Cavs will take McLemore at #1

[Twiens]

You don't pass up the BPA because you have freakin Dion Waiters in his position. He's best suited as a scorer off the bench anyway ala JR Smith.

Noel is in the Larry Sanders/Serge Ibaka mold, way too much hype around this kid.

[RedBlackAttack]

I'll respect the decision of Chris Grant, who has shown an aptitude for spotting talent that sometimes goes against conventional wisdom, but I don't see this happening.

The Cavs badly need a rim protecting defensive big man and this draft just happens to have the best one to come out in some time.

It makes way too much sense not to happen. In fact, I think there is a much better chance that they'll trade the pick rather than not take Noel.

[dbk123]

I'll respect the decision of Chris Grant, who has shown an aptitude for spotting talent that sometimes goes against conventional wisdom, but I don't see this happening.

The Cavs badly need a rim protecting defensive big man and this draft just happens to have the best one to come out in some time.

It makes way too much sense not to happen. In fact, I think there is a much better chance that they'll trade the pick rather than not take Noel.
i heard noel is hoping to make it back on christmas day. hell probably get back later and pretty much have a weak year since he wouldnt be properly prepared. cavs would probably get another top pick in 2014 unless irving somehow gets the team to the playoffs.

[RedBlackAttack]

i heard noel is hoping to make it back on christmas day. hell probably get back later and pretty much have a weak year since he wouldnt be properly prepared. cavs would probably get another top pick in 2014 unless irving somehow gets the team to the playoffs.
The Cavs could take a pretty big leap even without Noel.

First, Varejao will be coming back. Secondly, the Cavs had the youngest starting five in the NBA for the majority of last season. Irving, Waiters, Thompson and Zeller will all be a year older and presumably a year better.

Thompson made some absolutely giant leaps last year and probably deserved consideration for MIP. He was unquestionably the MIP on the Cavs' team.

Waiters improved drastically in the last three months of the season and word is he has been an absolute gym rat since the season ended.

It's not just Kyrie. There is a lot of young talent on this team starting to mature and Varejao is one of the top centers in the East when healthy.

That's why I think taking Noel makes even more sense. With so much young talent already on the roster, they can afford to bring him along slowly and let him learn from the cagey vet (Varejao).

Again, it makes too much sense not to happen.

[BallsOut]

I'll respect the decision of Chris Grant, who has shown an aptitude for spotting talent that sometimes goes against conventional wisdom, but I don't see this happening.

The Cavs badly need a rim protecting defensive big man and this draft just happens to have the best one to come out in some time.

It makes way too much sense not to happen. In fact, I think there is a much better chance that they'll trade the pick rather than not take Noel.

It's incredible how many GMs will disregard the surgeries that college big men have faced before entering the NBA and just go with the hype. Noel has bust written all over him. Dude is coming off knee surgery, and he wouldn't even be available to play straight away. Whoever drafts him is probably going to regret it.

Porter would be the safe choice here to fill one of their needs, otherwise trade the freaking pick.

[outbreak]

It's incredible how many GMs will disregard the surgeries that college big men have faced before entering the NBA and just go with the hype. Noel has bust written all over him. Dude is coming off knee surgery, and he wouldn't even be available to play straight away. Whoever drafts him is probably going to regret it.

Porter would be the safe choice here to fill one of their needs, otherwise trade the freaking pick.

players have come back from acl injuries fine though, if your talking oden here he had knee problems that would continue to decline, same goes for the injuries perry jones and sullinger had which made them drop. Both had injuries that will possibly limit their careers if they get worse. Noel's acl isn't a chronic problem and he is young and a big man so it's not really a risky injury. Actual knee issues or back problems are the ones to worry about in young kids as they will keep getting worse.

I don't know if noel will be a star or bust though myself, I was high on him in high school but didn't get a big enough college sample. At times he looked like he had no clue where to even stand on offence but on defence he looked like bill russell. Could go either way.

[RedBlackAttack]

It's incredible how many GMs will disregard the surgeries that college big men have faced before entering the NBA and just go with the hype. Noel has bust written all over him. Dude is coming off knee surgery, and he wouldn't even be available to play straight away. Whoever drafts him is probably going to regret it.

