Mailing it in: Amateur GM Edition
2015-06-22
We’ve been a little lax on NBA draft coverage this year at Cavs: the Blog. We’re on the outside looking in, after drafting at the top of the lottery the last four years, and with the Cavs playing till just last week, none of us have had time to do the proper scouting and evaluation. In addition, more than a couple of our staffers think there’s no way a 24th draft pick is even going to play for the Cavs next year. But here we are, in one of the NBA’s best times of the year, a time when hopes for every franchise renew. We don’t want to give it short shrift, either. That’s where you come in.
If you’re interested in participating in the CtB Mock draft that will be taking place this week, please email me at OldSeaMiner@gmail.com. To participate, you’ll need to be able to respond to emails in a timely manner. You’ll also need to profile a player or three with a paragraph full of insight and wit as we go through the mock draft. If you can’t participate, please use the comment section to tell us all about the player(s) you like in this draft, and a plausible scenario for them ending up on the Cavs. Also, if the player you love is so earth shatteringly awesome, you just have to tell us about them, even if they won’t end up on the Cavs, well, that’s ok, too. Any sane draft day trade scenarios are welcome, *but remember, sign-and-trades can’t happen until free agency starts, so table those till next week. Happy drafting, and go Cavs.
*Correction: as the Cavs are above the tax apron with their current cap holds, they cannot receive any players in a sign and trade scenario. As Jacob Rosen at WFNY explained in his piece on Dwyane Wade scenarios, there are almost no ways for the Cavs to get under the tax apron to be able sign and trade. My apologies on the error. I’ve been under a mistaken assumption for over a week. The CBA is not self evident.
forget where I read the same thing about Tyreke —–there are some validity to rumors that cavs have discussed Tyreke in their plans —would make good sense to me if they could use haywood’s contract to make this happen
Ive never looked at Tyreke and thought “ballhog”, he just isn’t a great shooter… He would be our Igoudala type player that can do everything but shoot from distance.
Anyone think Cavs could somehow get Tyreke Evans from the Pelicans for the Haywood contract and the 24th pick (after they’ve selected of course)? Heard rumors he may not be in their plans (especially with Gentry taking over). He signed for three more years and makes $11.2 next year. Can sometimes be a head case, but is 6’6, can handle the ball, create his own offense, play either guard position. He averaged 16.6 ppg/6.6 apg/5.3 rpg last year with a PER of 17.77. Not a great three point shooter (30%), but can finish at the rim and shot 45% from… Read more »
I think it makes too much sense, which probably means it won’t happen. He’d be perfect as a point forward spelling Lebron in a small ball lineup with TT, the Champ, Delly, and JR. He’d be surrounded by shooters and one rebounder… so his only job would be to attack the basket.
He’s a head case though… but maybe he’s over them because 6.6 apg is quite surprising… I thought his problem was being a ball hog, but you don’t get 6.6 apg by being one of those.
You can definitely command the ball and get assists. Kobe and Lebron are #3 and 4 active.
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/phil-jackson-says-lebron-usually-travels–team-offense-no-longer-exists-003831330.html?soc_src=mediacontentstory&soc_trk=tw via @YahooSports So the guy who had Jordan and Kobe shooting 30 times and Shaq man-monstering the middle thinks LeBron is too “pick and roll” heavy. The traveling could be blamed on the refs for not calling ANYONE for traveling (Curry is actually one of the only guys that doesn’t gather after the catch, I don’t know if I can think of another who doesn’t travel when coming off a curl/screen of some sort). He spent the entire playoffs criticizing 3 point shooting teams, then lauds them after they win? Am I the only one tired of hearing Phil… Read more »
He’s destroying his credibility. He’s lost that Zen focus. Probably not the best way to manage from the front office.
Maybe he’s just having a “senior moment?” I mean, Phil is pretty old at this point…
He probably would have gotten away with it if it weren’t for you meddling writers and your little blog, too!
a month ago Jefferson seemed like a possibility / but alas the other ” REAL ” g.m’s also noticed his skills / would be a miracle if he was still there for the cavs / Harrell —Louisville –a similar player could possibly still be there —Grant and Hunter are all over the board will be interesting to see what the cavs do if either ( both ) players are still there —-yeah OKLA / SPURS draft well but c’mon look at the cavs —-GUMBEAR / KARASEV / LUKE JACKSON / DIOP / D’JANGI WAGNER / TRAJDON LAGDON THESE ARE DRAFT… Read more »
“Only weakness is a jump shot, which is supposedly the most fixable weakness in the NBA.” Tell that to Tristan Thompson, Ricky Rubio, Rajan Rondo. I think it’s the least fixable weakness.
