2015 Cavs Draft Recap
2015-06-26
I imagine that draft night is the most exhausting day of the year for NBA beat writers. They’ve crammed for weeks (or hours) for the event. Meticulously triple-checked Scrabble letters on the floor name spellings for accuracy, and asked Microsoft Sam and Siri how to annunciate foreign last names, that don’t flow naturally off of the harsh American tongue. They write countless preview articles about what their sources, or the Magic 8-Ball on their desk tells them. Once the big day finally arrives, they are prepped and primed to pump out instant analysis for the media monster. Pick by pick, they get closer to the story all the research has built up to. Finally, their squad is on the clock. Once Adrian Wojnarowski leaks the selection on twitter, the reaction article finally begins, and ten minutes later, a trade is announced. I imagine a brief temper tantrum, with a furry of mumbles expletives follows, and perhaps the Magic 8-Ball is thrown against the wall in a fit of rage.
The Cavs were the story of the past four drafts. Tonight, they were a murmur. The Cavaliers selected Tyus Jones of Duke with the 24th pick. After the talking heads reacted to him becoming the consistent backup point guard that Matthew Dellavedova could never be, it was announced that the Cavaliers traded his draft rights to the Minnesota Timberwolves. For a brief second, I actually thought that it could be the return of Gum Drop Bear.
The Cavs/Timberwolves deal is now official. pic.twitter.com/JYmtYSeqd7
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 26, 2015
I'm going to take this trade as a sign that the Cavs don't want to add more guaranteed money because they want to keep all their guys.
— a! (@JohnKrolik) June 26, 2015
Initially the trade was a bummer, but it made sense. Kevin Pelton gave the Cavs a B- for the deal, and stated that the 31st and 36th picks will make less combined than Jones would have this season. No matter who would have been selected at 24, he probably wouldn’t have played a meaningful minute in the playoffs next season and that’s all that matters at this point.
Pick #31: Minnesota Timberwolves Select Cedi Osman, Turkey (traded to Cleveland)
Cedi Osman, hands down, has the best motor in the draft. Guy doesn’t take a second off.
— NBA Big Board (@chadfordinsider) June 26, 2015
Cavs get best player in the draft, Cedi Osman (local kid from Macedonia to boot) in the second round. This is why our trophy case overflows!
— CLE Info Minister (@CLEInfoMinister) June 26, 2015
CtB’s Ben Werth endorsed selecting Osman in the Point Four-ward the day before the draft.
“Turkish wing, Cedi Osman has been mostly projected as a mid to late second round pick. Though his 2014-2015 counting numbers were rather pedestrian with powerhouse, Anadolu Efes Istanbul in the Turkish league, the 6’8″ 20 year old displayed his frenetic energy on a nightly basis. Osman is most easily described as a pleasant mix between Mathew Dellavedova and Chandler Parsons. Like Parsons, Osman is a terror in transition. He times his steps very well at full speed while maintaining good balance for a variety of finishes. His solid rebounding and handle let him start or end the break with equal skill. Like Delly, he plays with top energy at all times showing a good understanding of weakside positional help off ball, and a good chest up technique on ball. On the flip side, his jumper is as streaky as his two NBA counterparts and he gets caught in between on dribble drives. Still, he is first round talent that needs strength and seasoning. It will likely be at least one or two seasons before Osman even considers making the trip to America. That is the only reason why the Cavs would have a realistic shot at snagging him so late. If he is anywhere near their pick, the Cavs should grab him.”
Draft and stash players are like a build your own six-pack at a beer emporium with an endless selection of bottled brew. You’re probably going to get a skunky one or two. If it is, accept it and drink it anyway because you’re a ragging alcoholic. Stash players are great deals for teams with the luxury of drafting at the end of the first round and in the luxury tax. If the player doesn’t develop, you never bring him over and never pay a tax bill on him. If he does develop, you can bring him over a few years down the line, when the cap has gone up. Early reports suggest that Osman won’t come over until 2017. By then, the salary cap will be close to nine-figures. David Griffin was high on Osman in his post-draft interview, comparing his demeanor to Goran Dragic.