Porter would be the safe choice here to fill one of their needs, otherwise trade the freaking pick.
I heard literally the same arguments about Kyrie Irving.

Maybe I should start bumping all the "bust" threads and all the threads about why Derrick Williams should have been taken over him?

There were issues with his feet. There was the tiny sample size. There was all the concerns about his size. The phrase, "he has bust written all over him," was certainly used more than once.

[chazzy]

It's obvious Noel is going to take time to develop but if he goes to the Cavs, they already have guys like Irving and Waiters on the perimeter to take a lot of pressure off of him. He's not going to a garbage team asking him to be the #1 option or something - he can just focus on what he's good at (rim protection) and allow the rest of his game to develop with time. I have to say that this is probably one of the weaker top prospects in years though.

[BigTicket]

I'm really leaning more towards a trade, since I'm not sold on Noel, and the Cavs don't really need another shooter like McLemore.

[RedBlackAttack]

It's obvious Noel is going to take time to develop but if he goes to the Cavs, they already have guys like Irving and Waiters on the perimeter to take a lot of pressure off of him. He's not going to a garbage team asking him to be the #1 option or something - he can just focus on what he's good at (rim protection) and allow the rest of his game to develop with time. I have to say that this is probably one of the weaker top prospects in years though.
In fairness, the same thing was said about Kyrie Irving. Go back and read the threads. I remember having conversations literally exactly like these.

[OldSkoolball#52]

There were issues with his feet. There was the tiny sample size. There was all the concerns about his size. The phrase, "he has bust written all over him," was certainly used more than once.


This may be true but I think that setting aside the risks, Irving was seen by most as having a higher basketball ceiling than Noel.

I don't watch much college ball so I don't know if it's actually true, Im just basing it on what I remember hearing about Irving, and what I've heard about Noel.

From what I have seen of him, I just don't see how you justify using the number one pick on him. There are safer players in college and players who are flat out better and probably always will be over in Europe waiting to be drafted. I just think drafting a guy as raw as Noel is like buying a lottery ticket and expecting to win. Fantasizing about the "best case scenario" tends to cloud your perspective on what the odds of that really are.

Why not get a guy who you know will contribute consistently on whatever level? Every pick doesn't have to be a swing for the fences, even if you have the number one pick. When the bases are loaded, just hitting a single is still useful. Striking out is not.

[OldSkoolball#52]

I'm really leaning more towards a trade, since I'm not sold on Noel, and the Cavs don't really need another shooter like McLemore.


Pau for #1 + filler.


Irving
Waiters
Thompson
Gasol
Varajao


Get it done, midget...

[brandonislegend]

Noel will be a bust I think.

[RedBlackAttack]

This may be true but I think that setting aside the risks, Irving was seen by most as having a higher basketball ceiling than Noel.

I don't watch much college ball so I don't know if it's actually true, Im just basing it on what I remember hearing about Irving, and what I've heard about Noel.

From what I have seen of him, I just don't see how you justify using the number one pick on him. There are safer players in college and players who are flat out better and probably always will be over in Europe waiting to be drafted. I just think drafting a guy as raw as Noel is like buying a lottery ticket and expecting to win. Fantasizing about the "best case scenario" tends to cloud your perspective on what the odds of that really are.

Why not get a guy who you know will contribute consistently on whatever level? Every pick doesn't have to be a swing for the fences, even if you have the number one pick. When the bases are loaded, just hitting a single is still useful. Striking out is not.
I generally look toward DraftExpress first when evaluating prospects I'm not that familiar with. I'd encourage you to read the write-up and watch the video.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Nerlens-Noel-6455/

I think you're short changing Noel quite a bit.

[Myth]

Pau for #1 + filler.


Irving
Waiters
Thompson
Gasol
Varajao


Get it done, midget...

:roll:

[BallsOut]

I heard literally the same arguments about Kyrie Irving.

Maybe I should start bumping all the "bust" threads and all the threads about why Derrick Williams should have been taken over him?

There were issues with his feet. There was the tiny sample size. There was all the concerns about his size. The phrase, "he has bust written all over him," was certainly used more than once.

I don't remember hearing much about Irving. In fact the only problem he had back then was his obsessive masterb4tion of miss fat hawaii that went viral on youtube. Hardly an issue.

