Almost every mock draft you look at has the Cavaliers taking Irving over Williams, but I’m pretty sure that the Cavs have yet to make that decision. And then there’s this Twitter tidbit from Brian Windhorst, who is a Cavaliers expert: “Heard enough stories about Cavs in-depth research into Derrick Williams to convince me they’re considering him for No. 1 pick.” If Williams showed up for his Monday’s workout and said all the right things, he could easily be taken No. 1. After all, it’s one thing to get a dynamic player, like the ones I listed at the start of this post, but a completely different game when looking at guys with heart, who know how to lead/win, versus guys who simply pile up numbers and are quiet in the locker room.
In the piece, Alexander makes a pretty compelling case for why the Cavaliers should select Williams with the first pick. I still say Irving’s the guy, all this Williams at number one talk is a smokescreen, and the Cavs are playing mind games with David Kahn in an attempt to drive down the value of the second pick.
Clearly the ideal situation is to take Williams at 1, Have Minny swap with Utah somehow and have Kanter/Irving go 2/3 giving the Cavs Knight at 4.
I don’t think the article made a very persuasive case for Williams at all. He implied that there is a greater need at PF than PG, which is laughable to anyone who spends time following the Cavs. Varejao is a PF/C combo and we already have Jamison, Hickson, and Samuels. PG has Davis and Sessions; 3.5>2.
He states that forwards are more vital to championship teams, but what about D Rose, who single-handedly carried the Bulls to the ECF? When Russell Westbrook actually played like a true PG instead of chucking up 18 footers, didn’t the Thunder look like a potential title winner? And you could make an argument that the PG trio of Kidd, Terry, and Barea were the difference makers in the Mavs-Heat showdown.
What I thought was most ludicrous was the comparison made between Irving-Williams and Manning-Leaf. By stating that Williams had Manning-esque leadership abilities he implied that Irving filled the Ryan Leaf position. I can assure you that Irving is anything but. In just about every interview he has given, Kyrie has stated that his #1 goal is “to improve my leadership qualities and being more comfortable in being a vocal leader.” (from ESPN chat last week)
I don’t doubt Derrick Williams’ abilities, and never have, but that doesn’t mean Kyrie Irving isn’t just as good.
I think the only real “knock” on Irving (besides only playing 11 games) is his leadership. He’s very quiet in the lockerroom and doesn’t take charge. That’s why e continues to talk about improving his leadersip skills. This is why I think the Leaf comparison is not off. Hopefully though his career is much much better than Leaf’s ever was.
On the other hand Williams doesn’t have a lack of confidence and ‘mouth’. He will certainly be vocal, but if we pick him, we have to hope he’s vocal in such a way that fits into the team and doesn’t cause a distraction.
I think these two guys will be tied to each other and compared for the rest of their careers. Many people feel that Williams is the BPA in this draft and the only reason he’s not a lock at #1 is because he’s a tweener (which can be argued if it makes a difference or not). On the other hand, Irving is the best position player available and he plays the position in which the Cavs said they want most.
Either Williams because his size and Irving because his lack of NCAA experience can just as easily be stars in the league or bust. I hope for them, and for the Cavs that they prove to be stars.
There are some rumblings that the Twolves might select Kanter over Williams and that Utah would take Knight. The odds of that happening are slim to none, but it’s something to keep an eye out for.
The Utaaaaaaahns here think that Kanter might be preferable to Knight, though the team may be messing with Kahn & hinting to anyone who really wants BKnight
Yes, i would like Irving with the 1st. pick, but I wouldn’t be too upset if the Cavs went with Williams.
No! Don’t do it Chris Grant! Derrick Williams reminds me far too much of Jeff Green. And Jeff Green is awful, a lot worse than people think.