worked out with the Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets, and he’s quickly becoming one of the more intriguing “late risers” in this year’s draft class.
According to HoopsHype’s Sam Yip, Settle has piqued the interest of several NBA front offices. His senior season at Temple saw him average 12.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per game while shooting a remarkable 41.6% from three-point range—a significant leap in his shooting efficiency. In fact, that mark stands out given his previous seasons, where he never eclipsed 35.3% from deep. In his final collegiate campaign, Settle attempted 3.6 triples per game, proving his perimeter improvement wasn’t a fluke.
Though not currently projected to be selected in most major mock drafts—including a recent one from Bleacher Report that had him going undrafted—Settle’s combination of size, length, and shooting touch make him a compelling option late in the second round or as a potential undrafted free agent. At 6’10”, he fits the mold of a modern 3-and-D forward and has shown promise on both ends of the floor. His tools and steady improvement may make him an appealing developmental piece for a team like the Cavaliers.
Cleveland enters the offseason looking to maintain its status as a playoff contender while also potentially identifying younger players who could contribute over the long term. With the team’s second-round selections, a player like Settle—who offers spacing, length, and upside—could be a low-risk, high-reward addition to the roster.
As the June draft approaches, Settle will be a name worth watching closely. Whether he hears his name called late in the second round or lands on a summer league roster as an undrafted signee, the Temple product seems poised to make the most of his opportunity—and the Cavaliers may just be the team that gives it to him.
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