Also, if Portland takes Drummond, a legitimate question could be: Name the big man whose career was destroyed most after being drafted by Portland

 

a. Bill Walton

b. Greg Oden

c. Andre Drummond

None of those three is Portland's most infamous big man selection.  They took Sam Bowie one spot ahead of some guy named Michael Jordan

None of those three is Portland's most infamous big man selection.  They took Sam Bowie one spot ahead of some guy named Michael Jordan

 

I knew I was forgetting one, but posted anyways.  I feel so ashamed.

^MKG.  Him and Kyrie are "BFFs" and he is a Byron Scott type player.  Most will say that he was the leader of that Kentucky team as a true freshman

 

I stuck with Kyrie throughout the process last year, so I know what I'm talking about ;)

 

I'm in the MKG/Beal camp for sure and would love to see if we can get up to #2 to guarantee we get our first choice out of those two (which I believe is MKG).  But Barnes would not be the end of the world.  It is entirely possible (if not indeed likely) that we would've taken Barnes instead of TT had he come out last year.  It is also possible that he would have been taken #1 overall two years ago if HS players were still allowed to go straight to the league.  He has the talent and measurables.... the only question I have is does he have that competitve fire you need in today's NBA?  I heard a good comparison for him today - Sean Elliot....... I can see that.

 

The guy I'm worried about most is Drummond.  But, just to throw this out there, the team for whom he makes the most sense is Portland (so they can wash their hands of Oden and move Aldridge back to his natural PF position) and they have the #6 and #11.  4/24 for 6/11?...... hmmmmmm

 

Yeah I was thinking it would be MKG, as well.  His agent is from Cleveland and he's been working out at Benedictine High School. 

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/video/nba/2012/05/15/051512.kidd_gilchrist_feature_bts.SportsIllustrated/index.html

 

I like MKG, but I wouldn't be upset if they didn't get him. 

^MKG.  Him and Kyrie are "BFFs" and he is a Byron Scott type player.  Most will say that he was the leader of that Kentucky team as a true freshman

 

I stuck with Kyrie throughout the process last year, so I know what I'm talking about ;)

 

I'm in the MKG/Beal camp for sure and would love to see if we can get up to #2 to guarantee we get our first choice out of those two (which I believe is MKG).  But Barnes would not be the end of the world.  It is entirely possible (if not indeed likely) that we would've taken Barnes instead of TT had he come out last year.  It is also possible that he would have been taken #1 overall two years ago if HS players were still allowed to go straight to the league.  He has the talent and measurables.... the only question I have is does he have that competitve fire you need in today's NBA?  I heard a good comparison for him today - Sean Elliot....... I can see that.

 

The guy I'm worried about most is Drummond.  But, just to throw this out there, the team for whom he makes the most sense is Portland (so they can wash their hands of Oden and move Aldridge back to his natural PF position) and they have the #6 and #11.  4/24 for 6/11?...... hmmmmmm

 

Yeah I was thinking it would be MKG, as well.  His agent is from Cleveland and he's been working out at Benedictine High School. 

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/video/nba/2012/05/15/051512.kidd_gilchrist_feature_bts.SportsIllustrated/index.html

 

I like MKG, but I wouldn't be upset if they didn't get him. 

 

I dont understand the Barnes nay-sayers.  He is a great shooter and will be good in the NBA.  is he my top choice?  no, that is MKG.  But Beal/Barnes are close behind.  What i dont want is drummond and or someone like Tyler Zeller or Jared Sullinger.  We need shooters and game changers.  I like Fab melo with the #24.  If we can get him and TT in the middle for years to come, it will be awfully hard to score in the paint.

The knocks on Barnes are that he can't create his own shot, is not a good ball-handler, and does not play with the level of intensity you want to see out of a 'superstar'.  At this point, he is more a catch-and-shoot guy than anything else.  If we take him, we'll just have to hope that he was held back a bit by Roy Williams' system at UNC

^MKG.  Him and Kyrie are "BFFs" and he is a Byron Scott type player.  Most will say that he was the leader of that Kentucky team as a true freshman

 

I stuck with Kyrie throughout the process last year, so I know what I'm talking about ;)

 

I'm in the MKG/Beal camp for sure and would love to see if we can get up to #2 to guarantee we get our first choice out of those two (which I believe is MKG).  But Barnes would not be the end of the world.  It is entirely possible (if not indeed likely) that we would've taken Barnes instead of TT had he come out last year.  It is also possible that he would have been taken #1 overall two years ago if HS players were still allowed to go straight to the league.  He has the talent and measurables.... the only question I have is does he have that competitve fire you need in today's NBA?  I heard a good comparison for him today - Sean Elliot....... I can see that.

