Links to the Present: April 24, 2012
2012-04-24
“[Byron] Scott said he hasn’t reached a decision on whether he wants injured center Semih Erden (ankle) to return for next season. Obviously, that’s something he must discuss with General Manager Chris Grant. The Cavs would have to extend a qualifying offer of about $1.1 million or risk losing the 7-foot Turk to unrestricted free agency.” [Tom Reed]
“The Cavaliers may very well shut down Kyrie Irving for the final two games of the season, which would in all likelihood shut down Cleveland’s opportunity to win. The Kings face the Thunder on Tuesday without DeMarcus Cousins, who hit the 13-tech threshold on Sunday. But OKC no longer has anything to play for and could rest its starters. The same may be the case for the Kings’ match-up against the Lakers on Thursday, depending on what the Clippers do by then. Chances are that the Cavs finish with a worse record than the Kings.” [Tom Ziller]
“The fourth quarter wizardry to which Cavalier fans have grown accustomed was put on hold as Cleveland head coach Byron Scott kept his prize possession on the sideline, watching as teammates Tristan Thompson and Antawn Jamison would retake the floor. Having been given some rest with three minutes left in the third quarter, Irving would not join his four starting teammates until there were just over four game minutes remaining.” [Scott Sargent]
I’m probably going to write about this later tonight in more detail, but I can say this: I’m so glad the Cavaliers swallowed their pride and sat Irving for most of the fourth quarter. As Ziller points out, there’s a bunch of teams hovering around 21 wins, and the Cavs need to lose out if they’re going to have a shot at top 4 lottery odds. If they win another game, they could be looking at 6th or 7th, and, if the ping-pong balls adhere to probability (which: no guarantee), they’re in line to pick someone like Harrison Barnes or PJ3. Depending on how you feel about those guys, you might not mind picking at seven, but I’m terrified that Harrison Barnes is a slightly better Wesley Johnson, and Perry Jones could be an All-Star or out of the league in five years.
But that’s my acute sense of dread talking. Feel free to post your thoughts in the comments.
quincy miller will be gone by pick 20.
D’Oh. I can’t type.
Guys I’d like to see taken with the 2nd round picks: http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Kevin-Murphy-17023 , Andrew Nicholson and Andrew Nicholson.
I have come around on getting Beal + Quincy Miller would be great. Miller is probably only just now near 100% after his ACL reconstruction from December of 2010, and given a chance to put on some weight and develop, he could legitimately be a great #3 offensive threat for this team in a few years.
I really am not enamored of Drummond. Of course size matters in the NBA, but it seems that any more, scoring wings is the hardest position to fill in the NBA, and scoring wings that have some size, even more difficult. The Cavs need to do everything they can to find those guys. Given that, I’d put MKG squarely at #2 in this draft behind Davis.
Was wondering the same thing about Drummond. But really, drafting Drummond very risky. He’s so raw offensively, and his FT% is under 40. They already have two front court players who are raw on offense (Andy, TT), and their FT% doesn’t need to get any lower. Also, he was a no show in his only tourney game. Chad Ford did defend him though. He said that part of the problem was that UConn’s guards never got him the ball and that Calhoun (sp) wasn’t willing to let a freshman run the offense. I guess taking him wouldn’t be the worst… Read more »
Based on the success of teams like the grizzlies and spurs this year, I think this whole era of building a big three has limited mileage left on it. Salary cap changes will also play a part in this, but I think if we are sincere in protecting the future of the team we need to remain dedicated to finding the players to fit needs. Fortunately we have lots of needs in a deeper draft year. I would still rather get a SG/SF stud first, unless we get Davis. If we land third I will be really interested to see… Read more »
davis and kyrie first. TT+MKG+Kyrie is excellent but i think this is such a star driven league that i would rather have 2 potential mega stars rather than 1 plus a superb cast
@ Jeff & Ethan: I’d love us to do that…but I’m not sure we’d have any takers. Those top picks don’t usually go anywhere if there’s anybody worth taking at that spot. In no way would #6 and #20 equal #5.
That said, here’s a hypothetical…if we land #2, would you trade Tristan Thompson and #2 for Anthony Davis? I doubt we’d be able to make that trade (because it wouldn’t be accepted)…just got me thinking.
Is Tristan + Kidd-Gilchrist + Kyrie > Anthony Davis + Kyrie?
Although there are only 2 games left, it’s hard to predict the exact percentage the Cavs will have of winning the lotto. Barring something unforseen turn of events, we’ll most likely end up tied at a position, whether it be a 2 or 3 way tie for third place or a 2-3 way tie for 5th. Lots of possibilities, but the best way to go is gracefully lose against Washington. Oh, and Quincy Miller is back in the draft. That’s someone Grant will definitely consider with the Lakers’ or Hornets’ picks. t would be a good situation for him in… Read more »
Jeff, I’m not sure what a squirrelly guy is, but I agree with you. Do what it takes to get the player you want in this draft. We have something ridiculous like 8 first-round picks or something in the next 4 drafts, so burn one or two of ’em to get the guy you want NOW.
I’m in the camp of waiting to torture myself further until we know our pick. If it’s 6 or higher, don’t we have to throw lots of picks from this year and the future at a team to get one of the studs in this draft? This off-season is too important to get a squirrelly guy we’re not fully confident in.
Please God draft Beal