Pick #36 Minnesota Timberwolves Select Rakeem Christmas, Syracuse (Traded to Cleveland)
Rakeem Christmas going to Cavs? Like this. Ready to play now. Rebounds. Decent rotation big. Like it Cleveland!
— NBA Big Board (@chadfordinsider) June 26, 2015
Rakeem Christmas (Syracuse) is part of a group workout with the Cleveland Cavaliers today, league sources tell Sheridan Hoops. #NBADraft
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 22, 2015
Rakeem Christmas, with the sweet jacket. "I like to be different." NBADraft2015 @R_Xmas25 pic.twitter.com/jtktKnOZjD
— Donna Ditota (@DonnaDitota1) June 26, 2015
Christmas is older than Kyrie Irving. He’s old for a rookie, but he’s battle tested and could provide a backup body when/if Anderson Varejao misses time. Christmas does have an impressive 9’3” standing reach, and excelled on the defensive end of the floor during his tenure at Syracuse. Christmas was named the ACC Most Improved Player and was a First-Team All-ACC member his senior season. Christmas’s number 25 jersey is retired for Cavs legend Mark Price, but I’m sure he could get the number with the Charge. If nothing else, A Christmas Story House & Museum could use him in a cable access commercial, that we can break down with 2,000 words of analysis.
Pick #53 Cleveland Cavaliers Select Sir’Dominic Pointer, St. John’s
Sir'Dominic Pointer shot 8% from 3 last year. Eight…percent. #Cavs
— Michael A. Young (@RealMYoung23) June 26, 2015
Sir'Dominic Pointer participated in the LeBron James camp in 2010.
— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) June 26, 2015
NBA Scout on recent Sir'Dominic Pointer workout: "I was impressed. You could see he was working on being more of a perimeter player." #sjubb
— Zach Braziller (@NYPost_Brazille) June 22, 2015
Pointer was the Big East Co-Defensive Player of the Year and averaged an impressive 2.5 blocks and 1.9 steals per game his senior season. His twitter account isn’t verified, and it appears his wikipedia page was created last night. He was rated by Draft Express at the 88th best prospect out of 100. He’s probably a long shot to make the team due to his not ready for prime time offensive abilities.
Did anyone else feel like Nate when it was all said and done?
Cedi Osman… Rakeem Christmas… Sir'Dominic Pointer… DAMNIT. Griff's just drafting guys with funny names. I want the last 4 hours back.
— HoopsDogg (@oldseaminer) June 26, 2015
Tweet of LBJ and KLove hanging out at Bev Hills Hotel pool today…
Summer league team:
http://www.fearthesword.com/2015/6/28/8857569/nba-las-vegas-summer-league-2015-cleveland-cavaliers-to-add-shurna
My son just forwarded me a tweeted picture of KL joining LeBron at a pool somewhere . No surprise , he’s not going anywhere .
Brian Windhorst @WindhorstESPN 2 minutes ago
LeBron James & Kevin Love spent time together today in LA. Wasn’t a free agent meeting, just hanging out sources said.
Rakeem, Tristan, Kevin, Lebron. That is such a versatile front line on both ends of the floor. Throw in Moz to match up with opposing big guys. We are turning into one of the biggest teams in the league.
Uh-oh. Windhorst says LeBron will re-sign, and Love probably will too.
Now I’m a little worried. Somehow things felt more secure when ESPN was filled with reckless speculation.
This Mike Miller player option and Anderson Varejao contract is really annoying. Varejao is over paid like crazy.
Lebron has opted out of his contract. Plans to res-sign with the Cavs. But let the speculation from the national media begin any way:
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13163726/lebron-james-bypass-option-cleveland-cavaliers-become-free-agent
http://www.backingthepack.com/nc-state-basketball/2015/6/27/8857131/trevor-lacey-cavaliers-ralston-turner-hornets-nc-state 6’3″ Shooting guard out of NC State Strengths: Trevor Lacey is an athletic shooting guard with decent speed from end to end. Lacey is a terrific ball handler with a sweet crossover that creates space. Lacey can get his shot from anywhere on the court and can knockdown the NBA three. Lacey runs the floor well and is effective in transition. Lacey gets to the cup easily and can finish through contact. Lacey has quick feet and quick hands that make him an above-average defender. Lacey wants the ball in his hands late and isn’t afraid of the big… Read more »
@AmicoBasketball: Kevin Love has indicated to Cavs recently he plans to return. Cavs also hope to execute Brendan Haywood contract trade quickly after July 1.
