[i’m jus so offendedParticipant]

 Let me start by saying this unbelievably premature as no rookie has taken a step on even a team’s practice court but I feel as though the Cavs and Dan Gilbert were very shortsighted and impatient with their draft this year. They took two solid, not spectacular players who do not have the highest ceilings in Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson. Kyrie does have All Star potential, is sneaky quick and savvy but I feel he is a bit overrated, shined in the Arizona tourney game but completely shut out POY candidate Nolan Smith and how will he fare defensively? Tristan can be a very solid 4 man with his rebounding and defense but with a horrible offensive team, can he expand his range past 5 feet, assert himself and actually hit a free throw? I feel as though they should have gone in a different direction…

With the first overall pick, the Cavs should have selected Derrick Williams IMO. He is an athletic freak and I don’t care whether he plays the 3 or 4, he will warrant burn. Players have shown time and time again size is over valued, if you can PLAY basketball, you will find time. And this kid can play. He showed massive improvement from year 1 to 2, here are his splits:

SEASON	TEAM	MIN	FGM-FGA	FG%	3PM-3PA	3P%	FTM-FTA	FT%	REB	AST	BLK	STL	PF	TO	PTS
2009-10	ARIZ	28.2	5.2-9.1	.574	0.1-0.5	.250	5.1-7.5	.681	7.1	0.7	0.6	0.6	2.5	1.9	15.7
2010-11	ARIZ	30.0	5.9-10.0	.595	1.1-1.9	.568	6.5-8.7	.746	8.3	1.1	0.7	1.0	2.8	2.6	19.5

He actually does rebound compared to what this site says, his range improved beyond belief, and he showed his cluthness all year and ability to preform in big games. If he does play at the 3, I do indeed his ability to defend, but he has All Star, maybe even franchise player potential and CLE started Joey Graham and Alonzo Gee at the 3 so it can’t get much worse…they traded for Omri Casspi but honestly is he on this level?:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9wo1x17SjI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6gEavolw5w

 

Now, with the 4th pick they should have stuck with their gut and taken Jonas Valancuinas. Everyone who visits this site on the regular knows what he has been up to this summer, so I will not waste space looking up stats. He may have a couple downsides but the posatives completely outweight them. He will not be able to make it over to the NBA till next year, but their may not even be a season this year so that may be a moot point. If that is the case, Jonas is able to play against real competition all year in Europe while Tristan is relegated to private work outs and pick up games. He may be skinny but look at his frame. He has very broad shoulders, will be able to put weight on and even in his post draft interview, he pointed that’s something he has to improve (while taking a unconcious shot a Chris Bosh lol). And honestly, is Tristan that much more cut up and bulkier than Jonas? Jonas is a legit 7 foot, has more post moves, and his motor is relentless. He can be a top 5 center in this league, maybe even top 3 IMO. He’s 19 years old, shoots 80% from the FT line (incredible), plays good D blocking shots at a high rate and can only improve:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGeUQdOqs_U&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0bPKro0Kag

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Dp7QN2K7g4&feature=related

 

In closing, sorry the MikeyV type post (lol) but I can’t believe how "safe" the Cavs were in their picks. Safe picks don’t always amount. Greg Oden was a safe pick. Russel Westbrook was risky. Corey Brewer was safe, Joakim Noah was risky. The list goes on and on. Obviously we won’t know anything till a few years down the road, but hindsight is 20-20 and this is how I feel right now. What do you guys think?

 

[i’m jus so offendedParticipant]

 holy ish, sorry for that mess in the middle. Here is the link for Derrick’s college stats:

 

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/45854/derrick-williams

[i’m jus so offendedParticipant]

 holy ish, sorry for that mess in the middle. Here is the link for Derrick’s college stats:

 

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/45854/derrick-williams

[i’m jus so offendedParticipant]

 holy ish, sorry for that mess in the middle. Here is the link for Derrick’s college stats:

 

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/45854/derrick-williams

[Jlv2011]

made were Irving and Thompson.  Besides that, they did ok.

[Jlv2011]

made were Irving and Thompson.  Besides that, they did ok.

[Jlv2011]

made were Irving and Thompson.  Besides that, they did ok.

[PlatypusParticipant]

 Irving was a good choice but thompson was the wrong choice. They should’ve picked Jonas

[PlatypusParticipant]

 Irving was a good choice but thompson was the wrong choice. They should’ve picked Jonas

[PlatypusParticipant]

 Irving was a good choice but thompson was the wrong choice. They should’ve picked Jonas

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

Hasheem Thabeet was risky.

Chris Paul was safe.

Marvin Williams was risky.

 

My point is, the safe pick is not at all always the wrong pick. Greg Oden got injured. How was Corey Brewer, a tall tooth pick, safe? I mean, you can name tons of scenario’s where the safe pick was not necessarily the best pick, and even more where the risky pick blew up in a teams face. I still think you have to let Irving play a game before assuming Derrick Williams is the better player.

Plus, as much as people are already passing the crown to Valanciunas. He played 4 minutes in EuroBasket today. Also, Tristan Thompson is indeed a much better: athlete, shot blocker, not to mention he is stronger. Yes, his FT shooting is weak, but the guy is not even close to the reach people are saying he is. Not to mention, at the time, it was still unknown as to when the hell Valanciunas was coming over to the NBA. Was Rubio the safe pick? Was Fran Vazquez safe? Well, we will see (though, I think Vazquez puts the fear in any lottery team taking a guy with contact obligations).

