2013 NBA Draft

[TrueCavsFan2]

I want Adonis Thomas, Memphis, SF. Great IQ, Motor and he has got hops! Damn. Young and probably grow an inch.

 

[wuck]

That being said, I would think that we should go best player available next year.

One of the surprising things to me in Windy's article was that the Cavs (Grant specifically) said the Cavs were looking for a wing, not for BPA. Of course, I understand that, the wings are terrible. But I would have preferred them to be talking BPA (how do Drummond/Waiters compare, for example). Not convinced the Cavs have the luxury to draft for need at this stage of a long process...

 

[GQinCtown]

One of the surprising things to me in Windy's article was that the Cavs (Grant specifically) said the Cavs were looking for a wing, not for BPA. Of course, I understand that, the wings are terrible. But I would have preferred them to be talking BPA (how do Drummond/Waiters compare, for example). Not convinced the Cavs have the luxury to draft for need at this stage of a long process...

Most of our current starting line-up is on the same level right now. Kyrie is currently on a tier of his own, but Waiters, Gee, TT, and Zeller are all promising players who have a lot of potential, so what what position would we be drafting for, if we were to draft for need? I'd like to think SF, but there's nothing that tells me that Gee can't be better than TT or Zeller. BPA (unless it's a PG) would be our only way to go.


This season is going to be very interesting. Very excited.

 

[wuck]

I was talking more about the 2012 draft than the 2013 draft, although as much as I would love to grab a great SF in 2013 (apparently a need), picking a top C/PF in 2013 (still a potential need) seems just as attractive.

 

[TrueCavsFan2]

Well If we land a great pick, I'm all for drafting BPA in 2013... We had needs to fill this year but Next year, though we have to fill SF, if BPA is much better than Best SF, we take BPA (except PG) unless Waiters, Gee, TT, Zeller prove that they are the one for that position.

 

[czvo]

Ridiculously early mock from CBS Sports"

Link: 2013 NBA Draft Big Board: Who'll be the next overall No. 1 pick? - CBSSports.com

