DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum Cavs Get #1 & #4....

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft2011...ockDraft-110524

Yes, please.

Edit: Link doesn't seem to work now, but it had us taking Irving #1, Minny (or somebody trading up) taking Williams #2, Knight going #3, and us taking Kanter with the #4 pick.

that seems to be the standard mock draft right now too.

I am all aboard the Kanter train, but the Cavs FO is at least leaking they like Jonas V. more than Kanter (possibly in case Utah goes big to throw them off the trail?).

anyways, I have dug as much video evidence on Jonas as I could. I was terrified at first, then intrigued on a few videos that show his capabilities.

here's the best one I could find (apologies for the format at the top, but it's not my site or anything)

http://www.europeanprospects.com/1992-bo...video-analysis/

maybe Karnowski is just a bad player? I don't know. But Jonas showed good movement, ball skills and finishing ability in that 8min snippet. His defense also looked okay from a help standpoint (he's going to get backed down against NBA centers if he doesn't add at least 30lbs of muscle).

Karnowski looked like a much shorter version of Z. Jonas, I dont' know what to think. He shows some good moves and ability, but I just can't help but think that he'll get crushed trying that stuff on an NBA level. I guess the good news is that he's only 18.

CHICAGO -- There was plenty to talk about in the lobby at this year's NBA predraft combine.

That's always the case, of course, with team executives, agents and even players themselves filling the foyer of the downtown Westin every year to discuss which prospects are rising and which ones are falling as D-day (June 23) nears. But the buzz was even louder than normal this time around, in part because of the weak nature of the draft class and the first-round fluidity that it creates, and also because of the heavy dose of international players has added to the mystery.

The next step has already begun, as more than 20 prospects are in Minnesota on Monday and Tuesday to showcase their skills. Teams have begun holding workouts as well, but it's the Windy City gathering where first impressions are made and the unofficial stock price is set even if there aren't actual games being played.

As such, we take a look back at the players not previously discussed to help paint a clearer picture of this year's draft pool.
Don't count out Kanter

The 19-year-old Turkish center is as big a mystery man as there is in this class. Literally.

The player who was stuck on the sidelines at Kentucky last season because he was ruled ineligible, measured out quite well, standing 6-foot-11 ¼ in shoes and weighing in at 259 pounds while proving to be incredibly well-conditioned. His body fat was just 5.9 percent, or a little more than half of expected No. 1 pick and former Duke point guard Kyrie Irving (10.2).

And according to his agent, Max Ergul, Kanter -- who is projected as a top-five pick despite the fact that teams haven't seen him play since last year's Nike Hoop Summit in Portland -- convinced NBA executives that he has the stamina to play heavy minutes right away.

He lasted approximately 21 minutes on a brutal treadmill test that includes steep inclines, declines and sprints, putting himself atop the big man class when it comes to being dedicated about his body.

"He went 21-plus minutes on the treadmill test, and only five guys -- plus Enes -- [did that] and four of them were guards," Ergul told SI.com. "[NBA officials] said that was the first time in the draft in modern history that had happened, that no 6-11-plus guys ever finished 21-minutes-plus on the treadmill test ... People don't realize how prepared this kid is, how dedicated he is."

Yet the talk surrounding Kanter in Chicago had much more to do with the fact that he didn't sit down for interviews with Utah (No. 3, No. 12 picks), Toronto (No. 5) and Milwaukee (No. 10). Those non-meetings raised questions about whether Kanter's camp was avoiding certain teams, but Ergul said that wasn't entirely the case. They were only avoiding the Bucks.

"The only one I really didn't care for him [to go to] is Milwaukee," Ergul said. "I'll be honest ... it came out all wrong. [Utah general manager] Kevin [O'Connor] knew about it ... We called them, and it was because in next two weeks I had a feeling we were going to see each other extensively, so there's no reason for that [interview].

"Kevin told me he's really impressed with the kid and he wants to have him in Utah and he'll also come to Chicago ... I apologized to him five times for it coming out wrong, even though I didn't do anything wrong. He knew we were going to see them."

Ergul also answered the questions about why Kanter sat down with teams that have picks much lower than Kanter is expected to be taken.

On a meeting with New Jersey (No. 27): "New owners [Russian Mikhail Prokhorov] have European ties, and they're moving to Brooklyn -- which has the No. 1 Turkish population -- so I wanted them to get to know Enes a little bit."