There was a lot of risk in picking both Irving and Thompson. That is why everyone is already giving them crap for doing so. Remember in 2006? When the "safe" picks were supposedly Tyrus Thomas and Randy Foye over LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy. Remember that safe guy, Adam Morrison? Cleveland is rebuilding, and as athletic as D-Will looks, it is still sight unseen as to how he will translate as a 3. I would stand by Irving, while Thompson maybe was a bit of a reach. But, I am not ready to give the crown to two guys who have been more in the public eye than either Irving or Thompson. I am cool with the bold prediction, but I would say you should let them actually play in the NBA before saying what a huge mistake they made.

 

 

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

Hasheem Thabeet was risky.

Chris Paul was safe.

Marvin Williams was risky.

 

My point is, the safe pick is not at all always the wrong pick. Greg Oden got injured. How was Corey Brewer, a tall tooth pick, safe? I mean, you can name tons of scenario’s where the safe pick was not necessarily the best pick, and even more where the risky pick blew up in a teams face. I still think you have to let Irving play a game before assuming Derrick Williams is the better player.

Plus, as much as people are already passing the crown to Valanciunas. He played 4 minutes in EuroBasket today. Also, Tristan Thompson is indeed a much better: athlete, shot blocker, not to mention he is stronger. Yes, his FT shooting is weak, but the guy is not even close to the reach people are saying he is. Not to mention, at the time, it was still unknown as to when the hell Valanciunas was coming over to the NBA. Was Rubio the safe pick? Was Fran Vazquez safe? Well, we will see (though, I think Vazquez puts the fear in any lottery team taking a guy with contact obligations).

There was a lot of risk in picking both Irving and Thompson. That is why everyone is already giving them crap for doing so. Remember in 2006? When the "safe" picks were supposedly Tyrus Thomas and Randy Foye over LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy. Remember that safe guy, Adam Morrison? Cleveland is rebuilding, and as athletic as D-Will looks, it is still sight unseen as to how he will translate as a 3. I would stand by Irving, while Thompson maybe was a bit of a reach. But, I am not ready to give the crown to two guys who have been more in the public eye than either Irving or Thompson. I am cool with the bold prediction, but I would say you should let them actually play in the NBA before saying what a huge mistake they made.

 

 

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

Hasheem Thabeet was risky.

Chris Paul was safe.

Marvin Williams was risky.

 

My point is, the safe pick is not at all always the wrong pick. Greg Oden got injured. How was Corey Brewer, a tall tooth pick, safe? I mean, you can name tons of scenario’s where the safe pick was not necessarily the best pick, and even more where the risky pick blew up in a teams face. I still think you have to let Irving play a game before assuming Derrick Williams is the better player.

Plus, as much as people are already passing the crown to Valanciunas. He played 4 minutes in EuroBasket today. Also, Tristan Thompson is indeed a much better: athlete, shot blocker, not to mention he is stronger. Yes, his FT shooting is weak, but the guy is not even close to the reach people are saying he is. Not to mention, at the time, it was still unknown as to when the hell Valanciunas was coming over to the NBA. Was Rubio the safe pick? Was Fran Vazquez safe? Well, we will see (though, I think Vazquez puts the fear in any lottery team taking a guy with contact obligations).

There was a lot of risk in picking both Irving and Thompson. That is why everyone is already giving them crap for doing so. Remember in 2006? When the "safe" picks were supposedly Tyrus Thomas and Randy Foye over LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy. Remember that safe guy, Adam Morrison? Cleveland is rebuilding, and as athletic as D-Will looks, it is still sight unseen as to how he will translate as a 3. I would stand by Irving, while Thompson maybe was a bit of a reach. But, I am not ready to give the crown to two guys who have been more in the public eye than either Irving or Thompson. I am cool with the bold prediction, but I would say you should let them actually play in the NBA before saying what a huge mistake they made.

 

 

[providencefriars1Participant]

It is rare that a team turns their franchise around with one draft. If he does not turn out as a star,Thompson could certaintly end up being a great complimentary piece to Irving and someone they draft this year. My point is I think the Cavs were looking to build their team through a few drafts and not just one.

[providencefriars1Participant]

It is rare that a team turns their franchise around with one draft. If he does not turn out as a star,Thompson could certaintly end up being a great complimentary piece to Irving and someone they draft this year. My point is I think the Cavs were looking to build their team through a few drafts and not just one.

[providencefriars1Participant]

It is rare that a team turns their franchise around with one draft. If he does not turn out as a star,Thompson could certaintly end up being a great complimentary piece to Irving and someone they draft this year. My point is I think the Cavs were looking to build their team through a few drafts and not just one.

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

I don’t think I have ever written as much internet code as you did, great job! 

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

I don’t think I have ever written as much internet code as you did, great job! 

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

I don’t think I have ever written as much internet code as you did, great job! 

[JaeEvolutionParticipant]

I wouldn’t say Cleveland made this HUGE mistake, but they did have a chance to end up much better. I think Kyrie is vastly overrated and won’t crack top 10 PG anytime soon, also I think that Tristan Thompson is a Taj Gibson clone, and there is nothing wrong with that but Taj went 26th and Tristan went 4th and you’re not going to get much offense out of either.

The only thing I would’ve done differently is take Jonas with the 4th pick. A lot of people like me are pumped up with this kids energy and motor, and some people still have doubts. But if you were to tell me he is 7 ft, hustles, and loves to play ball that’s all I need to hear because even if he doesn’t give you anything offensively you know he can still go out there and make an impact with his defense and rebounding and hustle.

