We should just draft Wiggins and trade for a center. That's what we would do to woo LeBron anyway.

 

I actually think Parker is a better fit with LBJ, as interchangeable 3's and 4's.  But they aren't going to draft based on a fit with Lebron.  Not at #1 and not with such a small chance he returns.

 

I'm interested to know exactly why so many favor Wiggins so clearly over Parker.  I really want to like the kid, but I'm having so much trouble getting on board.  Watch this highlight video from his freshman year at Kansas.  If I watched closely enough, he goes left and finishes left exactly two times and both were the type of swoop shots that won't work in the NBA nearly as well.  He didn't beat the defender off the dribble on those occasions.  He sometimes finishes left off a spin after he got past the defender going right.  Yes, he is a super explosive athlete..... much like Gerald Green.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI-92Zxce6g

I'm worried that Parker has a tweener body so there is question where he fits in, he came to the workout out of shape, 11% body fat, it reminds me too much of what we have with Bennett. Not to mention even though it might not be true it's too much to risk when it comes to his willingness to play in Cleveland.  No one wants to potentially waste a pick on someone that may or may not want to play here.

^That doesn't answer the serious questions about Wiggins.

 

Wiggins has a tweener body too.  Tall enough to play SF, but he only weights 197lbs..... at 6'8.  Can he guard a 270lb Lebron James?  Parker is 6'9, 250.  He could stand to lose 10 pounds, admittedly, but 11% body fat is really not that bad at all.  In fact, it is within the range of "athletes" according to this - http://www.builtlean.com/2010/08/03/ideal-body-fat-percentage-chart/

 

All these rumors following Jabari's workout are intentional on the part of the Cavs if you ask me.  Remember me saying yesterday that this is misinformation season and smokescreens abound.  They want to be blown away with an offer for the #1 pick.  Something similar to what Orlando got for Chris Webber back in the day (the #3 overall and three future 1st round picks).  They know Philly LOVES Wiggins.  They don't want to let out anything which would confirm the general thought that they are 'leaning' towards Parker.  If that was true, Philly could just sit back and then make a much lesser offer to swap picks with the Bucks.

 

FWIW, Parker was supposedly on the top of their board for most of the year.  Best to go with first instincts and game film IMO.

 

Apparently there's a rumor that LeBron likes the idea of a sign and trade to the Clippers, but the Heat won't do it.

 

Tomorrow it will be the Lakers, and then the Rockets, and then the Bulls. etc. etc.  The media will make a lot of money changing the story about what LBJ's 'camp' has secretly confided in them.  The camp will probably also throw out some misinformation just to keep people on their toes and keep the story in the headlines.  Same thing happened in 2010.  All that said, Lebron is probably closer with Chris Paul than any other NBA player he hasn't yet been a teammate of, including Melo.

There was a report that the Jazz were considering offering the 5th pick, Derrick Favors and some combination of Alec Burks, the No. 23rd pick and a future first rounder.  That's quite a haul.  At no 5 they are probably left with Aaron Gordon, Joel Embiid, Julius Randle, Smart etc.  Mostly PF's.  Who would they take then?

I like Derrick Favors, and throwing in a few other first round picks is very enticing.  Not sure who they'd take at #5 though.  The good news is that it seems like every hour we're hearing about another team willing to throw the kitchen sink at the Cavs for that top pick, which means that it seems like they're really going to have a lot of options.

 

Also, don't forget that the Cavaliers also a first round pick coming from the Heat in 2015 (I believe?).  So if LeBron leaves and comes here, obviously his presence is the real prize, but the Cavaliers also benefit from a weakened Heat franchise that overnight becomes, IMO, a borderline lottery team.

I mentioned that proposed Utah deal up thread.  It's hardly a garbage offer.  Orlando might be countering with the 4 and 12 picks plus Aflalo.  Philly said to be digging in on 3 and Thad Young, and won't include 10.