But that doesn’t mean that Jefferson wouldn’t be a good pick.
I don’t think he needs to become just reddick, but I would say look at john wall. Still not a great 3pt shooter, but he is serviceable. And for what we would need him to be, that would be more than enough. We would just need defenses to at least respect his shot somewhat
A lot of guys learn to shoot when they get older. Very few get taller, faster, or more athletic.
True. Another prime example is the best player on the planet. Lebron couldn’t shoot worth a lick his first few years in the NBA. Even Chris bosh wasn’t known for his jump shooting till Miami years. I don’t know for sure that RHJ’s shot can be fixed… It is pretty awful… But with all the upside and defined NBA skills he has already, if that is his one glaring weakness then I’m not too concerned
Can’t imagine a better scenario then rondae Hollis-Jefferson falling to us. Has been on the uptrend lately so it seems a little unlikely, but he is a ferocious defender with great motor and high iq. Only weakness is a jump shot, which is supposedly the most fixable weakness in the NBA. Would love to see him come in to spell for lebron or be used in a small line up. He could be the one non-shooter in a line up consisting of KI, JR, lebron, and K-Love, but be active enough to be effective. Wouldn’t surprise me though if he… Read more »
Wish Cavs could draft like the Thunder. They knock it out the ball park every year, no matter where they are picking in the first round. Late in first round, Thunder’s hella good work. 2008- 24th pick Serge Ibaka 2010- 18th pick Eric Bledso, 26th pick Quincy Pondexter 2011- 24th pick Reggie Jackson 2012- 28th pick Perry Jones 2013- 13th pick Steven Adams (this is middle first round, still great pick) 2014- 24th pick Mithc McGary Spurs another Grade A organization, doing grade A work every year in the draft. Tiago Splitter (28th pick), George Hill (26th pick), DeJuan Blair… Read more »
Grant is gone so that helps. But it’s possible Griff never sees a lottery pick for the Cavs,
Also, anyone remember an epic meltdown in the comments section last year? A certain someone giving diatribe after diatribe that Andrew Wiggins is not supported by advanced stats, I tell you!
just throwing it out there —-how about LARRY NANCE JR with our 2nd round pick ( # 54 )—–maybe ” lightning will strike twice “—-reports on JOHNSON aren’t real promising to draft in the 1st round—2nd round / yes
at 53 i bet it is a euro-stash player or part of a larger trade surrounding future picks (is that possible considering our previous maneuvers)?
Wow, any of you remember a time when commenters were defending Gum Drop. Good times . . . .Dakari 2016!! What a steal!
i think the steal is based on potential to become a starter while picking in the 20’s. we all can agree that most have bust potential. if he busts in the 20’s it is of limited consequence unless you miss a good player after him. picking 1 and busting is brutal because of lost potential and missing the others who will be good to excellent.
I am actually serious about Dakari . . .love the dude as a low first rounder.
I am actually serious about Dakari . . .love the dude as a low first round pick.
But they couldn’t draft Oladipo because they already had potential-superstar DION! What a waste of picks. I don’t recall defending Gumdrop but I definitely recall hating Dion (and Grant).
i consider alot of you guys here highly intelligent and fairly rational in your analysis. so, my question is why dont more people discuss probabilities like the 538 piece above? i am biased toward probabilities myself so you wont upset me if you shoot it down. however, probability potentials like bust (what was ab15’s bust potential) and hidden gems like jimmy butler or even steph curry falling to 7th are intriguing story lines. or even when mallory used to get on people when he used to say “why dont we trade back to the late teens/early 20’s to draft a… Read more »
@chadfordinsider: With the 24th pick the Cavs select Bobby Portis, Arkansas (the steal of the draft, no way he lasts this long) #FordBilasMock
i think if dakari johnson fall to the cavs there is the steal. portis would be fair value and could be a valuable player. i dont want either of the harrison brothers from kentucky. or anybody that cant defend and sink a wide open 3 (if they dont play center). i doubt the cavs could trade the pick after selection because the league knows not to help the cavs. some GM will do us a favor i think by not selecting based on probabilities. lets just hope that it is someone who can play and guard multiple positions. i am… Read more »
after looking at the videos and numbers for portis i think you are right that wont be there when cavs pick. a young and raw greg monroe potential.