Cavs are on their way to rebuilding and did a decent job but they could’ve put in place some nice building blocks in a good PG and a legit 7ft C, rather than an average PF who has limited offense.

[JaeEvolutionParticipant]

I wouldn’t say Cleveland made this HUGE mistake, but they did have a chance to end up much better. I think Kyrie is vastly overrated and won’t crack top 10 PG anytime soon, also I think that Tristan Thompson is a Taj Gibson clone, and there is nothing wrong with that but Taj went 26th and Tristan went 4th and you’re not going to get much offense out of either.

The only thing I would’ve done differently is take Jonas with the 4th pick. A lot of people like me are pumped up with this kids energy and motor, and some people still have doubts. But if you were to tell me he is 7 ft, hustles, and loves to play ball that’s all I need to hear because even if he doesn’t give you anything offensively you know he can still go out there and make an impact with his defense and rebounding and hustle.

Cavs are on their way to rebuilding and did a decent job but they could’ve put in place some nice building blocks in a good PG and a legit 7ft C, rather than an average PF who has limited offense.

[JaeEvolutionParticipant]

I wouldn’t say Cleveland made this HUGE mistake, but they did have a chance to end up much better. I think Kyrie is vastly overrated and won’t crack top 10 PG anytime soon, also I think that Tristan Thompson is a Taj Gibson clone, and there is nothing wrong with that but Taj went 26th and Tristan went 4th and you’re not going to get much offense out of either.

The only thing I would’ve done differently is take Jonas with the 4th pick. A lot of people like me are pumped up with this kids energy and motor, and some people still have doubts. But if you were to tell me he is 7 ft, hustles, and loves to play ball that’s all I need to hear because even if he doesn’t give you anything offensively you know he can still go out there and make an impact with his defense and rebounding and hustle.

Cavs are on their way to rebuilding and did a decent job but they could’ve put in place some nice building blocks in a good PG and a legit 7ft C, rather than an average PF who has limited offense.

[canesboy6Participant]

The Screwed the pooch big time. No 2 ways around it IMO. Kyrie isn’t an all star. Thompson was a reach and is nowhere near ready to contribute. IDK what they were thinking, I really dont.

Derrick Williams was the best player in this draft. So they turn around and….Draft A player who played 8 games and is overweight at the position they are already dedicating half of their salary cap to pretty much? They have a few more Years of Baron at almost max money. What are they gonna do with him?

Derrick Williams could have came in at either the 3 or 4 and filled Lebron’s hole. They totally blew that one and I said it all along. 

Then, they proceed to leave a Potential Franchise centers on the board, to take a Power forward whose game is similar to JJ Hickson, the one good starter that they have, except he is smaller and nowhere near ready to start or even really contribute. I Just dont freakin get it. Jonas was the no brainer. If they needed the help now, why didn’t they draft somebody who was ready to contribute now? Anderson Varajao is a franchise building block? Get Out of here! Jonas was a no brainer there.

Dumb Dan Gilbert, takes the 1st and 4th pick in the draft and gets the 4th and 13th best prospect in the draft on my board. But, We will see when the season starts. Ive been wrong before.

[canesboy6Participant]

The Screwed the pooch big time. No 2 ways around it IMO. Kyrie isn’t an all star. Thompson was a reach and is nowhere near ready to contribute. IDK what they were thinking, I really dont.

Derrick Williams was the best player in this draft. So they turn around and….Draft A player who played 8 games and is overweight at the position they are already dedicating half of their salary cap to pretty much? They have a few more Years of Baron at almost max money. What are they gonna do with him?

Derrick Williams could have came in at either the 3 or 4 and filled Lebron’s hole. They totally blew that one and I said it all along. 

Then, they proceed to leave a Potential Franchise centers on the board, to take a Power forward whose game is similar to JJ Hickson, the one good starter that they have, except he is smaller and nowhere near ready to start or even really contribute. I Just dont freakin get it. Jonas was the no brainer. If they needed the help now, why didn’t they draft somebody who was ready to contribute now? Anderson Varajao is a franchise building block? Get Out of here! Jonas was a no brainer there.

Dumb Dan Gilbert, takes the 1st and 4th pick in the draft and gets the 4th and 13th best prospect in the draft on my board. But, We will see when the season starts. Ive been wrong before.

[canesboy6Participant]

The Screwed the pooch big time. No 2 ways around it IMO. Kyrie isn’t an all star. Thompson was a reach and is nowhere near ready to contribute. IDK what they were thinking, I really dont.

Derrick Williams was the best player in this draft. So they turn around and….Draft A player who played 8 games and is overweight at the position they are already dedicating half of their salary cap to pretty much? They have a few more Years of Baron at almost max money. What are they gonna do with him?

Derrick Williams could have came in at either the 3 or 4 and filled Lebron’s hole. They totally blew that one and I said it all along. 

Then, they proceed to leave a Potential Franchise centers on the board, to take a Power forward whose game is similar to JJ Hickson, the one good starter that they have, except he is smaller and nowhere near ready to start or even really contribute. I Just dont freakin get it. Jonas was the no brainer. If they needed the help now, why didn’t they draft somebody who was ready to contribute now? Anderson Varajao is a franchise building block? Get Out of here! Jonas was a no brainer there.