 

Btw, I'm fairly certain that Miami pick is lottery protected.

I don't like any of these trades. We don't need two top 15 picks. Favors would be fine but wouldn't make us a contender. Unless those extra picks can land love or melo somehow, no thanks. The future has to be now. If u are going to draft, then fine but it needs to be wiggins or Parker IMO

Just saw a story that says Dan Gilbert wants to draft Andrew Wiggins but the Front office wants Parker. Hearing that the FO + Mike Brown wanted Bennett while Gilbert wanted Oladipo I hope Gilbert puts his foot down on this one.

 

Just saw a story that says Dan Gilbert wants to draft Andrew Wiggins.

 

Just saw a story that says Dan Gilbert wants to draft Andrew Wiggins.

 

Report: Cleveland Cavs Split on Jabari Parker, Andrew Wiggins for No. 1 Pick | Bleacher Report http://teamstre.am/1maRntT

 

The best I could do on my phone, scroll down and read the story updates.

 

Nice job! I also found this....

 

Dan Gilbert @cavsdan  ·  14m

Nonsense. We are united. RT @chadfordinsider: Cavs owner Dan Gilbert wants Wiggins at #1 Front office wants Parker. http://espn.go.com/nba/draft2014/

If true, Dan better let the basketball people do their jobs.  He fired Grant and Brown.  He hired Griffin to make these calls.  The Bennett pick is not something you can blame Griffin for..... although, as I've said multiple times, people are jumping the gun on writing off AB as a wasted pick.  He still has every opportunity to prove he was the best player to come out of the draft, including (most importantly, all the natural talent to do so

I completely agree on Bennett. It takes a minimum of three years for a player to show his true potential. Does anyone remember Lebron James' field goal percentage his rookie year? It was 41.7%. Take away his drives to the basket and it's more like 26%.  Michael Carter Williams shot 40.5%, considered a below average defender and yet he is considered the best of the draft at this point.  My point is those numbers didn't exactly blow anyone away. Bennett showed potential when he was healthy.

 

What a combo: #1 draft pick and the possible Return of the King.

What a combo: #1 draft pick and the possible Return of the King.

 

Teams are reportedly upping their offers for the #1.  Milwaukee (#2), Orlando (#4 and #12), Utah (#5 and #23), and Boston (#6 and #17) all said to be targeting Parker.  Philly (#3 and #10) wanting to move up for Wiggins.  Cavs have been smart not to tip their hand.  Things could get real interesting today.

 

I'll hope they stand pat unless they are blown away.  For instance if Orlando were to sub-out Aflalo for Oladipo in their trade package, which would also include the #4 and #12, I'm in.  Chad Ford is reporting the Cavs were on the phone last night gauging what kind of player they could get for #4 and #12.

Adrian Wojnarowski ‏@WojYahooNBA  6m

Cleveland and Orlando nowhere on a possible deal for the No. 1 pick, team sources tell Yahoo Sports. "Total bullsh!t," one executive says.

 

BTW I changed the i to ! in that tweet/quote, not Adrian.

There is a report out there that the Jazz are offering the #5 and #23 picks in the first round, plus Derrick Favors (13ppg and 9rpg, 19.0 PER), plus Alex Burks (14ppg), for the #1 and Jarrett Jack.  I would consider that offer if I were the Cavs.  Favors and Burks are still young guys, both former lottery picks, Favors in 2010 and Burks in 2011.  Each showed good improvement last year.  Favors certainly hasn't reached the potential he was supposed to have, but he is a big body and we sorely lack quality bigs.  If the Jazz throw in a future 1st rounder, that might really entice me.  The Cavs could still get a really good player at 5, perhaps even rolling the dice on Embiid.

