Where Are The Cavaliers Drafting?

Good question. What’s going to make this difficult is that none of the of the Cavs picks are set in stone yet. Obviously the first one will ultimately be decided by the lottery, where the Cavaliers (22-45) would have the fifth best chance of winning the lottery. This means at the lowest the Cavaliers would pick eighth, but likely would land the 5^th or 6^th pick. However, we’ll of course preview players projected to go before number 5, because even though it’s highly unlikely that the Cavs will land a top-3 pick for the second time in three seasons, it’s definitely possible.

The second of the Cavs picks is entirely contingent on the Lakers. The Cavs have stake in the Lakers, Heat, and Kings picks (The Kings pick is lottery protected, so we won’t be seeing that for a couple seasons). If the Lakers make the playoffs, the Cavs get the Lakers pick and the Suns will get the Heat pick, because the Cavs have the right to swap the pick. If the Lakers miss the playoffs, the Suns get the Lakers lottery pick, and the Cavs will draft in the Heat’s spot. With the Lakers continuing to win games and the Jazz currently wilting like a dying rose, It’s looking more and more like the Cavs will draft in the Lakers spot (Right now, 16^th).

What Do The Cavaliers Need?

Two things: An offensively gifted small forward and a rim-protecting post player. Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson, and Dion Waiters are set. Alonzo Gee’s a solid defender, but is better suited for a bench role. Tyler Zeller, if given time to develop, definitely has the talent to be an offensive force. However, the Cavs need a defense-first center to compliment him and Anderson Varejao, who hopefully will be healthy next season, but I can’t keep my hopes up.

Now, if you want to get a chance to view each of the players that could fit the bill for these needs in the draft, here’s your NCAA tournament viewing schedule (All times Eastern):

Tuesday

7 p.m., ESPN2-Niagara @ Maryland

Here’s the guy I ultimately think the Cavaliers should grab with their first pick (If it’s not Top 4). Len is a big multi-purpose center that needs some time to develop, but has the potential to be destructive in the paint. Give him a year or two behind a (hopefully) healthy Varejao, and he could be special. Watch him dismantle Niagara to prime yourself for the Big Dance.

Thursday

4:10 p.m., TBS-Southern vs. Gonzaga

Kelly Olynyk, if he comes out, would be a solid selection to space out the floor for the Cavs offense, and will likely be a top-15 pick thanks to his NBA-ready shooting and low-post D.

7:15 p.m., CBS-South Dakota State vs. Michigan

While many fans are going to be watching Tim Hardaway Jr. and Trey Burke, you’ll want to watch one of the most athletic small forwards in Glenn Robinson III. Robinson III is someone who would make a brilliant third option to Irving and Waiters (I’d be giddy at GRIII finishing Kyrie fast breaks). Pay close attention to him if Michigan makes the later rounds, too, because his biggest negative is that he’s known to disappear in big moments.

7:27 p.m., TruTV-Cal vs. UNLV

I watched UNLV play New Mexico in the Mountain West Championship game, and when UNLV was on, Anthony Bennett was their driving force. He’s projected to go in the top 10, and might be a nice fit as an inside/outside weapon for the Cavs (He’s who NBADraft.net has as the Cavs first pick currently).

Friday

2:45 p.m., CBS-Cincinnati vs. Creighton

If the Cavaliers go big with their first pick, expect Creighton forward Doug McDermott, if he comes out, to be available in the mid-first round. He fits the profile of the last Creighton forward to join the NBA ranks, and Kyle Korver’s had a pretty nice career.

4:10 p.m., TBS-LIU/James Madison vs. Indiana

Indiana’s got two players the Cavs will have interest in, with stud wing Victor Oladipo and center Cody Zeller. Oladipo’s a solid slashing athlete that the Cavs could use to compliment Waiters. Cody Zeller would be fun to pair with his brother Tyler, and shows a lot of promise as an offensive threat down low.

6:50 p.m., TBS-Florida Gulf Coast vs. Georgetown

You’re going to want to watch the Cavs best case draft scenario. Otto Porter is a stud, a very smart player who’s great on both sides of the ball. You should catch as much Otto Porter as you can this tournament, because I think he’s the best player in the draft.