Dumb Dan Gilbert, takes the 1st and 4th pick in the draft and gets the 4th and 13th best prospect in the draft on my board. But, We will see when the season starts. Ive been wrong before.

[hiphopismylifeParticipant]

I wasn’t a huge fan of the Thompson pick either. I would have gone with Jonas or traded into next year’s loaded draft with that fourth pick.

Thompson will have a chance to be productive since they traded Hickson, but by doing that they essentially took another step back, or broke even at best IMO. I don’t know that he’ll be as good as Hickson, who is still very young. I certainly would be surprised to see Thompson match Hickson’s production by next season.

[hiphopismylifeParticipant]

I wasn’t a huge fan of the Thompson pick either. I would have gone with Jonas or traded into next year’s loaded draft with that fourth pick.

Thompson will have a chance to be productive since they traded Hickson, but by doing that they essentially took another step back, or broke even at best IMO. I don’t know that he’ll be as good as Hickson, who is still very young. I certainly would be surprised to see Thompson match Hickson’s production by next season.

[hiphopismylifeParticipant]

I wasn’t a huge fan of the Thompson pick either. I would have gone with Jonas or traded into next year’s loaded draft with that fourth pick.

Thompson will have a chance to be productive since they traded Hickson, but by doing that they essentially took another step back, or broke even at best IMO. I don’t know that he’ll be as good as Hickson, who is still very young. I certainly would be surprised to see Thompson match Hickson’s production by next season.

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

"Everyone who visits this site on the regular knows what he has been up to this summer, so I will not waste space looking up stats."

Don’t worry, I have your back. 4 minutes, 2 rebounds, 2 turnovers, and 1 foul against basketball behemoth Great Britain. He is just itching to get after Portugal. 

Just a reminder of how he fared against the best competition last year.

vs Zalgiris- 7 games, 21 MPG, 8.9 Ppg, 22-39 FGm-FGa, 17-24 FTM-FTA, 5.4 Rpg, 0.6 Apg, 1.4 Bpg, 0.4 Spg, 1.0 TOpg, and 3.6 PFpg
vs CSKA- 2 games, 11 MPG, 3.5 Ppg, 3-8 FGm-FGa, 1-2 FTM-FTA, 2.5 Rpg, 0.5 Apg, 1.0 Bpg, 1.5 Spg, 1.5 TOpg, and 2.0 PFpg
vs Unics- 2 games, 13 MPG, 3.0 Ppg, 2-6 FGm-FGa, 2-2 FTM-FTA, 6.0 Rpg, 0.5 Apg, 1.0 Bpg, 0.0 Spg, 0.5 TOpg, and 2.0 PFpg
Euroleague- 15 games, 15 MPG, 7.7 Ppg, 46-65 FGm-FGa, 23-26 FTM-FTA, 5.8 Rpg, 0.2 Apg, 0.7 Bpg, 0.2 Spg, 1.4 TOpg, and 3.1 PFpg

How could anyone ever pass on Jonas Sabonis?

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

"Everyone who visits this site on the regular knows what he has been up to this summer, so I will not waste space looking up stats."

Don’t worry, I have your back. 4 minutes, 2 rebounds, 2 turnovers, and 1 foul against basketball behemoth Great Britain. He is just itching to get after Portugal. 

Just a reminder of how he fared against the best competition last year.

vs Zalgiris- 7 games, 21 MPG, 8.9 Ppg, 22-39 FGm-FGa, 17-24 FTM-FTA, 5.4 Rpg, 0.6 Apg, 1.4 Bpg, 0.4 Spg, 1.0 TOpg, and 3.6 PFpg
vs CSKA- 2 games, 11 MPG, 3.5 Ppg, 3-8 FGm-FGa, 1-2 FTM-FTA, 2.5 Rpg, 0.5 Apg, 1.0 Bpg, 1.5 Spg, 1.5 TOpg, and 2.0 PFpg
vs Unics- 2 games, 13 MPG, 3.0 Ppg, 2-6 FGm-FGa, 2-2 FTM-FTA, 6.0 Rpg, 0.5 Apg, 1.0 Bpg, 0.0 Spg, 0.5 TOpg, and 2.0 PFpg
Euroleague- 15 games, 15 MPG, 7.7 Ppg, 46-65 FGm-FGa, 23-26 FTM-FTA, 5.8 Rpg, 0.2 Apg, 0.7 Bpg, 0.2 Spg, 1.4 TOpg, and 3.1 PFpg

How could anyone ever pass on Jonas Sabonis?

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

"Everyone who visits this site on the regular knows what he has been up to this summer, so I will not waste space looking up stats."

Don’t worry, I have your back. 4 minutes, 2 rebounds, 2 turnovers, and 1 foul against basketball behemoth Great Britain. He is just itching to get after Portugal. 

Just a reminder of how he fared against the best competition last year.

vs Zalgiris- 7 games, 21 MPG, 8.9 Ppg, 22-39 FGm-FGa, 17-24 FTM-FTA, 5.4 Rpg, 0.6 Apg, 1.4 Bpg, 0.4 Spg, 1.0 TOpg, and 3.6 PFpg
vs CSKA- 2 games, 11 MPG, 3.5 Ppg, 3-8 FGm-FGa, 1-2 FTM-FTA, 2.5 Rpg, 0.5 Apg, 1.0 Bpg, 1.5 Spg, 1.5 TOpg, and 2.0 PFpg
vs Unics- 2 games, 13 MPG, 3.0 Ppg, 2-6 FGm-FGa, 2-2 FTM-FTA, 6.0 Rpg, 0.5 Apg, 1.0 Bpg, 0.0 Spg, 0.5 TOpg, and 2.0 PFpg
Euroleague- 15 games, 15 MPG, 7.7 Ppg, 46-65 FGm-FGa, 23-26 FTM-FTA, 5.8 Rpg, 0.2 Apg, 0.7 Bpg, 0.2 Spg, 1.4 TOpg, and 3.1 PFpg

How could anyone ever pass on Jonas Sabonis?

