Post-Draft Thoughts

 

 

 

Photo from Cleveland.com

After the inevitable Anthony Davis selection by the New Orleans Hornets, my mind started to wander. What was next? Will the Cavs trade up to take Bradley Beal, would Charlotte take Beal as trade bait, hopefully for Cleveland, would the Bobcats take Thomas Robinson? What would it be?

And then to me, they did the unthinkable. The Charlotte Bobcats select ... Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. WHY!? Well, he is the second best prospect in this years draft. Everyone has heard all the good about him and I'm sure Michael Jordan was tired of hearing all of that draft criticism. Now back to that three-letter question. There was almost no ties with MKG to the Kitties, and that selection had me, the Cavs fan, worried. Because I surely knew who the next pick was going to be.

Sure enough, Beal went to the Washington Wizards third overall. There went our top two players, just like that. I don't recall ever seeing a mock draft that didn't give us the choice to take one of those two stellar prospects. Beal wasn't a surprise, the selection was more like a kick while we were down. Immediately, I thought the selection for the Cavs at four would be Harrison Barnes. And why not, at points the Cavs front office had him ranked higher than both players that went two and three. But there was also lingering concern for me that Chris Grant would aim for the best player and take Thomas Robinson. That selection would pretty much render the Tristan Thompson pick from last year worthless. But maybe not, I don't work in an NBA front office.

Then came possibly the biggest surprise of the night. Dion Waiters at number four. For the record, I've liked this kid a lot, since his freshman year at Syracuse. His game truthfully has few weaknesses and on shots he'll likely take in the pros, he shoots a fantastic percentage. His comparisons are of a Dywane Wade/Russell Westbrook hybrid. Byron Scott lobbied for this selection for three weeks now, and it got Grant and Dan Gilbert's blessing. So get ready for my honest take: I love Waiters, and would have loved this pick had we traded down to six or seven. That way, we could have got our guy and either picked up the 11th or 30th pick as well.

After seeing Barnes fall to seven, I'm a tad upset that Cleveland didn't pull the trigger on the offer from Golden State: Anderson Varejao and pick #24 for the seventh pick. Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters and Harrison Barnes. Wow, is all I can say about that possibility that we passed up. The Cleveland Plain-Dealer is reporting that we aren't giving up and working to acquire Barnes from Golden State, but at this point I think it's an afterthought.

The next thing Cleveland did was move all their remaining picks -- #24, 33, 34 -- for the draft rights to Tyler Zeller. I absolutely love this move. Zeller will fit in nicely to this Cleveland team. He runs, all the time, a center willing to run on fast breaks is a great thing to have. He's also a great post defender and has the best current offensive skill set of any of the Cavalier big men. Even though Cleveland gave up a lot for him, it will be worth it.

Today the Cavs also signed Kevin Jones from West Virginia. Personally, I can't believe Jones didn't get drafted as he can become a pretty good player off the bench.

But with all of these picks, obviously nothing is certain and time will tell how these three men will pan out in the NBA. Let's all hope that it's for the better.

Mock Draft #2

Well here we go, this is my first attempt at a full mock draft, and while I'm certainly no expert at this, I've been doing my fair share of reading (lots) about team needs and prospects in this draft. While mock drafts are never right because of massive amounts of smokescreens thrown out by teams up until draft night, I figured I'd give my glorified, educated guesses for my own entertainment, and hopefully yours as well. One last thing, trades happen. I will NOT be taking any trades into account. So without further adieu my 2012 NBA mock draft: Round One.

Pick One: Anthony Davis - PF, Kentucky
No need to beat around the bush. The Unibrow is the selection here.

 Pick Two: Thomas Robinson - PF, Kansas
This is where things get interesting. Cleveland has been linked to this pick because if Bradley Beal is their guy, he'll be in a Wizards jersey by the time pick #4 rolls around. If the Cats won't or can't move this pick, Robinson should be the guy here. Harrison Barnes is also rumored to have a top five promise, and there is UNC ties galore in the Charlotte organization. Robinson would give the Bobcats a pretty formidable frontcourt to build a team around. With Robinson's scoring and rebounding paired with Bismack Biyombo's insane ability to block everything they would be a step closer to building a playoff team, but still nowhere close. Other picks here could be Barnes, Beal, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist or Andre Drummond.

