Live Thread: 2019 NBA Draft (#ShellGame)
2019-06-20Think you know what the Cavaliers will do tonight? How sure are you?
In what might be the most random and up in the air draft for Cleveland this side of the 2013 Gum Drop Bear disaster, there’s not a ton of consensus about who… or even where they’ll ultimately pick. As it stands, the wine & gold have the 5th and 26th selections in a draft that’s widely speculated to be one potential superstar, and only three high level talents deep. That doesn’t mean they can’t still get some quality building blocks and contributors, but there’s also a whole lot of disparate opinions about players seeded 4-20 this year.
The Cavs could stand pat and choose between best player available and best possible fit into new head coach John Beilein’s plans. Names at Five have included Jarrett Culver, De’Andre Hunter, Darius Garland and Cam Reddish, but the Cavs have also been known to go off the board and make reckless out-of-the-box choices… bringing names like Coby White, Kevin Porter Jr. and Bol Bol (gulp) into play.
They could also just as easily find an eager trade partner (e.g. Atlanta, Chicago, Miami) to swap with and possibly pick up an extra choice or two in the 8-17 range. The point is, just about anything is on the table for the Cavaliers in this draft… they just have to figure out under which shell the right answer lies…
Catch all the hot draft action starting at 7pm EST on ESPN, and as always… chime in below with your theories, takes and comments.
We’ll update as we can with any relevant trades that happen leading up to the draft.
Jordan Bone off the board!
Where’s the pod?
almost there
😎
Very happy Nwaba’s a RFA…. I’d hope that guarantees his return.
They will need him.
The rumor I heard is that the Cavs agreed to renounce his RFA this year when they signed him last year.
Nwaba went on record that he wants to be back. Altman needs to get it done. Lock him up for the rest of his 20s.
Save for JR, I’m not sure I’m in any rush to trade any of the expiring contracts in exchange for taking on more salary past this season. Cavs have room for a max contract next free agency. If they strike gold (All star level) on just one out of three between Garland, Porter Jr and next year’s lotto pick, might be enticing for a free agent.
I’m also fully expecting this year’s team to be a dumpster fire on D. I am rooting for them to be competitive but have low expectations.
They might have room for two max contracts depending on where the cap comes in… it’s looking like around ~64m in cap space next year.
Glad we didn’t eat one of Miami’s atrocious contracts (yet).
We aren’t striking gold that quick. Also I am highly doubtful on ever luring guys (not named LBJ) that actually are worth maxes here. Much more likely to get in trades.
Why is anyone worried about fit on a terrible team? They need all the talent they can get, worry about fit when there’s actually someone to build around. Right now, the only guys worth building around are KLOVE and Nance. By that measure, the draft picks are completely in line with building around their skills.
I mean the questions I have regard how much value you lose by having to trade someone versus just taking guys who complement your current players with tangible skills that will translate and who likely will stick and be productive in some sense even if they don’t turn into stars. That is why I really really wanted a long 3 and d guy with that 5 pick. Hunter wasn’t there of course. Culver was the next best option that at least fit the d part as well as having some other ok offensive skills. Really I wanted to trade back,… Read more »
I’m generally okay with the selections.
I think Garland looks to have an elite skill, and I’m hopeful that translates.
I would have liked a guy like Clarke or Culver in addition to all these shooters.
I was hoping they would have moved JRs contract for Miami’s pick to take someone like Clarke. But apparently Miami is still “butthurt” over LeBron.
I think Garland and Porter Jr. could be huge gets for the Cavs or potentially disasters (more Porter Jr.).
lol @ Miami butthurt
Specifically because “butthurt” got quotes
Ha!
Sam Amico is now trolling Woj:
https://twitter.com/AmicoHoops/status/1141917452793778176?s=20
So, by my count, our roster looks like:
PG: Sexton, Garland, Delly
Combo G: Clarkson, Knight
SG: Porter, Smith (or who we take for him)
SF: Osman, Windler
PF: Love, Nance
C: TT, Henson, Zizic
That is 14. Hope to gawd Nwaba is 15.
