Does Drafting Kyrie Irving Present Problems?
2011-05-24
If Kyrie Irving is the No. 1 overall choice for the Cavs, that speaks volumes about two primary things concerning the team and the draft. First, it insinuates the team is committed to a long-term rebuild that ignores the present value they currently possess on their roster — current point guards be damned. That might not mean a fun team to watch this year, but it also means the Cavs aren’t interested in mediocrity.
The cited article addresses some of Chad Ford’s concerns that Irving will not be selected at number one because the Cavaliers already have Ramon Sessions and Baron Davis. This strikes me as pre-draft chatter that doesn’t amount to much. If drafting Kyrie Irving means Ramon Sessions has to ride the bench or find a new team, I think every Cavs fan is at peace with that.
Just to straighten a couple Wolves-related things out: First of all, David Kahn is 100% not trading the rights to Rubio (who unfortunately seems increasingly unlikely to come over next year if there is a lockout, anyway). Kahn has too much of his reputation tied into Rubio succeeding to ditch him. Also, multiple sources say that the Wolves organization thinks Rubio is a better prospect than Irving, 3 pt shooting be damned. Rubio’s rights are not for sale. Less importantly, Rubio projects to be a pretty tough defender. He still gambles too much and needs to work on his strength,… Read more »
I watched the video. While I agree it’s impressive, and his efficiency was off the charts, most of those highlights had one thing in common. A guard was setting him up with an easy attempt.
Unless we can get a stud PG in the future or with the #4 pick, I still just can’t see passing on Irving as an option.
I still feel as though DWIll is the right pick. I’m not afraid of the team spending another season in the basement and supporting them while they do so though if they choose Irving..
If you look at like the Grizzlies and their tremendous run this season you have to be impressed
With the decision making the front office has shown recently I can’t be mad… no one is gonna take b-diddy’s enormous contract tho…
I like Dwill and Kemba though…..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ze3NXkUmLKA
look at that video and tell me that wine & gold wouldn’t look good on ya boy
There is no way that the Cavs trade down for Rubios rights – unless they have another trade set up to trade his rights to the Knicks or someone. Rubio can be described as a poor man’s Rondo that can’t defend. And a Rondo who can’t defend or shoot is a worse alternative to Irving or Knight. Plus, I know it’s hard to compare stats in spain to NBA and try to tell how good a player can be, but it’s not like Rubio is really that ‘elite’ in spain. He has great handles and is a clear pass first… Read more »
If Irving played the whole season he would be far and away the #1 pick. If the medical staff clears the toe, he should be the #1 pick without a doubt. He would have to turn into Tom Dempsey for us not to take him.
BTW, wouldn’t really want Rubio’s rights. He seems happy to stay in Spain and is basically the poor man’s Rajon Rondo.
Next year there are plenty of wing players that we can take. Let’s get a great PG this year to feed them the ball.
If it weren’t for the “one and done” rule, Irving would have likely been a top 5 pick last year as John Wall was the only comparable PG prospect, and Irving was already a top-3 prospect coming out of high school as a PG. He then went on to show that he can play at a high level in college as well (although he DID miss time to injury). If there are no red flags in the medical exams, there’s no reason for a rebuilding team NOT to take him. Unless we think there’s a better PG prospect in next-year’s… Read more »
I think that the lack of stories and starpower in this year’s draft are making people think way too much. Byron Scott is committed here and the organization seems committed to him. Irving is the pick at #1. Unless he breaks his hip in workouts…it is DONE. They aren’t trading to get Rubio’s rights or any of that BS. No one wants a bench player like Manny Harris. The Cavs want to add talent this year that they think will get them on the way to a championship in a few years. I think Kanter will be there at #4.… Read more »
What are the alernatives to Irving? Kantor? He will probably be there at four and I don’t think Irving will be. Williams. Cleveland has suffered with one young power forward, Hickson, trying to learn the NBA. Why start over with Williams?
And just let Davis play shooting guard. He would be an upgrade and Cleveland can look for a 2 or a 3 next year when Jamison’s contract comes off the books.
Colin: amen. Current point guards absolutely be damned! Yes, please commit to a long-term rebuild and please ignore the present value this roster currently possesses. And I just don’t see why people would think Knight is a better talent than Irving, or even comparable. What does he do better? What physical advantage does he have? The only thing I can see is wingspan. Both are described as solid, but not phenomenal athletes. And Irving is taller, a better shooter, and a better playmaker. The sample size for Irving’s breathtaking numbers may be small, but on the flip side Knight’s sample… Read more »
I like The Nupe’s thinking. Trade Kyrie for the #2 and the rights to Rubio (throw in Manny Harris and a #2 to make them happy). Take Kanter at 2, then take Knight or Williams at 4. I realized that Kanter probably goes 2 or 3, and having Knight the only other player at 4 makes no sense when we have Kyrie.
We are likely taking Irving – NOT Done. Kanter continues to impress, he could continue to climb his way to be a legit #1. Williams is always a possible pick too. So, nothings done yet, regardless of how likely we may THINK.
We’re taking Irving. Done.
Since the Cavs only have 2 real pieces in place (Andy and JJ), I’m not sold that Irving is the long term answer. Unless he projects to be as good as Chris Paul or Deron Williams, I’d rather pick Williams at 1 and take Knight at 4.
Seriously, some of these writers are idiots. ITS RAMON SESSIONS AND BARON DAVIS! The former is a back up, the latter is at the back end of his career. Neither has a future on this team.
Furthermore, the Cavs won 19 games last year. There is no position that can’t be upgraded.