[Malik-UniversalParticipant]

how can we assume that the cavs made mistakes when irving and thompson havent even had a second of nba time… 

Irving i think… will turn out to be good, how good? idk, maybe a few all star apperences, who knows… thompson will never be a 20 point scorer or even an all star… but hes gnna be a great role player who provides defense and energy…

 

[Malik-UniversalParticipant]

how can we assume that the cavs made mistakes when irving and thompson havent even had a second of nba time… 

Irving i think… will turn out to be good, how good? idk, maybe a few all star apperences, who knows… thompson will never be a 20 point scorer or even an all star… but hes gnna be a great role player who provides defense and energy…

 

[Malik-UniversalParticipant]

how can we assume that the cavs made mistakes when irving and thompson havent even had a second of nba time… 

Irving i think… will turn out to be good, how good? idk, maybe a few all star apperences, who knows… thompson will never be a 20 point scorer or even an all star… but hes gnna be a great role player who provides defense and energy…

 

[doubledribblerParticipant]

I think when you are a team like Cleveland there is nothing wrong for taking a chance on a guy, it just has to be the right one. A lot of people are saying Thompson is going to be a good role players, but you’re really not trying to pick a role player with your 2nd pick in the top 4 when your team is horrible and light on talent. There are plenty of 2nd rounders and undrafted guys that can turn into solid role players.

I’m fine with the Kyrie pick. I think his game will translate well. He’s going to come in as a guy that can adequately run a team, has solid passing skills and has a nice jumper. There are questions about all guys, but I like him as the choice for them over Williams, mainly because I’m not sure he is the type of tweener you want to even attempt to build your team around. The guy could have an excellent career, but I don’t see Williams as the type of guy that could ever lead a team to the championship. Hopefully he keeps developing and proves me wrong, but tweeners typically don’t even make all star teams. I would not be surprised when all is said and done if a lot of these foreign prospects end up with better careers of the guys in this draft.

Back to the 2nd pick, I think the Cavs needed someone with decent offensive ability. I think the best way to help a pg like Kyrie grow is by giving them someone that can run and play with them on that side of the ball. Instead you draft an anemic offensive player to add to a team with no type of offensive balance. I think the best comparison I heard from someone was Taj Gibson. I see him as a Taj Gibson with more potential, but Gibson nonetheless. Who knows maybe Cleveland sees Varejo as similiar to Noah and Irving as the next Rose, then surround those guys with a bunch of non-shooters. They may be trying to start a generic version of the Bulls.

[doubledribblerParticipant]

I think when you are a team like Cleveland there is nothing wrong for taking a chance on a guy, it just has to be the right one. A lot of people are saying Thompson is going to be a good role players, but you’re really not trying to pick a role player with your 2nd pick in the top 4 when your team is horrible and light on talent. There are plenty of 2nd rounders and undrafted guys that can turn into solid role players.

I’m fine with the Kyrie pick. I think his game will translate well. He’s going to come in as a guy that can adequately run a team, has solid passing skills and has a nice jumper. There are questions about all guys, but I like him as the choice for them over Williams, mainly because I’m not sure he is the type of tweener you want to even attempt to build your team around. The guy could have an excellent career, but I don’t see Williams as the type of guy that could ever lead a team to the championship. Hopefully he keeps developing and proves me wrong, but tweeners typically don’t even make all star teams. I would not be surprised when all is said and done if a lot of these foreign prospects end up with better careers of the guys in this draft.

Back to the 2nd pick, I think the Cavs needed someone with decent offensive ability. I think the best way to help a pg like Kyrie grow is by giving them someone that can run and play with them on that side of the ball. Instead you draft an anemic offensive player to add to a team with no type of offensive balance. I think the best comparison I heard from someone was Taj Gibson. I see him as a Taj Gibson with more potential, but Gibson nonetheless. Who knows maybe Cleveland sees Varejo as similiar to Noah and Irving as the next Rose, then surround those guys with a bunch of non-shooters. They may be trying to start a generic version of the Bulls.

[doubledribblerParticipant]

I think when you are a team like Cleveland there is nothing wrong for taking a chance on a guy, it just has to be the right one. A lot of people are saying Thompson is going to be a good role players, but you’re really not trying to pick a role player with your 2nd pick in the top 4 when your team is horrible and light on talent. There are plenty of 2nd rounders and undrafted guys that can turn into solid role players.

I’m fine with the Kyrie pick. I think his game will translate well. He’s going to come in as a guy that can adequately run a team, has solid passing skills and has a nice jumper. There are questions about all guys, but I like him as the choice for them over Williams, mainly because I’m not sure he is the type of tweener you want to even attempt to build your team around. The guy could have an excellent career, but I don’t see Williams as the type of guy that could ever lead a team to the championship. Hopefully he keeps developing and proves me wrong, but tweeners typically don’t even make all star teams. I would not be surprised when all is said and done if a lot of these foreign prospects end up with better careers of the guys in this draft.