Pick Three: Brad Beal - SG, Florida
The Wiz just traded for Trevor Ariza, and even though they say that has no bearing on their draft board, getting Beal here fills a need as well as adds a damn good player. Beal is the consensus best shooter in this draft and has even drawn Ray Allen comparisons. His game doesn't stop as a shooter though, he can get to the basket and finish at the rim, handle the ball, play defense, basically a little of everything. Not only is this a great pick for the Wizards, it would be immensely fun to watch him with a young, athletic point guard. Beal and John Wall could be the start of something great in Washington. If the Cavs pull the trigger and trade for the number two pick, The Wizards should have no problem taking Michael Kidd-Gilchrist here. 

Pick Four: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist - SF, Kentucky
This was tough. If Cleveland stays at four, this pick will ultimately be between Kidd-Gilchrist or Harrison Barnes. Even though Kyrie Irving is best friends with Barnes and has expressed a desire to play with him, MKG, who was Kyrie's high school teammate by the way, has a far bigger upside than Barnes at this point. Kidd-Gilchrist is most everyone's second best prospect behind Anthony Davis, but he isn't close to being a total package. The knock on MKG is his inability to jump shoot. He shot 49% from the floor, but just 26% from three-point range. However, jump shots can be corrected. What MKG will bring to the table is very valuable in it's own right. His best quality right now may very well be his lock-down defensive ability. MKG has a real shot to be the best perimeter defender in the NBA, for a long time. That alone warrants him being selected at number four. This Kidd (see what I did there?) despises losing, he flat out hates it. He is probably the hardest worker in this years class, he literally wants to be the best. He has strong leadership qualities as well, and you pair them with his raw basketball talent and MKG is a flat out steal at number four. I'll be ecstatic if Cleveland comes away with either Beal or MKG, but won't be disappointed if Barnes is our guy either.

Pick Five: Harrison Barnes - SF, North Carolina
This pick could center around the Kings willingness to roll the dice on Andre Drummond. Because a frontcourt of Drummond and DeMarcus Cousins could be potentially nasty. But that's a big "if."  It's probably not the smartest thing to put two headaches/prima donnas on the same team. I think the kings will go the safer route and take Barnes, the best scorer in this years draft. Scouts have said he'll be a better pro than he was at UNC, and even a slight upgrade from the Tarheels version of Barnes would make most every team happy. He was penciled in as a number one pick before he even played a game in college, and his stock was that high at one time. I don't buy into why it dropped however. He had a few bad games and that's literally the reason. His workouts and combine must have been very good, because this stock-dropping nonsense has quieted lately and he'll fit in fine in Sacramento. Confusing thing however -- he cancelled his workout with the Kings, but I can't see him going ahead of MKG. It would make sense for Charlotte to nab him at four if they indeed trade their pick to Cleveland. If not, I think he lands with the Kings.

Pick Six: Damian Lillard - PG, Weber State
I've read a lot that the Blazers are in love with Lillard and frankly, I don't see him lasting until they pick again at 11. So they have a bit of a dilemma, take the far superior talent in Andre Drummond and hope he pans out, or make sure they get their guy by reaching a tiny bit. Lillard is by far the best point guard prospect in a class that isn't very deep at the position, and Blazers severely need someone to run the floor up in Portland. To me this pick is literally a coin flip between the two, just depends on the powers that be for the Trailblazers. My gut says Lillard.

Pick Seven: Dion Waiters - SG, Syracuse
For some reason, I got a mega version of the Warriors logo, couldn't get any others to work. Nevertheless here we go. Last year the Warriors shipped off Monta Ellis for Andrew Bogut. That trade is relevant on both fronts for this pick. The arrival of Bogut means no Drummond while the departure of Ellis means there's a spot where Waiters will fit in nicely. This kid will be good, and his ability to get to the rim will only complement the Golden State shooters. I've even read from a quite respectable draft analyst, that he believes Waiters could be as good as Beal. So not that big of a reach at seven.

Pick Eight: Andre Drummond - C/PF, Connecticut
Ahh, logos that fit in. Anyways, you got Andrea Bargnani, and that's it at center. If Drummond hits his full potential, this team could work for him. He could even co-exist with Bargnani as they have two way different styles of playing the game. This may not necessarily be ideal for Toronto as they have no one to really teach Drummond, but it's a risk worth taking, especially at eight considering he has top three talent. Another pick that could fit in here is Austin Rivers, but at this point, if Drummond is still here, he'll be the pick. Scary thought: if he slips past Toronto, Detroit has a stud center in Greg Monroe, they'll surely pass. That leaves New Orleans, frontcourt of Anthony Davis and Andre Drummond anyone?