 

The guy I'm worried about most is Drummond.  But, just to throw this out there, the team for whom he makes the most sense is Portland (so they can wash their hands of Oden and move Aldridge back to his natural PF position) and they have the #6 and #11.  4/24 for 6/11?...... hmmmmmm

 

Yeah I was thinking it would be MKG, as well.  His agent is from Cleveland and he's been working out at Benedictine High School. 

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/video/nba/2012/05/15/051512.kidd_gilchrist_feature_bts.SportsIllustrated/index.html

 

I like MKG, but I wouldn't be upset if they didn't get him. 

 

I dont understand the Barnes nay-sayers.  He is a great shooter and will be good in the NBA.  is he my top choice?  no, that is MKG.  But Beal/Barnes are close behind.  What i dont want is drummond and or someone like Tyler Zeller or Jared Sullinger.  We need shooters and game changers.  I like Fab melo with the #24.  If we can get him and TT in the middle for years to come, it will be awfully hard to score in the paint.

 

I agree with everything you said re: Drummond, Zeller, and Sullinger (much as I loved him at OSU).  I also hope Melo is there at #24, but that may not be a certainty.

 

In regards to Harrison Barnes, I'm just not sold on him with the #4.  If the Cavs did something like the 4th/24th for 6th/11th trade with Portland that's been discussed, I wouldn't be opposed to taking Barnes at #6.

^MKG.  Him and Kyrie are "BFFs" and he is a Byron Scott type player.  Most will say that he was the leader of that Kentucky team as a true freshman

 

I stuck with Kyrie throughout the process last year, so I know what I'm talking about ;)

 

I'm in the MKG/Beal camp for sure and would love to see if we can get up to #2 to guarantee we get our first choice out of those two (which I believe is MKG).  But Barnes would not be the end of the world.  It is entirely possible (if not indeed likely) that we would've taken Barnes instead of TT had he come out last year.  It is also possible that he would have been taken #1 overall two years ago if HS players were still allowed to go straight to the league.  He has the talent and measurables.... the only question I have is does he have that competitve fire you need in today's NBA?  I heard a good comparison for him today - Sean Elliot....... I can see that.

 

The guy I'm worried about most is Drummond.  But, just to throw this out there, the team for whom he makes the most sense is Portland (so they can wash their hands of Oden and move Aldridge back to his natural PF position) and they have the #6 and #11.  4/24 for 6/11?...... hmmmmmm

 

My dream scenario:

 

Cavs match whatever the offer for Alonzo Gee is, retaining him (barring a truly ridiculous offer).

 

The Cavs trade Alonzo Gee and #24 and whatever other sweetner is necessary to New Orleans for the horrible contract Emeka Okafor and #10. NOLA is happy (I think) because they free up cap space, get another young player to go alongside Anthony Davis, and probably can still get a useful depth player, along with whatever else they want to make it work (I'd part with anything not in the starting lineup, but no future 1sts).

 

The Cavs then send #4 and #10 to Charlotte for #2 and draft MKG, who immediately becomes the strating small forward, replacing Gee. This only applies, obviously, if there is zero chance of him being there at #4, which I think is a safe bet.

 

Your starting lineup is then:

 

PG: Irving

SG: Gibson

C: Varejao/Okafor

PF: Thompson/Varejao

SF: MKG

 

Need depth, but that would be playoff-caliber no later than a year from inception. Okafor might even be useful; he'll cost basically what Jamison was costing us.

If, somehow, the Cavs get the #10 pick, I think they'd be out of their minds to package it with the #4 to move to #2.  This draft is too deep to throw a Top 10 draft pick away like it's nothing. 

