John Beilein: Continuing his education

[MirORich]

It depends. If Lew Alcindor or LeBron James or Hakeem Olajuwon or Tim Duncan is in the draft then the #1 pick is extremely valuable. Zion MAY be that good or may not. But most seasons the best player turns out to be other than #1 and sometimes the #1 pick is a bust, so your point is well taken.

This year I'd love that #1 pick.

Sure, given the choice, you’d love it in any year. As for this year, there’s nothing more the Cavs could have done to give themselves any better than the 14% chance they have to win the right to Zion tonight.

 

[Mr. MacPhisto]

It depends. If Lew Alcindor or LeBron James or Hakeem Olajuwon or Tim Duncan is in the draft then the #1 pick is extremely valuable. Zion MAY be that good or may not. But most seasons the best player turns out to be other than #1 and sometimes the #1 pick is a bust, so your point is well taken.

This year I'd love that #1 pick.

I wouldn't say you'd never NOT want the #1 pick (though the Anthony Bennett pick does prove their are exceptions). Zion appears to have tremendous upside and he is the consensus top talent. I wouldn't turn down the #1 pick.

I also LOVE Hakeem, but the #3 pick in that draft was Michael Jordan. Both teams won multiple titles, but the Bulls won 3 times as many as the Rockets did - though the Rockets did manage to get to a Finals appearance with their pick faster than the Bulls, took them longer to win one. Hakeem definitely helped with a quicker turnaround.

This year there is some pretty intriguing talent anywhere the Cavs could pick. In some ways I think #3 may be the best slot because it gives them more freedom. Barrett might be the best guy there, but not necessarily.

And if we get #2 and pick Morant - what would the Suns give up if they are at 3 if he is the guy they desperately want (and they do need a PG badly)?

If you're build, I think you have to add picks, scout like crazy, and make sure you have as many chances as possible to grab talent because it is such a crap shoot.

 

[2 For The Brew]

In some ways I think #3 may be the best slot because it gives them more freedom.

Reducing your choices = more freedom?

Curious.

 

[NMCav]

Reducing your choices = more freedom?

Curious.

Getting number 1 does limit freedom. Because everyone knows your taking Zion. 2 could lead to some more flexibility. So sometimes more options is really less options. Because if you get number 1 overall you have one option this year.

 

[CalBuckeyeRob]

Getting number 1 does limit freedom. Because everyone knows your taking Zion. 2 could lead to some more flexibility. So sometimes more options is really less options. Because if you get number 1 overall you have one option this year.

Like LeBron was one option? Because getting the consensus best guy can be a good thing if that guy is very good.

 

[NMCav]

Like LeBron was one option? Because getting the consensus best guy can be a good thing if that guy is very good.

I never said or implied it was a bad thing. I was trying to explain how getting the 3rd pick could lead to more flexibility or freedom. Getting Zion is not a bad thing but the fact is it limits potential trades instead of picking 2nd or 3rd. But its still the best case for us and every other team is to get Zion.

 

[2 For The Brew]

Getting number 1 does limit freedom. Because everyone knows your taking Zion. 2 could lead to some more flexibility. So sometimes more options is really less options. Because if you get number 1 overall you have one option this year.

You think drafting Zion would give you more or fewer options for players you could get in a trade?

 

[cavsfever]

The #1 pick is not a path to prosperity. Nor is a high pick.

Our Final Four this year:

GSW
Milwaukee
Portland
Toronto

Toronto and Milwaukee have both had Top 5 picks since 2008: Jonas V and Jabari Parker. Two essential cogs in their drive to this place - uh, guess not.

Golden State's highest pick was 6th - and it was for Ekpe Udoh. Curry was #7 the year before.

Lillard was #6.

As for Milwaukee, Khris Middleton was #39. Giannis was #15. Brogdon was #36. Their highest picks since 2008 were for Joe Alexander and Jabari Parker.

There's evidence that it is better to be mediocre and have a year or two where the pick is Top Ten rather than the #1 pick.

To be clear, I wasn't saying that it was dumb because you had to tank and wait for a #1 pick. I was saying it was dumb because you had to be aggressive about seeking out new talent in the draft and seeing if they could develop into good players. It's precisely the second rounders like Middleton, Brogdon, or Draymond that you won't develop if you have some artificial cap on rookies. You have to accept some losing to find new young talent.

The difference between a dynasty and a team that just makes long playoff runs is *depth* of talent, and you develop the depth during your rebuilding years. Rebuilding teams that develop multiple good starters and role players are in a great position once they snag a star.

 

[cavsfever]

You think drafting Zion would give you more or fewer options for players you could get in a trade?

yeah, there is nothing bad about getting the #1 pick

 

[NMCav]

You think drafting Zion would give you more or fewer options for players you could get in a trade?

No. Would give you fewer options to trade down in the draft or make that kind of move because if you get Zion you keep Zion.

 

[FrontPageNews]

I hope Beilein brings in luke yaklich to be his assistant soon. He’s been interviewing with other college teams for an assistant job. He was his top defensive coach.

 

[Cavatt]

I hope Beilein brings in luke yaklich to be his assistant soon. He’s been interviewing with other college teams for an assistant job. He was his top defensive coach.

me too

 

[Jordan]

What does Beilein like for his wings? Length? Shooting? Ability to attack?

 

[Amherstcavsfan]

What does Beilein like for his wings? Length? Shooting? Ability to attack?

Off ball movement, passing, shooting. Defense would be nice but typically Beilein hasn't put an emphasis on it until recently.

 

[Cavatt]

Off ball movement, passing, shooting. Defense would be nice but typically Beilein hasn't put an emphasis on it until recently.

Culver?