I'm saying injuries to big men shouldn't be ignored, particularly when it involves anything serious like the knee or back. Think about guys like Sullinger, Thabeet, Oden, Bogut, Bynum, etc.

[BigTicket]

Pau for #1 + filler.


Irving
Waiters
Thompson
Gasol
Varajao


Get it done, midget...

Lol, yeah right.

The Cavs aren't trading away a #1 pick to get Pau for one year.

[dbk123]

i think the cavs should draft noel but i feel like mclemore may be a star. mclemore has all the talent plus the skill, but i dont know if he has the heart/killer instinct.

[Collie]

They already skipped on two big men with huge potential (Valanciunas and Drummond). I don't think they'd be dumb enough to do it three times.

[returnofthemack]

This may be true but I think that setting aside the risks, Irving was seen by most as having a higher basketball ceiling than Noel.

I don't watch much college ball so I don't know if it's actually true, Im just basing it on what I remember hearing about Irving, and what I've heard about Noel.

From what I have seen of him, I just don't see how you justify using the number one pick on him. There are safer players in college and players who are flat out better and probably always will be over in Europe waiting to be drafted. I just think drafting a guy as raw as Noel is like buying a lottery ticket and expecting to win. Fantasizing about the "best case scenario" tends to cloud your perspective on what the odds of that really are.

Why not get a guy who you know will contribute consistently on whatever level? Every pick doesn't have to be a swing for the fences, even if you have the number one pick. When the bases are loaded, just hitting a single is still useful. Striking out is not.


people said that kyries ceiling was a borderline allstar player and that he could be good but not very good. people also said that the 2011 draft could be the worst in years and that it wasnt deep. people said the cavs would have been better off getting the 1st pick next year. i say take noel he has the most upside.

[LBJMVP]

i think the cavs should draft noel but i feel like mclemore may be a star. mclemore has all the talent plus the skill, but i dont know if he has the heart/killer instinct.

for all we know waiters could end up better than mclemore.

noel is the choice.

now all we need is to figure out how to get an a consistent sf.

[jbryan1984]

No doubt in my mind that Grant drafts Noel at #1 and will probably try to do Tyler Zeller all over again and package the other 3 picks for another top 15 first rounder. I would really like to have a solid 3 tbh and have Andy and Gee as the first two off the bench.

[chosen_wun]

Take Noel at #1 and start him beside Tristan, move Andy for a solid starting 3. Playoff bound.

[Godzuki]

noel ez. they'd have really nice mobile size if they got him, and he's too mobile and big to bust IMO other than from injury issues.

[Zodiac]

Hey guys, remember when Al Horford and Kevin Durant had bust written all over them?


Good Times

[FreezingTsmoove]

I love how ISH posters always think their some sort of draft scouts or something. Also funny how the best players are always considered "busts" before they play.

[Zodiac]

Take Noel at #1 and start him beside Tristan, move Andy for a solid starting 3. Playoff bound.
no keep Thompson on the bench, he's an energy guy that does best off the bench, having an undersized front-court would not help.

what they should do is flip Andy for a 3pt shooting wing maybe like a Novak or Korver and then roll the year with Zeller at the 5 and Noel/Thompson at the 4.

Then when they get another top 5 pick go with Isaiah Austin and stick him at the 5 and sign Lebron

Irving
Waiters
Lebron
Nerlens Noel
Isaiah Austin

can you say three-peat?

[DukeDelonte13]

Noel's ultimate ceiling is probably DPOY or a consistent top defensive player. He's not a franchise changing #1 pick, nobody is really expecting that. Cavs already have their scorers in waiters and irving, i'd be happy if they take Noel or Porter.

[secund2nun]

Big men win games and titles. Non bigs are so damn overrated. You don't turn down Noel, who is an elite shot blocker, elite stealer, good rebounder, has elite athleticism, and has elite defender potential over some outside "sexy" player who won't win jack sh*t.

[DukeDelonte13]

i think waiters is better now, and has a higher ceiling than McLemore.

[Reverend Hoops]

Can't McLemore with his athleticism and wingspan play a little 3 though? I mean Battier plays a little 4. I know different circumstances but still.