Back to the 2nd pick, I think the Cavs needed someone with decent offensive ability. I think the best way to help a pg like Kyrie grow is by giving them someone that can run and play with them on that side of the ball. Instead you draft an anemic offensive player to add to a team with no type of offensive balance. I think the best comparison I heard from someone was Taj Gibson. I see him as a Taj Gibson with more potential, but Gibson nonetheless. Who knows maybe Cleveland sees Varejo as similiar to Noah and Irving as the next Rose, then surround those guys with a bunch of non-shooters. They may be trying to start a generic version of the Bulls.

[Bmore_DCParticipant]

Although i wouldnt have taken Irving, at least i can see why they did…I am pretty high on Thompson but your right, 4th pick was a little high for him…if you were going to take a project why wouldnt you take Jonas? I kinda thought they shouldve went Derrick Williams #1 and Brandon Knight #4 but what do i know?

[Bmore_DCParticipant]

Although i wouldnt have taken Irving, at least i can see why they did…I am pretty high on Thompson but your right, 4th pick was a little high for him…if you were going to take a project why wouldnt you take Jonas? I kinda thought they shouldve went Derrick Williams #1 and Brandon Knight #4 but what do i know?

[Bmore_DCParticipant]

Although i wouldnt have taken Irving, at least i can see why they did…I am pretty high on Thompson but your right, 4th pick was a little high for him…if you were going to take a project why wouldnt you take Jonas? I kinda thought they shouldve went Derrick Williams #1 and Brandon Knight #4 but what do i know?

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

Yeah bmore DC, a good pick would have been Derrick Williams at one and then a point guard or
Jonas or Vesely at 4.

While I am not picking Kyrie Irving to be a superstar (no one else is either), I think he can be an
above average point guard (this seems to be the consensus). I compared him
earlier to Rod Strickland, a savvy point guard who was an above average point guard but never the TOP
point guard in the league.

TT should be solid. I agree with the Taj Gibson comparison. His stat sheet may also resemble Udonis Haslem’s
some.

I think this team is now hoping to draft Andre Drummond next year. This team looks like one that should be
built around a superstar center or a superstar wing. Great centers have won plenty of titles and Drummond
looks to be a promising prospect.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

Yeah bmore DC, a good pick would have been Derrick Williams at one and then a point guard or
Jonas or Vesely at 4.

While I am not picking Kyrie Irving to be a superstar (no one else is either), I think he can be an
above average point guard (this seems to be the consensus). I compared him
earlier to Rod Strickland, a savvy point guard who was an above average point guard but never the TOP
point guard in the league.

TT should be solid. I agree with the Taj Gibson comparison. His stat sheet may also resemble Udonis Haslem’s
some.

I think this team is now hoping to draft Andre Drummond next year. This team looks like one that should be
built around a superstar center or a superstar wing. Great centers have won plenty of titles and Drummond
looks to be a promising prospect.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

Yeah bmore DC, a good pick would have been Derrick Williams at one and then a point guard or
Jonas or Vesely at 4.

While I am not picking Kyrie Irving to be a superstar (no one else is either), I think he can be an
above average point guard (this seems to be the consensus). I compared him
earlier to Rod Strickland, a savvy point guard who was an above average point guard but never the TOP
point guard in the league.

TT should be solid. I agree with the Taj Gibson comparison. His stat sheet may also resemble Udonis Haslem’s
some.

I think this team is now hoping to draft Andre Drummond next year. This team looks like one that should be
built around a superstar center or a superstar wing. Great centers have won plenty of titles and Drummond
looks to be a promising prospect.

[mrhancocParticipant]

Cleveland did ok with their draft picks but I sure didn’t see T. Thompson with the #4 pick coming…..lol

I can see Kyrie being a pretty good player in the future, so give em a few years to mold and "get right"

Now T. Thompson, IDK about this dude, I just don’t see him being a dominate player at his position.

IMO, I would have traded the #4 pick for a pick in next years draft if I could, and if I couldn’t I probably would have taken Jonas like many others

but it was a weak draft in some aspects

[mrhancocParticipant]

Cleveland did ok with their draft picks but I sure didn’t see T. Thompson with the #4 pick coming…..lol

I can see Kyrie being a pretty good player in the future, so give em a few years to mold and "get right"

Now T. Thompson, IDK about this dude, I just don’t see him being a dominate player at his position.

IMO, I would have traded the #4 pick for a pick in next years draft if I could, and if I couldn’t I probably would have taken Jonas like many others

but it was a weak draft in some aspects

[mrhancocParticipant]

Cleveland did ok with their draft picks but I sure didn’t see T. Thompson with the #4 pick coming…..lol

I can see Kyrie being a pretty good player in the future, so give em a few years to mold and "get right"

Now T. Thompson, IDK about this dude, I just don’t see him being a dominate player at his position.

IMO, I would have traded the #4 pick for a pick in next years draft if I could, and if I couldn’t I probably would have taken Jonas like many others

but it was a weak draft in some aspects

[TheLastWordParticipant]

I’m not a fan of what Gilbert did. Quality centers are rare, even next years epic draft only has one – Drummond….good luck getting #1 again. It should have been a pretty straightforward plan for the Cavs, take who is left of Kanter or JV and they somehow screwed it up. Thompson could be good, but I think his ceiling is a smarter, more under control Tyrus Thomas. You can get guys like that through trade or on the free agent market, no reason to draft them 4th. I just have a bad feeling the Cavs will now be one of those teams on the eternal search for a quality center. Not a good place to be.