Good News. I got a feeling JR is going to find a better contract elsewhere, and we use the Haywood contract to fill the wing position.
I hope the Cavs can land a stud long distance shooter. They really need one of those if Mike Miller is dead weight. The only shooters on the team not the big 3 are Harris and James Jones (if he re-signs). Lebron needs to be surrounded by shooters to maximize his game. They won championships with a younger Miller, Ray Allen, and James Jones.
hey cols remember that wager I mentioned to you about CHRISTMAS being on the roster next year ( you said that he wouldn’t make the team) —-still waiting to hear back from you
Rakeem is going to be amazing. He will go down as a steal in 2015 NBA draft. Tremendous pick; the more days that pass since the draft, the better the Cavs decisions on draft night seem to me. Griffin is doing a great job.
I endorse this comment.
The Cavs pick up anyone besides Sykes? When does summer league start?
Heard they picked up Quinn Cook
https://mobile.twitter.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/614841709915025408
Represented by Tandem Sports Entertainment, Cook concluded his collegiate career at Duke as one of just seven players to record 1,000 points and 500 assists, while also setting a school record with a career assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.52:1. Cook’s stellar play and commitment to the Duke program culminated in his final game by leading the school to its fifth national championship by defeating Wisconsin in the title game on April 6.
http://cavaliers.247sports.com/Bolt/Quinn-Cook-agrees-to-Summer-League-deal-with-Cleveland-Cavaliers-37963750
Quinn Cook of Duke looks more like a spot up 3 point maker, made 92% of his 3’s off of assists.
Would be interesting to see him play in summer league.
So Sweetchi . . . what’s the story behind your name?
Hahaha no story really, my first name starts with Chi and sweet speaks for it self lol
Pair a 3 point spot up shooter with a waterbug like Sykes and we could be in for some entertaining summer league play!
That’s all the Cavs need, U-Dog!!! Griffin will get it done!!!
Glad there is more confidence in the picks now. i hope it works out. Lebron opts out so now we wait until Wed to see how this starts to play out
I am with you on that. I do not see anything that DG has done as dumb, and a lot of things way smart. Last year was one of the best performances ever by a GM, although you cannot give him too much of the credit for LeBron returning. (I will take the cred, for never giving up faith that he would return). There is no reason to think DG will not have another great summer!
I love Quinn Cook. His character is impeccable. Coach K almost kicked him off the team a few years ago, and Cook was able to pull it together and be a winner.
The problem with Cook is that he’s slow and undersized. He probably can’t play the PG, which should be his position, so he’ll be an undersized SG. He definitely is a deadly spot up shooter, though… exactly what the Cavs need.
Can’t you wait, Raoul? We haven’t even had enough time to run to the bathroom after the draft and you want games to start again! Ha!
You got me figured out! I can’t wait to get back! That is what caused me multiple knee operations: hanging around gyms and playgrounds; if your team wins, you get to play the next team. When my team would lose, I would be P.O.’ed, and run around trying to get on another team, and not leave until I could hardly walk.
what did we give up / trade for SHUMP / JR —–the only rason I ask is if we don’t sign either one of them we in essence just ” leased ” them for half a season —hoping we can sign both for the right price but definitely be able to sign SHUMP
I’m not sure we gave up much if anything… Lou Admonson? a 2nd round pick? Can’t remember… but I don’t think it was much because NYK were trying to dump JR.
I think we gave up Admonson (and the other big who never played. What is his name?) and got a second round pick back.
You’re correct, Raoul… Alex Kirk I believe.
Stephen A Smith said it was for a box of cookies. I had to laugh at that.