[fpliii]

Take Noel at #1 and start him beside Tristan, move Andy for a solid starting 3. Playoff bound.

I'm sure Cleveland has bigger ambitions than backing into the playoffs. They likely want to make sure they have a viable core to approach contender status as the players develop.

[NattyPButter]

Take Noel at #1 and start him beside Tristan, move Andy for a solid starting 3. Playoff bound.

you must expect the team to only shoot jump shots since the lane would be clogged with those on the court at the same time.

[brandonislegend]

Noel looks like the definition of a bust, blocks shots, has no offensive game....I rather have Drummond easily than him. Trade the pick if you are smart.

[GOBB]

Can't McLemore with his athleticism and wingspan play a little 3 though? I mean Battier plays a little 4. I know different circumstances but still.

He's a 2. You would be a shyt coach to play him at the 3.

[DukeDelonte13]

Noel looks like the definition of a bust, blocks shots, has no offensive game....I rather have Drummond easily than him. Trade the pick if you are smart.


People were raving about Drummond's bust potential last year as well, a lot of GM's passed on him...

I don't know what to make of Noel. I'm not expecting much his first 2 seasons in the league but i think he will fit in nicely with what the cavs need.

[jzek]

the white rapper?

[fatboy11]

Noel is in the Larry Sanders/Serge Ibaka mold, way too much hype around this kid.

I can't completely disagree. I think there's an appropriate amount of hype (and concern) around Nerlens Noel. If there was "too much hype" around him, there wouldn't be so much wide-spread discussion about who the #1 pick should be. Last year, it was the Anthony Davis sweepstakes. This year? It's wide-open right now, with Noel the slight favorite for the pick.

In a draft without players of discernible superstar potential, getting a guy comparable to someone like Serge Ibaka at #1 isn't a bad thing at all. Right? I don't see Nerlens Noel being hyped as some kind of god. When media members/analysts are asked who the #1 pick will be, most of them are saying they "think" Noel will be. To me, that pretty much tells you there isn't "too much hype" around him. Unless you just think he's no good and won't be a good NBA player. If that's the case, I got nothing for you.

[lpublic_enemyl]

BPA always BPA at number 1. If they both pan out you have a valuable chip.

[RedBlackAttack]

I can't completely disagree. I think there's an appropriate amount of hype (and concern) around Nerlens Noel. If there was "too much hype" around him, there wouldn't be so much wide-spread discussion about who the #1 pick should be. Last year, it was the Anthony Davis sweepstakes. This year? It's wide-open right now, with Noel the slight favorite for the pick.

In a draft without players of discernible superstar potential, getting a guy comparable to someone like Serge Ibaka at #1 isn't a bad thing at all. Right? I don't see Nerlens Noel being hyped as some kind of god. When media members/analysts are asked who the #1 pick will be, most of them are saying they "think" Noel will be. To me, that pretty much tells you there isn't "too much hype" around him. Unless you just think he's no good and won't be a good NBA player. If that's the case, I got nothing for you.
I don't think it's all that wide open. As someone with a vested interest in the pick and whose had numerous discussions with other Cavs enthusiasts since last night's drawing, I would be very surprised if Noel isn't the pick.

I'd say I'm maybe slightly less sure than I was about Irving... And I was near 100-percent certain he was the pick. I'd say I'm 90-95% sure on Noel.

He is just a no-brainer, imo, assuming his medical checks out.

1. He fills a huge, gaping hole for the Cavs. Our interior defense has been awful the last three years and, while I like some of what Zeller brings to the table, I see him more as a quality rotation guy as opposed to the center of the future.

2. We've passed on two elite prospect centers in the last two drafts and filled other needs (Valanciunas/Drummond). I don't see them passing up the top center prospect a third time.

3. He was the top HS player in the country by a wide margin and was considered the consensus No. 1 pick prior to his injury.

4. Unlike other teams at the top of the lottery, the Cavs can afford to sit Noel out until he completely heals and bring him along slowly. With Varejao coming back and Tristan/Zeller a year older, there won't be that urgent need to get him out there as quickly as possible. Then, when he's ready, Varejao can serve as a mentor considering he knows Brown's defensive philosophies so well. When he's ready to take over, Andy may be winding down his career or he can be dealt to a team who could use him.