Official NBA combine measurements of notable players

 

                       

Prospect              Height (with shooes)    Weight            Wingspan      Standing Reach (true "bball height" IMO)

 

A Davis                  6'10.5                            221                  7'5'.5                  9'0

Kidd-Gilchrist        6'7.5                              232                  7'0                      8'8.5

Beal                      6'4.75                            201                  6'8                      8'3

Barnes                  6'8                                  228                  6'11.25              8'6

Robinson              6'8.75                            244                  7'3.25                8'10

Drummond            6'11.75*                        278                7'6.25                  9'1.5

Lamb                    6'5.25                              174                6'11                    8'5

Rivers                  6'5                                  202                6'7.25                8'1

Sullinger              6'9                                  268                7'1.25                8'11

P Jones                6'11.25                            233                7'1.75                8'10.5

 

One guy whose measurables should really help him will be the center from Illinois, Meyers Leonard.  He measured in at 7'1.5 in shoes, 7'3 wingspan, 9'0.5 standing reach and only 5.7% body fat at 250lbs

 

John Henson, PF from UNC, had the highest standing reach at 9'3.5

 

Drummond had the longest wingspan.  I put an asterisk by his height because he was apparently the only player with a full two inches of soles on his shoes.  Everyone else added anywhere from 1 to 1.75 inches with shoes on.  He also had excellent body fat numbers (for his massive size) at 7.5%

 

Interesting to note that although he is 1/2 inch shorter in height, MKG's standing reach is a full 2.5 inches above Barnes

 

Barnes had a suprising (relatively) high body fat number at just under 10%.  Then again, Kyrie was somewhere around 11% iirc.  For comparison's sake, Sully registered a 10.7%

If, somehow, the Cavs get the #10 pick, I think they'd be out of their minds to package it with the #4 to move to #2.  This draft is too deep to throw a Top 10 draft pick away like it's nothing. 

 

Agreed.  They would be out of their minds.  There is also a slim chance MKG is available at number 4. Remember, MKG only shot 20% on his jumpers in college.  he is athletic and tenacious and can get his own shot, but he isnt a sniper by any means.  We need shooters for sure.  I dont agree with jumping through all of those loops and getting rid of Gee to get MKG when we can get a comparable player and keep Gee.  I dont want Okafor either, he is done.

It is reported that Drummond just hit 38inch on the vertical and was "disappointed" (claims he can do 40inch+).  Charlotte and Washington are going to have a hard time passing on him.  He essentially measured size-wise the same as Alonzo Mourning with a lower body fat.  I'm not sure I could stomach the 27% FT

Maybe I'm missing something, but what's the point measuring these players' heights while wearing shoes?

I believe teams generally use height w/shoes when listing their players.  Take TT for example...... he is listed at 6'9 on the Cavs roster.  He measured in at the combine at 6'7.5 w/out shoes and 6'8.75 with shoes.  Thus, the more pertinent question is what's the point of measuring them without shoes...... I would have to guess it is to account for instances like Drummond and stop players from wearing shoes which give them an unfair advantage.

Potential impactful Euro signing - http://www.noticiasdealava.com/2012/06/14/baskonia/teletovic-jugara-en-los-brooklyn-nets-o-cavaliers - just take my word for it that the article says that he has trimmed his list down to two teams - the Cavs and the Nets.

 

Some video

Potential impactful Euro signing - http://www.noticiasdealava.com/2012/06/14/baskonia/teletovic-jugara-en-los-brooklyn-nets-o-cavaliers - just take my word for it that the article says that he has trimmed his list down to two teams - the Cavs and the Nets.

 

Some video

 

the best player in europe i would stay as far away as possible.  How many Europeans have hit in this league?  Dirk aaaaaaaaand ?  Darko, bust.  The two guys the cavs dodged last year.  Didnt hear names once.  I wouldnt do it unless he is still there in the second round...take a shot.

Of the top of my head....

 

Dirk Nowitzki

Peja Stojakovich

Drazen Petrovich

Luis Scola

Manu Ginobili

Tony Parker

Mikeal Petrius

Detlef Schrempf

Vlade Divac

Rik Smits

Rony Seikaly

Hedo Turkoglu

Big Z

Toni Kukoc

Pau Gasol

Marc Gasol

Mehmet Okur

Andres Nocioni

Tiago Splitter

Andy Varejao

 

EDIT: I almost forgot the guy who might be the hottest commodity on the FA market this summer - Ersan Ilyasova

 

(Keeping in mind that I am thinking of "Euro" player generically as any international player who played in the Euroleague or was born and raised in Europe)

 

Not sure who you mean by the 2 players the Cavs dodged.  I assume one of those is Jonas V. who was drafted #5 by the Raptors.  The reason you didn't hear about him is the same reason the Cavs didn't draft him.  He has some buyout issues in Europe and couldn't play in the NBA this past season...... although he did dominate the under-19 USA team in international play last summer after the draft.  He might be over this year.

