2015 NBA Draft Thread

[BimboColesHair]

Sure, and if he swings and misses with his projections, he can always go back and correct them later anyway.

Yeah, the fact that he's an ass and revises them after the fact isn't enough to overtake the amount of work he puts in, gathering info and scouting reports from NBA and college people, in order to create them in the first place. But hey, you can focus on that aspect all you want...

Much more trustworthy than nbadraft.net, any Bleacher Report draft, etc.

 

[citizentino]

Yeah, the fact that he's an ass and revises them after the fact isn't enough to overtake the amount of work he puts in, gathering info and scouting reports from NBA and college people, in order to create them in the first place. But hey, you can focus on that aspect all you want...

Much more trustworthy than nbadraft.net, any Bleacher Report draft, etc.

I don't doubt the amount of work he puts in. That's fine. That's exactly what he's paid to do.

But there is an incredible lack of professionalism in going back and changing picks after the fact and hoping no one notices. It's a stupid risk that undermines his work.

 

[BimboColesHair]

I don't doubt the amount of work he puts in. That's fine. That's exactly what he's paid to do.

But there is an incredible lack of professionalism in going back and changing picks after the fact and hoping no one notices. It's a stupid risk that undermines his work.

Yeah, and he got a lot of shit for it. Let's not change topics here, the only reason I brought him up is because Kaminsky will be a lotto pick.

 

[Randolphkeys]

Keys is right , they do need to upgrade the backup PG spot, and I'd like to see a taller lengthy one who does have a jumper but is more of a defensive presence.

I like Moz, and he doesn't have a lot of wear and tear on him so getting a backup center to develop is a critical thing to look for.

Getting another wing player who is not only athletic but can actually defend, score and take over a game will not be easy to find but they do come along at times.

On the point guard description, you just described Delly. They already have a guy who can defend off the ball at three positions and shoot. I think to move him to backup shooting guard, they need a guy who also has size but thrives where Delly is weaker. A guy like Payne can score, drive, and kick but his size isn't ideal. Despite his skill, he's my third choice. LeVert has the size, quickness and takes care of the ball, but those injuries worry me. I love Devon Wright's game the most, but his outside shot is a work in progress. There might also be a little "man among boys" inflation going on since he is a senior, like Wes Johnson or Orlando Johnson. I'd take LeVert or Wright without complaint.

 

[batdan]

Keys is right , they do need to upgrade the backup PG spot, and I'd like to see a taller lengthy one who does have a jumper but is more of a defensive presence.

I like Moz, and he doesn't have a lot of wear and tear on him so getting a backup center to develop is a critical thing to look for.

Getting another wing player who is not only athletic but can actually defend, score and take over a game will not be easy to find but they do come along at times.

I love the idea of a point guard with that skill set, it's definitely a new trend in the NBA. This is where finding guards with that kind of size and skill isn't realistic for the Cavs. Players like Elfrid Payton, MCW, and Jordan Clarkson fit the size description, they are starters in today's NBA. Lottery picks with the exception of Clarkson, despite their inability to shoot, they are highly valued.

Delly is 6'4

Backup point guards on successful teams.

Dennis Schroeder 6'1
D.J. Augustin 6'0
Louis Williams 6'2
Austin Rivers 6'4
Shaun Livingston 6'7
Nick Calathes 6'6
Cory Joseph 6'3
Ramon Sessions 6'3

My point is: height really shouldn't be a priority. It's nice to have size and defensive versatility at point, though it isn't a need for the Cavaliers. Give me a guy who can keep up defensively with quick guards and three point threat to boot.

 

[Randolphkeys]

I love the idea of a point guard with that skill set, it's definitely a new trend in the NBA. This is where finding guards with that kind of size and skill isn't realistic for the Cavs. Players like Elfrid Payton, MCW, and Jordan Clarkson fit the size description, they are starters in today's NBA. Lottery picks with the exception of Clarkson, despite their inability to shoot, they are highly valued.

Delly is 6'4

Backup point guards on successful teams.

Dennis Schroeder 6'1
D.J. Augustin 6'0
Louis Williams 6'2
Austin Rivers 6'4
Shaun Livingston 6'7
Nick Calathes 6'6
Cory Joseph 6'3
Ramon Sessions 6'3

My point is: height really shouldn't be a priority. It's nice to have size and defensive versatility at point, though it isn't a need for the Cavaliers. Give me a guy who can keep up defensively with quick guards and three point threat to boot.

If you want to save Irving from defending the opponent's best offensive player, if you want the kind of defensive switching JR and Shumpert provide, yes defensive versatility is paramount.

 

[batdan]

If you want to save Irving from defending the opponent's best offensive player, if you want the kind of defensive switching JR and Shumpert provide, yes defensive versatility is paramount.

When would it be necessary for Irving and the second string PG to be on the court at the same time?