7:20 p.m., TNT-Villanova vs. UNC

Watch North Carolina for Mr. James McAdoo, who is a solid all-around athlete that could potentially play the 3, 4, or 5 spot. He’ll probably be available for the Cavs second pick and might be worth snagging.

9:57 p.m., TruTV-Minnesota vs. UCLA

This is a must watch to me. Shabazz Muhammad is one of the most talented shooters in college basketball this year, an all-offense wing who could potentially fit in nicely with Alonzo Gee. However, he scares me because he’s fairly selfish, and his body language during the PAC-12 tournament ranged from “Uninterested” to “WHEN IS THE DRAFT GET ME OUT OF THIS PLACE.” I’m scared of Muhammad, and need to see him against a gritty Minnesota team that features my favorite player in the nation, forward Trevor Mbakwe (Who I think is worth grabbing in the second round; his ACL tear robbed him of athleticism but he’s got that “it” factor, much like his buddy Draymond Green).

Feb 24, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving (2) and Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) during the second half at the American Airlines Arena. MIami won 109-105. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome to “Tuesdays with Right Down Euclid.” Every Tuesday the RDE crew of Zachary Kolesar and Chris Manning, along with host Nick Harley, will talk the latest Wine and Gold new to keep you informed on headlining topics in the form of back-and-forth discussion. We will cover the most important topics in a four-quarter (and overtime) breakdown spanning from the shores of Lake Erie to all around the NBA (if it is relevant breaking news).

In the twentieth episode website editor Zachary Kolesar and contributing blogger Chris Manning talk about Cleveland’s chances on passing on players like Shabazz Muhammad and Nerlens Noel, the expectations for Dion Waiters, backup point guard solutions, Kyrie Irving’s injury troubles and the Miami Heat’s impressive February streak.

Below is the link where you can listen to this week’s episode as a whole:

You can also fast forward to the section of your choice by looking at the start time of each quarter:

First Quarter – Should the Cavaliers pass on a player with so many question marks, such as Muhammad, if he falls into their laps in the draft?

Starts at the beginning of podcast

Second Quarter – Had Dion lived up to the expectations that the Cavaliers had when they drafted him?

Starts at 7:34

Third Quarter – Is it pertinent for Cleveland to go after a high-class backup point guard for Kyrie?

Starts at 11:57

Fourth Quarter – Should we be worried about how much time Irving has missed this season?

Starts at 15:03

Overtime – Can teams slow down the Heat come playoff time?

Starts at 18:24

Make sure to join us next Tuesday for your weekly dose of “Tuesdays with Right Down Euclid.”

With multiple trades and leverage sent over from the Miami Heat in exchange for LeBron James, General Manager Chris Grant has stockpiled a heap of picks (some protected), and the bulk of them are (likely) due to happen this upcoming draft. Those could include the Heat’s first round pick (top-10 protected), Sacramento King’s first round pick (top-13 protected), Orlando Magic’s second round pick and the possibility to swap an unfavorable pick with the Lakers own first round pick (top-14 protected).

If the lottery were to happen today (January 5), the Cavaliers would own the third-best chance at securing the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. With that said, here are 13 possible targets that the Cavaliers may be looking to snatch up in 2013 in order of seniority.

Dec 15, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard/forward Shabazz Muhammad (15) in the second half of the game against the Prairie View A

1. Shabazz Muhammad – Freshman SG at UCLA

After the NCAA deemed arguably the most noteworthy freshman in the nation eligible to play for UCLA this season, the focus from NBA personnel stayed within the state of California. Going into his first season, and most likely final one, at UCLA, Muhammad has improved on his three-point shooting ability. This was a concern for scouts who studied the five-star rated guard/forward. Coming out of high school, he was the most explosive finisher in his class and has showed off his outside ability from time to time. As of now, it looks like the Cavs would have to win the No. 1 pick to take home the prize of the 2013 class.

2. Alex Poythress – Freshman SF/PF at Kentucky

Although listed at both the three and four, Poythress seems like more of the player who thrives in the paint. Going into college he was listed as a strong shooter from the three-point range, but he’s only taken 15 attempts from beyond the arc so far this season. It looks like Poythress is developing into more of a four, which could still come in handy if Anderson Varejao is in fact gone by next season.

