Cavs' Close Eye on Rising Star

The concept of the ‘draft and stash’ in the NBA isn’t a new idea. Every season teams will draft young and exciting international talent and allow them to continue their development overseas before, hopefully, bringing them to the NBA.

Luke Travers is in that situation with the Cleveland Cavaliers. After being selected with the 56^th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the exciting forward has returned to Perth for NBL23.

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Just because he’s not in Cleveland doesn’t mean the Cavaliers aren’t heavily involved in his development though. The NBA organisation sent Director of G-League Operations Brendan Yu to Darwin during the Blitz, to keep an eye on their draftee.

“It’s been great to see him (Travers) out here,” Yu told NBL Media. “Seeing his versatility, his playmaking and vision, and he just makes winning basketball plays.

“He makes quick decisions and it’s been fun to watch … he does all the little things that helps teams win, and that’s what teams value in the NBA.

“He’s in a great situation here with these guys, getting to play a ton, getting to play a high level of basketball, have the ball in his hands a good amount and making plays for others.

“That’s the type of role he’ll have in the NBA in terms of being that playmaking wing type. He can play some point, he can play some three, he can play some four, and I think it’s a great situation for him here.”

Travers’ primary goal for this season is undoubtedly to win a championship with Perth, and the Wildcats will certainly use the young star in the way that best suits their side. However that doesn't mean his development isn't front of mind for all involved.

Since his return to Australia, the Cavaliers have kept a close eye Travers and have been working with the Wildcats to aid in his development.

“After Summer League the coaching staff, our performance staff and our front office staff put together a plan … obviously we want to make sure we’re doing what’s best for Luke, but also what’s best for Perth,” Yu said.

“It’s a symbiotic relationship I think, so we sent them our thoughts and what we think he needs to work on and improve.

“They’ve (Perth) been awesome in working with us in saying ‘we’re helping with this’, or ‘I think he can be better at that’.

“They do a great job, Danny (Mills), John (Rillie) and the rest of the crew. Just being able to get to know them has been awesome.”