Really short on long athletc wings, no combo forwards, no shot blocking save Henson, or a functional NBA SG. And only 1 of 5 PF/C types who can shoot.
No doubt Clarkson, Knight, and TT expirings to be moved for some wings and maybe some picks for next year. Contracts will not be good in return. We wouldn’t be competing anytime soon anyway.
Nwaba does need to be resigned, no doubt.
Culver was the one they probably should have taken. But oh well.
That being said I am completely and totally lukewarm on Culver for very good reasons. But he would fit better.
TT, Henson, JR, Clarkson, and Knight all need to go. Sadly Garland May cut into Delly’s minutes if Beilein still plans on using Clarkson in the 6th man role
Yep Lakers taking the guy I wanted
https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1141916885577097217?s=20
Good… glad they’re getting a non-shooter to space to floor lol.
Yeah he’s got some long arms that would help our squad tho.
I guess it doesn’t matter at this point if Lakers get THT. The Cavs appear to be done.
Bol Bol seems like a nice kid…. happy for him that his wait is over.
I hope Bol stays healthy and does well in Denver. He can dunk IT in practice.
https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1141916188953456640?s=20
very pleased we took a gamble.. good job koby & co..
2nd year Denver takes a high upside low risk pick
Lol…Whiteside can mentor Bol…
Ulp, make that Denver…
https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1141915620809818113?s=20
Gotta balance out the team’s average height with IT
The Lakers are gonna take THT
so JR contract is worthless to every team?
BOL!
https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1141915197491359744?s=20
https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1141914547206459398?s=20
Will the Lakers take Bol Bol?
Hope so.
https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1141913736632029186?s=20
Woj’s glasses look like they have no lenses in the frames…
https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1141912854339211264?s=20
The Skills Guy they just interviewed said that Kevin Porter Jr. is the sleeper pick of the draft.
Yup saw that…. it’s all about his mental and emotional health and the support from the org.
Do the cavs still have any 2nd round picks this year, or did we trade them for Porter Jr?
We have none.
We will by the draft with all our expirings.
GS is gonna steak THT
https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1141911950097563650?s=20
Schofield was better IMO.
https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1141911372168605696?s=20
Amazing that Bol Bol is dropping this far, although I. Would. Not. Touch. Him.
Major red flags about his health and about his motivation. Teams will take a risk on one of those issues, but not both
I like the direction Cavs are going… fully expect them to be back in the lottery next year though.
I hope the Cavs can get THT
i second that motion.. some on this site are not impressed.. but a 2nd rounder is worth it
jaylen nowell.. worth a shot
https://twitter.com/AmicoHoops/status/1141908127425675265?s=20
https://twitter.com/KevinOConnorNBA/status/1141895229651296256
Should be good pairing with all of our ball handlers now.
https://twitter.com/Pchopz_/status/1141906187417522181
I mean yeah that’s why you take him. The physical tools and high level offensive skills are there.
The referee at about 25 seconds…
GOLD!!! lmaoooo
Ha. Also that one guy in the stands looks like a Baron Davis clone in the pixelation.
I’d be okay with the Cavs taking Bol now as an undrafted rookie.
Honestly, I’d love that!!!
Sixers seem to have had a solid draft. Seem like guys who might fill a role right away for them.
I imagine Nate and EG are recording a pod right now.
Yup, their comments have dropped off
Can’t wait to hear what they have to say.
Guessing hating on Garland and Porter and lamenting about Clarke. Should be entertaining.
I’m sure…but how can they do that without knowing the destiny of Bol Bol??
They’ll just keep gasbagging until it’s known :)
Dallas may take him here…
https://twitter.com/Reflog_18/status/1141902331702927360?s=20
Ha ouch. That is funny, but unfortunately true.
https://twitter.com/BIGPLAY_dave/status/1141898940637425665?s=20
Two of those guys are expendable. Sexton, Garland, Delly. Ship Clarkson and Knight if possible.
I think it was more of a joke.
Yeah I figured. But still we need to get Clarkson, knight, and TT and Henson out of here for some more wings.