Pick Nine: John Henson: PF, North Carolina
Henson is pretty polished at this point in his career, and I've read that after Eyebrow, Henson is the most NBA ready big man in this draft. He's certainly going to have to put on some muscle because right now he'd make Chris Bosh look like Hulk Hogan. The UNC junior average double digit points and rebounds last year. He's a good shot blocker and has good shooting range for a big. Just pack on them pounds son.

Pick Ten: Meyers Leonard - C, Illinois
This could mean no worries at the four and five spots for the Hornets. If Eric Gordon is re-signed, him along with Davis and Leonard are a pretty solid foundation for a team going forward. Leonard has the size and the length to really make an impact, especially if he's playing next to Davis' brow.

Pick Eleven: Jeremy Lamb - SG, Connecticut
Lamb is a guy that I haven't heard much about recently. He rolled his ankle in a workout and maybe thats affecting his stock, I don't know. What I do know is Portland needs a shooting guard. Jamal Crawford will be leaving as a free agent and Wesley Matthews has been a disappointment. Grabbing Lamb here and pairing him with their sixth pick, Lillard, could kick start Portland back into contention for a playoff spot.

Pick Twelve: Tyler Zeller - C/PF, North Carolina
Since the trade for Ellis took the last remaining legitimate center off of this team, that should be what Milwaukee will address in the draft. Zeller is the next best available center and in some ways may even be better than college teammate Henson, who I have going three spots ahead of here. The thing that sticks out to me from watching UNC games last season was how anti-sluggish (+1 for made up phrases) Zeller is. He'll be right there on a fast break, something few centers do, if any. He's a good post defender as well, but that should be a given. Not a bad pick here for the Bucks if Zeller is here.

Pick Thirteen: Austin Rivers - SG, Duke
Rivers has been a name that I've been increasingly hearing and reading about. Word is he has received a promise, but from who? Nobody knows. Rivers would be a great pick here for the Suns, who have no idea if Steve Nash is packing up and leaving yet. At least they won't be drafting an inferior twin this year.

Pick Fourteen: Terrence Jones - SF, Kentucky
One or both of these Rockets first rounders may be traded, but again, I'm not dealing with trades. Jones is probably one of the more talented players in this draft, but like a few other prospects, it doesn't seem like he gives 100% all of the time. He needs to be put in a position to succeed, rather than trying to earn it by himself. He could do good things though, after all, he did something few people have ever done ... played a second season for John Calipari.

Pick Fifteen: Perry Jones III - SF/PF, Baylor
Jones is a fun one to try and figure out. I heard the other day on TV, someone said he could be in the Hall of Fame, or he could be out of the league in three years. The same person also went on to say that neither would surprise him. The Sixers don't really have a glaring need, and Jones III would be their best bet at a pick. He could do the most right away, play a few different positions and eventually earn a starting spot. He would have been a top-five pick had he came out in 2011, but his disappointing sophomore year has him in a free fall down the draft board. I personally really like him, and feel he'll succeed in the NBA. I'll leave you with this: DraftExpress listed his best and worst case scenarios. The best is Rudy Gay meets Josh Smith. Not too shabby, right? Worst is Yi Jianlian. Not too good, eh? He'll be a fun one to watch if he can get this game figured out, and if he does, this would be an absolute steal for Philly.

Pick Sixteen: Kendall Marshall - PG, North Carolina
Kyle Lowry has some sort of issue with Rockets coach, Kevin McHale. Whatever that issue is, it may be smart to grab a point guard here. Marshall's game needs work but he can definitely distribute a basketball. He'll run the floor and get everyone involved while making plays. Again, this pick may be in play, so who knows what happens.

Pick Seventeen: Terrence Ross - SG/SF, Washington
To me, this pick makes sense for two reasons. Those two reasons: the two positions Ross will play in the NBA. The Mavs need help at small forward, and if Ross inevitably puts on some muscle, he'll be a fit there. He played shooting guard in college, and with Jason Terry possibly jetting out of Dallas, he could fit a few needs for the Mavericks.

Pick Eighteen: Arnett Moultrie - C/PF, Mississippi State
The Timberwolves have two legitimate needs, shooting guard and center. And at this point it's a reach for any shooting guard available. Moultrie is a big body, at 6'11 he'll be playing right alongside double-double machine, Kevin Love. Minny's got pieces in place and Moultrie has a chance to be a solid starter, especially when their most notable center is Darko Milicic. I've heard Moultrie called an "alley-oop machine." Sound good Mr. Rubio?

