I Love Ozzie
December 1, 2011While We’re Waiting… Signing Parker, Meyer’s Staff and Braxton’s Highlights
December 2, 2011
Heading in to the 2011-12 season, we figured we would get the ball rolling on some admittedly early NBA Draft talk. Unless the Cavaliers shock the world (150/1 odds as NBA Champion, bettering only Toronto), it is widely assumed that the team will be selecting fairly early in the lottery once again. That said, we’re going to provide WFNY readers with some thoughts on who should be a target of Chris Grant come this spring.
We will update this not-so-big board on a bi-weekly basis – feel free to comment, critique or debate in the comments below. Do enjoy.
| Player | Thoughts | ||
| 1 |  Andre Drummond, C (Connecticut) |
Normally, a kid averaging eight points and seven rebounds wouldn’t be given a crack in the top five let alone the number one spot. But, just as Sir Harrison Barnes started off slowly last season only to be among the top tier prior to heading back to school, Drummond possesses immense upside. Potentially the best true center to come out since BJ Mullens (obviously a joke), Drummond already boasts an NBA body – 6-feet-11-inches, 275 lbs – and is an insane defender who can just so happen to hit a jump shot. Willing to give him the benefit of the doubt as he’s just playing in his first collegiate games this past month. | |
| 2 |  Harrison Barnes, SF (UNC) |
The player who the Cavaliers would have taken fourth overall last season if not for his decision to forgo the draft, Barnes is all he was last season with even more seasoning under Roy Williams. The kid can shoot, defend and has the floor-smarts that Byron Scott could only dream of pairing with Kyrie Irving; he’s already improved his field goal percentage and scoring over last season. If the ankle injury lingers beyond this week, he may drop a spot. But for now, the Cavs have to be salivating with the thought of a dynamic wing player to finally step into what was a gaping hole in 2010-11. | |
| 3 |  Jeremy Lamb, SG (Connecticut) |
Speaking of scoring, UCONN’s Jeremy Lamb is pouring in over 21 points per game though the season’s first seven. A great shooter, Lamb could slot in as an easy consolation prize in the event the Cavaliers cannot land Barnes for their wing. With a seven-foot wingspan, great athleticism, and a shot from both the mid-range as well as three-point land, Lamb could take the floor in 2012-13 and be the team’s leading scorer from Day 1. His ability to move without the ball is perfect for Byron Scott’s Princeton offense. With Kemba Walker out of the picture, Lamb should continue to light it up through March. | |
| 4 |  Anthony Davis, PF (Kentucky) |
This may be the lowest spot on any Draft List you’ll see Davis, but based on the Cavaliers’ present needs, I can’t help but slot him here. He’s easily playing like the best player in the country right now; blocking 4.3 shots per game is certainly an eye-opener. However, given the team’s pick of Tristan Thompson this spring, I can’t help but put Davis fourth on the initial list. He already has the defense and athleticism down – if he can improve his offensive post game and maybe add some weight to help transition to the NBA, I may have no choice but to move him up. | |
| 5 |  Bradley Beal, SG (Florida) |
Consider Beal the “1A” to Lamb’s “1” amongst shooting guards. Assuming that Anthony Parker isn’t the long-term answer at the off-guard, Beal’s stellar range would be a welcomed addition to the Cavaliers’ roster. His late-game prowess is something the Wine and Gold severely lack, his ball-handing could come in handy in dire situations. Those who want to point out that Beal is listed at 6-foot-5 and feel he’s going to be over-matched at the NBA level should check out his current rebounding numbers; the kid is pulling down 6.5 boards per game – less than two fewer per contest than the abovementioned Davis. Sign me up. |
Some additional thoughts on…
Perry Jones, PF (Baylor) – I was huge on Jones leading into the most recent draft, but then we dealt a hand of off-court issues and his subsequent decision to stay in school. Kid is a freak athlete that is playing a different position on Baylor than he will in the NBA. That said, I’d still like to see a few more rebounds per game for a 6-foot-11-inch kid with hops.