[TheLastWordParticipant]

I’m not a fan of what Gilbert did. Quality centers are rare, even next years epic draft only has one – Drummond….good luck getting #1 again. It should have been a pretty straightforward plan for the Cavs, take who is left of Kanter or JV and they somehow screwed it up. Thompson could be good, but I think his ceiling is a smarter, more under control Tyrus Thomas. You can get guys like that through trade or on the free agent market, no reason to draft them 4th. I just have a bad feeling the Cavs will now be one of those teams on the eternal search for a quality center. Not a good place to be.

[TheLastWordParticipant]

I’m not a fan of what Gilbert did. Quality centers are rare, even next years epic draft only has one – Drummond….good luck getting #1 again. It should have been a pretty straightforward plan for the Cavs, take who is left of Kanter or JV and they somehow screwed it up. Thompson could be good, but I think his ceiling is a smarter, more under control Tyrus Thomas. You can get guys like that through trade or on the free agent market, no reason to draft them 4th. I just have a bad feeling the Cavs will now be one of those teams on the eternal search for a quality center. Not a good place to be.

[RafterParticipant]

I don’t think the Cavs could make a huge mistake, Irving was considered to be the consensus number one pick, i would’ve went with Williams, the three is a problem area, and Williams fitted the bill, but i’m not too upset that the Cavs picked Irving, he’s a guy who at least would be a solid Point Guard, which isn’t the end of the world.

As for the Thompson pick, the Cavs have been tracking him for some time and were very high on him, i was a little surprised at first, Valanciunas was the best available however, i doubt Thompson will ever be a first team all NBA player in his career, but he’s going to be solid player, maybe have a couple of allstars but i don’t expect him to take the league by storm at any point.

Looking at the next draft, it is soo deep in forwards, i guess the staff figured, "Right now, let’s pick up a big building block with the number one pick, lock up the Point Guard position and with the forth, let’s add a young high energy piece, we won’t be competitive next season, we’ll get another high draft pick and land a talented young forward."

Realistically, if the lockout ended today, this current Cavalier team probably won’t make the playoffs, they could scrape an eighth seed spot at best. But, building through the draft isn’t a bad thing, new young faces and new names brings fresh excitement, it’ll take time of course for that young talent will develop but that’s why it’s a rebuilding process. It takes time.

 

 

[RafterParticipant]

I don’t think the Cavs could make a huge mistake, Irving was considered to be the consensus number one pick, i would’ve went with Williams, the three is a problem area, and Williams fitted the bill, but i’m not too upset that the Cavs picked Irving, he’s a guy who at least would be a solid Point Guard, which isn’t the end of the world.

As for the Thompson pick, the Cavs have been tracking him for some time and were very high on him, i was a little surprised at first, Valanciunas was the best available however, i doubt Thompson will ever be a first team all NBA player in his career, but he’s going to be solid player, maybe have a couple of allstars but i don’t expect him to take the league by storm at any point.

Looking at the next draft, it is soo deep in forwards, i guess the staff figured, "Right now, let’s pick up a big building block with the number one pick, lock up the Point Guard position and with the forth, let’s add a young high energy piece, we won’t be competitive next season, we’ll get another high draft pick and land a talented young forward."

Realistically, if the lockout ended today, this current Cavalier team probably won’t make the playoffs, they could scrape an eighth seed spot at best. But, building through the draft isn’t a bad thing, new young faces and new names brings fresh excitement, it’ll take time of course for that young talent will develop but that’s why it’s a rebuilding process. It takes time.

 

 

[RafterParticipant]

I don’t think the Cavs could make a huge mistake, Irving was considered to be the consensus number one pick, i would’ve went with Williams, the three is a problem area, and Williams fitted the bill, but i’m not too upset that the Cavs picked Irving, he’s a guy who at least would be a solid Point Guard, which isn’t the end of the world.

As for the Thompson pick, the Cavs have been tracking him for some time and were very high on him, i was a little surprised at first, Valanciunas was the best available however, i doubt Thompson will ever be a first team all NBA player in his career, but he’s going to be solid player, maybe have a couple of allstars but i don’t expect him to take the league by storm at any point.

Looking at the next draft, it is soo deep in forwards, i guess the staff figured, "Right now, let’s pick up a big building block with the number one pick, lock up the Point Guard position and with the forth, let’s add a young high energy piece, we won’t be competitive next season, we’ll get another high draft pick and land a talented young forward."

Realistically, if the lockout ended today, this current Cavalier team probably won’t make the playoffs, they could scrape an eighth seed spot at best. But, building through the draft isn’t a bad thing, new young faces and new names brings fresh excitement, it’ll take time of course for that young talent will develop but that’s why it’s a rebuilding process. It takes time.

 

 

[kngojcParticipant]

 I think the main problem with the fourth pick was that everyone was hoping Cleveland would get a superstar talent with both the first and fourth picks. Lets remember that this draft was pretty weak as it is and getting a star talent with even the second or third pick was pushing it. Could they have gone a different direction and maybe pick someone with more upside/more talent? Sure. However I think the Cavs are looking to completely scrap their old "Lebron’s Team" and create a new one with a completely new image. In my personal opinion I think the Cavs were just trying to take their guy at one, then turn around and draft a guy that will complement their star player for the future well. I would love to see another PG-PF combo with a high pick and roll, maybe thats what the Cavs wanted.