On a meeting with San Antonio (No. 29): "I think coach [Gregg] Popovich has an opinion that really matters. If [Detroit president of basketball operations] Joe Dumars or Pop calls me or [Lakers general manager] Mitch [Kupchak] and asks for an interview, I'm not going to deny that. They may or may not get him, but I will give them their seniority. They are the guys who earned it. It's the same thing with Kevin O'Connor."

There is another lottery team that did not meet with Kanter, though, as he did not sit down with Sacramento (No. 7 pick). Kanter, who has been working with famed trainer Tim Grover in Chicago for the past six weeks, plans on holding most of his workouts in Chicago and being selective about where he travels.

"Utah is coming here to Chicago, and we're going to go to Minnesota in the second half of June," Ergul said. "Toronto is coming here. Cleveland (Nos. 1 and 4 picks), we're trying to discussing logistics of dates and stuff."

As was reported here on Thursday, Houston (14th, 23rd picks) is interested in moving up in the draft. The source with knowledge of the Rockets' desires said they are hoping to do so to either nab Kanter or perhaps San Diego State small forward, Kawhi Leonard.

Because teams have only seen Kanter in person when he scored 34 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in the 2010 Nike Summit, his workouts will be key.

"I can now say that I've never seen him play live before," one executive who was at predraft camp said sarcastically. "But in the drill work, [Kanter] looked terrific."
Thompson owns up to past

Teams appear to have put their red flags away when it comes to Washington State junior guard Klay Thompson, and he isn't likely to slip past the mid-first round.

The Cougars' leading scorer and son of longtime NBA forward Mychal Thompson was arrested in early March for possession of marijuana and suspended for his team's regular-season finale against UCLA. After putting on a shooting performance that drew rave reviews in the gym, Thompson impressed in his interviews and in how he handled the topic of his arrest.

"It was bad judgment on my part, and I've grown up a lot," Thompson said Thursday. "Teams will be concerned, but I'll just be honest with them and tell them I made a mistake and own up to it. I just learned a lot from it. I've grown up a lot from it, and they respect that I've owned up to it and I'm just honest with them."

Thompson, who said he would welcome a shooting contest with famed BYU gunner Jimmer Fredette "because I think I can hang with him," has modeled parts of his game after Boston's Ray Allen and Houston's Kevin Martin.

"They're great shooters and they're also really complete guards," he said. "Kevin Martin is so good with the ball in his hands, with his first step and his hesitation moves, and he's got that funky release but he knows how to put the ball in. I try to patent my game after him. I've been watching him on the Kings [until he left he was traded in Feb. 2010] since I was a kid."
Tyler's dream changes

Jeremy Tyler is still a long ways from being the lottery pick he envisioned himself as, but the soon-to-be-20-year-old big man who skipped his final year at San Diego High School to play overseas is looking like a first-round pick. "Looking" being the operative word there.

Tyler did well on the eyeball test, measuring 6-10 ½ with shoes with a 7-5 wingspan and 9-2 ½ reach. While his time spent playing in Israel and Japan was widely seen as a disaster, it changes nothing of the fact that he still has serious upside.

"He clearly got really bad advice," one executive said of Tyler's decision to leave high school early. "But he came across well in the interview."

Said another executive: "He's big. He's got great size. He looks the part when he walks in. He looks like a stud."

Concerns remain about Tyler's ability to play within the flow on a team, though, meaning his workouts will be key for him, too. He was headed for Louisville until deciding to play in Israel, but playing time was at a minimum and Tyler's work ethic and maturity were constantly in question. He quit the Israeli team with two months remaining in the season and headed home. He played last season in Japan, where his role was significantly bigger but he remained off the scouting radar of NBA personnel types.

"That first year was nothing but a developmental year, and everything that happened, I'm glad it happened," Tyler said. "I learned from it, and it didn't happen the next year. And it's not going to happen in my future because it's something I've been through already.

"When situations like that come up again, I know how to handle myself ... This has always been a dream of mine, and it's up to me to make the dream come true. Work hard every day, be humble, be respectful and be hungry."
News and notes ...

• A few other first-round fringe players who helped their cases by leaving good impressions in Chicago: Georgia Tech junior guard Iman Shumpert, Michigan sophomore point guard Darius Morris, Duke senior point guard Nolan Smith, USC junior center Nikola Vucevic, UCLA junior guard Malcolm Lee, and Providence senior guard Marshon Brooks.