Clarkson, Knight and Sexton – I would consider SG’s instead.
Sorry Arch my sarcasm meter is way off today. ;)
Porter Jr will be a good test to see if the Cavs culture is really changing. Let’s see if they can light a fire under this kid. Maybe he’ll come in with a chip on his shoulder
God, I hope so…he either gets with the program or gets shipped out…I hope…
Bills likes Cleveland’s picks. Billups thinks Cavs had best draft
Pelicans definitely had the best draft -> Zion > all
Meant to say outside of Pels
Meant to say Bilas not Bills
Yup… just saw that. Yeah, I’d say Memphis and NOP only other drafts I’d like.
Sixers get Edwards…I think that’s a great pick for them…
Oops, for Boston, unfortunately…
David Nwaba just became indispensable to the Cavs…. they need to lock him up for the next 3-4 years.
Absolutely!
Agree. Being our only positive wing defender, he seems pretty indispensable at this point.
https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1141905401442656256?s=20
OK. So 4 2nd rounders for 30 seems reasonable then. Crazy to see how value of 2nd rounders are seen when they’re on the clock, yet not all that valuable further out.
https://twitter.com/ChrisFedor/status/1141904672686579712?s=20
Raw athleticism and talent wise he is. We’ll see if he can keep it together, can fit in, and take coaching.
are we buying and selling 2nd rounders..
Anyone have any details on why Porter was suspended other than “conduct issues”? Cant find many details through a very very quick google search
Have not heard any details…
I want to say I maybe something about weed. I mean there are red flags even if that isn’t the case. But a guy like that doesn’t get past the top 15 without them. It’s a calculated risk that has the potential to pay massive dividends or doesn’t cost that much if it doesn’t.
maybe read something
Yeah, I assumed it was drugs…
Red flags as in other off the court stuff or red flags for on the court stuff? I saw some serious question marks about his inconsistent energy level on the court and at times bad body language.
Scouting I saw he generally tried on d for whatever that is worth. Gambled a bit. I don’t think the issues were on the court. But I’m not pretending he isn’t a risk to have attitude issues. Gotta hope dropping wakes him up and the cavs can guide him well.
Brooklyn is keeping the pick.
I would not touch Bol. I like Carsen Edwards here, depending on the team…
I think Bol will go undrafted.
Get Nic Claxson!
https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1141900733186547712?s=20
https://twitter.com/T_Rozzay3/status/1141885838458011655?s=20
Windler can shoot. I’m liking these pics.
Me too… I can’t wait for summer league.
When does it start? Early July?
Yup… not sure if they still do two sessions, but early-mid July latest.
Thanks…looking forward to it!
I’m ok with it. It could have been much worse. Reddish at 5. Shudder. Bol at 26. Barf. I was a little too hopeful about trading down and picking up a couple of the hawks picks. Or fleecing Miami. I do wish we had managed to snag a defender.
I like the Porter Jr. pickup. Good to take a shot at a real talent this late.
Potential steal.
I think they did well to get Porter…he could be a huge talent…if he washes out, they didn’t give up so much to cripple them…
I’m fine with them taking him at 30. I just think they gave up too much.
Meh most seconds probably aren’t as high potential as him. I feel like second rounders are a good use for this type of thing.
Maybe it was all nonsense, but two guys who were mentioned to have real attitude problems (even in team interviews) were Porter Jr. and (everyone’s favorite) Bol.
Porter Jr. Attitude issues + a shot that is released terribly low. Phenomenal athlete. Took 4 2nd rounders to get? 🤔
Does seem like a lot. Not worried about the shot because he can get it off pretty much anytime he wants.
Yup. He can get any shot anytime…. it’s whether he chooses the right shot at the right time.
That too.
That is not worried about him being able to get it off. Consistency could be an issue. We’ll see. It’s a good roll of the die this late imo.
Finally..
Now go get THT in the second round.
You misspelled BB
Summer league is gonna be must see viewing
I’m a huge loser so it’s always MSTV
https://twitter.com/ChrisFedor/status/1141899920938549248?s=20
He is a talent…time will tell if he is also a bonehead…
Cavs better try to help him surround himself with great people. Check in. Don’t know if they quite were on top of Bennett as they should of been. Hope they know to do better this time.