.....Bargnani, Sefalosha, Diaw, Gortat, Galinari, Calderon.  The West all-star roster had 4 foreign-born players on it last year, 3 from Europe. International play is catching up to the US quickly.  Is Mr. Teletovic a free agent?

Yes.  He went undrafted in 2007, so he is free to sign with whomever.  26 years old, I believe.  Kind of a late bloomer.  Led the Euroleague in scoring last season and hit 43% of his 3-pointers.  Knock on him is he may not be quick enough to guard the 3 and is not a great rebounder for the 4.  I would envision him as a stretch-4 in the NBA, and I'm sure the Cavs are trying to sell him on being the replacement for Jamison.

 

In other news, David Lighty (formerly of VASJ and OSU) had a tryout with the Cavs.  I could see Scott really liking Lighty and his hard nosed style of play, especially on the defensive end.

WFNY linked to a Google translation of the article.  http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=es&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.noticiasdealava.com%2F2012%2F06%2F14%2Fbaskonia%2Fteletovic-jugara-en-los-brooklyn-nets-o-cavaliers&act=url.

 

My favorite mangled translation is:

 

"Teletovic, could provide a considerable boost to the franchise that sheltered the game designers like Larry Nance, Mark Price and Brad Daugherty in the past." 

 

And the article starts off with a bang:

 

"Slowly but surely, Mirza Teletovic is defoliating its future margarita."

OK.  So you want to take a Eurpoean  in the first round because of players like Peja, Mikael Pietrus and Luis Scola?  I will give you Dirk, Tony  Parker and Gasol are worthy first rounders.  Thats it.  Ginobili is from Argentina. 

 

For every player you named, i cna probably dig up  3 who failed and never made it to the league with any success. 

 

Jan Veesly was the other guy the cavs were considering last year.  Didnt hear him.  Kanter played one year American ball, but even he didnt do anything last year. 

 

The Euros are a wasted pick in my opinion...too risky.  You are more likely to find a diamond in the rough here in the States at a NCAA program.

So you want to take a Eurpoean  in the first round

 

No.  Re-read the posts above.  He is a free agent.  No need to use a draft pick.  This clarification moots the rest of your post, which I mostly disagree with.  But, suffice it to say, yes... the Euro "wave" was a little overhyped after Dirk, but you can't disregard the talent over there (go back again and look at my parameters for a "Euro player"..... Ginobili played in Europe, albeit he is originally from Argentina.... same for Scola).  Sure you can find 3 players who fizzled for every 1 that made an impact.  You can do the same with American players who were drafted.  In fact, maybe only about half (or less) of lottery picks ever live up to the hype.

 

Vessley and Kanter, btw, were both viewed as projects and both played in the NBA last year.  Vessley was starting for Washington by the end of the year.  Kanter was a rotational player all year, with Utah either giving him or Derrick Favors (a much hyped American player taken #3 in the draft 2 years ago) the bulk of the minutes as the first big man off the bench behind Al Jefferson and Paul Milsap.

I believe teams generally use height w/shoes when listing their players.  Take TT for example...... he is listed at 6'9 on the Cavs roster.  He measured in at the combine at 6'7.5 w/out shoes and 6'8.75 with shoes.  Thus, the more pertinent question is what's the point of measuring them without shoes...... I would have to guess it is to account for instances like Drummond and stop players from wearing shoes which give them an unfair advantage.

 

I still don't get it.  Anyone can gain an advantage or game the system by wearing shoes with higher platform cushion.  I think it makes the most sense to just measure these guys at their natural heights so you always know exactly what you're getting.

They are measured at their natural heights.  Measurements are taken with and without shoes.  I just listed the measurements with shoes because that is what will be used 'officially.'

They are measured at their natural heights.  Measurements are taken with and without shoes.  I just listed the measurements with shoes because that is what will be used 'officially.'

 

Gotcha.

Former PA announcer Howie Chizek died tonight.

RIP.  He was one of the best and most underrated announcers in pro sports.

Former PA announcer Howie Chizek died tonight.