• While it's widely known that Minnesota is open to discussing trades involving it's No. 2 pick, a source said the Timberwolves' No. 20 pick is even more available.

• While some teams have Fredette being ranked in the latter part of the first round, a source said there is a strong chance of him being taken with Utah's No. 12 pick. The prospect's business value is being considered along with his basketball abilities, as the losses of coach Jerry Sloan and point guard Deron Williams have left the Jazz in need of a player who can help re-energize the fan base. That would be quite the challenge for soon-to-be-second-year coach Tyrone Corbin, who would surely draw the ire of the Fredette fanatics if he didn't give him ample playing time.

• In predraft camps of years past, it wouldn't be abnormal for the expected No. 1 pick to be told by the team doing the picking that he was their man. Yet Irving made it clear in Chicago that he has been given no such assurances by Cleveland.

Irving's recent medical history could be playing a part, as he missed three months with a right toe injury and still wears a "protective shank" in his shoes because of it. Assuming the Cavs eventually see him moving like himself and pain-free during a workout, he is widely expected to remain in the No. 1 spot.


web page

Would anyone do this???

Cavs Offer No. 4 Pick For Rudy Gay, Grizzlies Reject It - NBA
Will Yoder | 01:43PM EDT 05/23/11

WKNR reported the offer was #4 and a portion of the TPE for Gay...

Small Fwd--20 Pts--6+ Boards--2 Steals--40% from 3--80% at the Line---High Salary...

I definitely could see where gilbert would do this. if we add irving, and gay, that probably makes us a playoff team. I don't see why the grizz would do it. They already have a young team. Why would they want to get younger, other than to save cash??

There seems to be 2 stinks over this...

1) Build thru the draft (Kanter)...If he goes 2 or 3 we're screwed...Another stink is if we got a Gay we'd be a playoff team and lose the Lottery position in 2012...Which I think is ABSURD...We might not make the playoffs with Irving and Kanter...But our draft position would probably be below 8 at best...We won't lose 26 in a row again...lol...

2) Salary

$15,032,144

$16,460,532

$17,888,932

$19,317,326

Hmmmmmmmmm...

I'd rather see us land Kanter to man the middle at 4...And use the TPE for someone else...

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2011/news/story?id=6603100

Sources: Cavs eye trade to add 2nd pickEmail Print Comments596 By Chris Broussard
ESPN The Magazine
Archive
Already owners of the No. 1 pick in the draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers are trying to sweeten their position by securing the second pick as well, according to league sources.

The Cavaliers are in discussions with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons about a three-team trade that would give Cleveland the top two picks of next month's NBA draft.

The Cavaliers would use the picks to select Duke point guard Kyrie Irving and Arizona forward Derrick Williams, the sources said.

In the trade being discussed, Cleveland would absorb Detroit's Richard Hamilton into the $14.6 million trade exc.eption it received in last summer's LeBron James sign-and-trade with Miami, while also receiving the Pistons' No. 8 pick. The Cavaliers would then send that pick, along with their fourth pick, to Minnesota for the Timberwolves' second pick.

Cleveland would then buy Hamilton out of the $25 million remaining in the last two years on his contract, leaving the veteran shooting guard free to sign with another club as a free agent. Chicago would be one of the likeliest destinations.

Cleveland nearly traded for Hamilton at the February trade deadline with the intention of buying him out. In that scenario, Hamilton would have signed with Chicago after the buyout. The motivation for Detroit, which has been looking to move Hamilton for years, is mainly financial.

Whether the trade comes to fruition or not, the Cavaliers are all but certain to use the No. 1 pick on Irving, a favorite of the team's front office. The club's owner, Dan Gilbert, is a huge fan of Williams and sees him and Irving as building blocks for the future.

While one of the Cavaliers' greatest needs is at small forward, Williams, though viewed as a 'tweener, is seen by most league executives as a power forward. If the Cavs draft Williams and determine that he can't play small forward, they may deal power forward J.J. Hickson, who has good value on the trade market.

Seems like a good deal for everyone involved. Besides the Timberwolves. But no one really knows what David Kahn is doing anyway. What's he going to do with picks four and eight? His team is already too young an inexperienced, so he's going to add two more young guys?

He wants to draft a PG at #2, and if he does this deal with the Cavs, he can take the same guy at #4. fTrade makes sense to from Minny's standpoint. Looks to me, though, that the Cavs can probably sit tight at #4 and take Williams anyways!