Pick Nineteen: Jared Sullinger - PF/C, Ohio State
Sullinger is way too talented to fall this low. Sully is a great post-scorer, a good rebounder and a guy who won't take plays off. Unfortunately he was tagged with medical red flags due to a back issue. Who knows if that will affect him or not, but the bottom line is he'll fall way farther than he should because of said back problem. With all the uncertainty surrounding Dwight Howard, the Magic should go ahead and just take the best available player, and in this case, it's Sullinger. On a more biased note (you are reading a Cavs blog) I would love if he slipped to 24, and the Cavs took a chance with him. Don't think it happens though.

Pick Twenty: Quincy Miller - SF, Baylor
The Nuggets have pretty good depth all around. That would allow them to take the best available player. And to me, at this point its Miller. He's a 6'10 small forward with the potential and talent to be great, just like Baylor teammate Perry Jones III. The jury is out on him still, he's battling back from a terrible knee injury and I've read some say if he can get his athleticism back, he's a top 10 player. Others think he should have stayed in school, and one executive didn't think he was even a first-rounder. We'll see what he can do, but at this point, I don't think many opinions of this kid are the same.

Pick Twenty-One: Royce White - SF/PF, Iowa State
Here's another player that I wouldn't mind slipping to the Cavs at 24, I really don't think he gets by Boston, as to me he seems like a prototypical Doc Rivers type player. Kevin Garnett may retire or leave via free agency, White is a guy that can step in and give some valuable minutes. He has some off the court issues, but he'll be fine and I think he'll be a good player in the Association.

Pick Twenty-Two: Fab Melo - C, Syracuse
Melo is going to be a project at center, but it's a project that could pay off immensely. It's going to be interesting to see what direction the Celtics go with their franchise. They have one of the best point guards in the league and a good small forward as well. With Garnett and Allen both possible departures, they may have some holes to fill. With these back-to-back picks, they can address two areas of need.

Pick Twenty-Three: Marquis Teague - PG, Kentucky
This would be pretty cool, the Hawks drafting their starting point guards little brother. I think Marquis will be better than older brother Jeff, and probably take his starting spot at some point. What a story that would be. Other picks here could be Evan Fournier or Moe Harkless. Just depends on the direction Atlanta wants to go.

Pick Twenty-Four: Andrew Nicholson - PF/C, St. Bonaventure
There are rumors of Anderson Varejao getting moved on draft day. Even if he stays, this would be a great pick up. The Cavs frontcourt has next to no depth, and Andy is too injury prone to count on every night. Nicholson could be the perfect piece to come off the bench and give both Varejao and Tristan Thompson rest. As a rookie, he would be Cleveland's best scoring big man. Nicholson has an amazing post game and is a surprisingly good perimeter scorer. Nicholson can pull up and shoot, or shoot off the dribble. He's a very crafty scorer, and for the love of god, that will be welcome in Cleveland with open arms. Let's just say I really want him in a Cavs jersey.

Pick Twenty-Five: Tony Wroten - PG/SG, Washington
I've heard comparisons of Tyreke Evans for Wroten. As a combo guard, he could provide valuable minutes for Memphis' two weakest spots in their starting five.

Pick Twenty-Six: Evan Fournier - SG/SF, France
Danny Granger needs to rest at some point, right?

Pick Twenty-Seven: Festus Ezeli - C, Vanderbilt
The Heat need a center, Ezeli is the best available here. You know the drill.

Pick Twenty-Eight: Jeff Taylor - SF, Vanderbilt
Best player available scenario here. Taylor is a freak athlete and will be a great defender in the NBA.

Pick Twenty-Nine: Tyshawn Taylor - PG, Kansas
I have no idea with this pick. The main reason being that Chicago is actively trying to trade their starters for cap relief and trade exceptions. Making a run at next years lottery? Anywho, Derrick Rose will be out most of next year, so grabbing a point guard here makes sense.

Pick Thirty: Moe Harkless - SF, St. Johns
First of all, damn you Golden State for having two first round picks, and in turn for making me put this massive logo up here twice. Anyways, Moe Harkless here would be an absolute steal. He very well could go before this, but if the Warriors can nab him with the last pick in the first round, then I'd say the had a pretty successful draft.