Before I get into my Cavs NBA Draft Review, this afternoon Chris Grant and Co. made a trade with the Sacramento Kings. The Cavs traded 22 year old PF JJ HIckson to the Sacramento Kings for Omri Casspi and a conditional first round pick. The conditions on the first round pick are as follows: lottery-protected in 2012 (1-14). The pick is then protected in 2013 (1-13), 2014 (1-12) and 2015-2017 (1-10). If the pick is not conveyed by 2017, then Sacramento will convey its own 2017 second round draft pick to the Cavaliers protected (56-60). Here are my thoughts:
-First, I am not that happy with the protection parameters. I think having a lottery protected pick in 2012 is fair, considering how deep the draft class is. Someone at #14 would have been a #5 pick in the 2011 Draft. But the protections in 2013 and 2014 are killers. I think they should've been top 10 protected in 2013 and top 6 protected in 2014 and unprotected in 2015. The Kings have a solid young core in Tyreke Evans, DeMarcus Cousins, Marcus Thornton, Hickson and Jimmer Fredette. I don't expect them to make the playoffs next year, but they could show some steep improvements in 2013. The problem with the Kings are that they have 2 black holes on defense in Cousins and Hickson and a ball hog in Evans. This team will score points, but will give up a lot of them too.
-With that said, I have learned from a source connected with the Cavs that Hickson's camp let the Cavs know months ago that he was unhappy here. That displeasure only rose after the Cavs drafted PF Tristian Thompson last week. Also, the belief out of Hickson's camp was that he wanted $10 million a year and the Cavs were not willing to pay him that. With that said, it becomes obvious why the Cavs traded Hickson. One, he was unhappy here. Two, he had unrealistic expectations for his new contract. Three, with the Cavs emphasis on defense (this was addressed by Byron Scott after the draft), Hickson was not going to last long here. Often times last year, he clashed with Byron Scott, struggled to maintain focus, was late on defensive rotations or completely missed them and drew stupid fouls many times. I like Hickson's athleticism, rebounding and offensive skills, but he really lacked basketball IQ and didn't seem to care much about defense. On a side note, the source noted that PG Ramon Sessions was next to go....
-The Cavs addressed one of the main weaknesses on the roster by trading for Casspi, who is a 6'9 SF. He is the first Israeli born player to play in the NBA. He scored 8 points per game and grabbed 4 rebounds a game last year, as he both started and came off the bench last year. Those numbers don't jump out at you but he is a solid 3 point shooter (37% from 3 in 2011), has good ball handling skills and can get up and down the court well. He isn't a great defender as he lacks lateral quickness and cannot create his own offense. Creating his own offense isn't a big concern with me as the Cavs have both Baron Davis and Kyrie Irving to help set up players. Casspi is a passionate player who needed a change of scenery from the disfunction that is the Sacramento Kings. He is still young at 23 years of age and will either start or get major minutes off the bench. While he may not have the upside of Hickson, he is a solid player who will listen to coaches and give maximum effort every night.
-I think the front office's reasoning behind this was that they wouldn't keep Hickson after 2011 and to try their best to get a 2012 first rounder. I doubt any team 1-20 would trade their first rounder for Hickson. People think that Grant could have done better with the draft pick, but if he could've, don't you think he would have? With that said, the Cavs knew Hickson wasn't going to stay, they added cheap young talent, that fits a need on the team. Also, the first round pick could become very valuable in 2013 or 2014. While this may sound bad, this further worsens the Cavs roster as Hickson is a better player than Casspi, so I am guessing the Cavs are in full tank mode. Most Cavs fans are trying to rebuild this team in a year or so by throwing out free agent signing idea for players such as Nene, Jason Richardson, Marc Gasol and Tyson Chandler. We aren't going to trade for Dwight Howard or Chris Paul either folks. The only free agents the Cavs should sign should be young players to short term contracts(PF Brandan Wright and SF/PF Earl Clark are just some examples). No free agent will turn this team around serious contender anytime soon. We need to rebuild through the draft and trades. No need to try to hinder our future cap space for a short term fix. I am fine with tanking 2012, getting a high draft pick and hopefully landing a great young player. This model works, just ask the Oklahoma City Thunder.