RIP.  He was one of the best and most underrated announcers in pro sports.

 

MARK PRICE FOR THUH-REEEE.

 

What a great voice!

A consensus among the various mock drafts seems to be forming around Charlotte going with Thomas Robinson at #2.  Makes sense for them considering how young MKG (youngest player in the draft) and Beal are and their desperate need for leadership and help on the inside.  That's the perfect scenario for us because out of the consensus top 6 in this draft, Robinson is probably the one who is the "square peg in a round hole" for our team given that we drafted TT at #4 last year.  Also, it would ensure that either Beal or MKG are available for us.  Right now, if you believe the rumors, Washington is most likely to take MKG and we will end up with Beal.  Although, Drummond and Barnes are most likely not crossed off our board for consideration.

 

The interesting tid-bit is that the Cavs are apparently working hard to get back into the lottery a little later on.  GSW at 7, NOLA at 10, and Portland at 11 are all possibly being dangled.  Supposedly GSW wants Andy and our #24, but the Cavs aren't biting.... yet (personally, I would not do that deal).  NOLA would want us to take the bad contracts of Trevor Ariza and Emeke Okafor to give up their #10.  I don't think anything would happen on this front until the draft plays out.  Say, for instance, Beal and MKG go 2 and 3..... I could then see the Cavs swinging for the fences on Drummond at 4 and taking the best wing available at whatever spot they trade for. 

It's hard to see anything happening on the trade front before the draft starts, since everyone will be waiting to see what everybody else does. I think I might be inclined to take that Golden State trade if it's a real offer.

I'm not so sure.  Andy's trade value ebbs and flows.  If we want to get the highest value for him, now is not the time after he just ended the last two seasons on IR.  I also hesitate to go into next season with TT and the complete antithesis of Andy (i.e., Drummond) being the nucleus of our front court.

^Would that be Drummond at 7 or 4? If we somehow got out of this draft with Barnes and Drummond without taking on cap space that would be pretty great right? Although glue guys like Andy who are also elite on one side of the ball (rebounding/defense) don't come around very often.  I would be bummed to see him go, but he has played 25 and 31 games the last two seasons, and has only played more than half a season 3 times in 8 years.

I don't think we make that trade unless we took Drummond at 4 or until we knew he was going to be there at 7.  I would say we could take Drummond at 4 and then see if Barnes slips to 7, but I don't think GSW does the trade if Barnes is there at 7.  Regardless, I just have a huge issue with the notion of replacing an overachiever like Andy with an underachiever like Drummond.

 

Things may have been shaken up a bit this afternoon with the NOLA-Wash trade (Okafur and Ariza for Lewis and #46).  I have seen several tweets since then which assume that the move means Washington is not as enamored with MKG as originally thought and seems to indicate they would go with Beal.  I have always had the feeling that MKG is the guy the Cavs want.  High motor, high character guy who was a HS teammate of Kyrie.  Plus, he is only 18 years old and already has that "it" factor on the court.  I imagine the Cavs will jump at the chance to draft him, so this might be great news for the franchise.

A few quick updates.

 

Word is that TRob dominated Drummond at their workout for the Cavs.  Really out-'physicaled' him.

 

Gilbert tweeted out something which might have showed the Cavs' hand a bit yesterday.  He said something along the lines that the Cavs had a great workout with several "Top 7" prospects.  See above post about possibly getting the #7 from GSW....

It would be so awesome if we went into this draft with two high lottery picks. This team is going to be really fun to watch next year regardless of what happens. I think TT is gonna make big strides and seeing how defenses adjust to Kyrie and how he counter-adjusts is going to be entertaining (I may have just jinxed Kyrie into having a torn knee).

Two days before the draft and I really have no idea what to expect!  i would like to hear four players you think will be on the cavs roster Thursday night.  I will start (In order of being drafted)

 

Beal

Melo

Jeffrey Taylor

Draymond Green

 

If not Beal, then MKG.  I really like Melo to pair with Tristan Thompson in the future to defend that hoop inside.  If they can bulk up and grow it will be very hard for teams around the rim.  With Kyrie runnin the show, I like Beal as a sharp shooter, if he is gone i like  MKG.  MKG and Draymond would make the all hustle team immediately and the motor would be high for the cavs.  Jeffrey Taylor I think can be a solid pro with good defense.