2013 NBA Mock Draft
1. Cody Zeller, 7-0, 237, C, Soph., Indiana
The youngest of the Zeller brothers is also the best. He's skilled on both ends of the court. He can score in the post and on the perimeter, rebounds the ball well, runs the court and also alters and blocks shots.
2. Shabazz Muhammad, 6-6, 225, SG, Fr., UCLA
He's got an NBA-ready body, can shoot it, get to the basket and also defend.
3. Nerlens Noel, 6-11, 216, C, Fr., Kentucky
A freak shot-blocker, Noel can change a game on the defensive end. His offensive game is a work in progress.
4. James Michael McAdoo, 6-9, 225, PF, Soph., North Carolina
Was a role player a year ago behind Tyler Zeller, John Henson and Harrison Barnes. Now it's his turn to shine.
5. Ben McLemore, 6-5, 205, SG, Fr., Kansas
Athletic wing who can also shoot it from the perimeter. Look for him to quickly become Bill Self's go-to guy in Lawrence.
6. Isaiah Austin, 7-0½, 218, C, Fr., Baylor
Long, long and long. He's a shot-blocker who can run the court and also has a nice skill set for someone his size.
7. Adonis Thomas, 6-6, 230, SF, Soph., Memphis
Long and athletic, Thomas will get a chance to shine with the departure of Will Barton. Only played about half the season due to an ankle injury.
8. Tony Mitchell, 6-8½, 235, PF, Soph., North Texas
Nearly left the Mean Green after coach Johnny Jones left for LSU, but the strong and athletic forward decided to return -- and could be a lottery pick.
9. Alex Poythress, 6-7½, 210, F, Fr., Kentucky
Long forward who excels in transition and can be disruptive as a defender as well. Has tremendous upside.
10. Rudy Gobert, 7-0, 230, PF, 20, France
Long and athletic, the skilled Frenchman is considered the elite international prospect on the board.
11. Steven Adams, 6-10½, 245, PF, Fr., Pittsburgh
Big, athletic, strong and plays hard most of the time. The New Zealander may take some time to acclimate himself to the college game.
12. Ricky Ledo, 6-5½, 190, SG, Fr., Providence
It's still unclear whether he'll be eligible to play as a freshman, but one thing is clear: Ledo can get buckets.
13. Mason Plumlee, 6-11, 240, PF, Sr., Duke
It's shocking that he will be a four-year player, but Plumlee may finally get a chance to be the go-to guy now that Austin Rivers is gone.
14. LeBryan Nash, 6-7, 225, F, Soph., Oklahoma State
So physically gifted, Nash's biggest issue is his mental approach.
15. Otto Porter, 6-8, 200, SF, Soph., Georgetown
Long, smooth and also possesses a high IQ for the game. NBA guys have fallen in love with Porter over the past year.
16. Archie Goodwin, 6-4½, 190, SG, Fr., Kentucky
He's long and extremely skilled. Can shoot it, gets to the basket and appears to do it all effortlessly.
17. Kyle Anderson, 6-8, 230, SF, Fr., UCLA
There's no better passer in the country than Anderson. He's got the size and vision. The questions surround his athleticism.
18. Jeff Withey, 6-11½, 230, C, Sr., Kansas
Now that T-Rob is gone, Withey will be the man up front in Lawrence. He's long and blocks shots, but his offensive game must continue to improve.
19. Jamaal Franklin, 6-5, 195, SG, Jr., San Diego State
Ultra-athletic guard who was forced to play out of position last season. If his perimeter shot improves, he's a lottery pick.
20. Aaric Murray, 6-10, 250, PF, Jr., West Virginia
Flopped at La Salle, but should excel with Bob Huggins. Murray is a skilled, talented big man who has off-court question marks.
21. Gorgui Dieng, 6-10, 250, C, Jr., Louisville
Has made strides each of his first two years under Rick Pitino. Terrific shot-blocker with limited offensive skills.
22. Isaiah Canaan, 6-1, 200, PG, Sr., Murray State
The Racers floor leader nearly left after his junior season, but decided to come back -- and is one of the nation's top point guards.
23. LaQuinton Ross, 6-7, 225, SF, Soph., Ohio State
He'll be the Buckeyes' top NBA prospect with his length, size and ability to score the ball all over the court.
24. Wayne Blackshear, 6-5, 229, SF, Soph., Louisville
Strong and athletic wing that never got a chance to showcase his game last season due to various injuries.
25. Dario Saric, 6-10, 225, SF, 18, Croatia
Skilled wing with a high basketball IQ who has questionable athleticism.
26. Mike Moser, 6-7, 205, PF, Jr., UNLV
Undersized power forward who gets after it on the glass, can handle it a little and can also shoot it from the perimeter.
27. Phil Pressey, 5-11, 175, PG, Jr., Missouri
I know he's little, but he's quick, athletic, makes everyone around him better and can also get after it on the defensive end.
28. Trevor Mbakwe, 6-8, 240, PF, Sr., Minnesota