the point guard rozier also looks like an upgrade to our backcourt. dont know if he is there when cavs pick either. i guess my “you cant teach height” bias leads me back to johnson and he might be there but he looks raw compared to portis
the draft ” an improbable science / crap shot / Russian roulette “—been scouring al the different draft sites ( we all enjoy playing G.M. don’t we )—good example GRANT / HUNTER who are possibly on the cavs list HAVE THEM GOING AS HIGH AS THE 13TH / 15TH PICK and as low as the 35th pick / some sites have them both rated as 50% chance of NBA BUSTS ( AKA GUMBEAR SYNDROME ) —– ROZIER another possible cavs draft prospect have him rated as the most ready pt gd/ some have him rated as low as the 10th—-so… Read more »
I like a lot of the names mentioned already with Anderson, Johnson, Grant, and Wright. Here’s two more names I’ll throw in: Terry Rozier of Louisville and Joseph Young of Oregon. Rozier can shoot, has a little size, athletic, learned defense at Louisville. Draft Express said his biggest liability is creating off the dribble, because he was the 2 guard during his freshman year, and only PG this past year. That’s probably the biggest thing that scares me about him, but I think you can work on your handling, and you can’t teach athleticism. Also, playing at Louisville means major… Read more »
Plus: Mighty Joe Young, that’s a sweet nickname.
I second the motion. All in favor say “aye.” Aye. Motion carries. Great work, Nate!
You right! You cannot pass on someone named Mighty Joe Young. Unless Big Joe Turner is available.
BTW, the Browns briefly had a Chester Burnett. Not sure if it was actually Howling Wolf. It is totally true that Clarance Clemmons tried out for the Browns. A car accident ended his FB days, so he stuck with Saxophone.
You should get in on the mock draft.
You’re right, I’ll shoot you that email.
Draft Justin Anderson. Or trade the pick with the Haywood contract for something useful.
Cols, I think you got this one right. Upgrade our Virginia interest. Maybe Justin can push Joe to be something next year.
Who? joe Harris?? He’s D-league material.
HAHA… I also like the idea that Joe and Justin have been teammates on a successful college team. Might help Anderson gain comfort and chemistry seeing a familiar face on the team. Was waiting for someone to mention the UVA connection!
I’d have to say I’d be more optimistic about Anderson’s viability as a pro as opposed to Harris. I agree with Cols that he’s a D-Leaguer at the moment. If we have room, I don’t see why we don’t keep him and see if he can progress in year two. He’s cheap, so it’s not like he’s hamstringing the organization. The draft pick and bench guys will really be determined by what we think we can do with the Haywood contract. If we’re getting a player or two back, I don’t see us keeping any pick in the draft. I… Read more »
I’m a huge Smokin’ Joe fan… so I’m a lot more optimistic about his game than most others. I actually think that he’s the heir to JR’s bench role if they can’t get JR signed at reasonable price. Totally agree, I think the Cavs will stick with Smokin’ Joe, especially after going through the exact same scenario with Danny Green, where they didn’t stick with a 2nd round guy who developed well at a cheap price. And I also agree that Haywood’s contract is the crown jewel of the offseason. I think we land a significant bench piece with that… Read more »
Instant Twitter Poll
Bennett. Just the worst pick ever who will be out of the NBA in two years.
If that’s not a tie, I don’t know what is. At least I think the jury is still out on Manziel, at least for another year.
They won’t tie until Manziel plays an entire season and does nothing like Bennett.