I think the Cavs mgmt love Shumpert. What is he – 24? Kyrie, Tristan, Love, Shumpert, and Mozgov forms an outstanding young core that can be around for a long time. Think about how young this team is! He’s a Tony Allen type defensive performer who brings streaky offense. You need those types of guys to guard the Curry’s of the NBA. Slow down the other team’s best offensive performer and you have a chance every night. Although he’ll never be a top offense player, I think he’ll grow into a very good one. He’ll never be the one you… Read more »
I would tend to agree with you, U-Dog. Shumpert always left the impression that he’s smart, and cares about team basketball when you hear him speak to the press. He gets it, and “getting it” is definitely a talent/skill many do not possess.
I thought that JR Smith enjoyed being a Cav and would surely come back. Now I think there’s a less than 50% chance. I wonder what the Cavs will do to fill his spot. Monta Ellis is a tough and special offensive performer, but he needs the ball a lot and is probably not a good fit.
I think JR did enjoy being a Cav. I think his Finals performance puts into question his mental toughness. How much of his poor performance was a result of the Cavs’ injuries to key players? Or was it because JR mentally shrinks on the biggest stage? Tough question to answer, especially from the outside. I personally think Monta Ellis would be perfect for the Cavs as a sixth man. He could let Delly play off-guard, and I think you’re dead on, he’s a specially offensive talent and tough as nails. I don’t think he wants to come off the bench,… Read more »
Well Jr is 29 going on 15 so…. Monte will want a lot of money.
I looked at a few highlights and read some more about our draft picks. I really like all three . . . and the Sykes pick up, too. Christmas can turn out to be a real good one.
MIKE O THANKS FOR THE INFO—-IMPRESSIVE ATHLETICISM —APPEARS TO HAVE THAT ” CHICAGO TOUGHNESS / SWAGGER ” IN HIM ALSO —-I WOULD PUT MY MONEY ON HIM ON A 1 ON 1 CONTEST BETWEEN HIM AND TYUS JONES —-JUST A THOUGHT / OPINION —-HE DEFINETELY HAS BETTER ” HANDLES ( THE ROCK ) ” THAN DELLY —STAY TUNED THE FUN IS ONLY BEGINNING !!
I think he could smoke a lot of guys one on one. A 5′”11 or 6’0″ guy alley ooping on guys’ heads in game, even at a lower level of competition, is impressive. I like him, not sure if he can play in the NBA or not, but I’m rooting for him.
Well the Cavs still got a point guard this week, even if it’s partially guaranteed
http://www.thescore.com/nba/news/786421
Granted, his chances are slim. But he’s very intriguing… he’s a score-first PG, who is LIGHTNING quick and super athletic. Put up some great numbers at the combine: 43″ max vertical, top 3 fastest times in all but one of the speed/agility drills. He was a four-year starter @ UWGB, and young @ 21 years old. DraftExpress says his main asset is breaking guys down off the dribble and getting into the paint. Looking at his statistics, decent FG%, not great 3pt shooter, but his FT% indicates he has a great shooting stroke that can lead to an effective jump… Read more »
Nate will enjoy watching him in Canton (maybe). Those athletic skills are no joke, though. Worth taking a chance on him.
Some video senior season highlights and workouts of Sykes. Over the top hops, and can finish at the rim.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WcLthk-8d_o
Thanks for the post, MikeO… WOW… the kid can jump! He’s an ankle breaker off the dribble too. Jump shot looks great too… not sure why he didn’t do better from long distance. Decent court vision too, apparently did well passing in one of the combine scrimmages, but guys couldn’t convert. Excited to see what kind of evaluation the Cavs will make of him over the summer.
You can’t have too many fast guys. If I was coaching and had a few guys like that, I would give them an occasional 4 minutes to play 110% one man full court press. It really tires out the guy bring up the ball to be hounded by some one really fast.
luke ridnour ( who switched 4 teams in 2 days ) finally landing with the thunder will probably be waived by them—is he a potential pick up as back up pt gd ??
agree with you MAC —-after researching Christmas on several draft sites believe he will be on the roster and like you mentioned be able to provide more productive minutes vs. our ” 600 lb gray bearded monster “–also he is the 1st Syracuse player to achieve his under graduate degree in 3 yrs and is going for his masters which also gives you a little insight to his character —–who would you rather have on your team right now — GUMMYBEAR WHO WAS THE # 1 PICK 2 YRS AGO OR CHRISTMAS WHO I THINK IS GOING TO BE A… Read more »
Anyone else see a lot of Jeff Green in Rakeem Christmas? Hopefully he can develop a reliable jumper. Not sure what the Cavs plan on doing with him, but I’m actually liking this pick up now.