-Another piece of news to consider, the NBA lockout is looming. If the Union and Owners cannot agree on a deal by midnight tonight, the Owners will lockout the players. Many analysts and observers are expecting a tough battle between the two sides, with no resolution in sight. If the 2012 NBA season is cancelled, the 2012 Draft odds would be the same as 2011. The Clippers would get their first rounder back, but the Cavs would have the 2nd best odds to get the #1 overall pick and would be guaranteed a top 4 pick. That means the Cavs would have a chance to get PF/C Anthony Davis, SF Harrison Barnes, SF Michael Gilchrist, SF/PF James McAdoo or SF Terrance Jones.
All in all, if I had to grade this trade right now, I would give it a B-. I thought the Cavs could have extracted more value for Hickson, but apparently the market was thin. Maybe teams had some leverage over the Cavs because of the fact that we drafted Tristian and already had Andy/Jamison at the 4 as well. While the protections aren't great, the Kings are a more talented team than people think. If this becomes a first rounder in 2013 or 2014, I will give it a higher grade. The Kings aren't going to be able to afford Hickson after this year, so this is basically a rental for them. Add in the fact we got a solid wing player and a possible lottery pick, it's not as bad of a deal as people believe. Kudos to Grant and Co. for continuing to gather first round picks as they already got one in the Baron Davis deal, 2 more firsts in the LeBron sign and trade (must be used from 2013-2017 but not in consecutive years) and another possible one in this deal. Besides Sessions, I am very interested in seeing what the Cavs can do with the $14.5 million trade exception (the exception cannot be used with another player, so we can't use the exception with Sessions). Let's see if they can get either a future first round draft pick for taking on a bad contract.
Thanks for reading. Go Cleveland!
-Raz
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Cavs NBA Draft 2011 Preview
Well, although I don't write as much, I think now is the time to write a good entry with the NBA Draft being 3 days away. The Cavs currently hold picks #1, #4, #32 and #54. What are the Cavs needs? Everything. When you are rebuilding a team, with no clear franchise player, your strategy is often to take the best player available. This is one of the weakest drafts I have seen in the past few years. There are no sure-fire All-Stars or franchise players, but there are a couple who could potentially be All-Stars. In my opinion, the best player in this draft is Duke PG Kyrie Irving. Here are some of the names that could have their name called by the Cavs on Thursday.
Kyrie Irving, PG Duke As stated, I believe he is the best player in this draft. He is a true PG, who can shoot, drive to the basket, pass, find the open man and play defense. He does everything very well, but does not have one attribute that makes him stand out from other PG's (Derek Rose' speed, Rondo's hands, Chris Paul's ball handling). He had a toe injury this past year that limited him to only 11 games. He has good size for a PG at 6'3 as well. He is a great kid who comes from a good family. He does not seem cocky or self-absorbed (we had a player in Cleveland who had these attributes a couple years ago). When hearing him speak, you get the feeling that he is intelligent, calm and classy. He is a true floor general that could lead this team for years to come. Also, Coach Byron Scott loves PG's and we saw how well this team played after we traded for Baron Davis. The Princeton Offense is predicated on a good ball handler who can make good passes and cut to the basket, exactly what Irving does.
This should seem like a no brainer at #1 for the Cavs, but the recent talk out of the Cavs front office/coaching staff is that they haven't decided on the #1 pick and could take Arizona's Derrick Williams instead. If you ask me, this is a smokescreen. There is a big difference between Irving and the next best PG, Kentucky's Brandon Knight, whom the Cavs had in for a workout today. It seems that the Cavs are trying to get both Irving and Williams, but Williams is expected to go #2 to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wolves have no need for Williams as they already have Michael Beasley and Anthony Randolph, and are trying to trade the #2 pick. In my opinion, the Cavs are using their leverage at #1 to distort the value of the #2 pick by telling everyone they don't know who they want at #1. No team is going to trade for the #2 pick without know who will be there for sure. By doing this, the Cavs are trying to drive the the trade value of the #2 picks, maybe in hopes to acquire it at a cheaper price.