So they are trying to get in front of the Jazz to take Brandon Knight?

If he only they had drafted a point guard recently that they could use!

The T'Wolves should be trying to add veterans. They already have enough young guys.

Just to be clear... I was saying the TWolves want a PG, and that's why they were so ticked the Cavs' "storyline" prevailed. I was saying this trade is basically a steal of the #8 pick for Minny b/c they're going to be able to take the guy at #4 that they would have taken at #2.

Also that I expect if nobody trades, that the Cavs would be able to take Williams at #4.

Wouldn't you expect the Jazz to take Brandon Knight at pick three? So the T'Wolves, if this trade goes down, are going to take Kemba Walker at pick four?

If this trade goes down or not I expect the T'Wolves to trade out of the number two spot. They already have Kevin Love at power forward and Michael Beasley is a similar player to Williams.

If Washington could somehow move up to the second pick that would be great, pairing Wall with Williams.

Just a little more detail.

I have to say that I would stay at 4 and take Kanter, then grab the best shooting guard available at 8 if it were me.

http://eye-on-basketball.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22748484/29634953

Cavaliers trying to trade for No. 2 pick?

Posted on: May 28, 2011 2:25 pm
Edited on: May 28, 2011 2:52 pm

Kyrie Irving or Derrick Williams? Why not both?

ESPN.com reports that sources say that the Cleveland Cavaliers, who own the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and are expected to draft Irving, a star point guard out of Duke University, are also considering trading for the No. 2 pick. The Cavaliers would then use that pick, which is currently owned by the Minnesota Timberwolves, to select Williams, a star forward from the University of Arizona.

The full trade rumor breaks down as follows:
Detroit Pistons trade the No. 8 pick and Richard Hamilton to Cleveland Cavaliers.
Cleveland Cavaliers trade the No. 4 pick and Detroit's No. 8 pick to Minnesota Timberwolves for the No. 2 pick.
Cleveland uses its $14.6 million trade exception to absorb Hamilton's contract.
The site also reports...
Cleveland would then buy Hamilton out of the $25 million remaining in the last two years on his contract, leaving the veteran shooting guard free to sign with another club as a free agent. Chicago would be one of the likeliest destinations.
Let's take a look at this trade proposal from all angles.

First, for the Cavaliers, this would require a fair bit of capital expenditure in bringing Hamilton on board. He is owed $12.7 million next season and $12.7 in 2012-2013, although only $9 million of that is guaranteed. Hamilton, 33, still has a little fuel left in the tank and badly needs a change of scenery out of Detroit. If the Cavaliers love Derrick Williams, though, paying Hamilton is a reasonable cost to have the opportunity to draft Williams. This move would give the Cavaliers a core of Irving, Williams, Anderson Varejao and J.J. Hickson to build around, with Baron Davis and Ramon Sessions also in the fold as rotation players or trade assets. Additional moves would need to be made to clarify that rotation, including the possibility mentioned above of buying out Hamilton, but no doubt that team wins more than the 19 games Cleveland won in 2010-2011 and the group would clearly be on an upward path. Nabbing the top two "sure thing" prospects in a draft would have to be considered a major win.

The Timberwolves would consider this trade because Williams is probably too similar to Michael Beasley, who is already in place. Trying to dissect this franchise's logic is always difficult, but if Minnesota prefers a big man like Enes Kanter, he will likely be available at No. 4 and they would be able to add an asset for flopping spots. With the No. 8 selection, the Timberwolves could then address their point guard position if either Brandon Knight or Kemba Walker was still on the board, or they could add a shooter -- something they desperately need -- like Alec Burks or maybe even take a chance on Bismack Biyombo. Like the Cavaliers, the Timberwolves need a lot of help. Does Williams alone make them better in the short term? Would Knight plus Burks or Kanter plus Burks be a better combination? There's a (YTown note: yeah ... this sentence ends awkwardly here ....)

The Pistons, here, are probably griping that the cost of moving Hamilton's contract is too high, as it would leave them without a first round draft pick. Indeed, the Detroit Free Press reported that a source denied the talks were taking place and Detroit News reported soon after this rumor broke that the "Pistons wouldn't trade Rip, who's almost becoming an expiring contract w/lockout coming, and get rid of a draft pick." That's half-true at best. Hamilton is owned at least $20 million, the franchise is under new ownership and badly needs to rebuild, and Hamilton made life absolutely miserable all season long for coach John Kuester. The Pistons should be happy to pay for the right to dump him, but obviously they don't want to be left empty handed. There's definitely a way to get Detroit happy with this trade, whether it's sending back a lower pick, a role player or a future draft consideration. Shedding Hamilton's contract and attitude is priceless if Detroit is serious about taking their team in a new direction.