I don’t think so, they’re very different players/body types. Christmas is a Gorgui Dieng slightly undersized center type with no discernible offensive game which is not great considering he turns 24 this year. Green is a combo 3/4 who is a good ball handler and shooter (in theory) at either position for his size. I guess they cosmetically somewhat resemble each other, if that’s what you mean. Christmas is the same age as Derrick Favors, he is what he is. Having said that, I also do like the pickup and now that the Cavs are battle tested I would much… Read more »
hmm you’re probably right. At Syracuse, Christmas played as their main post threat, often playing the 5 position. But in the NBA he will certainly be a forward. Maybe this is just me hoping the Cavs need for versatile, athletic wings gets fulfilled from somewhere.
He’s the same height as Jeff Green at 6’9″, but you’re right, he’s heavier and his game is not perimeter oriented.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsfyG-OTaAw
this video made me a see a little Jeff green with the face up and mid-range game. But yeah, still looking for versatile wings I guess.
I like Christmas, a big with a high motor will always have a place in the league. Anyone who helps us get rid of the useless Perkins/Haywood ballast at the end of the bench is fine with me. If the Cavs had had anyone playable instead of that 580 pounds of crap they accumulated as “veteran leadership”, they might have won the title. He’s not going to be a stretch four ever though. It will be interesting to see where they go from here. I don’t think the Cavs need much but assuming JR is allowed to walk they are… Read more »
It’ll be fun coming up with nicknames for these guys…
“Cedi the Jedi” or The Osman Always Rings Twice
Rakeem the Christmas Dream, Father Christmas, St. Rakeem
Sir’Dominic has already been called “CostCo” “WD-40” and “Swiss Army Knife” by Steve Lavin…
But I think SirDuke or Sir Points works better…
Also when I throw them in my anagram generator we get these gems…
Cedi Osman = Comedians, Acid Omens, Iceman Sod, Manic Odes, Media Cons, Nomad’s Ice, Sad Income, and my favorite: Mean Disco
Rakeem Christmas = Matchmakers Rise, Trachea Skimmers, Earmarks Chemist, Charmer’s Mistake, Christmas Remake, Macrame The Risks, Karma Chess Timer, Ace Hamster Smirk and Sir Machete Marks
Sir’Dominic Pointer = Midsection Iron Rip, Iris Promo Incident, Sir Minor Depiction, Mini Pro Directions, Indirect Rim Poison, Periodic Iron Mints, Dicier Mini Protons and Conspired Mini Riot
Based on Pointer’s shooting percentage from 3, Indirect Rim Poison seems appropriate. Some of those others are pretty good too.
Take a bow, EG!!! BRAVO!!! WELL DONE! HAHAHAHAHA!!!
DID HOLMES (TEXAS ) OR WOOD ( UNLV ) EVEN GET DRAFTED —THEY WERE BOTH LOW 1ST RND OR HIGH 2ND RND—-IF NOT PICKED WHY NOT SIGN THEM ( LIKE WE DID TO A CERTAIN PT GD NAMED DELLY 2 YRS AGO )—
Christian Wood and Jonathan Holmes did not get drafted. This breaks your heart: http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/06/see-the-most-heartbreaking-photo-of-the-nba-draft
do we have any interest in either? Wood showed up in most mocks as a first rounder…
1. Whatever. I’m glad this isn’t the highlight of our season. 2. I’m okay with trading out of the first, okay with the Eurostash player. The other two picks though…seems like there were other guys who had more potential to play a meaningful minute or two. I don’t think Xmas or SirD ever play for the Cavs. 3. J.R. won’t be back – Griff is lukewarm on him and, I believe, not interested in a multiyear roller coaster. 4. Went into the draft needing a 3/D wing and back up point. Came out of the draft needing the exact same… Read more »
Oh yeah, 7. Miami got lucky with Winslow falling to 10. That’s annoying. Phil Jackson giveth (shump and J.R.) and phil Jackson taketh away.