Now this all seems pretty crazy, but it could happen. I just think that Irving is too good to pass up at #1. Some people may say that we already have Baron Davis and Ramon Sessions, but Davis isn't in the teams long term plans as he is on the wrong side of 30, and Sessions is no more than a backup PG. Byron Scott loves good PG's, and it seems like a perfect match to have a smart, steady PG run the Cavs offense with Scott at the helm. Also, look at the 2012 Draft, there are no good PG's at the top of the draft and the Cavs will eventually need a floor general to run the offense. I would be very upset if the Cavs took Williams at #1 and didn't draft Irving. I am just not sold on Williams at #1 and would rather have Irving, who is a safer, better pick at 1.
Derrick Williams, Arizona SF/PF I like Williams as a prospect, but I don't want the Cavs spending the #1 pick on him and passing on Kyrie Irving. In the Cavs offense, Williams would play PF due to his size (6'9), skills around the basket and solid athleticism. I just don't think he has a position in the NBA as he doesn't have the ball handling skills to play the 3 or the athleticism to guard the position. He is a subpar rebounder (averaged 5.5 per game) who isn't a great defender. Also, he tended to disappear at times this year, which worries me for a #1 pick. He does have a pretty good 3 point shot, who can finish at the basket. He has the ability to get to the free throw line and throws down some monstrous jams.
If the Cavs took Irving at #1, and somehow got the #2 pick, then I would be more than happy to take Williams, as he could fit a need at the 3, but create a logjam at the 4. The Cavs already have JJ Hickson, Andy, Jamison, Luke Harangody and Samardo Samuels at the power forward position. Grant it, Jamison will probably be traded and Gody/Samuels being bench players, the 4 is still somewhat of a deep position. You already have young talent you can build with in Hickson and Andy, but you don't have that at the PG position, thus the need to take Irving. Jason Kidd (Mavs), Russell Westbrook (Thunder), Derek Rose (Bulls) and Rajon Rondo (Celtics) all lead their teams deep into the playoffs and it was partly because of their play at the PG position. 2 teams that faltered in the playoffs, the Heat and the Lakers, had big deficiencies at the position. I just don't see how Williams could fit it at the 3 on the Cavs and unless the Cavs unload Hickson or Andy, he creates a surplus at the 4. The Cavs had him in for a workout today, but again, I think its a smokescreen.
Enes Kanter, C Turkey No one has seen Kanter play, due to the fact he was ruled ineligible this past year for taking money for the pro team he played for overseas. He was supposed to play for John Calipari at Kentucky, but did not do so this year. We don't have much tape to go off of for him, but according to scouts he is a solid rebounder, good scorer around the basket, has solid size (measured at 6'11) and is a tough/smart kid. He lacks athleticism and a jumper, but I don't mind those weaknesses for a big man.
He would be a solid choice at #4 for the Cavs. He would fill a need at C for the team and could be a good running mate for Kyrie. The Cavs currently have Andy, Semih Erden and Ryan Hollins playing C, not a group too many teams fear. Adding Kanter would provide depth and a young piece who could grow into a solid rotation player.
Jonas Valanciunas, C Lithuania Many people are opposed to taking foreign white big men, but I don't mind Jonas. He has legitimate size for a C (7'0 with a 7'4 wingspan and a 9'3 standing reach). He can finish at the basket, rebound and has a great motor. He isn't scared of contact down low and is very young (19 years old). He has a high ceiling as a player. Some of negatives include the fact that he doesn't have a good repertoire of moves, his skinny (245 lbs.) and has some contract buyout issues with his team overseas.
ESPN's Chad Ford reported that a buyout is close to being completed with Jonas, but he won't come to the NBA next year. Also, he mentioned that if Jonas doesn't come over next year, that the Cavs won't take him at #4. That doesn't mean they won't take him at all, as they can move down the draft and take him later, but that seems unlikely. He is my second favorite option at #4, as I would prefer to have Kanter than Jonas. Kanter is a lower risk player who seems to have already developed a variety of low post moves and is more polished. Jonas has a lot more potential as a big man and offers great size in the front court. We all know that size matters in the NBA, as the Lakers had Bynum, Gasol and Odom, who were all over 6'11 and the Mavericks, who had Dirk, Tyson Chandler and Brendan Heywood, who were all over 7'0 tall. If Jonas can add some muscle and become a better defender, I think he could develop into a pretty solid post player int he NBA. Also, if he stays overseas for a year, he could further develop his skills, as he probably won't get much playing time his rookie year.