Jared Sullinger, PF (Ohio State) – I like Ohio State as much as the next WFNY reader or writer. Yes, it’d be a great story to keep an Ohio kid in his home state. Yes, he can rebound and has a solid back-to-the-basket game. But if I have Anthony Davis fourth on my list, Sullinger isn’t going to crack the top-five any time soon.
John Henson, PF (North Carolina) – Same goes for Henson. The Cavaliers were fairly big on Henson last season, but then he – like Barnes – chose to stay at UNC for another season. Great rebounder, athletic defender and can rim-run with the best of them. That said, the Wine and Gold chose Tristan Thompson to fit this mold.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF (Kentucky) – Scouts rave about Kidd-Gilchrist’s work ethic and overall character. This is something that Dan Gilbert and Chris Grant would obviously love. Byron Scott would love his quickness and willingness to play relentless defense. If he can work on his outside game, he’ll approach draftworthy discussion in no time.
Austin Rivers, SG (Duke) – The hype machine has been in full effect since he was sitting along Duke sidelines as a high school senior. The fact that he has NBA bloodlines doesn’t hurt. What does is his 43.6 percent shooting mark thus far as well as the fact that he’s been replaced in big games due to his lack of defense. Unless he really steps things up or falls to the second round, move along.
Required watching:
12/2 Florida (9) at Syracuse (3) – 7p EST, ESPN
12/3 North Carolina (5) at Kentucky (1) – 12p EST, CBS
12/3 Arkansas at UCONN (10) – 3:15p EST, ESPN
12/6 Evansville at North Carolina (5) – 7p EST, ESPNU
37 Comments
Because the Cavs record will probably not be improved that much compared to last year, a top-5 is realistically possible. That being said, I feel that Jeremy Lamb would be a perfect fit for SG and while Lamb won’t go number 1 he would still be worth a pick at three or four, where the Cavs will probably be situated. Acquiring a Center like Al Jefferson from Utah by trading a package of Varejao and Sessions, will give them a great starting 5 because they are all young. Imagine a lineup of PG Irving SG Lamb SF Casspi PF Thompson C Jefferson reaching their potential together. They could be force in the league for a long time.
Love this series, will be checking back often.
P.S. That is not even close to how you spell “Connecticut”
I would stay very far away from Perry Jones. Definite questions about his desire.
Wouldn’t be surprised if Lamb passes Barnes before the end of the season. Having said that, Barnes probably has more character and we’ve seen the Cavs pass on a more talented player for one with good character
Let’s go Kings! It’s all about acquiring assets, right?
What about Terrence Jones? He plays both forward positions well and his efficiency looks better this year. Think Gerald Wallace. He was on top-5 radars last year…
Not a fan of Perry either. Quincy Miller on the other hand.
I am fine with any of those top five. Can we trade Baron back to the Clippers for their number one pick?
“P.S. That is not even close to how you spell “Connecticut”
Thank you. For some reason, the software published the pre-spell check version. All good now.
In every draft there is a guy that you look back on and say “How did he fall that far?” There is also a guy that makes you say “How did they not know he was going to bust?” Perry Jones has an equal shot at being either of those guys. I don’t know whether to be impressed or appalled that Jones can slap up a 25/10 and look like he wants to be anywhere but playing ball.
If the draft was today I’d be taking Rivers. I feel like someone can teach him how to shoot much easier than teaching Harrison Barnes how to break a man down in isolation, which to me is a much more translatable pro skill.
I’d love to have a real C on this team. But Drummond has to show more offensive post game for me to really fall in love. A lot of guys can block shots in college due to length & athleticism, but in the pros you need to do more to be worthy of a top pick (see Desagana Diop)
porkchop, but what about playing defense, or taking part in offense other than a 1on1 situation?
Not coming at you, but I just see too many problems with Rivers right now, for a top 5 pick.
Lyon, are you saying that you have a problem with the LeIso offense that was a staple of the Cavs organization for so many years??? Oh well, to each his own.
