I will be the first to say that I see some real potential with Kyrie Irving. I wouldn't be surprised if he became a perennial all-star. However, I don't believe that using a #1 draft pick on an unproven commodity is a wise choice. The guy has less than a season of college underneath his belt. I also believe that his teammate, Brandon Knight, was every bit as talented. Tristan Thompson was a reach @ #4 as far as I'm concerned. I think selecting Irving #1 forced them into drafting less talent overall.
Basically, my issue with the Cavs draft is, not that they drafted Irving #1, but that they didn't get max value out of their positioning.
Here are some scenarios that I would have preferred and believe would have brought them greater success in the future:
Draft Derrick Williams #1 and Brandon Knight/Kemba Walker #4
You get as sure a thing as there is in this draft with Williams, who is going to be a 20/10 guy within his first 2 years. He is a dynamic scorer, very athletic, and hits the boards hard. With Knight you would get a guard who is every bit as talented as Irving. With Walker you get a proven leader with skills, who has shown that he has what it takes to win. Williams with either of the two at point would provide a solid nucleus for the future.
Trade the #1 (plus player to be named later) to Utah for the #3 and #12 picks
In this scenario, Cleveland could have taken Enes Canter at #3, Brandon Knight at #4, and preferably Marcus Morris or Kawhi Leonard at #12. This would give them a solid front line for years to come. The extra piece that would gain in this scenario could prove invaluable. The Cavs would be a very deep team.
Trade the #1 (and late 2nd rounder) to Minnesota for the #2 and #20 picks
This trade still ensures that you get Williams or Irving, while picking up the extra 1st rounder. They likely end up with Williams at #2 which means they take Knight @ #4. They end up with the solid nucleus that many other teams would have drafted anyway, with the #1 and #4, plus they add a Nolan Smith or Kenneth Faried with the #20 picks. Can you imagine the Cavs putting a big lineup on the floor that featured Williams at the 3, with Hickson and Faried at the 4 and 5? As athletic as they are, that would be hard for any team to guard.
Despite what this post would suggest, I am not a huge Cleveland fan. I just think they missed out on the chance to make a huge splash in the draft that could have changed their franchise forever. Just my opinion.
Basically, my issue with the Cavs draft is, not that they drafted Irving #1, but that they didn't get max value out of their positioning.
Here are some scenarios that I would have preferred and believe would have brought them greater success in the future:
Draft Derrick Williams #1 and Brandon Knight/Kemba Walker #4
You get as sure a thing as there is in this draft with Williams, who is going to be a 20/10 guy within his first 2 years. He is a dynamic scorer, very athletic, and hits the boards hard. With Knight you would get a guard who is every bit as talented as Irving. With Walker you get a proven leader with skills, who has shown that he has what it takes to win. Williams with either of the two at point would provide a solid nucleus for the future.
Trade the #1 (plus player to be named later) to Utah for the #3 and #12 picks
In this scenario, Cleveland could have taken Enes Canter at #3, Brandon Knight at #4, and preferably Marcus Morris or Kawhi Leonard at #12. This would give them a solid front line for years to come. The extra piece that would gain in this scenario could prove invaluable. The Cavs would be a very deep team.
Trade the #1 (and late 2nd rounder) to Minnesota for the #2 and #20 picks
This trade still ensures that you get Williams or Irving, while picking up the extra 1st rounder. They likely end up with Williams at #2 which means they take Knight @ #4. They end up with the solid nucleus that many other teams would have drafted anyway, with the #1 and #4, plus they add a Nolan Smith or Kenneth Faried with the #20 picks. Can you imagine the Cavs putting a big lineup on the floor that featured Williams at the 3, with Hickson and Faried at the 4 and 5? As athletic as they are, that would be hard for any team to guard.
Despite what this post would suggest, I am not a huge Cleveland fan. I just think they missed out on the chance to make a huge splash in the draft that could have changed their franchise forever. Just my opinion.
