The Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks have a couple of commonalities.
Their team’s driving force —Donovan Mitchell for the Cavs and Kyrie Irving for the Mavs –is a sensational one-on-one scorer. Their team’s best two-way player– Evan Mobley for the Cavs and Anthony Davis for the Mavs –is a power forward who can easily slide to center. They’ve both only won one NBA championship in franchise history, their title runs led by stars —LeBron James for the Cavs and Dirk Nowitzki for the Mavs–who are no longer on the team.
Now, they’re set to host the same prospect, with Alabama senior center Clifford Omoruyi catching their eye ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft.
Cavs, Mavs To Host Alabama Draft Prospect Clifford Omoruyi
Last week, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reported that the Mavericks were preparing to host Omoruyi and Marshall senior forward Obinna Anochili-Killen for workouts that would take place the following week. With regards to their current roster construction, their interest in fortifying their already formidable frontcourt may strike some as odd. Adding to the idiosyncrasy is the fact that they’re projected to draft Duke freshman forward Cooper Flagg first overall.
However, starting center Daniel Gafford will be on an expiring contract in 2025-26. This and the potential of Dereck Lively II make him one of the team’s top trade candidates. Starting forward PJ Washington is another player who’ll be on an expiring contract and thus a prime trade candidate. Furthermore, Davis has missed 26 or more games in four of the past five seasons. As a result, Dallas should be particularly interested in frontcourt prospects this draft cycle.
Omoruyi, 6-foot-11 and 240 pounds, is apparently one of those prospects.
In 2024-25, Omoruyi averaged 6.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 19.2 minutes per game, underscoring his length and timing. An excellent lob threat, he also averaged 7.9 points per game on 73.4 percent shooting from the field. A second-round prospect who could go undrafted, he’s a realistic option for Dallas.
The Cavaliers reported interest in Omoruyi (h/t Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com) makes sense as well.
#Cavs — with two picks in the 2nd round, Nos. 49 and 58 — had center Cliff Omoruyi in town for a workout today, sources tell @clevelanddotcom. Omoruyi is 6-11 and averaged double figures 3 straight years at Rutgers before playing at Alabama this season.https://t.co/6ymNG7krLr
— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) May 27, 2025
Mobley and Jarrett Allen are one of the best big man duos in the NBA. However, they have limited depth behind Allen heading into the offseason. In fact, with Tristan Thompson set to become a free agent, Allen’s only actual backup is Mobley himself.
Obinna Anochili-Killen
Last Word On Basketball would be remiss not to offer thoughts on Anochili-Killen, a five-year starter at Marshall. On his way to winning the 2024-25 Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year award, the West Virginia native averaged 3.2 blocks and 0.9 steals per game. In fact, he’s Marshall’s all-time leader in blocked shots (286).
Obinna Anochili-Killen NBA Scouting Report
His eye-popping measurements at PIT added to the intrigue of his draft profile.
But what makes Obinna Anochili-Killen a realistic NBA rotational big wing? Here’s all you need to know: https://t.co/3mGO9vCXX6 pic.twitter.com/zmA41OX3oj
— Ersin Demir (@EDemirNBA) May 3, 2025
Yet, it’s not just his defense that’s notable. At 6-foot-8, Anochili-Killen is a three-level scorer who averaged 14.4 points per game while playing multiple positions in the frontcourt. Whether he’s selected in the second round or goes undrafted, he’s a sleeper prospect that could serve Dallas well.
© Will McLelland-Imagn Images
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