2015 NBA Draft Thread

[I'mWithDan]

From a Cavs centric perspective starting to lick my chops at two guys sliding.

Not sure how we might be able to move upward 5-6 slots but seeing guys like Jerian Grant and Caris LeVert in the late teens, early 20's are such great fits for our roster needs.

Especially intrigued by LeVert if his medical checks out. He's a strong defender, has the ball handling skills to play some point and can guard the 1 or 2.

Another guy who's played really well is Delon Wright. He seems like one of the guys with a lower ceiling but most ready to contribute in a reserve role right away,

I think this draft lacks an All-NBA type prospect but has some really good perimeter depth.

 

[Omar The Horse]

Rondae's stock is going to rise.

 

[Randolphkeys]

Another guy who's played really well is Delon Wright. He seems like one of the guys with a lower ceiling but most ready to contribute in a reserve role right away,

I've been very impressed with Delon Wright this season, reminds me of another Utah great: Andre Miller. He played Juco ball in San Francisco and had a good reputation heading to Utah. Very good in all phases of the game except outside shooting, and this year he became respectable at 37% outside. He definitely needs to work on that outside shot to stay in the NBA, but his defense, finishing ability and height should help him land a backup PG spot.

And get ready for R.J. Hunter of Georgia State to make a jump in the mock drafts.

 

[TyGuy]

I like Justin Anderson quite a bit. Draftexpress has him at 25, but I think he makes a jump. Fairly good size at 6'6" with shoes and a 6'11" wingspan at 222lbs and very good athleticism. He shoots 47% from three with over 4 attempts per game. He could be the guy that stops James Jones from seeing the court.

 

[All4One1ForAll]

Does anyone else have to remind themselves we're not fishing for top draft picks anymore? I find myself getting upset that we won't be able to draft a guy like D'Angelo Russell or KArl Towns, but then I remember that we actually have a championship contending team this year and we don't need any more prospects. I guess I'm just so used to sucking these last 4 years and only having the draft to look forward to.

 

[All4One1ForAll]

DraftExpress has us picking Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, whom I'm a huge fan of. According to the mock draft, Trey Lyles, Justin Anderson, R.J. Hunter, Tyus Jones, Cliff Alexander, Cameron Payne, and Dakari Johnson will all be available where we pick, so there's a lot of talent still there where our pick is at.

 

[Walter White]

AJ Hammons looks like he could be a good solid physical big man in the NBA. Not sure if he is coming out this year or next, but he could probably be had 2nd round or late 1st at the latest.

 

[Willard513]

I would love to have tyus jones as a backup pg if that's what they are looking for

 

[ajz20]

Bottom line this is a deep draft for finding a rotational guy or fringe future starter if you have a pick 20-26. We should not just take a project here who is boom or bust which many times happen in the mid 20's in weaker drafts. Actually think our first rounder (especially if it is a PG) could crack the rotation next year. I like Anderson becoming a professoial Cavalier I could see he and Joe Harris being some nice fire power off the bench next year.

 

[Ohio]

Just realized Atlanta has Brooklyn's pick from the Joe Johnson trade...

Christ.

 

[spydy13]

Just realized Atlanta has Brooklyn's pick from the Joe Johnson trade...

Christ.

There's a non-zero chance they lose Millsap though.

 

[All4One1ForAll]

Actually I kind of like the idea of picking a guy who's a little bit of a project. Sure, he would be more likely to bust, but having a guy of that mold would raise this team's ceiling if we develop him right. I'd rather pick safe NBA-ready guys in the second round or trade for them (Haywood contract).

On another note, I'm liking Trey Lyles, Hollis-Jefferson, and Tyus Jones, but I'm still holding onto the sliver of hope that Justice Winslow or Frank Kaminsky fall all the way down to our draft position.

 

[ajz20]

Actually I kind of like the idea of picking a guy who's a little bit of a project. Sure, he would be more likely to bust, but having a guy of that mold would raise this team's ceiling if we develop him right. I'd rather pick safe NBA-ready guys in the second round or trade for them (Haywood contract).

On another note, I'm liking Trey Lyles, Hollis-Jefferson, and Tyus Jones, but I'm still holding onto the sliver of hope that Justice Winslow or Frank Kaminsky fall all the way down to our draft position.

I Like the kid from Utah as a backup PG. Can't take another year of James Jones and DEli playing minutes at the same time for so many games. Slide Deli over to third Pg/slash 5th guard on the roster and he can still be useful for stretches of the season. The kid from Utah is big enough to play with Irving. That intrigues me big time.

 

[kovanovich]

Windhorst mentioned PG as a position that the Cavs may target with their first rounder. This aligns with reports that Griffin was personally scouting Cameron Payne.

I am totally against drafting for need. Sure, a young backup at PG would be nice -- Windhorst mentioned the Heat drafting Norris Cole at #29 as a 4 year player in college who played backup PG for 3 years with LeBron -- but not at the expense of a wing or a big who is or may be a better player.

Of wings projected to go in the late 1st, DX has Justin Anderson sliding to the first pick of the second round. I thought he projected as a potential 3 and D role player who would fit well with the Cavs, but he is pretty limited. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson no doubt has higher upside and may be available where the Cavs draft. His shooting is the big question mark. If Shawn Marion can't get off the bench, would RHJ? Can he improve his shooting? I have to admit I have a bias for high motor players who rebound. Kidd-Gilchrist went #2 in the draft with that skill set, and I don't have a problem drafting a guy in the 20s who needs to work on his shot. Sam Dekker might also be available where the Cavs pick.

Among PGs, some potential names are Tyus Jones, Delon Wright, Cameron Payne, and George Lucas (the Brazilian, not the filmmaker).

We've already started discussing some of these guys, but I'll just say that Wright's numbers the last 2 years are very solid, especially if you are looking for a combo guard with good size (though not great length). But he will be 23 by the time of the draft and if you are looking for someone who down the line will be able run the offense competently, maybe you should look elsewhere.

Last time LeBron played for the Cavs, the Cavs showed some preference for combo guards, so it will be interesting if they go in that direction again instead of a pure PG.

 

[I'mWithDan]

We've already started discussing some of these guys, but I'll just say that Wright's numbers the last 2 years are very solid, especially if you are looking for a combo guard with good size (though not great length). But he will be 23 by the time of the draft and if you are looking for someone who down the line will be able run the offense competently, maybe you should look elsewhere.

People act like 23 is old. PG's with his game play a LONG time. His game is predicted on size, court vision and distributing....not exactly things that diminish with age.

He also would be perfect as a backup guard, especially when he gets run with the starters. He's great in the P&R and is phenomenal at distributing. People sometimes opine they wish Kyrie was a more traditional PG, well Wright is just that. It would allow Kyrie to bump off the ball more often and having someone like Wright would give us options to adjust our play on the fly, depending on the game flow. My guess is Kevin would also love playing with him (for obvious reasons).

He's the guy I really want if we take a PG. I'll be really disappointed if we opt for one of the smaller guys in that range. Now we just need him to not play well in the sweet 16, so he doesn't rise up draft boards.