Kawhi Leonard, SF San Diego State Leonard's name hasn't been mentioned that much with the Cavs, but if the Cavs do trade down from #4 to lets say around picks #7-11, Leonard's name could be called. He fits a need at SF (least amount of depth on the roster), has great size (6'7), big hands, superior athleticism, solid defender, an improving jump shot and a non-stop motor. Think of Gerald Wallace with Leonard. He doesn't have a great 3 point shot and can't really create his own shot. If the Cavs take Irving, he won't have to worry about creating his own shot. I like Leonard a lot because he has a good attitude, can defend the SF position, an improving skill set and he seems like a safe pick. His weaknesses can be worked on with proper coaching. One of my friends is currently an intern at IMPACT Sports in Las Vegas, where Leonard is training. He told me that Leonard is the best player at the training facility and he described him as a "stud".
Alec Burks, SG Colorado I don't think Burks' name has even been mentioned with the Cavs, but again he could a target if the Cavs trade down to picks 7-11. He has good size at 6'6, is a solid free throw shooter who can get to the line, good ball handling skills, underrated rebounder, and can get his shot off over anyone. He isn't a great shooter and doesn't have elite athleticism, which could limit his ability to get to the basket. Again, his shooting weakness could be corrected with practice and good coaching. I like Burks in the lottery and believe he could be a solid NBA player.
Jeremy Tyler, PF/C USA Tyler is an interesting prospect, he left his junior year of high school to play overseas in Israel. He wasn't mature enough to play professional and got upset when he didn't get any playing time. He eventually left and played in Japan, where he fared much better. In recent interviews, analyst' noted that he seemed a lot more mature and that he learned from his mistakes. He has great size (6'10), athleticism and can play inside and outside. He still needs to develop/refine his overall game, add some bulk to his fram and this will take some time as he is only 20 years old. Much like Jonas, he is a project who will take some time to develop. I believe he could provide a lot of value at pick #32 because he won't be asked to do much his rookie year. There isn't much risk either as 2nd round picks do not have guaranteed contracts. Tyler reminds me a little bit of DeAndre Jordan, someone who could slip into the 2nd round, who has great athletic tools who shows some promise. The Cavs have no need to rush him, so I think he can take his time to develop into a good NBA player.
Norris Cole, PG Cleveland State The Cleveland State homer in me is making me write this, but with the Cavs drafting Kyrie Irving, I wouldn't bet on Cole wearing a Cavs jersey next year. I personally saw Cole play numerous times at his 4 year career at CSU. This past year I saw him play often as I was a season ticket holder. I love Cole's game as he is athletic, can handle to the ball, shoot, defend the perimeter and get to the basket. His performance at the NBA Combine has been very impressive. He is a very nice, intelligent kid who seems driven to be the best player he can be. He was salutatorian at his high school and was named Horizon League Player of the Year. This past year he scored 40 points, 20 rebounds and 9 assists versus Youngstown St. Remember, he is a 6'2 point guard. Blake Griffin was the last NCAA player to achieve such statistics. If for some reason the Cavs do not take Irving, I would love for the Cavs to take Cole with the 32nd pick, although he could be snatched up earlier. Cole is one of the most underrated players in this years draft, as he really doesn't have any big weaknesses besides playing in a Mid-Major conference.
David Lighty, OSU SG While I am not a big OSU fan, I think Lighty could be a good bench player in the NBA. He has good size (6'6), is athletic, smart and can defend the 2. He is an improving 3 point shooter and a good rebounder for a SG. He is a good kid who doesn't have any character issues. While he may never be able to create his own shot or finish at the basket, he could be a good find in round 2. He reminds me a little bit of Anthony Parker, someone with size, who can come off the bench and knockdown some shots. I think he could be available when the Cavs pick at #54 and I wouldn't mind taking him, especially if the Cavs get Irving and Kanter.
Jimmy Butler, SF Marquette If you get a chance, read ESPN's story about Jimmy Butler, its very "Blind Side"-esque. He has gone through a lot after his family left him but he has persevered through it all. A junior-college transfer, Butler is a great defender, who can rebound and is listed at 6'8. He can score inside and outside but he isn't that explosive or athletic. Again, he could fill in the deficiency at the 3 with his smarts and willingness to defend. He reminds me a little bit of Shane Battier, good intangibles coupled with a willingness to defend and do all the little things on a good team. Butler would be a good pick at #32 for the Cavs.