The pick just makes too much sense not to happen.

[JMT]

BPA always BPA at number 1. If they both pan out you have a valuable chip.


Not true. Team needs can often supercede the BPA approach, especially in a situation where none of these guys has clearly established himself as best player available.

[KyrieTheFuture]

We passed up Drummond I'll abandon this franchise if we don't take Noel number one. I wish we got pick 2 or 3 so we didn't have this problem and got Porter but we need to take the risk with Noel

[fatboy11]

I don't think it's all that wide open. As someone with a vested interest in the pick and whose had numerous discussions with other Cavs enthusiasts since last night's drawing, I would be very surprised if Noel isn't the pick.

I'd say I'm maybe slightly less sure than I was about Irving... And I was near 100-percent certain he was the pick. I'd say I'm 90-95% sure on Noel.

He is just a no-brainer, imo, assuming his medical checks out.

1. He fills a huge, gaping hole for the Cavs. Our interior defense has been awful the last three years and, while I like some of what Zeller brings to the table, I see him more as a quality rotation guy as opposed to the center of the future.

2. We've passed on two elite prospect centers in the last two drafts and filled other needs (Valanciunas/Drummond). I don't see them passing up the top center prospect a third time.

3. He was the top HS player in the country by a wide margin and was considered the consensus No. 1 pick prior to his injury.

4. Unlike other teams at the top of the lottery, the Cavs can afford to sit Noel out until he completely heals and bring him along slowly. With Varejao coming back and Tristan/Zeller a year older, there won't be that urgent need to get him out there as quickly as possible. Then, when he's ready, Varejao can serve as a mentor considering he knows Brown's defensive philosophies so well. When he's ready to take over, Andy may be winding down his career or he can be dealt to a team who could use him.

The pick just makes too much sense not to happen.

I'll entertain you.

Say Noel is the no-doubt #1 pick (which wasn't even really my point).

Is there "too much hype" around him right now? The hype around him, IMO, doesn't touch the hype that was around Blake Griffin, Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Greg Oden, John Wall, Dwight Howard, or Derrick Rose. If he's THE #1 pick, he's one of the least hyped #1 picks of the last 10 years.

[RedBlackAttack]

I'll entertain you.

Say Noel is the no-doubt #1 pick (which wasn't even really my point).

Is there "too much hype" around him right now? The hype around him, IMO, doesn't touch the hype that was around Blake Griffin, Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Greg Oden, John Wall, Dwight Howard, or Derrick Rose. If he's THE #1 pick, he's one of the least hyped #1 picks of the last 10 years.
I think anytime a guy gets injured midway through his first collegiate season, hype is going to dissipate. Hell, even though he came back for the two tournament games, Kyrie Irving lost a lot of the hype that was around him in the first couple months of his one season at Duke.

I think, if he would have played the complete season and people had more of an opportunity to watch him play, the hype would be right around where it normally is for a consensus No. 1 pick.

Also, Dwight Howard was not the absolute consensus No. 1 pick. A lot of people thought the Magic should have taken the proven Okafor at the time, especially after the recent disaster that was Kwame Brown.

Obviously, as a Cavs fan, my main concern isn't the amount of hype he's getting. I actually prefer it if he has less expectations than the guys you listed. I'm focused less on the hype and more on the likeliness that he's going to be the pick... And, as I said, I'd put it about 90-95% certainty at this stage, assuming his medical checks out.

[Rameek]

If they decide to make the pick McLemore is the clear choice.

McLemore has star written all over him.

[fatboy11]

I think anytime a guy gets injured midway through his first collegiate season, hype is going to dissipate. Hell, even though he came back for the two tournament games, Kyrie Irving lost a lot of the hype that was around him in the first couple months of his one season at Duke.

I think, if he would have played the complete season and people had more of an opportunity to watch him play, the hype would be right around where it normally is for a consensus No. 1 pick.

Also, Dwight Howard was not the absolute consensus No. 1 pick. A lot of people thought the Magic should have taken the proven Okafor at the time, especially after the recent disaster that was Kwame Brown.

Obviously, as a Cavs fan, my main concern isn't the amount of hype he's getting. I actually prefer it if he has less expectations than the guys you listed. I'm focused less on the hype and more on the likeliness that he's going to be the pick... And, as I said, I'd put it about 90-95% certainty at this stage, assuming his medical checks out.