My knowledge doesn't run as deep as the second round but:

 

1. MKG: It would be really fun to watch him and Andy play defense at the same time.

2. Nicholson or Q Miller: Offense and upside. I'm not as convinced as others that you find much this deep in the draft, but it seems like Nicholson has a chance to provide some nice bench scoring from the 4, and Quincy Miller would be a swing for the fences.

Two days before the draft and I really have no idea what to expect!  i would like to hear four players you think will be on the cavs roster Thursday night.  I will start (In order of being drafted)

 

Beal

Melo

Jeffrey Taylor

Draymond Green

 

If not Beal, then MKG.  I really like Melo to pair with Tristan Thompson in the future to defend that hoop inside.  If they can bulk up and grow it will be very hard for teams around the rim.  With Kyrie runnin the show, I like Beal as a sharp shooter, if he is gone i like  MKG.  MKG and Draymond would make the all hustle team immediately and the motor would be high for the cavs.  Jeffrey Taylor I think can be a solid pro with good defense.

 

Let me ask you this..... name the last 7 footer from a major college program who was not drafted in the top 10 and turned out to be a productive pro.  The only one I can think of is Roy Hibbert (#17) and it took a lot of hard work and dedication before he was contributing in any significant way to the Pacers.  Point being, if Melo was anywhere close to being ready to contribute, at his size and being from Syracuse, he would easily be rated higher than he is.  Add in some percieved attitude / work ethic problems and I don't see him being anything special.

 

I do believe this a very deep draft.  Not so top-heavy, but you can get a guy at #24 who would go in the teens in other drafts.  Here is my ideal scenario if we stand pat:

 

4 - MKG - although I won't cry a river if they take Barnes, I have consistently maintaed MKG is the pick here if available

 

24 - Royce White - issues (severe anxiety) with flying will drop this lottery talent on draft night.... could be a solid contributor for years to come

 

33 - Take the top talent that has dropped for whatever reason (maybe Sully)..... Spurs did this with Blair and Celtics did it with Big Baby in years past..... it's a better strategy than swinging on a guy like Eyenga

 

34 - Pick a Euro player to stash overseas - Evan Fournier if he is still around would be great

I think you and I have different expectations for Fab Melo.  I see him as someone like Ben Wallace, except taller that can lock up the hoop.  His character was always the issue, but if you cant fix that under Byron Scott then nobody will fix it and you shouldnt be in the league.  I think he would rather play basketball than get a real job, so i would suspect he will fix the problem as he matures. 

 

I do like Royce White, too.

 

I think you stockpile some of the deep talent at 33 and 34 and maybe hit on one.  Guys who have excelled significantly at the college level.

Watched espn today and they said the Cavs are Trying to trade up for Bradley Beal at. 2... I like his game he is a good shooter who will only improve over time and is so young. Also he would provide a weapon for kyrie to kick it out to I say pull the trigger.

^ESPN always seems to be 2 days behind with their TV programming.  ESPN.com is a better source of info..... although IMO several NBA reporters have ESPN's NBA reporters beat.  The latest is that the Cavs prefer to stand pat at #4 because they don't see enough of a separation between Beal/MKG/Barnes to give Charlotte the #24 to move up.  If Charlotte can't find a better deal and indicates a willingness to take one (or maybe both) of our 2nd rounders in lieu of the #24, that could change.

 

^^And if NBA scouts and general managers saw Melo as someone like Ben Wallace, then he would go in the top 10 without question.  7 footers don't grow on trees (sorry for the cliche) and are such a rare commodity in the NBA that teams routinely reach for them in the draft.  I am not saying I wouldn't take Melo on my team.... I just think that there will be much better options at #24 whereas using that pick on Melo would really accomplish nothing more than replacing Ryan Hollins / Semih Erden

^ESPN always seems to be 2 days behind with their TV programming.  ESPN.com is a better source of info..... although IMO several NBA reporters have ESPN's NBA reporters beat.  The latest is that the Cavs prefer to stand pat at #4 because they don't see enough of a separation between Beal/MKG/Barnes to give Charlotte the #24 to move up.  If Charlotte can't find a better deal and indicates a willingness to take one (or maybe both) of our 2nd rounders in lieu of the #24, that could change.