I think I would keep the 4th and 8th and draft this:

1. Kyrie Irving PG Duke
4. Kawhi Leonard SF San Diego St.
8. Alec Burks SG Colorado

2nd round
JaJuan Johnson PF Purdue
Kyle Singler SF Duke or Norris Cole PG Cleveland St

What if you replace Hickson with Williams though ... and just wind up with a smaller PF?

My concern is that Williams is not a SF. If he is a SF, then it's a no brainer. If not, then we're probably trading Hickson to make room for Williams .... and that scares me.

Possibly but it's not as if JJ would have no value.

If Williams ends up being a more skilled version of JJ, then that's certainly not a bad thing. You then move JJ and look for a SF. If Williams develops in to a SF, then it's an absolute homerun. You'd move forward with JJ, Irving and Williams.

There's risk involved in making the move but it's minimal IMO. If you believe Williams has star power, regardless of position, you try to make it happen.

im taking williams and not looking back

If Williams could develop into a star SF than it would be a no brainer for me.

I have not seen a bunch of William's games .... but from what I have read, he is not the most athletic guy in the world. Is that true?

i know this sounds cliche, but is kyrie irving the real deal? i have no tape on him,

which makes my view skewed

I hope that's the case then. (if we get him)

If he can fit in at SF that would be ideal.

Pluto on NBA coaching vacancies.

http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/blog/index.ssf/2011/05/post_43.html

Cleveland Cavaliers are fortunate to have Byron Scott as coach: Terry Pluto
Published: Saturday, May 28, 2011, 6:41 PM Updated: Saturday, May 28, 2011, 10:45 PM
By Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer

Consider these names:

Rick Adelman.

Mike Dunleavy.

Brian Shaw.

Chuck Person.

Mike Brown.

Reportedly, those were the five candidates for the Lakers coaching job. We're not talking about the Clippers, but the Lakers. Yes, the team is getting old. Yes, Kobe Bryant can be tough to coach. Yes, Ron Artest is even moodier. Yes, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum would prefer that one of them be elsewhere next season.

But these are still the Lakers, and that was their list of candidates to replace Phil Jackson.
It just shows how hard it is to find a top-caliber NBA coach . . . and how fortunate the Cavs were to hire Byron Scott a year ago.

This is not meant as a knock on Brown.

Of that list, he'd be my choice. I also have been a fan of Rick Adelman, but he will be 65 next month. Talk about a grueling challenge at that age . . . or any age.

Brown will bring a defensive structure to the Lakers, who lost it last season. He is a players' coach, a much different personality than Phil Jackson. If you change coaches, then also change personalities.

It's one of the many reasons that I liked the selection of Scott to replace Brown. He's more of a disciplinarian, and a different voice after five years of Brown.

"Mike Brown is a great coach," LeBron James said at a press conference. "He brought us success that we hadn't had before in that city, and it started with his defensive concepts. He brought in a defensive mind-set that we didn't have. Fifty-plus wins, he was coach of the year, he got us to the (NBA) Finals, won us the Eastern Conference finals . . . because of him and his coaching staff. I respect him. He definitely helped me become who I am today."

Too bad that James lost respect for Brown during the 2009 playoffs, and wasn't wild about him returning for the 2009-2010 season. In the 2010 playoffs, James did Brown no favors, second-guessing him in news conferences and not delivering on the court in the Boston series.

We'll never know if owner Dan Gilbert fired Brown with the hope of placating James, who was a free agent last summer. Or perhaps Gilbert thought that after five years, it was time for a change. Now consider these names:

Kevin McHale.

Dwane Casey.

Mike Woodson.

Lawrence Frank.

Frank Vogel.

Those were the candidates to replace Adelman in Houston. The Rockets picked McHale, who didn't distinguish himself as a general manager of the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Hall of Fame forward also did two stints as the Wolves interim coach -- compiling a 19-12 record in 2004-05; 20-43 in 2008-09.

Golden State is looking for a coach to replace Keith Smart, a former Cavs interim coach. The Warriors are talking to some of the people on the other two lists -- along with former Cavs assistant Mike Malone and broadcaster Mark Jackson.