Not sure I can agree with you. The talk of there being no "superstar" or "franchise player" in this draft started before he got injured. Well before it, actually. If his hype, when healthy, was on par with most consensus top overall picks, they wouldn't be saying that. And when he was healthy, he was in the top 40 in rebounds, steals and blocks as a freshman.

I think he's no doubt the best prospect in the draft, but I don't think a lot of people are nearly as sold on him as we are. I'm not really concerned that much about the knee injury. It's 2013 - an ACL tear isn't the end of the world (unless you're Derrick Rose). He has no real previous history of injuries. I get the concern going forward, though. But it's not like with Greg Oden, who was always hurt in some way.

[RedBlackAttack]

I posted this in the draft thread prior to the lottery. Here's how Chad Ford anticipates teams' respective "big boards" look and the probability that they would be in position to draft their targets (again, before last night's lottery).

-----------

Charlotte Bobcats

First choice: Noel (19.9 percent)
Second choice: Ben McLemore (18.8 percent)
Third choice: Anthony Bennett (17.1 percent)


Cleveland Cavaliers

First choice: Noel (15.6 percent)
Second choice: Otto Porter (15.7 percent)
Third choice: Alex Len (15.5 percent)


Phoenix Suns

First choice: Noel (11.9 percent)
Second choice: Oladipo (12.6 percent)
Third choice: C.J. McCollum (13.3 percent)


New Orleans Pelicans

First choice: Porter (8.8 percent)
Second choice: Burke (9.7 percent)
Third choice: McLemore (10.7 percent)


Sacramento Kings

First choice: Noel (6.3 percent)
Second choice: Porter (7.1 percent)
Third choice: Oladipo (8.1 percent)


Detroit Pistons

First choice: McLemore (3.6 percent)
Second choice: Porter (4.9 percent)
Third choice: Oladipo (5.8 percent)


Washington Wizards

First choice: Noel (3.5 percent)
Second choice: Porter (3.3 percent)
Third choice: Bennett (3.9 percent)


Minnesota Timberwolves

First choice: McLemore (1.7 percent)
Second choice: Noel (2 percent)
Third choice: McCollum (2.4 percent)


Portland Trail Blazers

First choice: McLemore (1.1 percent)
Second choice: Oladipo (1.3 percent)
Third choice: Noel (1.6 percent)


Philadelphia 76ers

First choice: Noel (0.8 percent)
Second choice: Bennett (0.9 percent)
Third choice: Len (1.2 percent)


Toronto Raptors

First choice: Noel (0.7 percent)
Second choice: Bennett (0.8 percent)
Third choice: Burke (1.0 percent)


Dallas Mavericks

First choice: Noel (0.6 percent)
Second choice: Burke (0.7 percent)
Third choice: McLemore (0.9 percent)


Utah Jazz

First choice: McLemore (0.5 percent)
Second choice: Burke (0.6 percent)
Third choice: Porter (0.7 percent)


-------


Of the 14 lottery teams, Ford has 8 as having Noel their top target. McLemore is at the top of just 4, which seems pretty low if he is the clear BPA as OP asserts.

[RedBlackAttack]

Not sure I can agree with you. The talk of there being no "superstar" or "franchise player" in this draft started before he got injured. Well before it, actually. If his hype, when healthy, was on par with most consensus top overall picks, they wouldn't be saying that. And when he was healthy, he was in the top 40 in rebounds, steals and blocks as a freshman.

I think he's no doubt the best prospect in the draft, but I don't think a lot of people are nearly as sold on him as we are. I'm not really concerned that much about the knee injury. It's 2013 - an ACL tear isn't the end of the world (unless you're Derrick Rose). He has no real previous history of injuries. I get the concern going forward, though. But it's not like with Greg Oden, who was always hurt in some way.
Like I said in another thread, Oden had serious medical issues outside of a lone injury or two. I believe his right leg was actually an inch or two longer than his left, putting massive stress on his back. That is what led to a lot of his problems. Sullinger had a similar problem, which is why he fell so far last year.