Mbake's coming off a major knee injury, so it'll be interesting to see whether he regains his athleticism. Prior to the injury, he was a relentless rebounding power forward.
29. Doug McDermott, 6-8, 224, F, Jr., Creighton
Extremely skilled on the offensive end. Scores with either hand in the post and can also make shots from deep.
30. Trey Burke, 6-0, 185, PG, Soph., Michigan
Burke isn't physically imposing, but he can shoot and also excels in a ball-screen offense.
31. Anthony Bennett, 6-7, 220, PF, Fr., UNLV
A big-time athlete, the Canadian may try and bolt UNLV after a year.
32. Kentavious Pope-Caldwell, 6-5, 195, SG, Soph., Georgia
Has size and can really shoot the ball. That's a good combo for NBA guys.
33. Erik Murphy, 6-10, 238, PF, Sr., Florida
He's the ideal face-up four-man. Can shoot it from deep and is a legit 6-foot-10.
34. Patric Young, 6-9, 250, PF/C, Jr., Florida
Played injured much of last season, Young has a man's body -- but will need to become a more dominant rebounder and continue to improve his post moves.
35. Myck Kabongo, 6-2, 170, PG, Soph., Texas
The speedy Canadian had a rough freshman campaign, but he's still got the tools to be a quality point guard at the next level.
36. Alex Oriakhi, 6-9, 240, PF, Sr., Missouri
His stock dropped last season at UConn, but he's got an NBA-ready body and can be an effective rebounder at the next level.
37. C.J. Leslie, 6-8½, 200, PF, Jr., N.C. State
Terrific athlete who excels in transition, but needs to get stronger and work on his post game.
38. C.J. McCollum, 6-3, 185, G, Sr., Lehigh
Long and smooth, McCollum tested the waters last year following his performance in Lehigh's upset over Duke.
39. Alex Abrines, 6-5, 190, SG, Spain
Has good size and can make shots from the perimeter.
40. Deshaun Thomas, 6-7, 220, F, Jr., Ohio State
Big forward who can make shots from the perimeter. Thought about leaving after a strong NCAA tournament last March.
41. B.J. Young, 6-3, 175, SG, Soph., Arkansas
Athletic wing that gets to the basket and can finish. Withdrew from last year's draft.
42. Andre Roberson, 6-7, 200, PF, Jr., Colorado
Long, athletic and skilled power forward who has been terrific for the Buffs.
43. Alex Len, 6-11, 210, C, Soph., Maryland
Was up and down last season for the Terps, but he's got a nice combination of size and skill.
44. Ryan Harrow, 6-0, 170, PG, Soph., Kentucky
Extremely talented and athletic point guard will get his chance in Lexington after sitting out last season following a transfer from N.C. State.
45. Michael Snaer, 6-5, 200, SG, Sr., Florida State
Scoring wing who can also make an instant impact on the defensive end.
46. Zeke Marshall, 6-11, 230, C, Sr., Akron
Still a work in progress, but there's plenty to work with.
47. Josh Smith, 6-8, 320, C, Jr., UCLA
If he just could get his weight issues under control, he'd be a lock first-rounder.
48. Dexter Strickland, 6-3, 180, PG, Sr., North Carolina
Not a natural point guard, the ultra-athletic Strickland will get the chance this season due to the loss of Kendall Marshall.
49. Elijah Johnson, 6-3, 190, PG, Sr., Kansas
Not a true point, he'll get the chance to play the position this year with the loss of Tyshawn Taylor.
50. Christian Watford, 6-9, 225, PF, Sr., Indiana
He's tough to figure. Some days, he looks terrific. Others, he appears invisible.
51. Shabazz Napier, 6-1, 180, PG, Jr., UConn
He's erratic and needs to work on his decision-making, but Napier can shoot it and is capable of running a team.
52. Alec Brown, 7-1, 220, C, Jr., Green Bay
The skilled 7-footer is already a fixture on the NBA's radar.
53. James Ennis, 6-7, 190, SG, Sr., Long Beach State
Long and athletic, has terrific feel and is a decent shooter.
54. Elias Harris, 6-8, 245, F, Sr., Gonzaga
His stock has consistently dropped since his freshman season, but he's still talented and skilled enough to be drafted.
55. Kyle Casey, 6-7, 220, SF, Sr., Harvard
He's an exceptional athlete for the Ivy and can also be a quality defender.
56. C.J. Wilcox, 6-5, 190, SG, Jr., Washington
The Huskies wing can really stroke it and also boasts quality size.
57. Mark Lyons, 6-1, 188, PG, Sr., Arizona
He's a terrific athlete and will have a chance to work on his point guard skills this season at Arizona.
58. Reggie Johnson, 6-9, 330, C, Sr., Miami
He needs to get in shape and lose some weight, but Johnson is a rare commodity. He has size and skill.
59. D.J. Cooper, 5-11, 170, PG, Sr., Ohio
The Bobcats point guard just needs to work on his perimeter shot.
60. Nate Wolters, 6-4, 190, PG, Sr., South Dakota State
The kid puts up huge numbers and can really play. He scores and can also run a team.