 

I really hope Griffin doesn't get cute at this draft and out think himself unless he swing a truly killer deal...  Unlike last year, this is a high quality draft and I don't want the Cavs to piss it away.... No pick is perfect and the best man, Embiid, is damaged goods.  And Parker's defensive issues and lack of lateral speed, worry me.  Just take Wiggins and, then, look for a quality, reasonably-priced vet; preferably a big man, because we obviously can't count on Andy's health anymore. 

 

I think Parker's alleged "lack of lateral speed" is more than a little overblown.  He plays under control while in the game.  If you watch his workouts, he is very gifted athletically and explosive.  If Wiggins did not come out of high school without the hype, he wouldn't be in the conversation for #1.  Wiggins averaged 17 and 4 his freshman year and didn't shoot 50% from field.  His total lack of a left hand and overall poor ball-handling skills are bigger red flags to me than Parker's defense.  Wiggins for sure is no Durant, who averaged 25 and 11 his freshman year on plus 50%.  He reminds me of Harrison Barnes..... just another kid who was tagged as the "next Lebron" coming out of high school who turns out to be a solid, but hardly spectacular, NBA player.  Don't forget how many teams wasted picks in the 90's trying to find the "next Jordan"

 

That's not overblown, it's fact.  I've watched plenty of ACC and Duke, and Parker has a lack of foot speed and lateral quickness.  Coach K would often have use double teams, or even switches, on Parker's man if he was big and quick... At 6'8" he's a natural 3 in terms size, but he'll likely play the 4 because his opponents are slower.  A fast, quick player like LeBron, or even a lesser 3, would eat Parker alive... It's the same issue Bennett has, although Bennett has longer arms, a bigger body and greater jumping ability than Parker.  Parker, obviously though, has a much better shooting touch as well as general offensive awareness.

Same issue Larry Bird had as well, no?  Some people are just basketball players, even if they will never win a slam dunk contest.

 

If you want to say that he doesn't have the ELITE footspeed or lateral quickness, I would agree.  To say he has "a lack of footspeed and lateral quickness" is silly.  He wouldn't even be in the conversation for a top pick if he was completely lacking.  Just wait and see where Doug McDermott goes.

 

And let's be clear, nobody can guard Lebron.  Kawhi Leonard was praised for his defense against him in the finals and Lebron still averaged 28ppg.

 

You can pick and choose certain critiques to use against Parker,  He certainly is not what I would consider a "can't miss" Lebron/Durant type prospect.  But again..... what makes Wiggins the superior candidate for the #1 overall pick.  If we were not drafting first overall, I could get on board with AW.  But I really don't see top pick material with him.  Keep in mind (and feel free to go back to check the posts) that the last two drafts I had similar feelings about Otto Porter Jr. and Harrison Barnes, and their performances to date have done nothing to prove me wrong.

Another concern of mine with Wiggins is his hand placement while taking a breather on the court.  Get your thumbs pointed backwards, son!  Men don't stand like this....

 

 

(sarcasm..... sort of)

Hts. you've done it....you've soured me on Wiggins. I am sure glad I am not the Cavs GM right now. Anyhoo, Around the Corner in Lakewood is going to be hopping tonight!

Good.  Now I'm gonna show you my prognostication skills and say that whomever we draft.... and I really mean WHOMEVER.... one of the talking heads will quickly report that Lebron preferred the other guy and we have lost out on any chance of him returning to the Cavs.

Same issue Larry Bird had as well, no?  Some people are just basketball players, even if they will never win a slam dunk contest.

 

And let's be clear, nobody can guard Lebron.  Kawhi Leonard was praised for his defense against him in the finals and Lebron still averaged 28ppg.

 

Ron Artest/Metta World Peace contained LeBron nicely when Artest/MWP was in his prime.  He frustrated LeBron a lot.

Embiid was my guy, that's who I wanted. But that's not going to happen. I am going with Wiggins. For the most part because I drafted Jabari Parker last year in Anthony Bennett. Give me three years of similar minutes and no injuries and I think Bennett would come out on top. He is more explosive and can change a game with his play. And now he has something to prove. Let's see if he rises up. We have passed up to many SF's the last 4 years. Let's take Wiggins and see what happens. If they trade the pick...who knows.