To wrap it all up, I really want Irving and Kanter at the top of the Draft. In the second round, I wouldn't mind a couple good role players like Lighty and Butler, guys who can step in and contribute to a young team. I would guess the Cavs could take a stab at an overseas player in round 2 (Nikola Mirotic or David Bertans) and stash them for a year or so. It's imperative the Cavs take the best players available to increase the overall talent pool on this team. Since we are rebuilding, we need guys who will be team players who can grow and develop together. Don't discount the possibility of a trade, especially with the $14 million trade exception coming due July 1st. The Sacramento Kings have been mentioned as a team that could move their pick (#7), since the Maloof Brothers are bleeding cash. Maybe the Cavs could absorb a contract (Beno Udrih/Francisco Garcia) with the TPE. It should be a very busy, exciting and interesting Thursday night for all Cavs fans.
Until then, thanks for reading and go Cleveland!
-Raz
Kyrie Irving, PG Duke As stated, I believe he is the best player in this draft. He is a true PG, who can shoot, drive to the basket, pass, find the open man and play defense. He does everything very well, but does not have one attribute that makes him stand out from other PG's (Derek Rose' speed, Rondo's hands, Chris Paul's ball handling). He had a toe injury this past year that limited him to only 11 games. He has good size for a PG at 6'3 as well. He is a great kid who comes from a good family. He does not seem cocky or self-absorbed (we had a player in Cleveland who had these attributes a couple years ago). When hearing him speak, you get the feeling that he is intelligent, calm and classy. He is a true floor general that could lead this team for years to come. Also, Coach Byron Scott loves PG's and we saw how well this team played after we traded for Baron Davis. The Princeton Offense is predicated on a good ball handler who can make good passes and cut to the basket, exactly what Irving does.
This should seem like a no brainer at #1 for the Cavs, but the recent talk out of the Cavs front office/coaching staff is that they haven't decided on the #1 pick and could take Arizona's Derrick Williams instead. If you ask me, this is a smokescreen. There is a big difference between Irving and the next best PG, Kentucky's Brandon Knight, whom the Cavs had in for a workout today. It seems that the Cavs are trying to get both Irving and Williams, but Williams is expected to go #2 to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wolves have no need for Williams as they already have Michael Beasley and Anthony Randolph, and are trying to trade the #2 pick. In my opinion, the Cavs are using their leverage at #1 to distort the value of the #2 pick by telling everyone they don't know who they want at #1. No team is going to trade for the #2 pick without know who will be there for sure. By doing this, the Cavs are trying to drive the the trade value of the #2 picks, maybe in hopes to acquire it at a cheaper price.
Now this all seems pretty crazy, but it could happen. I just think that Irving is too good to pass up at #1. Some people may say that we already have Baron Davis and Ramon Sessions, but Davis isn't in the teams long term plans as he is on the wrong side of 30, and Sessions is no more than a backup PG. Byron Scott loves good PG's, and it seems like a perfect match to have a smart, steady PG run the Cavs offense with Scott at the helm. Also, look at the 2012 Draft, there are no good PG's at the top of the draft and the Cavs will eventually need a floor general to run the offense. I would be very upset if the Cavs took Williams at #1 and didn't draft Irving. I am just not sold on Williams at #1 and would rather have Irving, who is a safer, better pick at 1.
Derrick Williams, Arizona SF/PF I like Williams as a prospect, but I don't want the Cavs spending the #1 pick on him and passing on Kyrie Irving. In the Cavs offense, Williams would play PF due to his size (6'9), skills around the basket and solid athleticism. I just don't think he has a position in the NBA as he doesn't have the ball handling skills to play the 3 or the athleticism to guard the position. He is a subpar rebounder (averaged 5.5 per game) who isn't a great defender. Also, he tended to disappear at times this year, which worries me for a #1 pick. He does have a pretty good 3 point shot, who can finish at the basket. He has the ability to get to the free throw line and throws down some monstrous jams.