 

^^And if NBA scouts and general managers saw Melo as someone like Ben Wallace, then he would go in the top 10 without question.  7 footers don't grow on trees (sorry for the cliche) and are such a rare commodity in the NBA that teams routinely reach for them in the draft.  I am not saying I wouldn't take Melo on my team.... I just think that there will be much better options at #24 whereas using that pick on Melo would really accomplish nothing more than replacing Ryan Hollins / Semih Erden

As you said ESPN is late on their TV reporting but they had a mock draft saying the bobcats would take Thomas Robinson. So if that happens maybe the Cavs can move up and take Beal at 3. I would trade the 4th and both 2nd rounders for that at least but not the 24th to move up 1 or 2 spots. I like MKG for his defense but he is offensively challenged and the Cavs need offense, saying he MAY improve is too much of a gamble to me. Also Harrison Barnes is a nice wing player but seems awkward at times and kind of got exposed in the Tournament. That leaves Beal who consistently gets Ray Allen comparisons for his almost identical shooting motion and range. He also has a quick release like Allen but has better transition defense so I think he is much better than the rest.

You think Beal is still going to be there at #3? I think he's going #2. So do others......

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1236291-nba-draft-rumors-cleveland-cavaliers-must-not-move-up-for-bradley-beal

I think the consensus at this stage if no trades happen is TRob going #2.  A few mocks have them taking Beal, Barnes or MKG, but the vast majority have been trending towards Robinson.  It makes too much sense for them (although I suppose that might hint that MJ would go in another direction).  They need a leader, toughness, and can't afford to gamble.  TRob is probably the safest pick in this draft.  Plus, the Bobcats' best player from last year (Gerald Henderson) plays the 2 and Kemba Walker (their top pick from last year) is best suited as a combo-guard.  Beal is not a great fit for them.

 

Washington, on the other hand, is probably locked in on Beal.  He is the perfect compliment to Wall.  They would ask for too much to move up.  I think the Cavs stay where they are.  I get that some have issues with MKG's shot, but let's not forget that he had the best FG% out of the three wings under consideration - MKG 49% compared to Barnes and Beal who both shot 44%.  He also played on an absolutely loaded Kentucky team that spread the ball around quite evenly to the 6-7 guys in their rotation.

I'm not sold on any one of the three wing players being mentioned at this point over any of the others.  I like MKG the most, but I wouldn't be upset if they took either of the other two.  The only thing that the Cavs could do that would really bother me would be if they actually traded up with one of these guys specifically in mind.  If they do that, whomever that player would be (probably Beal from what I've heard) better be a perennial All-Star in the coming years. 

Terrance Ross coming in for a last minute workout tomorrow.  While I think he would be a great addition to the team, I hope we are not considering him at 4.  It could mean we would take Portland's 6 and 11 or that we are bluffing to force Charlotte's hand for the second pick.  What would make me the happiest would be if MKG fell to 4 and we moved up from 24 to snag Ross, although I think Beal is BPA behind Davis.

It's silly season now so close to the draft.  A lot of bluffing going on.  I still think we stand pat and let MKG fall in our lap.  Charlotte appears to be asking too much.  Plus, their incentive to move down appears to be that they think they can get TRob at 4...... and, suprise, surprise, word has 'leaked' out of Washington (who doesn't want us to leapfrog them for Beal) that the Wizards are fielding calls from teams interested in moving up to #3 to take TRob.

 

As for Ross, I really like him as a prospect.  I have to think we are bringing him in as a fall back plan should Beal and MKG go before us and we don't like our options at 4.  Then, we might be interested in letting Portland jump up to 4 to take TRob and we slide down to 6 and 11.  We would probably have to give up #24 (or one of our future 1st rounders) along with maybe one of our 2nd rounders to get that done. 

I'm probably contradicting something I said earlier in this thread, but I just can't see the sense in trading down in an NBA draft. Not when one player can make so much of a difference. I have to think this is all bluffing on the Cavs' part to flummox Jordan into taking Lamb second overall or something.

I'm probably contradicting something I said earlier in this thread, but I just can't see the sense in trading down in an NBA draft. Not when one player can make so much of a difference. I have to think this is all bluffing on the Cavs' part to flummox Jordan into taking Lamb second overall or something.

 

Agreed, unless you're doing something like Houston and trying to stockpile assets to try to make a trade for an established star.

Would anyone be bummed if we picked Dion Waiters at 4? I would be.

I would be bummed if we drafted anyone named Dion. Period!