It doesn’t seem JR was really communicative in the last days before his contract was up. That might have a little to do with the “lukewarm” response from Griff with the “if the situation is right” remark. And who knows what Lebron’s thoughts were as well? Easy on Lebron not re-recruiting. He doesn’t have to. Lebron’s amazing play throughout these playoffs with roles players to the Finals was all the recruiting he needed to do. He told Love he would get to Finals and Lebron delivered You CAN”T top that sell. Btw Love was impressed and said as much how… Read more »
CHRISTMAS ON THE ROSTER ( BY CHRISTMAS TIME ) / OSMAN PLAYING OVERSEAS ( REFINING HIS SKILLS FOR 2 YRS ) / POINTER SPENDING ALOT OF TIME IN CANTON
“Nate Smith –
Cedi Osman… Rakeem Christmas… Sir’Dominic Pointer… DAMNIT. Griff’s just drafting guys with funny names. I want the last 4 hours back.”
It’s great to be in a position where you can sit in a draft room and pick funny names, while the media makes ridiculous snipey remarks.
Hello everyone… I agree with U-Dog and Charlie, the way the draft went, it appears Harris is still in the fold. The drafting of Christmas makes Perkins now expendable in my opinion. I agree with Sweetchi, the Griffin press conference showed that Griffin had conviction about the moves they made. I think the drafting of Pointer is interesting. He played very well against Duke this past year… he looked like the most athletic guy on the court that day. I’m sure the odds are against him making the team, but Griffin made some interesting comments about him in the presser.… Read more »
I’m not sure Shump “can’t shoot”. He had some very good offensive games that included a bunch of 3’s during the season. In the finals he may have been dealing with injuries that affected his shot. He’s a great defender (remember Lebron’s comment about Shump having the potential to make All-Defensive Team). He’s young and seems like a legit cog in the Cavs great season and future….I hope they keep him.
You’re right Tom, it’s hyperbole to say he can’t shoot. To be more accurate, the finals revealed that teams may sag off of him on defense to pack the paint against LBJ. I agree, his injury may have had something to do with his shot as well. But I would also say that there’s a hitch in his shot that makes it not the prettiest jumper around, and that he struggles to hit the spot up shot consistently enough to space the floor. He’s definitely a great defender and young. But is he worth the 10 million being discussed as… Read more »
I would much rather keep Shump. I kind of like JR, but he is a loose cannon. Things could go south fast.
I would agree, Raoul… I’d rather keep Shumpert. I like JR as well, but you’re on the money, he’s a loose cannon and things could go south fast.
As for Shumpert, the only reason why I question him now is because of this draft pick the Cavs made with Pointer, who has the same exact game as Shumpert. Why not get a pure shooter? Why a defensive stud who can’t shoot? (talking about Pointer, not Shumpert)
I will even throw in some fireworks !!
cols you are on what is your wager —I bet he makes it —beer wager !!
CHRISTMAS IN (JULY ) WELL ACTUALLY JUNE —SHERIDAN HOOPS HAD HIM GOING IN THE 1ST ROUND TO THE LAKERS AT 27TH PICK—-IS NBA READY / REBOUNDER / SHOT BLOCKER / OFFENSIVE GAME IS STILL PROGRESSING —-I AM BETTING HE IS ON THE ROSTER NEXT YEAR —-YOUNG / ATHLETIC —WILL GIVE US MORE PRODUCTIVE MINUTES THAN THE OTHER ” GRAY BEARD ” POSTS
He will probably not make the team.
Nice work CtB!
Very pleased with the euro-stash idea. Hopefully Smokin’ Joe turns it up a notch this year during summer leagueand comes into 2015 able to get off the bench some.
Just a quick shout out to EG, Cory, Robert, John, David, Tom, and Ben. The draft coverage this week was exceptional. No Cavs site had anything Cedi Osman but this one, and while we were a little late to the game with draft profiles, I was proud of the content we had out there this week. It’s a pleasure to work with you all.
Thanks guy. Back at ya.