If the Cavs took Irving at #1, and somehow got the #2 pick, then I would be more than happy to take Williams, as he could fit a need at the 3, but create a logjam at the 4. The Cavs already have JJ Hickson, Andy, Jamison, Luke Harangody and Samardo Samuels at the power forward position. Grant it, Jamison will probably be traded and Gody/Samuels being bench players, the 4 is still somewhat of a deep position. You already have young talent you can build with in Hickson and Andy, but you don't have that at the PG position, thus the need to take Irving. Jason Kidd (Mavs), Russell Westbrook (Thunder), Derek Rose (Bulls) and Rajon Rondo (Celtics) all lead their teams deep into the playoffs and it was partly because of their play at the PG position. 2 teams that faltered in the playoffs, the Heat and the Lakers, had big deficiencies at the position. I just don't see how Williams could fit it at the 3 on the Cavs and unless the Cavs unload Hickson or Andy, he creates a surplus at the 4. The Cavs had him in for a workout today, but again, I think its a smokescreen.
Enes Kanter, C Turkey No one has seen Kanter play, due to the fact he was ruled ineligible this past year for taking money for the pro team he played for overseas. He was supposed to play for John Calipari at Kentucky, but did not do so this year. We don't have much tape to go off of for him, but according to scouts he is a solid rebounder, good scorer around the basket, has solid size (measured at 6'11) and is a tough/smart kid. He lacks athleticism and a jumper, but I don't mind those weaknesses for a big man.
He would be a solid choice at #4 for the Cavs. He would fill a need at C for the team and could be a good running mate for Kyrie. The Cavs currently have Andy, Semih Erden and Ryan Hollins playing C, not a group too many teams fear. Adding Kanter would provide depth and a young piece who could grow into a solid rotation player.
Jonas Valanciunas, C Lithuania Many people are opposed to taking foreign white big men, but I don't mind Jonas. He has legitimate size for a C (7'0 with a 7'4 wingspan and a 9'3 standing reach). He can finish at the basket, rebound and has a great motor. He isn't scared of contact down low and is very young (19 years old). He has a high ceiling as a player. Some of negatives include the fact that he doesn't have a good repertoire of moves, his skinny (245 lbs.) and has some contract buyout issues with his team overseas.
ESPN's Chad Ford reported that a buyout is close to being completed with Jonas, but he won't come to the NBA next year. Also, he mentioned that if Jonas doesn't come over next year, that the Cavs won't take him at #4. That doesn't mean they won't take him at all, as they can move down the draft and take him later, but that seems unlikely. He is my second favorite option at #4, as I would prefer to have Kanter than Jonas. Kanter is a lower risk player who seems to have already developed a variety of low post moves and is more polished. Jonas has a lot more potential as a big man and offers great size in the front court. We all know that size matters in the NBA, as the Lakers had Bynum, Gasol and Odom, who were all over 6'11 and the Mavericks, who had Dirk, Tyson Chandler and Brendan Heywood, who were all over 7'0 tall. If Jonas can add some muscle and become a better defender, I think he could develop into a pretty solid post player int he NBA. Also, if he stays overseas for a year, he could further develop his skills, as he probably won't get much playing time his rookie year.
Kawhi Leonard, SF San Diego State Leonard's name hasn't been mentioned that much with the Cavs, but if the Cavs do trade down from #4 to lets say around picks #7-11, Leonard's name could be called. He fits a need at SF (least amount of depth on the roster), has great size (6'7), big hands, superior athleticism, solid defender, an improving jump shot and a non-stop motor. Think of Gerald Wallace with Leonard. He doesn't have a great 3 point shot and can't really create his own shot. If the Cavs take Irving, he won't have to worry about creating his own shot. I like Leonard a lot because he has a good attitude, can defend the SF position, an improving skill set and he seems like a safe pick. His weaknesses can be worked on with proper coaching. One of my friends is currently an intern at IMPACT Sports in Las Vegas, where Leonard is training. He told me that Leonard is the best player at the training facility and he described him as a "stud".