As you look at these names, you can understand why Danny Ferry objected to Gilbert's firing of Brown. The former general manager was a big fan of Mike Brown. Ferry also correctly believed it's much easier to dump a coach than find a capable replacement.

That was the case for a while with the Cavs.

Remember how Gilbert chased Tom Izzo? The veteran Michigan State coach would have been a disaster this season, unable to cope with the 59 losses and the "Wait For The Lottery" approach. An NBA lifer, Scott could handle it because he had been through it before in New Orleans -- when it produced Chris Paul in the draft.

Scott's toughness and energy carried them through one of the hardest Cavs season in recent memory.

A the start of the 2010-11 season, the NBA had eight new head coaches. During the season, three more were replaced. After the season, there have been three more changes.

That's 14 different coaches since the end of the 2009-10 season.

Mike Brown with the Lakers . . . it's a very hard job . . . and he's a good choice for the job.

But it also shows that the Cavs are blessed to have Scott.

Quote:

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The NBA revolves around stars. I just don't see why you'd pass up the opportunity to get 2 (in a 2 player draft) in favor of getting 1 and what amounts to 2 role players.

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If you're going by future stars this is a zero player draft.

Interesting move if we make it...I'm torn cause I want Kanter at 4 to man the middle...

If we do this...I c Williams as a 3...That keeps Hickson where he is...

Am I reading this right???...Williams shot 60% from the floor and 57% from 3 this year???

3 big moves this year including this one...

Irving/Williams 1-2

Jamison's expiring...We need to target a Top SG with this...Even if we need to add another player to the deal...And I mean someone who can actually SCORE...Not a Parker clone...

There Will Be Some Shuffling:

The rumor mill was buzzing on Saturday afternoon as word broke of a potential three-way trade between the Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons that had Cleveland landing Richard Hamilton and the number two selection overall. Meanwhile Minnesota would have gotten the fourth and eighth picks with Detroit receiving Cleveland's trade exception.

Sources confirmed that the report, made by ESPN's Chris Broussard, indeed had substance. This proposal has been on the table for awhile and it appeases the desires of the Cavaliers and Timberwolves. However, the Pistons are looking for a bit more in return. They don't appear to be that desperate to unload Hamilton's contract, especially with the new CBA likely containing some type of amnesty clause.

Expect the Cavaliers and Timberwolves to keep looking for a partner to get this deal done, though, and maybe sweeten the offer to make Detroit reconsider. Sources have made it clear that the Timberwolves are seeking a taker for their top first round pick mainly because they don't have a major need for Derrick Williams, the best value at that spot, and would prefer to trade down and potentially grab a center and shooting guard instead.

The Indiana Pacers half-heartedly threw Danny Granger's name in the mix for Minnesota's pick with an incredibly high price tag that makes it clear they'd only be willing to trade him in a deal that they clearly get the better of. The only way they'll let him go is if they're offered a fantastic deal that they just can't turn down. Minnesota understandably isn't interested in unloading all of their top assets for him.

The Cavaliers' motivation to make this deal is clear. This may be a weak draft class overall, but landing Irving and Williams would make it a home run for them. Irving and Williams could anchor in a new era together and really spark a sense of excitement for a franchise that just experienced one of their worst seasons ever.

There is plenty of time for teams to do their due diligence over what deals are out there with there still being a few weeks left until the draft. Due to the lack of talent overall in this draft there are a lot of teams open to moving their picks. That should create quite the interesting scene when draft night arrives on June 23rd and until then speculation will continue to run rampant.

http://www.hoopsworld.com

For Cavs, trade for No. 2 won't be easy

The Cavaliers' rumored interest in the No. 2 NBA draft selection picked up steam Saturday afternoon, when ESPN reported talks between the Cavs, Detroit and Minnesota have gotten serious.

The Cavs currently own the Nos. 1 and 4 picks in the first round.

According to the report, the Cavs would send their $14.5 million trade exception to the Pistons for the eighth pick and veteran shooting guard Richard Hamilton. They then would trade the fourth and eighth picks to Minnesota for the second pick.

If the reported trade is executed, the Cavs would possess the top two picks -- and use them to take Duke point guard Kyrie Irving and Arizona forward Derrick Williams. The report also said the Cavs would buy out the remainder of Hamilton's $25 million contract.

League sources confirmed the discussions to FOX Sports late Saturday night. However, most of those sources said the Pistons will not pull the trigger on any such deal unless they receive a player in return.