Never really realized how many good players would be out there until I peeped this least. Wow. Cavs are all but guaranteed to get an impact player from that draft. I’m not a big fan of either Jones, Perry or Terrence. Perry for the afforementioned reasons. Terrence feels like a Drew Gooden or (please don’t kill me Bowers) JJ Hickson. He’s a guy who should be battling inside and should be developing some post moves but loves to jack up jump shots, and I don’t know if he’s got the basketball IQ for Byron Scott’s offense.
Worth noting about Drummond. He is supposed to be in his Senior year of High School.
Perry Jones will be fine. He had a Baron Davis/Antawn Jamison clone on his team last season.. AKA a chucker. Now that the dude is gone (I can’t remember his name) PJIII will shine.
Pass on Sullinger. I’m not a fan of an undersized slow PF in today’s NBA.
What is the point? This won’t even be as much fun as the tribe. If any of them are any good they will be gone. We will get stuck overpaying the slackers as we become a farm system for LA Boston and new York
Go watch the globetrotters. As much “competition” as watching the lakers v the cavs. And even worse 70% of the league will be like watching the Generals v generals but now with 1/2 the effort.
The monsters and the WWE get my money before these d-bags.
The owners deserve everything they are about to recieve
I’ve know Scott for 23 years and I think that might be his first spelling mistake. Now you know how I feel all the time buddy. See you next Wed.
gimme Doc Rivers’ kid. Bloodlines matter a ton. think: peyton manning, barry bonds, griffey. shoot, even brett boone.
if harrison barnes is gone, i want rivers.
I think Anthony Davis would look pretty good next to Thompson. Well, other than his unibrow.
I can’t help but think Sullinger will struggle at the next level. Right now he barely gets his shot up over 6’8″ 230 lb white guys. He kinda leans his left shoulder in and awkwardly tosses the ball over his right shoulder. That shot won’t work at the next level and unless he gets quicker around the hoop, he won’t get many FT either.
1. I thought guys need 2 years of college now with the new CBA, so why put Rivers on the Honorable Mentions. I could be wrong though…..
2. If Davis is the real deal, take him and play him and Thompson. Or get rid of Thompson.
Even with the 150/1 odds to win the finals, the Cavs should still be better than a 19 win team, so the chance of a high pick because of the lottery still exists. There just isnt a way to know how the season will play out before hand, especially with it being cut 16 games short.
Guys like Terrence Jones are most certainly on my radar. I’ll mix up the honorable mentions every week – no way are they indicative of being 6-10.
Also, per some requests, I have added a “required viewing” portion so that readers known when specific games of interst are on.
Bridgecrosser – as of now, the draft-eligibilty rule is unchanged.
@Lyon
Rivers D is definetly a concern, especially with his size. They list him at 6’4 but I think they used the same tape measure that got 6’2 out of Colt. Not to mention he’s rail thin. If the Cavs got him I’d just send him out to eat with Baron everyday in the offseason (J/K). The same as a good jump shot, I think good D comes from good habits, getting to the basket is more of an innate skill (just my opinion)
I could be totally wrong on him and I’ve only seen him in the Maui games and vs. OSU, but my beginning and end belief about the NBA is that you need a guy who can consistently beat his man to the basket in isolation if you want a championship. Definetly want to watch how his season plays out but I really like what I see (offensively) so far out of him.
Def calling him “Mr. D” if we get him.
By no means do I think Terrence Jones is the answer, but he’s not even close to the Gooden/Hickson comparison. He’s much more coordinated and can handle the ball. More suited for the 3 in the NBA than the 4. I agree that we should look for him to be more aggressive this year before considering him as a legit option for the Cavs.
Do you think Fred and AC would comment on Jared Sullinger’s behind as much as college announcers do? I’d avoid him if only for that reason. So uncomfortable.
I think a barnes/irving backcourt would be fun, so I’m in favor of it. Let’s just draft NC players from now on. Eventually we’ll end up with Michael Jordan, right?