We’ll see…Beilein/ Cavs emphasis on culture may help him…
WOW… that’s crazy…. Cavs couldn’t have done better getting shooters that can get their own shots.
That is true. Gotta hope Sexton, Garland, and Porter Jr all can play together as far as being able to play off ball well.
Their spot up 3 game better be on-point.
https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1141899571464998913?s=20
Seems like a lot for basically a second rounder.
I mean why didn’t they just trade JR to the Bucks for their pick?
Dunno. Probably actually might have helped the bucks since they have to resign a bunch of guys.
Some weird CavsDan thing for wanting to help out Detroit? Idk
https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1141899531606548483?s=20
OMG…. CLEVELAND WANTS ALL THE SHOOTERS LMAOOOO
Huh…well, that is a talent infusion…
Huh ok. Cool.
There we go!!
Nice pick for the Spurs…wow…
Agree wouldn’t have minded him at 26.
Cavs can draft James Wiseman in 2020, who is Anthony Davis Lite!
Party pooper:
https://twitter.com/BillSimmons/status/1141894562551459841?s=20
Grant Williams will probably be a great player for them, unfortunately…
BTW Windler tested as one of the better athletes at forward at the combine, one of the quickest forwards of the draft… tested well with everything except standing vert.
Cavs are going to find out if 3s can hang in there with a parade of dunks.
CBS Sports gives the Cavs A and B grades for their two picks respectively. Maybe they know something we don’t.
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/draft-tracker/
It was a great draft, I don’t get all the negativity.
I don’t believe in Portland at all ever being a serious contender. That is absolute best case. Maybe we get something good for one of those guys in a few years. Just seems like drafting to trade.
Wyndler is fine and it satisfied my requirement for a shooting wing.
The reason why Portland doesn’t get over the hump is Lillard’s decision-making in the PnR double teams, not a lack of size.
I am not super confident with that from our guys either. Also Lillard and McCollum have some bulk at least. Sexton and Garland pretty small framed.
I mean I like Garland in a vacuum. Just would have preferred some great defense somewhere.
I agree that decision-making from Garland, Sexton, Porter will be key.
They’ve been improving every year and I think Lillard can be the best player on a championship team. A bit of an oversimplification to say all of their issues from Lillard/McCollum. They’ve handed out some wacky contracts over the year and haven’t handled their salary cap well enough to fill out the rest of the roster, imo. Nurkic injury really hurt them.
I am not convinced on Lillard. Nurkic would have helped. I dunno. Just skeptical this works long term.
Yeah I get the argument though – comparing to Sexton/Garland to Lillard/McCollum is best case scenario. More likely scenario is that they aren’t as talented offensively and assuredly will be worse defensively.
In a vaccuum I do not hate it. Garland can shoot. Windler can REALLY shoot. And Porter Jr has upside. But the Sexton/Garland pairing is barf and the worst defensive backcourt in the league, by a mile. And our forwards (Cedi/Love) are poor. And we have no rim protection. But 4 seconds for #30 for a guy who has a bad tude? And was inefficient & unproductive? Well, at least he can get his own (missed) shots off at will. Taking a bad fit at #5 when #4 AND #6 both traded down for more assets? No JR deal. No… Read more »
Porter jr showed some passing. I mean second rounders are a good use for taking a shot like that. Honestly, the vast majority of seconds have little value on their own as far as projected return. The garland sexton thing is problematic. But I guess you hope that if one has to be traded they prove themselves offensively and you get a good player who fits in return if it comes to that. Would have preferred some defense, but oh well, we have all the shooting and ball handling now.
They gave the Jaxson pick a “C” so I wouldn’t read much into it.
How will Korby use the JR asset? Perhaps for a 2020 pick?
Exhaling. I was really worried about losing EG to the Clippers
Best move Kolby made all night was retaining EG
Cheers.
Corby knows where his bread is buttered…
LMAOOO