 

[adam81king]

I've been driving the bandwagons for Steven Adams and Rudy Gobert for at least a year now. Since Grant got "his" center, I assume he won't be picking either of them in 2013. I'm ALMOST as high on Tony Mitchell (North Texas) and was PRAYING he came out this year so we could get him with the Laker pick. He's going in the Lottery in '13, so the Cavaliers will have a chance to get him there. I'm also a fan of Christian Watford of Indiana.

 

[elcheato]

Even though it's frowned upon to hype up Ohio State players (because there are so many OSU fans here, including myself), LaQuinton Ross is very intriguing and he'd be a guy I'd be interested in next year.

 

[Noonan]

We should probably keep this locked until Hollinger releases his 2013 draft rater.

 

[KB]

Next year I think Cavs end up looking at LeBryan Nash (if he improves the jumper) or Dario Saric (If Saric is even in the draft) for the SF spot

Next year I also think Cavs will take another center because it looks to be the strength of next years draft right now

Here is a link on Saric read up on the guy, very, very interesting skill set for his size and he's only 18 yrs old...

DraftExpress NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Dario Saric, Stats, Comparisons, and Outlook

Nike Hoop Summit Scouting Reports: Forwards/Big Men
April 12, 2012

Matt Kamalsky

Still not draft-eligible despite competing in his second consecutive Nike Hoop Summit, Dario Saric had a strong showing in Portland, impressing scouts with the versatility he possesses for a player his size. After participating in the event last season, it was clear that the Croatian prospect had gained a comfort level with the format and level of competition level of the Hoop Summit, playing much better than he did in 2011.

Standing 6'10 with a matching wingspan, Saric spent the majority of the week at power forward, but clearly has his future on the wing, often bringing the ball up the floor for the World Select Team. Having added 10 pounds to his still wiry frame, Saric looks more physically mature than he did the last time we saw him, even if he still has plenty of room to grow. His lack of bulk limits him at times around the basket, and while he isn't terribly explosive, he shows impressive fluidity for a player his size and a unique skill level.

As was the case the last time we watched him, Saric's most impressive skills are his ball handling ability and court vision. Though the former FIBA Europe U-16 MVP's first step doesn't allow him to blow by defenders at will, his rangy strides give him to ability to attack gaps and turn the corner off the bounce. Showing terrific savvy changing speeds and great timing attacking his defender when unbalanced, Saric did a fine job all week getting into the lane and either finishing with deft touch and excellent body-control, or finding the open man with a quick pass. Tallying 5 assists and 4 turnovers in the Hoop Summit game, Saric still has room to improve his decision-making, as he forces the issue driving into traffic at times, but his ability to create offense for his teammates off the dribble is certainly impressive for a 6'10 18-year old.

Away from the basket, Saric showed decent touch from the perimeter, but remains unreliable for stretches. Shooting the ball extremely well on the first day of practice, but not as well the next, Saric has a somewhat unorthodox release that sometimes leads to the ball coming off his hand with less than ideal rotation. When Saric was knocking down shots from the midrange and perimeter, he made plays on a regular basis in practice regardless of who was defending him, but he's still working on becoming consistent with this part of his game, which is a huge key for his development.

As a rebounder, Saric did a nice job all week, using his size and excellent hands to corral the ball off the iron at a good rate. Recording 14 rebounds against the USA Junior Select Team, Saric was able to show why he's averaged a double-double on multiple occasions at the junior level. Though his strength and explosiveness hamper him at times, his uncanny ability to read the ball off the rim allows him to overcome his limitations with consistent effort and excellent anticipation.

Defensively, Saric lacks great lateral quickness to deny dribble penetration, but is able to compensate to some degree by playing off his man and using his length to stay attached to contest jump shots. He was beaten a few times off the dribble over the course of the week, and it will be interesting to see how his defense improves as his body continues to develop.