The other thing I wanted to say is about the debate about Williams and Irving. I personally think they should’ve picked Williams (but I’m a Wolves fan so I’m perfectly content with their pick) but I also think that they want to get out of Lebron’s shadow. They don’t want to be continuously defined by their small forward or lack of one, so why just try to replace him when you are trying to give your team a new identity.

The picks they made weren’t going to blow anyone away, but they were good solid picks. They will get good production from both of those players and I think they will both have pretty decent futures in the league. And even if they play poorly in the (maybe nonexistent) upcoming season, they’re still lined up for another high pick in a ridiculously deep draft where the chances of getting a real stud is more likely.

[kngojcParticipant]

 I think the main problem with the fourth pick was that everyone was hoping Cleveland would get a superstar talent with both the first and fourth picks. Lets remember that this draft was pretty weak as it is and getting a star talent with even the second or third pick was pushing it. Could they have gone a different direction and maybe pick someone with more upside/more talent? Sure. However I think the Cavs are looking to completely scrap their old "Lebron’s Team" and create a new one with a completely new image. In my personal opinion I think the Cavs were just trying to take their guy at one, then turn around and draft a guy that will complement their star player for the future well. I would love to see another PG-PF combo with a high pick and roll, maybe thats what the Cavs wanted.

The other thing I wanted to say is about the debate about Williams and Irving. I personally think they should’ve picked Williams (but I’m a Wolves fan so I’m perfectly content with their pick) but I also think that they want to get out of Lebron’s shadow. They don’t want to be continuously defined by their small forward or lack of one, so why just try to replace him when you are trying to give your team a new identity.

The picks they made weren’t going to blow anyone away, but they were good solid picks. They will get good production from both of those players and I think they will both have pretty decent futures in the league. And even if they play poorly in the (maybe nonexistent) upcoming season, they’re still lined up for another high pick in a ridiculously deep draft where the chances of getting a real stud is more likely.

[kngojcParticipant]

 I think the main problem with the fourth pick was that everyone was hoping Cleveland would get a superstar talent with both the first and fourth picks. Lets remember that this draft was pretty weak as it is and getting a star talent with even the second or third pick was pushing it. Could they have gone a different direction and maybe pick someone with more upside/more talent? Sure. However I think the Cavs are looking to completely scrap their old "Lebron’s Team" and create a new one with a completely new image. In my personal opinion I think the Cavs were just trying to take their guy at one, then turn around and draft a guy that will complement their star player for the future well. I would love to see another PG-PF combo with a high pick and roll, maybe thats what the Cavs wanted.

The other thing I wanted to say is about the debate about Williams and Irving. I personally think they should’ve picked Williams (but I’m a Wolves fan so I’m perfectly content with their pick) but I also think that they want to get out of Lebron’s shadow. They don’t want to be continuously defined by their small forward or lack of one, so why just try to replace him when you are trying to give your team a new identity.

The picks they made weren’t going to blow anyone away, but they were good solid picks. They will get good production from both of those players and I think they will both have pretty decent futures in the league. And even if they play poorly in the (maybe nonexistent) upcoming season, they’re still lined up for another high pick in a ridiculously deep draft where the chances of getting a real stud is more likely.

[HitsterParticipant]

Irving was a consensus number one but I agree that Thompson was a bit of a reach at 4. I think that a lot of people myself included had either Jonas or Knight as a likely 4th pick. My concern with Cleveland was that they did not fill either SF or SG which are perhaps their two current needs but after a 19-63 season things did need changing and taking a front courter and a back courter is a perfect complimentary draft in most people’s books. Whether the choices were right remains to be seen.

They have kept Varejao and took Thompson but then the fun could be if they get a shot at say Drummond, McAdoo or Davis in next year’s draft. How do you really judge Thompson on one season and could they risk passing on a potential monster like Drummond?

Next year someone like Harrison Barnes would be a great fit for the Cavs helping to fill the SG/SF role.

[HitsterParticipant]

Irving was a consensus number one but I agree that Thompson was a bit of a reach at 4. I think that a lot of people myself included had either Jonas or Knight as a likely 4th pick. My concern with Cleveland was that they did not fill either SF or SG which are perhaps their two current needs but after a 19-63 season things did need changing and taking a front courter and a back courter is a perfect complimentary draft in most people’s books. Whether the choices were right remains to be seen.

They have kept Varejao and took Thompson but then the fun could be if they get a shot at say Drummond, McAdoo or Davis in next year’s draft. How do you really judge Thompson on one season and could they risk passing on a potential monster like Drummond?

Next year someone like Harrison Barnes would be a great fit for the Cavs helping to fill the SG/SF role.

[HitsterParticipant]

Irving was a consensus number one but I agree that Thompson was a bit of a reach at 4. I think that a lot of people myself included had either Jonas or Knight as a likely 4th pick. My concern with Cleveland was that they did not fill either SF or SG which are perhaps their two current needs but after a 19-63 season things did need changing and taking a front courter and a back courter is a perfect complimentary draft in most people’s books. Whether the choices were right remains to be seen.

They have kept Varejao and took Thompson but then the fun could be if they get a shot at say Drummond, McAdoo or Davis in next year’s draft. How do you really judge Thompson on one season and could they risk passing on a potential monster like Drummond?

Next year someone like Harrison Barnes would be a great fit for the Cavs helping to fill the SG/SF role.

[Author]

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