Alec Burks, SG Colorado I don't think Burks' name has even been mentioned with the Cavs, but again he could a target if the Cavs trade down to picks 7-11. He has good size at 6'6, is a solid free throw shooter who can get to the line, good ball handling skills, underrated rebounder, and can get his shot off over anyone. He isn't a great shooter and doesn't have elite athleticism, which could limit his ability to get to the basket. Again, his shooting weakness could be corrected with practice and good coaching. I like Burks in the lottery and believe he could be a solid NBA player.
Jeremy Tyler, PF/C USA Tyler is an interesting prospect, he left his junior year of high school to play overseas in Israel. He wasn't mature enough to play professional and got upset when he didn't get any playing time. He eventually left and played in Japan, where he fared much better. In recent interviews, analyst' noted that he seemed a lot more mature and that he learned from his mistakes. He has great size (6'10), athleticism and can play inside and outside. He still needs to develop/refine his overall game, add some bulk to his fram and this will take some time as he is only 20 years old. Much like Jonas, he is a project who will take some time to develop. I believe he could provide a lot of value at pick #32 because he won't be asked to do much his rookie year. There isn't much risk either as 2nd round picks do not have guaranteed contracts. Tyler reminds me a little bit of DeAndre Jordan, someone who could slip into the 2nd round, who has great athletic tools who shows some promise. The Cavs have no need to rush him, so I think he can take his time to develop into a good NBA player.
Norris Cole, PG Cleveland State The Cleveland State homer in me is making me write this, but with the Cavs drafting Kyrie Irving, I wouldn't bet on Cole wearing a Cavs jersey next year. I personally saw Cole play numerous times at his 4 year career at CSU. This past year I saw him play often as I was a season ticket holder. I love Cole's game as he is athletic, can handle to the ball, shoot, defend the perimeter and get to the basket. His performance at the NBA Combine has been very impressive. He is a very nice, intelligent kid who seems driven to be the best player he can be. He was salutatorian at his high school and was named Horizon League Player of the Year. This past year he scored 40 points, 20 rebounds and 9 assists versus Youngstown St. Remember, he is a 6'2 point guard. Blake Griffin was the last NCAA player to achieve such statistics. If for some reason the Cavs do not take Irving, I would love for the Cavs to take Cole with the 32nd pick, although he could be snatched up earlier. Cole is one of the most underrated players in this years draft, as he really doesn't have any big weaknesses besides playing in a Mid-Major conference.
David Lighty, OSU SG While I am not a big OSU fan, I think Lighty could be a good bench player in the NBA. He has good size (6'6), is athletic, smart and can defend the 2. He is an improving 3 point shooter and a good rebounder for a SG. He is a good kid who doesn't have any character issues. While he may never be able to create his own shot or finish at the basket, he could be a good find in round 2. He reminds me a little bit of Anthony Parker, someone with size, who can come off the bench and knockdown some shots. I think he could be available when the Cavs pick at #54 and I wouldn't mind taking him, especially if the Cavs get Irving and Kanter.
Jimmy Butler, SF Marquette If you get a chance, read ESPN's story about Jimmy Butler, its very "Blind Side"-esque. He has gone through a lot after his family left him but he has persevered through it all. A junior-college transfer, Butler is a great defender, who can rebound and is listed at 6'8. He can score inside and outside but he isn't that explosive or athletic. Again, he could fill in the deficiency at the 3 with his smarts and willingness to defend. He reminds me a little bit of Shane Battier, good intangibles coupled with a willingness to defend and do all the little things on a good team. Butler would be a good pick at #32 for the Cavs.
To wrap it all up, I really want Irving and Kanter at the top of the Draft. In the second round, I wouldn't mind a couple good role players like Lighty and Butler, guys who can step in and contribute to a young team. I would guess the Cavs could take a stab at an overseas player in round 2 (Nikola Mirotic or David Bertans) and stash them for a year or so. It's imperative the Cavs take the best players available to increase the overall talent pool on this team. Since we are rebuilding, we need guys who will be team players who can grow and develop together. Don't discount the possibility of a trade, especially with the $14 million trade exception coming due July 1st. The Sacramento Kings have been mentioned as a team that could move their pick (#7), since the Maloof Brothers are bleeding cash. Maybe the Cavs could absorb a contract (Beno Udrih/Francisco Garcia) with the TPE. It should be a very busy, exciting and interesting Thursday night for all Cavs fans.
Until then, thanks for reading and go Cleveland!
-Raz
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