I know this is all part of “The Plan” and all, but it’s a pretty big downer to be going into the season and *hoping* your team will be one of the worst 3 in the league. Am I the only one bummed out about having to root for my team to loose all season? Doesn’t exactly motivate me to go out and buy tix…
But I’m supposed to be all into it again in 2012?
What off court issues has Perry Jones run into? Hasn’t the only news been the NCAA’s cowardly suspension of him hours before the conference tournament for his mother taking loans from an AAU coach and his accepting a trip to a football game from the coach while still in high school? Is that really something that makes us concerned about what he’d do in the NBA when he’s actually allowed to make money for playing the game of basketball?
That isn’t to say that I don’t share the concerns of some commenters above about his lack of intensity and dominance as a freshman. He’s got a year to prove us wrong.
Nice thing about the list for this year is that it’s long enough that we can root for a few Cavs wins and still expect them to land a impact player. Don’t need to have the #1 pick in this draft.
@bridgecrosser
As far as I’ve heard they haven’t officially agreed on the draft rules as part of the new CBA agreement. They might go up to two years but there would still be a question whether that rule would be effective immediately. I think most draft guys are going under the assumption that this freshman class will be eligible for 2012. But I don’t think we know for sure.
“Having said that, Barnes probably has more character and we’ve seen the Cavs pass on a more talented player for one with good character”
Danny, there is no denying Barnes’s talent but I’m not sure why people keep mentioning his character. If you didn’t already know, this guy chose NC by Skyping Roy Williams in real time at his press conference. His other suiters found out they were eliminated at the same time by not receiving that Skype.
Sound similar to anyone else we all know?
How is that any different than a kid sitting a table with different hats in front of him and putting one on? That’s how it works in college.
@Vengeful Pat
Terrence Jones has been taking people down on the block this year and using his strength, and is shooting 67% from 3 on 1.5 attempts per game so far.
In regards to the article, if the Cavs pass on Davis because of TT, then the front office should be burned down. The only team that should pass on Davis because of their current PF is the Clippers (bc of Griffin).
Thanks for the draft news updates. That CBA is quite muddled thanks for giving me the status quo.
Eric, the difference is most kids give the “losing” coaches the heads up before they make their “surprise” announcement.
It’s called respect and I’ve heard he has none.
In the NBA draft you draft the best player possible-period. Don’t draft Oden if you know Durant will be better. Don’t draft Bowie and pass on Jordan because you have Clyde Drexler. Thompson is still so raw offensively. I probably would have gone Valanciunas.
The only guys on the list I’m not interested in are Rivers (ball dominant chucker), Sullinger (Solid player just not explosive and don’t think he has the ceiling of others) and Henson (Ideally you pair your front court with a guy who can defended and board-Thompson-and a guy who can stretch the d. Dallas won a title with it last year) and Terrence Jones (He fell off the earth last year and Gilchrest has outplayed him thus far).
Perry Jones has been more active this year and he would really benefit from a point guard of Irving’s caliber. I see him as a prototype 3 in the NBA. A 6’11’ freak of nature. Land a sniper SG though. Oh the back door lobs.
Fun Fact for the author-Gilchrest and Irving were high school teammates at St. Pat’s. I love his game. An Artesty SF without chemical imbalance.
Barnes, Lamb and Drummond hit the need spots hardest. And as of now I’d put them in that order. If Drummond emerges he’ll top the entire list. Center’s are like sharks off the Japanese coast.
I wouldn’t pass on Anthony Davis though. Just too high of a ceiling. He’s still adjusting to his body. At worst he’ll be Camby at best Garnett.
Each one of these guys has warts, their all 18-20. Hopefully the Cavs hit on the right one no matter where they pick.
architrance-It won’t be as bad as last year. We were spoiled for a long time. Enjoy the process and growth of Irving, Thompson and Casspi. They’ll have an opportunity to build a mid-market team the right way rather than placate a prima dona with his threat to leave.