Jabari and Bennett are so different in their games, I don't see the comparison at all.  Jabari is a small forward who, under the right circumstances (i.e. playing small ball), could fill in a little at the 4.  Bennett is a PF who, under the right circumstances (i.e. playing bully ball), could fill in a little at the 3.  Other than that, they are about as similar as Lebron and Kobe.  I actually like the interchangeability of the two, depending on the matchups.

 

I'd rather not take a "let's see what happens" approach with the 1st overall pick.  He has to be your guy.... or trade out.  The most common rationale I see for drafting Wiggins is his athleticism and effort on D.  Admittedly, he is top notch in both.  But notably, nobody raves about his actual "basketball skills" and that scares me.

Like Bennett,  Parker will be slow at the 3 and undersized at the 4. Their both tweeners with great offensive skills while displaying a lack of defensive effort. With Wiggins the consensus over the last three years with those in the know is that he will be 'special'. That was the same kind of buzz Kyrie was receiving. He is less of a long term risk with a high reward.

Actually, it was Harrison Barnes, not Kyrie, who received all the hype coming out of high school.  There was also a hot debate over who was the better PG prospect, Kyrie or Brandon Knight (as well as a flameout named Josh Selby).  Kyrie was not the 'explosive' athlete the other two were and considered a bit out of shape.  He had one of the highest body fat percentages at the draft combine.  Those concerns, along with injuries, led a lot of people "in the know" to prefer Derrick Williams for the #1 overall pick, mostly due to his 'elite athleticism' and 'explosiveness.'  Kyrie still went #1 'cause the kid could flat out ball.  Sound familiar?

 

Parker will be 'slow at the 3' just like Paul Pierce was slow at the 3.  He won't play the 4 unless we want to go with a smaller lineup, filled with shooters, during stretches.  But his ability to do so is a plus.  Bennett is much more strictly a 4.

Well I think you are overstating the concern about Kyrie. The big question about Kyrie was injury. And the only person who thought about drafting Derrick Williams over Kyrie was Dan Gilbert. I just think we have or can get ppl who do what Parker does, it would be much harder to get what Andrew Wiggins can do.

Andrew Wiggins, I like it.

Wiggins was my guy.

Chris Broussard @Chris_Broussard  ·  16m

Source who spoke with KLove says he would definitely "100 pct" stay in Cleveland longterm if LeBron is there

 

Dustin Fox ‏@DustinFox37  14m

If that @Chris_Broussard tweet is true.. I better not buy a Wiggins jersey.

 

Anthony Lima @AnthonyLimaFAN  ·  13m

If that Kevin Love quote is accurate, it's been nice knowing you Wiggins

 

Russell Williams ‏@Cavs247dotcom  7m

The #Cavs are NOT expected to deal Wiggins. They have pieces to make a Love trade work without putting Wiggins into the mix.

The Cavs need not focus on LeBron it's a long shot that he comes and we need to focus on building with what we have.

The Cavs need not focus on LeBron it's a long shot that he comes and we need to focus on building with what we have.

 

They can walk and chew gum at the same time, especially with all the cap space they have. If they don't pursue free agents, be it Lebron or anyone else, then they are negligent.

The Cavs need not focus on LeBron it's a long shot that he comes and we need to focus on building with what we have.

 

They can walk and chew gum at the same time, especially with all the cap space they have. If they don't pursue free agents, be it Lebron or anyone else, then they are negligent.

I just don't think they should trade Wiggins on hope that Lebron comes back, I agree that they should aggressively pursue free agents especially with nearly $30 million in the bank.

Well, I hope I'm wrong.  I'd hate t think a team in our division got the better prospects at 15 (the Greek Freak) and 2 (Jabari) than we did at 1 (Bennett) and 1 (Wiggins) in consecutive drafts. 