Yes We have to see more than 1.5 games in a season as starter. We know we have in Bennett
Manziel first year far surpassed Bennett’s likely entire career. Don’t forget: 1. Excellent trick play where he pretended to be going to the sidelines and caught a long pass. Unfortunately, a RB was not set, and the play was called back. Otherwise that might have won a game. 2. On Manziel’s first shot, he pulled off a long drive, and ran it in for a TD. His last couple games were total crap, but that does not erase the two things above. There is still a decent chance he will be OK. What has Bennett done? I think he had… Read more »
Still time for either player to change the story. So far a #1 for Bennett looks way worse then a 20s pick for Manziel. Especially in the NBA where a high pick has so much more potential value than a high NFL draft pick.
Bennett is unfortunately historically terrible. Manziel will be just another QB bust. There are so few regular QB jobs that making it as an NFL QB is probably harder than being a rotation power forward in the NBA.
Both guys will probably be out of the league in a couple of years, but you never know.
Great piece here: http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2015/06/nba-rumors-cavaliers-dwyane-wade/
Basically, Wade to the Cavs is not happening.
Posted this above: *Correction: as the Cavs are above the tax apron with their current tax holds, they cannot receive any players in a sign and trade scenario. As Jacob Rosen at WFNY explained in his piece on Dwyane Wade scenarios, there are almost no ways for the Cavs to get under the tax apron to be able sign and trade. My apologies on the error. I’ve been under a mistaken assumption for over a week. The CBA is not self evident.
Thanks for clearing that up… it sounds like that means no good RFAs would be possible then? Also, does this mean that the Cavs can trade Haywood’s contract only for a player already under contract?
Yes, that is exactly what it means. Though, in theory, Cleveland could hang on to it till December and use it on someone signed this summer.
Thanks for the info and research, Nate. Very interesting, that would seem to be very risky though waiting until December… but it’s my impression that there’s some talent to be had this offseason that might be worth waiting for? Wow, the possibilities…
Any in the nearby future podcast of how season ended to who are some good candidates for backup PG to Lebron’s backup? How about that? We are actually discussing back ups for the first time in 4 years.
Marc Stein quotes “ESPN sources” that the T-wolves are trying to move Anthony Bennett.
Assuming that he is healthy and that the Wolves probably don’t want much back… Would we? $5.8 million salary for 2015-16)
NO….. noooooooooo…… NOOOOOOOO! Let’s get Dion Waiters back too!
NO x 100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
NO
No. The guy will go down as the worst No. 1 pick in NBA history, and Chris Grant will be the punchline to that joke.
I agree… and that list includes Michael Olowokandi and Kwame Brown… I’d rather take my chances with a 40 year old Ira Newble
I think there are a couple guys worth looking at if we keep our draft pick this year: Delon Wright (PG – Utah) and Justin Anderson (SF – UVa). Delon Wright has been talked as one of the “Most NBA ready guards” in the draft. He’s got great size at the PG (bigger than both Irving and Delly). He plays good defense. He has the ability to both steal and block shots from the backcourt, which could be excellent characteristics on a second unit. DraftExpress explains how he may not be the most athletic guys out there, but uses his… Read more »
Both Dakari Johnson and Cliff Alexander are rated in our range by scouts but higher in this link, which, if you read the article, estimates that they have little chance to be superstars, but a good chance to be very solid starters. That’s what we have to look for, I think. We have to start reloading now. I’d love to get Dakari Johnson, develop him, and have a solid big in two years.
http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/projecting-the-top-50-players-in-the-2015-nba-draft-class/
It’s so nice to not have to worry about the draft.
Cavs offseason:
Sign everyone from last year, minus Haywood, Perkins, and Marion.
Find one FA that can be a decent player. Dwayne Wade would be ideal. Get him for $3.3 M.
Championship.
Dwyane Wade is using the Cavs as leverage to get more money. He’s never playing here, well, at least while he has anything left.
I’d rather have Paul Pierce if we’re going to bring in old free agents that I have personal distaste for.
Yeah he’s going to be a lifer there.
No to D Wade. How about a solid guy with no real injury history? I understand taking a discount, but why is wade going to leave 10 million plus on the table?
I don’t think our training staff could handle having Irving, Love, Varejao and Wade all on the same team. They would demand max contracts.
We’d have to turn the entire home locker room into one big nitrogen chamber.
Just throw half our team into it for the regular season and then thaw them out for the playoff run.
Hahahahahhahaha this, this, this.