After a quiet debut in the Hoop Summit last season, Saric looked better in practice and was one of the catalysts for the World Select Team's 84-75 victory this year. Making his Euroleague debut earlier this season, Saric is an international prospect worth tracking closely as he is a potential early entrant for the NBA draft in the coming seasons

On Saric as a 17 yr old

U-19 World Championship Player Evaluations, Part One
August 3, 2011
Jonathan Givony

At just 17 years of age, Dario Saric was one of the youngest players at the U-19 World Championship. Nevertheless, he had no problem asserting himself in this setting. He made significant contributions as a scorer, rebounder and passer, while playing a tournament high 36minutes per game.

Saric is the same ultra-talented prospect we've written about on a few occasions already—a 6-10 guard with outstanding ball-handling skills and incredible fluidity. He can grab a rebound and drive coast to coast, create his own shot at will, find the open man with terrific court vision, and score in a variety of different ways. There are some cracks starting to appear in his evaluation, though, which create doubts about whether he's the can't miss prospect he's been made out to be.

Saric's style of play was very predictable at this tournament, owing in large part to the incredibly unimaginative, isolation-based half-court offense his team ran in Latvia. He had the freedom to do essentially whatever he wanted in this setting and, more often than not, chose to simply pound the ball on the perimeter trying to shake his man, then lower his shoulder and attempt to force his way to the basket. Once this option was exhausted, he'd either try to thread the needle to a teammate with a spectacular bullet pass, or pull up for a low-percentage, off-balance jumper.

Between the turnovers, the missed shots and the disappointing eighth place finish, there were some obvious moments of brilliance mixed in—usually involving Saric's ability to change of speeds or his uncanny skills of anticipation.

But there were also some doubts raised about whether he'd be able to operate successfully at the senior level in quite the same manner, seeing as he already has major issues finishing in the lane and does not appear to have the perimeter shooting skills to compensate for it.

Defensively, Saric struggled to stay in front of quicker, stronger wing players on the perimeter, and he didn't seem to put great effort into his work here, preferring to instead gamble excessively for steals.

More concerning was the poor body language he displayed at times, getting easily frustrated with his teammates, referees and opposing players, and showing something of a bad temper. There are concerns that the attention he's received at such an early age, for instance being anointed “the next Toni Kukoc” by the Croatian media, has gone to his head.

At such a young age, Saric still has plenty of time to work on his weaknesses and take advantage of his considerable talent. It's important for everyone involved to realize that the road he needs to take to reach his potential is still a long one.

Nike Hoop Summit Scouting Reports: International Forwards/Big Men
April 15, 2011
Walker Beeken

The youngest player at the 2011 Nike Hoop Summit, only turning 17 during the week of the event, Croatian forward Dario Saric showed why people are excited about his future down the road. He has an excellent feel for the game and a very high skill level for a player his age at 6'10”, playing as a small forward and looking very comfortable operating on the perimeter.

His body is still filling out (weighing 215 lbs in Portland), and his age showed at times, as his thin frame prevented him from competing inside and on the glass on occasion. His decision-making hasn't quite caught up to his skill level either, as evidenced by his 3 turnovers during the game on Saturday night.

The most impressive aspect of Saric's game is his outstanding court vision and passing skills for a player his size. He really stood out in one of the scrimmages during the week, throwing multiple eye-popping passes to open teammates. Although he's not terribly explosive, he's a very versatile player who is able to handle the ball on the perimeter and play a point-forward type role, which is very intriguing.

Saric made some 3-pointers throughout the week and went 1-2 from behind the arc during the game, but his shot looks a bit ugly and has some sidespin on it. He's talented enough that he's able to make some shots in spite of that, but working on his mechanics would likely greatly benefit him in the future, and being able to be a consistent deep threat to go along with his size and ability to put the ball on the floor and make plays would make him very dangerous.