I value someone who doesn't allow the rim to be attacked at will. A backup point can't be giving free lanes to basket, especially when Timofey is off the court.

 

[Randolphkeys]

When would it be necessary for Irving and the second string PG to be on the court at the same time?

There are countless benefits of having a versatile bench player. Its the reason Dion isn't on the team and Delly plays 15 minutes a night. Defensively you can protect your stars from foul trouble by playing them on lesser offensive options. Offensively a motion offense can have a back court player run off screens, dribble drive off a pick and roll, or even set the screen himself.

I value someone who doesn't allow the rim to be attacked at will. A backup point can't be giving free lanes to basket, especially when Timofey is off the court.

You can value anything you want, but look at the roster moves and current rotation. Guarding multiple positions and flexibility is clearly valued by Griffin and the coaching staff. That's why the entire 2nd unit can play two positions.

 

[batdan]

There are countless benefits of having a versatile bench player. Its the reason Dion isn't on the team and Delly plays 15 minutes a night. Defensively you can protest your stars by playing them on lesser offensive options. Offensively a motion offense can have a back court player run off screens, dribble drive off a pick and roll, or even set the screen himself.



You can value anything you want, but look at the roster moves and current rotation. Guarding multiple positions and flexibility is clearly valued by Griffin and the coaching staff. That's why the entire 2nd unit can play two positions.

J.R. Smith setting screens come to mind. I see the benefits of having versatile players, guys capable of guarding multiple positions have greatly improved this team's defense. Delly is a versatile player for his ability to defend both guard positions adequately. He struggles against guards with speed and ability to get to the rack. Defensively is where the Cavaliers can upgrade at guard to match guys like Aaron Brooks and Dennis Schroeder.

This regime values defense and three point shooting along with versatility. They've also shown a willingness to compromise according to the needs of the team. Perkins and Joe Harris don't strike me as flexible, but I'll rest my case.

Keys, who do you pick with that late first rounder?

 

[kovanovich]

When he got the GM job on a permanent basis, Griffin said the team, as then constituted, needed to get bigger, smarter, and tougher, plus they needed to improve their shooting. It was pretty clear from the beginning that his regime would be more focused on offense than the team was under Chris Grant, and in fact Griffin admitted as much.

James Jones and Mike Miller, not to mention Kevin Love, weren't exactly brought in for their defense. Shawn Marion was, but he isn't even in the rotation.

Defensive versatility is sought after by all NBA GMs. The mere potential to guard multiple positions will make you a lottery pick (see: Aaron Gordon, or Earl Clark, for that matter). Rumor has it that if K.J. McDaniels had been available, the Cavs would have drafted him instead of Harris. He's a guy who fits the "guards multiple positions" bill.

Perkins was simply insurance against a Mozgov injury. Under normal circumstances, no doubt Griffin knew he wouldn't actually play.

If there had been an on-the-court role available, I think a stretch big who could pair with Thompson or Mozgov would have made more sense than Perkins.

My point is that I don't think the drafting of Harris or the signing of Perkins should be viewed as an indicator that Griffin doesn't value defensive versatility. However, it's hard to find defensive versatility and good shooting in the same player, even if you are drafting higher than where the Cavs will be drafting. Compromises need to be made.

Keys hits on a key point that the 3 prime bench players can all play multiple positions. It means they can get away playing only 8 guys most nights. Also helps that the team doesn't foul much. My hope is that, having worked together for a year, Griffin provides Blatt with a roster with more than 8 guys he is willing to play in a regular season game.

I don't want to answer for him, but Keys said just upthread that the guys he likes for the Cavs are Caris LeVert, Delon Wright, and and Cameron Payne. Most mocks I have seen have LeVert going ahead of the Cavs' draft spot (23-25 range), though there is a chance he falls due to his injury. His stat line is similar to Tony Snell's in college -- both 3 year player too. They also look a bit alike. I didn't like Snell coming out of college and thought he was a bad choice, but he has admittedly been decent for Chicago.

 

[Randolphkeys]

There are so many variables right now, I think it's foolish to hitch a wagon to one or two players. We need to find out where the franchise his stands with Love and Smith. We don't know which underclassmen are declaring for the draft. I still think Griffin looks into drafting for another team and trading the pick and Haywood for a guy in his prime.

 

[BimboColesHair]

It's now official. We have pick #24.

 

[Simon]

• 24
  
  
  
  CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
  RONDAE HOLLIS-JEFFERSON, FORWARD
  ARIZONA, SOPHOMORE | 6-6, 220
  The Cavs add a defensive-minded wing as insurance in case Iman Shumpert becomes too pricey to bring back.

 

[TheISHT]

Tyus Jones would be my pick if we keep it.

 

[pinoycavsfan]

intrigued with levert and upshaw..