In other words, the idea of clearing cap space alone is not likely enough for the Pistons to give up the No. 8 pick, and their desire to obtain a veteran could put an end to talks quickly.

The Pistons recently completed an ownership change, and according to one source, trading a lottery selection just to save money would be a public relations nightmare. None of the sources would speculate which player the Pistons might want for the deal to materialize.

Then there's the Timberwolves. Ever since the lottery in mid-May, it's pretty much become common knowledge around the NBA that they would prefer to move the No. 2 pick. They either want to use it to trade down and obtain multiple picks (as would be the case in the reported scenario), or use it to acquire a good young veteran.

But with up-and-comers such Kevin Love, Michael Beasley, Wes Johnson and others already on the roster, the T-Wolves feel good about their future. Obtaining the fourth and eighth picks, sources say, would allow them to draft for need, as opposed to just taking the best player available.

Meanwhile, one source stood alone in telling FOX Sports that the Pistons would "most certainly be inclined" to trade the eighth pick for little more than their desire to rid themselves of Hamilton's contract and save money.

The source pointed out that the Clippers made a similar move by sending Baron Davis and their top pick (which turned out to be No. 1 overall) to Cleveland — and that the Pistons wouldn't look bad by "sitting out this particular draft at No. 8" and using the money they would save for free agency.

Of course, another major sticking point is the fact the league's collective bargaining agreement expires July 1. So no one knows when the free-agent signing period will begin, or how a potential lockout will effect it.

But no matter how all of this plays out in the end, this much seems fairly certain: The Cavs would love to own the top two picks in the draft, and from the sounds of things, are getting busy to try to make it happen.

http://www.foxsportsohio.com/05/29/1...05&feedID=3725

Quote:

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what I really like about him at the SF spot. He can shoot the lights out. Can you see Irving and JJ playing pick and roll, with Williams camped out ready to hit a catch and shoot?

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The more I think about this the more I do everything I can to get the 2 pick and Williams...

Hickson/V/Williams...I like that...That's some Up-Front Scoring...And Boards...I could see Hickson and Williams combing for 38-40 a night...And 16-18 Boards...

And possibly a wild card here is Erden...I like Hollins also when he actually brings it off the bench...He's got a Players Option tho...

We do this then we MUST use Jamison and whoever and land a Top Quality Scoring SG...Or get it with Davis's expiring the following year...

This is the year to do this...We're not gonna lose 26 straight again...And I highly doubt we're even gonna be in the Top 7 or 8 in the 2012 draft...Not with Irving/Williams or Irving/Kanter...And using the TPE and Jamison later...

I hope David $tern intervenes like he did to make the Celtics trade happen.

Of course, we're not the Celtics, but the storyline of LeBrick's former team getting good quick to rival him could be too good for $tern to pass on

This team look like a team that could have solid depth at the C/PF/PG spots.

Unfortunately, the SF/SG spots are abysmal black holes.

Probably our best 2 guys are Eyenga and Gee. Eyenga was so up and down, and lost concentration on defense so badly that he got yanked out of the lineup more than once. Who knows though ... maybe he'll wind up being another successful Byron Scott project.

Gee looks like a nice backup. His defense alone might get him a spot. Harris could be a nice 3rd guy on a depth chart ... seeing very occasional action. However, expecting big things out of him seems unwise.

Gibson, Parker, Graham? Blah.

To me one thing that seems likely to occur, and it's a shame, is that Samardo Samuels seems destined to be gone. I love his effort. He was in and out of the lineup all season long. He never got regular minutes. He did have almost the same shooting % as Hickson though. He is one of those all out hard working guys I love to see on my team. Unfortunately, he will almost certainly get caught up in the numbers in the front court.

I will make one prediction about this draft ..... I bet the Cavaliers draft one guy they can stash overseas. I find it highly unlikely that they will look to add 4 rookies to an already young roster. I bet they look for the guy playing overseas that they think has huge upside ..... and just wait on him.

Hmmmm...All it would take is Gibson and/or the 32 pick???...DO IT...We're gonna be overloaded at PG...

The Pistons-Cavs-Wolves Deal: Over the weekend ESPN's Chris Broussard reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Detroit Pistons were having discussions on a deal that would have had the Timberwolves trading the #2 overall draft selection in the 2011 NBA Draft to the Cavaliers in a complex deal that would have had Cleveland absorbing Richard Hamilton and his some $24 million in salary from the Pistons.