My stance on Noel is assuming he checks out medically. Obviously, everything hinges on that. No way the Cavs would take him if they have major questions about his ability to recovery or likelihood of re-injury. He will be poked and prodded over the next month like a pin cushion.

Outside of issues there, I don't see any way he's not the pick. And, he absolutely should be the pick, given no longterm medical questions.

[brandonislegend]

Larry Sanders is a perfect comparison to Noel whoever said that!

[Twiens]

Someone that agrees with me

http://nbadraft.net/extended-nba-mock-draft-40

[boozehound]

I'll respect the decision of Chris Grant, who has shown an aptitude for spotting talent that sometimes goes against conventional wisdom, but I don't see this happening.

The Cavs badly need a rim protecting defensive big man and this draft just happens to have the best one to come out in some time.

It makes way too much sense not to happen. In fact, I think there is a much better chance that they'll trade the pick rather than not take Noel.
hes good, but I dont think hes better than either davis or drummond in the nba. They should definitely take him (Noel) if they dont trade the pick.

[RedBlackAttack]

hes good, but I dont think hes better than either davis or drummond in the nba. They should definitely take him (Noel) if they dont trade the pick.
I really wanted Drummond last year (I have the threads to prove it). For some reason, he was not really even considered much, it didn't seem like, by the teams at the top of the draft board. I'm not sure if his personal workouts went badly or what, but for a guy who was thought of as a great prospect coming out of high school and is a physical monster, I still scratch my head at, not just the Cavs, but all of the teams who passed him up.

I'll never really understand it.

I could see both Drummond and Davis being perennial All-Stars and maybe the two best 5s in the NBA down the line, so I don't think he necessarily has to be quite that good to warrant the pick.

Though, I do think he has a significant amount of upside and he could end up being a better defensive player than either of those two.

We'll see. Could be really interesting having Noel and Drummond in the same division, though. That could turn into quite the rivalry. Also, Noah and Hibbert also in the Central.

Old school stylee.

[Twiens]

Do cavs fans consider Thompson to be a long-term piece for there team? If so how do you see him fitting with Noel? At least one would have to improve their range significantly.

[RedBlackAttack]

Do cavs fans consider Thompson to be a long-term piece for there team? If so how do you see him fitting with Noel? At least one would have to improve their range significantly.
I don't think there is any doubt Tristan is now considered a longterm piece by those of us who have been watching his growth. He has improved at a pretty staggering rate in two years.

Most people don't realize (and understandably so) how good he was last year once Varejao went out of the lineup. His final numbers were good on their own for a second year guy who was considered a major project offensively coming out of college... 12 points on 49% FG and 9.4 rebounds per game.

However, when you look deeper... Tristan took Varejao's place in the lineup on Dec. 18. In the 56 games that followed, his per game averages were 13.2 points on 50% FG, 10.3 rebounds, a block and a steal.

He was also solid defensively and, maybe most importantly, played in all 82 games last season. Those numbers are damn good for any second year player. I don't care who you're talking about. And, he just turned 22 with a ton of growth still left to his game.

He's a keeper, no doubt.


As to your point about a Noel/Thompson frontcourt of the future, that is something I wondered about myself at the beginning of the season before seeing how far Tristan had come (we've been looking at Noel for a long time).

However, after seeing his massive improvement, I don't worry that he will have trouble fitting in with an offensively challenged center (at least to start his career).

I don't look at it as a situation of just being Noel and Tristan anyway. As long as your frontcourt rotation can compliment those guys with some outside shooting coming off the bench, giving the team lots of options, it will work out. We don't have a guy like Noel on the roster... Freakishly long, huge wingspan around the basket, can use either hand, etc.

I expect Tyler Zeller to continue to improve and he already has a pretty decent jumper for a rookie big man. Generally, you want a frontcourt rotation of around four guys who all bring something different to the table. That will still be possible with Noel/Tristan being the real talents.

[chips93]

If they decide to make the pick McLemore is the clear choice.

McLemore has star written all over him.

hes way to passive to be considered a cant-miss-star type guy.

i would say one of the things he is lacking is that star quality, that confidence

[Twiens]

They should have picked Drummond last year, he has more potential.

To be fair, you can say that about quite a few teams though.

