Cavs/Thunder Comparison

The Cavs’ rebuilding process reminds me a lot of what the Thunder did a few years ago. Both began after losing a star (Lebron left the Cavs in 2010, Thunder traded Ray Allen to Celtics in 2007). Both teams then began to build through the draft. Both first landed 19 year old stars (KD and Kyrie) who both won ROY. KD obviously has turned into a superstar and Kyrie is well on his way there if he isn’t there already. Also in those initial drafts, both teams acquired another top 5 pick (Jeff Green and Tristan Thompson). Green had more of an immediate impact during his rookie year, but Thompson was two years younger than Green was during his rookie year and he seems to be steadily improving. The next year, both teams used the 4th pick on high-scoring guards (Westbrook and Waiters). Both of these guys can score with the best of them, but have been criticized for shooting too much and taking away from the best player on their respective teams. Both teams also added a solid big later in the first round (Ibaka and Zeller). Since 2008 Ibaka has become much more than solid, but during his rookie year he was not better than Zeller has been this year.

For the Thunder, after one more year at the bottom of the league, they got their glue guy James Harden with the 3rd pick. That’s where the Cavs are now. Can the Cavs get their James Harden in this draft? Is that guy Otto Porter? I personally don’t think Porter has nearly the same potential as Harden, but he can still be a very effective glue guy. After getting Harden the Thunder haven’t missed the playoffs. I really like the talent on the Cavs roster right now. Maybe in a few years they will be the new OKC.