As reported, the deal would have had Cleveland sending its #4 pick along with the Pistons' #8 pick to Minnesota, in exchange for the 2nd overall pick. Cleveland would absorb Richard Hamilton using the $14.5 million Traded Player Exception it holds from the LeBron James sign and trade deal with Miami. The Pistons would receive cap relief and a $12.5 million Traded Player Exception for Hamilton and the #8.

The trade died a pretty quick death as sources close to the situation explained that Detroit, while interested, was not willing to just give Richard Hamilton away, and that surrendering the #8 overall pick, even in a very flat draft in terms of talent, was not something the Pistons were open to unless it involved getting other players or draft assets in return.

The Timberwolves also hold the 20th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and the Cavaliers hold the 32rd pick, and Piston sources said both of those assets would have to be included for a deal to even be talked about seriously and apparently neither the Cavs or Wolves were willing to budge on those assets at this point.

Piston sources said that until the ownership change is officiated, things are still a little murky, but that incoming Pistons' owner Tom Gores has made no demands on cost cuts and with the Pistons sitting on $47 million in salary commitments there is no urgency to dump a salary.

The same Piston sources explained that Joe Dumars still has a great deal of affection for Richard Hamilton and that "dumping" him was not viewed as a necessary option in Joe's mind, it would have to return something that helps the Pistons improve and a $12.5 million TPE was not enough value for Rip Hamilton and the #8 pick.

Sources say the Pistons like Cavaliers forward Christian Eyenga and Cavs guard Daniel Gibson. Sources also said if the Cavs and Wolves found a way to remove an additional salary such as the $7 million owed to Charlie Villanueva that might increase the appeal of the transaction. As the deal sits today the Pistons do not see the value for their side and until that changes there is no deal to talk about.

The Pistons continue to tell incurring player agents that they do not have a deal involving the 8th pick on the table and will continue to hold draft workouts for players in that draft range.

However according to sources close to all three teams, the deal is not under active discussion, but all three teams are keeping the lines of communication open.

The belief from the Pistons side is if Minnesota and Cleveland come off the 20th and 32rd picks, a deal could happen, it just not seem like either team is there just yet.

There are 24 days until the 2011 NBA Draft in New York, so it's more likely that Detroit continues to look at players projected in the #8 range to see if there is really anything there before making a final decision.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?...

If it took Gibson sign me up now!

Gibson will be our 4th PG next season. He is injury prone. He is extremely streaky. If it takes Gibson to make a deal .... DONE!

Yeah, no kidding ... I would think that move would be a no-brainer. And I'm a big fan of Gibson.

Sounds like posturing to me. Rip absolutely does not want to play for the Pistons, and I can't imagine Detroit wants to pay $12 million+ to a guy who doesn't want to be there, not to mention it was Rip, not the Pistons, who pulled the plug on the deal during the season when 1) they knew they'd likely be picking in the 7-10 range, and 2) so many prospects hadn't committed to returning to college. They're not picking up anybody at #8 that's making them a playoff contender.

i know there isn't a lot of tape on irving, but i think he's no doubt the best talent in the draft. It's so obvious that if 10 years from now he doesn't pan out, you can't kick yourself. you have to make that pick.

I also think with the way he came back in the tournament and played well while not at 100% and also not needing to play as most scouts had him at #1 anyway (only had ground to lose, none to gain) shows a lot about that kid's heart.

I like him. I think he's a good kid. It sounds like he comes from a very strong family, as his dad had to play a bigger role in his life because he lost his mom some years back.

I think it's a win/win for the cavs. you pick him and he could be a star, I think at worst it's a rotation guard who can learn the offense. I don't think there are any character flags or anything like that. and like I said, no regrets with the pick, everyone has him as the best talent in the draft.

As I have said before, the Cavs have the absolute perfect guy in place to mentor and coach this kid. I don't know if there is a better guy to put in charge of a young point guard. We're very lucky.

Sam Cassell? Doc Rivers? Mike D'Antoni? Byron Scott is surely one of the top guys, but there are others I would choose before him.

One thing is for sure. Avery Johnson is the last guy I would want.

As far as mentoring a point guard, and not factoring in anything else, I would only maybe take Doc above Byron Scott.

I think Scott's track record backs that up as well.

Hope this doesn't throw a wrench into the works of possibly getting the #2 pick:

Ricky Rubio agrees to play for Minny