Thanks man! It was tons of fun! And the commenters did an awesome job on the mock draft too!
i second this. really excellent work. to think everybody made time out of their day to add value says a lot about the community that is building here.
It’s also time to question whether or not Ainge has any idea what he’s doing. Amassing bench players but no starters is not a way to build a team.
The word is they were trying to give up half the team to get to 9 and take Justise Winslow. Jordan wouldn’t do it. Wanted Kaminsky. WTF is Danny gonna do? They didn’t have the juice to get into the lottery.
WTF is Jordan thinking turning that down. 9 for 16 and either of the Brooklyn picks would have been worth it and he could have drafted Dekker to be his stretch four.
Agreed – Jordan is a pretty bad GM. He’s made some clunker moves and picks. Charlotte probably needs Dekker more than Kaminsky anyway. Why would you not take 6 picks to drop down to 16 from 9? Frank may have still been on the board as well. Wow.
If he was offered all of that, it seems crazy. But hey, that’s MJ. I’m actually delighted he turned it down, because I would have been ticked if Boston had gotten Winslow.
I look forward to the crying Jordan graphic in six years of the players he could have gotten with those pics.
Don’t blame MJ for it all… Rich Cho is their real GM
Are the media finally catching on that Hinckie has no idea what he is doing?
Also, Porzingis just seems like a huge bust.
And you’re basing your reasoning on?
Perhaps because they now have 5 centers so it was reported last night.
Sorry. I was talking about Porzingis. Though, Hinkie does know what he’s doing. But what he’s doing has nothing to do with winning. It has to do with turning a profit and selling draft picks and players to make a bigger profit.
Hink could probably trade any of the three centers to Boston for Smart and one of the Brooklyn picks. That’s not a bad start.
Libertyballers lost some of their smugness last night after not getting what they wanted at 3, and then not being able to move up. Maybe some of the other GMs got tired of people saying Hinkie screwed them on trades and refused to deal with him. Stockpiling assets is great and all, and I don’t think Hinkie has done anything dumb so far, but at some point he’s going to have to put together a team. The vibe with a lot of their fans is so weird, since it seems ‘the process’ has become the point rather than the end… Read more »
Which is truly bizarre when you stop and really think about Philly fans historically… I mean Eagles fans once booed Santa Claus… Why do they completely buy into the Cult of Hinkie smokescreen? Weird…
Christmas is coming… Rakeem hype video
http://www.theacc.com/video/558cd060e4b07d146299dc76
I want a Canton Charge version of this…
Drafting Rakeem Christmas is better than drafting Lloyd Christmas.
http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/mp/gEG3_Qp6pMGl.jpg
Plus, we also get his cool dog!
Dog deserve to be people more than people deserve to be people.
It’s the day after the draft and I’ve rarely seen this blog this dead.
To be fair, the Cavs have rarely been out of the lottery for most of the recent history of this blog…
In a good way… the Draft is no longer Christmas for Cavs fans… Ironically Christmas is the Draft…
Yaaaa, nothing really all that exciting happened for us last night. Only so much to say about those three guys. I haven’t checked Nat’l media yet but I would not be surprised in the least if there was talk about the Cavs taking Christmas because we were prepping for Love to leave. That’s the general consensus, isn’t it? Can’t wait until all of their feet are in their mouths when Love resigns on day one of free agency and Blatt is standing their on the sidelines again next season.
Yeah, I was running on fumes after working for eight hours. By the time I got to Pointer I was spent. There really wasn’t much of value to read on him anyway.
Value should matter to the Cavs. If they feel these are actually the guys they wanted with what was available then fine. But if this is some stash or dump to save cash, that sucks. You could flip a guy picked at 24 in a trade after FA opened. Maybe for a pick once the timeline allows it. To boot, the cavs could have used a PG and at $1.1M estimated his luxary hit was $5M. Out of a possible $200M you are going to balk? I also don’t see where these guys fit this year. Just give them Perk… Read more »
eh. if we spend the money on a free agent PG or wing that will be a better player.
My point is he could have been flipped later for something of value if you don’t want a higher paid rook on the books. But yeah lets hope Joe Johnson walks through that door.