[chips93]

I really wanted Drummond last year (I have the threads to prove it). For some reason, he was not really even considered much, it didn't seem like, by the teams at the top of the draft board. I'm not sure if his personal workouts went badly or what, but for a guy who was thought of as a great prospect coming out of high school and is a physical monster, I still scratch my head at, not just the Cavs, but all of the teams who passed him up.

I'll never really understand it.

I could see both Drummond and Davis being perennial All-Stars and maybe the two best 5s in the NBA down the line, so I don't think he necessarily has to be quite that good to warrant the pick.

Though, I do think he has a significant amount of upside and he could end up being a better defensive player than either of those two.

We'll see. Could be really interesting having Noel and Drummond in the same division, though. That could turn into quite the rivalry. Also, Noah and Hibbert also in the Central.

Old school stylee.

i thought you were big on mkg and beal?

[longtime lurker]

I haven't really been following the draft talks, but the Cavs should take BPA regardless of position.

[RedBlackAttack]

i thought you were big on mkg and beal?
I was big on both when it became clear that they weren't even looking at Drummond. But, I said at the end of the season that I'd be surprised if Davis/Drummond didn't go as the top two picks. I kept thinking that, the closer the draft got, the higher Drummond would move up. That's usually what happens with athletic big guys filled with potential.

In fact, that's why I thought we had a real shot at either MKG or Beal at No. 4.

It just never happened.

[veilside23]

how is noel a better prospect than that of a kwame brown before?

just saying..

[RedBlackAttack]

how is noel a better prospect than that of a kwame brown before?

just saying..
Is that a rhetorical question?

First of all, we've seen Noel play beyond high school level competition already. Second, they are really nothing alike. At all.

just saying...

[chips93]

how is noel a better prospect than that of a kwame brown before?

just saying..

much longer arms, much better motor, defense, rebounding.

he is actually something of a proven commodity, compated to kwame.

[RedBlackAttack]

much longer arms, much better motor, defense, rebounding.

he is actually something of a proven commodity, compated to kwame.
What is with the Noel hate? :oldlol:

Jesus...

[veilside23]

What is with the Noel hate? :oldlol:

Jesus...


i dont hate noel ... its a simple question care to answer?

[RedBlackAttack]

i dont hate noel ... its a simple question care to answer?
First, why don't you tell me how they're remotely similar. You brought Kwame into the thread. Explain why.

I'll respond in kind.

[veilside23]

ok the reason why brown got pick first because offensively he is actually freakish and knows how to play team game and brown may have been a busts but is not a bad defender.. you actually post an article that during work outs he trashed both chandler and curry.


i am saying how is noel a better prospect that kwame ? i never said that noel = kwame see the difference?

as a prospect kwame also had better offensive game . better handles than noel and better passer

but it never happened

[veilside23]

@ RBA - i will read your response after a couple of hours thanks

[WWRWestbrookDo?]

You don't pass up the BPA because you have freakin Dion Waiters in his position. He's best suited as a scorer off the bench anyway ala JR Smith.

Noel is in the Larry Sanders/Serge Ibaka mold, way too much hype around this kid.


IMO Dion Waiters is probably better off the bench.What is up with the hype surrounding McLemore. He doesn't seem assertive and doesn't really seem all that great. Then again I only watched him during March Madness.

I don't think there is a REAL number 1 guy in this draft.

[Twiens]

Honestly I think Anthony Bennett is/will be the best player in the draft. Sucks that the shoulder injury won't give him the opportunity to move up. I think he'd destroy everyone in the private workouts.

[Jailblazers7]

I don't think the Cavs can pass on Noel. Waiters and Kyrie will never be a great defensive backcourt so having a great young shotblocker behind them would be incredibly important.

Either that or Otto Porter would be my pick and I wouldn't be all that surprised if he went #1 given the Cavs unorthodox drafting history lately. He is a gifted passer who doesn't need the ball to be effective and will likely develop into a very good perimeter defender because of his length. Not a great shooter yet but I bet he develops that part of his game and ends up shooting a good percentage from 3 before his career is over.

McLemore isn't a great creator off the dribble which isn't a huge problem considering they have Kyrie but I'm not sure they can play a line-up of Kyrie/Waiters/McLemore and expect to be anything other than an exciting first round exit.