 

And that jacket? (double face palm)

 

 

Damn Spurs just took my other guy, Kyle Anderson. Hoping he would last till Cavs.

2nd round pick - Joe Harris, UVA

 

love it

hmm randle to the lakers, exum to utah, it will be interesting to see how this draft turns out.

 

 

Johnny Manziel        ✔ @JManziel2

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A WIGGINS!!! Welcome to the city my brother and congratulations @22wiggins #CavsSZN

9:19 PM - 26 Jun 2014

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hmm randle to the lakers, exum to utah, it will be interesting to see how this draft turns out.

 

 

Johnny Manziel        ✔ @JManziel2

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A WIGGINS!!! Welcome to the city my brother and congratulations @22wiggins #CavsSZN

9:19 PM - 26 Jun 2014

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The choice of words in that post .. SMDH

We traded Gee late last night for Charlotte's second round selection (#45) of Stanford F/C Dwight Powell..... another Canuck.  Big body and good shooter.  Scholar athlete of the year in the PAC-12.  Inexplicit drop in production from junior to senior year cost him a first round slot.

 

#WeAllFromCanada

As part of the Charlotte deal, we get Brendan Haywood.  He has a $2mill salary for next season and a $10mill nonguaranteed deal for the following year, the latter making him a huge trade chip because any team we trade him to can use that nonguaranteed deal to create cap space.

Well, LeBron got his wish of the Heat drafting Napier, so I guess he's staying in Miami!  Give it up, all you who think he will return!

Well, LeBron got his wish of the Heat drafting Napier, so I guess he's staying in Miami!  Give it up, all you who think he will return!

Suggestion:  Can we discuss this in the NBA thread as opposed to the Cavs thread?

I've been really struggling to come up with a good NBA comparison for Wiggins.  Who he reminds me of most.  Some have said TMac, but I don't see that at all.  Thinking about it today, I nailed it, at least IMHO.  Latrell Sprewell.... That's who he reminds me of..... Minus the infamous choking incident of course.  Particularly the young, Golden State Sprewell

Hey Lebron, you wanna make Heat fans relax?

"Nah, man, I'm out." Also, that's Zydrunas Ilgauskas (works in Cavs front office--tampering??) he's giving the hand-slap to....

Yes, Z still works for the Cavs.  But I'm not sure whether that is going to continue.  Chris Grant was a close friend and I've heard mixed reports on his relationship with the current regime.  But, to be clear, both Z and LBJ are in Miami this weekend for the wedding of a former Cavs trainer who is now privately employed by LBJ.  Many members of the Heat, including Riley, were at that event

 

On another Cavs note, check out this photo of Bennett with Wiggins taken within the past day or two.  Dude is lookin' svelte!

 

Wow, where's the beef??

LeBron is not coming back!

^Carrick Felix? Yea he'll be there for summer league... so no worries

 

No fair! You can't edit your post after the joke. How rude :whip:

Yes, Z still works for the Cavs.  But I'm not sure whether that is going to continue.  Chris Grant was a close friend and I've heard mixed reports on his relationship with the current regime.  But, to be clear, both Z and LBJ are in Miami this weekend for the wedding of a former Cavs trainer who is now privately employed by LBJ.  Many members of the Heat, including Riley, were at that event

 

On another Cavs note, check out this photo of Bennett with Wiggins taken within the past day or two.  Dude is lookin' svelte!

 

 

I think Bennett is going to have a nice season.  Injury-free, better coach, year under his belt; he'll learn from his mistakes.  He showed flashes late last season when Brown finally gave him time to play.

LeBron is not coming back!

 

Did I say he was? I was referring to Bennett having lost weight, or beef.

 

If Bennett has a decent season, I wonder if all the people who called him "bust" after just one season will have the balls to admit they were wrong. I mean, one year? C'mon, can you imagine what kind of pressure they must their kids under? I hope they have a large therapy budget....