In years past:
It’s all about de draft, about de draft, not free agency
It’s all about de draft, about de draft, not free agents
I guess things change . . .
People change
seasons change
there is a season…
Turn, turn, turn…
Eh whatever. This team doesn’t need rookies to come
In. High school turkey player may have been the best they could do.
Cavs are obviously intent on picking up a veteran PG in free agency, which is fine with me. Even lottery pick rookies struggle (how did Dante Exum do last year?). We need someone to step in. I’m thinking the Cavs had a Plan A & Plan B. If someone they were hoping for fell to them (Grant, Wright, or Anderson?) they were probably ready to pounce. When they didn’t the Cavs went with Plan B. A Euro-Stash that Blatt had good info on . . . and who won’t cost anything against the cap (so we can get that veteran… Read more »
BTW – Great call on Osman, Ben Werth! We already held your insight in high regard, but you just moved up a couple of notches.
I said it last night… always believe in the Kraut Scout! Ben is the Euro version of Woj… #WerthBombs
LOL, the “Tron” guy. I don’t think it would have mattered who fell to them. Given cap and $ situation, I think they were planning on trading that pick for whatever they could get. They didn’t want to have to pay a first rounder and tie down some cap flexibility. I’m guessing if they’re using the Haywood contract, they would package the future second rounder we got and maybe one or two of the players drafted this year. Gilbert will pay tax, but he’s not just going to blindly throw money when he’s already in for a huge tax bill.… Read more »
Agreed. This appears to be the plan.
Unfortunately the CAVs have a lot of Old dead wood on this team.
Not really though… Matrix retired, Haywood will be gone, probably Perk too. The only real old guys they’ll have left are Miller and JFJ… and maybe a vet PG
It’s also possible that the plan was to trade out of the first round – regardless.
Would of liked to of seen Connaughton at 31 and then Christmas at 36.
Twitter releases way before the announcements on TV put a damper on the event. Jalen Rose & crew wasted no time on their opportunity to trash Love & Blatt on national TV rather than talk about draft picks or needs the team has. It didn’t belong there on draft night. Did Bill Simmons kidnap Jalen Roses’s face? Cav news aside I felt bad for Steve Blake. He kinda got punked by Blazers. He just opted in like 2 days ago only to get traded last night.
I wasn’t watching the coverage, but I usually like Jalen. Disappointed to hear that this was happening.
Jalen also had a bit last night where he would compare the player being drafted to an existing or past player and role footage of that player. About 90% of the time I disagreed completely with his wacky stretches at his comparisons.
Agree the Twitter releases took some of the fun out of it (especially the barrage of Wojbombs – is that guy from the future, or a man-witch of some kind?), although it also made for hilarious and erroneous commentary from Jalen et al. And yes, Jalen was particularly salty about all things Cavalier last night. Someone should really let him know that Blatt bashing is SO last week…
So what’s up with JR?
By letting time lapse last night, by default he’s a free agent
Don’t know if he’s going to find a ton of teams out there that are willing to give him almost $7M per for any length of time. Logic would dictate that he winds up back with Cavs for slightly less over a longer period of time… but then, when did logic dictate anything that happens with JR…
I really wanted to hear, if only once, “Guillermo throws the HernandHammer down in the Q.”
Really wish they could have kept Jones, as I think he might become a useful role player, but I understand why they didn’t. I think they were only going to keep their first pick if someone ludicrously dropped in their laps. (a la Winslow to the Heat)
Agreed. Thought he would have been a fantastic backup PG. Definitely understand why they traded though.
Kind of think if Grant would have fallen to them, he might have been the only PG they would have held onto. As Griff said, it’s never the sexy thing to draft and stash, but sometimes it can pay big dividends later (re: Mirotic for the Bulls).
Watching the interview with Griffith really calmed me on the picks, interested to see how they pan out.
No doubt. The Krolik tweet pretty much sums it up. They want their roster back, and I can’t blame them for that. I wouldn’t have been against basically deferring the first round pick in a trade for a future year. The Cavs owe their 2016 first to the Celtics, but own all of their first beyond that. If Griff believe is Cedi, that’s good enough for me. If he doesn’t develop, whatever. If he does, awesome.