Saric's physical tools could be a bit of an obstacle, as he lacks the ideal lateral quickness to stay in front of many small forwards. His size and length (6-11 ¾ wingspan) will help to compensate for that, as will his instincts and toughness, which he showed all week on the glass and in the game, where he grabbed 6 rebounds in just 14 minutes.

While it's still very early to draw too many conclusions about Saric since he's so young, he clearly showed that he has the potential to grow into a very nice player down the road. NBA scouts will be keeping a close eye on his development in the future.

 

[mAo_mAo]

Would love to have Cody Zeller. Play him next to his brother and we will have our double post threats.

 

[The Process God]

Muhammad is going top 3, so lets not set our selves for a downer 10 months from now, because we wont nearly be that bad. Adonis Thomas is a decent prospect, and so is Nash. Still early, does not look like more than a average to slightly above average draft. It is okay, but nothing great. We will prob have another pick in the early 20's, to draft a role player as well. 12 months away Thomas and Nash are prob our best options if we should go the Sf route. It is a center heavy draft, so dont be surprised if go Center and Zeller becomes our third big long term. Also, still feel Waiters is best coming off the bench so a starting caliber SG may an option as well. As a said in an another thread, I have this uneasy feeling we are building a 45-48 win team and not a title contender long term. I see one future all star in Irving, and some slightly to moderatly above average players around him. I almost feel like it is in our best interest to find oursleves in the bottom 4, so we can get another guy with huge all-star upside. I think this team if Andy stays healthy will win way too many games for that and we may be entering Atlanta hawk territory in the next 2-3 years. Hope I am dead wrong!!

Not if I have something to say about it. Muahahaha! Oh, wait. I don't. Damn. But I will still be the Cavs' representative as the metaphorical tank driver. :chuckles:

As for Andy winning us too many games, I agree. I have always disliked Andy in some capacity. During the beginning of his career, it was because I thought he sucked. Then for a couple of years, I actually liked him. It was probably a year or so after he resigned with us that I started liking him. Maybe 2008? Then, as soon as LeBron left, he was the one I was worried about that would ruin our tank during two seasons ago in addition to last year. Imagine how sucky we would be if he was perfectly healthy both seasons. I'm grateful that he got injured. Quite frankly, I think we need more talent yet if we are to compete with the top teams in the business. If we can secure a top five pick next season from tanking and get a top 13-15 pick from the Kings and then an 18-22 pick from the Lakers, that'd be great!

I think that the three biggest things that will play in our favor for the draft next season will be trading Varejao, keeping our cap space open until 2013 unless we get more picks, and then seeing Sacramento do well and the Lakers tank horribly.

I've been polishing the tank all day, and it's come out to a fine shine. Be prepared for yet another epic tankathon! :chuckles:

 

[Numbers Guy]

I've been driving the bandwagons for Steven Adams and Rudy Gobert for at least a year now. Since Grant got "his" center, I assume he won't be picking either of them in 2013. I'm ALMOST as high on Tony Mitchell (North Texas) and was PRAYING he came out this year so we could get him with the Laker pick. He's going in the Lottery in '13, so the Cavaliers will have a chance to get him there. I'm also a fan of Christian Watford of Indiana.

I highly doubt the Cavs see Tyler Zeller as the starting center for the next decade.. he's a first big off the bench and they know that. If a worth while center is available when we pick, I'd be shocked if they didn't.

 

[ajz20]

very interested to follow Ross from OSU... may be the type of guy that we could draft without having to trade up. It is very early.. and I am just speculating he will be ale to develop as Goodman thinks

 

[adam81king]

I highly doubt the Cavs see Tyler Zeller as the starting center for the next decade.. he's a first big off the bench and they know that. If a worth while center is available when we pick, I'd be shocked if they didn't.

They gave up an awful lot for a guy they think is a backup for his career.

I do, however, hope you're right and won't hesitate grabbing a center that could be more effective at his position. As it stands now, who can the Cavaliers give the ball to in the post to get a basket?