While We’re Waiting… Looking for options at number 19 for the Cavs

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com

Checking out some Cavalier options at #19- “Tony Mitchell – Over the last two seasons, I have been fairly practical about my pre-draft evaluating. This year, at #19, I say roll the dice; this North Texas sophomore fits that bill. Ranked 18th in the high school class of 2011, he resided above 2012 lottery picks Dion Waiters, Terrence Ross, Meyers Leonard, and Kendall Marshall. As an athletic, long combo-forward, after originally enrolling at Missouri he missed a season due to academic issues. Heading to North Texas, he flashed his impressive skills for one year, before mightily regressing this season, as his squad quit on their new coach. Certainly as the star player, the enigmatic Mitchell carries much blame for the team’s lackluster 13 – 18 record. Currently sitting 21st at draftexpress and 30th at ESPN, check out these per-game averages…” [Hetrick/Cavs the Blog]

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“Early Positional Notes: These early practices are often plug-and-play when it comes to positions. Nonetheless, Scott Petrak of the Chronicle-Telegram observed that OL Garrett Gilkey was playing at right guard, while DE Armonty Bryant was working at right defensive end. Tryout With a Big Play: One big play from a tryout doesn’t mean they’ll be signed, but Petrak also noted that tryout cornerback Akeem Auguste made the play of the game by tipping an out route and then hauling the pass in for an interception.” [Pokorny/Dawgs by Nature]

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“Even in victory, Mike Conley Jr.’s doubters persist. Fluke, hot streak, just one of those games. Those are some of the excuses Conley’s critics have used to describe his heady play. But it is starting to be drowned out by the admiration of his supporters.

Now in his sixth NBA season, Conley has improved each year, a progression from oft-injured rookie to budding superstar. His rise has been consistent since high school, where he was an All-American beside teammate Greg Oden. The duo went on to prominence at Ohio State before their NBA careers went in opposite directions. Conley was the fourth overall pick in the same draft that Oden went No. 1 to Portland. While Conley was a top-five selection, if the state of their careers was discussed today without names, most would recognize Oden as the catalyst in a playoff push. Instead, it is Conley.” [Rowland/Eleven Warriors]

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More on the Cavs and the 19th pick- “Draft a player who can help immediately. Full disclosure: I am not sure this player exists, and I am even less sure that the Cavaliers can isolate the player. But the idea would be to find a well-developed player that has a specific NBA skill that the Cavs lack who can immediately fill the role. The Cavaliers need perimeter defending, shot blocking, three point shooting, and either a big who can score or who can facilitate for others. They need a backup point guard and a backup power forward. This is not an exhaustive list, of course. Are there any guys who might be available around 19 who could fulfill any of these roles? Jeff Withey and Gorgui Dieng are players who are consistently talked about as guys who can protect the rim and rebound immediately. Both were huge factors in their program’s success this past season. Both are 23 years old.” [Zavac/Fear the Sword]

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Finally, your MLB GIF’s of the week, including a Mark Reynolds shower. [Lewis/The Score]