3. Glenn Robinson III – Freshman SF at Michigan

We will move on from freshmen after a few more looks, but for now let’s look at a pure small forward. Alonzo Gee is a great asset to the Cavaliers, but I think he’s better suited coming off the bench. Robinson III is the son of former professional basketball player Glenn Robinson, so the sport is in his blood. What I see from the current Michigan freshman is that he is more athletic and a better long-range shooter than Gee. Despite his ball-handling issues, I still see him as more proficient in that category than the current Cavalier starter. He is an answer to Cleveland’s problems at the wing.

4. Nerlens Noel – Freshman PF/C at Kentucky

For now, Tyler Zeller is not the long-term answer for the Cavaliers at center, especially from a defensive standpoint. I know it’s early, but Zeller’s well-exploited game combined with Noel already being heralded as the nation’s best defender has to be intriguing to the Cavalier front office. The Cavs rank last in the league in blocks per game (3.4), while Noel is already averaging 9.3 rebounds, 3.5 blocks and 2.6 steals through 13 games. His length would help tremendously with Cleveland’s defensive problems.

Dec 8, 2012; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Ben McLemore (23) drives to the basket against Colorado Buffaloes forward Josh Scott (40) in the first half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

5. Ben McLemore – Freshman SG at Kansas

After sitting out last season, McLemore is now ready to make his case as one of the premier athletic wings in the nation. His catch-and-shoot ability would make him a perfect fit for the pick-and-roll offense that the Cavaliers like to run. His mid-range game would compliment that of Kyrie Irving’s, as he would be able to play beside both Dion Waiters and the former Rookie of the Year. For now, McLemore seems to be one of the top prospects on the Cavaliers’ radar.

6. Cody Zeller – Sophomore C at Indiana

Zeller Twin Towers anyone? I don’t think either of the Zeller brothers are fantastic on the defensive side of things, but both run the floor very well and have a mid-range game that makes them difficult threats to cover. Their strength inside is what concerns me, resulting in an unlikely chance that the Cavs will boast both brothers on their roster.

7. Tony Mitchell – Sophomore SF/PF at North Texas

The Mean Green star would add an edge to the Cleveland defense, as he is currently averaging 9.3 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 1.3 steals. Standing at 6-8, which is about the happy medium for a small forward, the sophomore has already put up more three-point attempts in eight less games than the season prior. Mitchell would be a great asset for the Wine and Gold, but whether he’s still around for the Cavs to pick up later in the first round or early in the second round is the question at hand.

Nov 28, 2012; Durham, NC, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes forward Deshaun Thomas (1) shoots over Duke Blue Devils forward Ryan Kelly (34) during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

8. Deshaun Thomas – Junior SF/PF at Ohio State

Like McLemore, Thomas is another player that would fit in with the Wine and Gold offensive scheme. His defensive play has seen improvement over the years and he has the ability to match up against fours despite his 6-7 frame. Going into college many questioned his long-range attack, but in his third season as a Buckeye, things have improved immensely. Through 14 games he has already put up 87 attempts from three, knocking down 39.1 percent of them. However, I don’t think he’s the answer at three that the Cavaliers are looking for.

9. Sean Kilpatrick – Junior SG at Cincinnati

Kilpatrick is the type of player that can make adjustments from game to game in order to put his team in the best position to win. I’m not saying that Kilpatrick should be a first rounder because of this, but I do believe that he could be a good rotational player off the bench for the Cavs. Offensively there are few weak spots any place on the floor in his game. He is currently averaging 18.6 points and shooting 34.3 percent from three. His size is only one of the glaring problems in his game, but he counters that with his shiftiness in scoring.

10. Jamaal Franklin – Junior SG/SF at San Diego State

Don’t go and look at the statistics right away because Franklin is a player with a lot of upside with the range and athleticism he das displayed in sparks of excellence. Last year Franklin was named the Mountain West Player of the Year, wowing Aztec fans with his hustle, but he has taken on more of the wing role this season. Franklin would be a great second round pick for the Wine and Gold if he happens to be available.

11. Andre Roberson – Junior SF at Colorado

Could Robinson be the three that the Cavaliers are looking for? He has the follow-through mentality of Tristan Thompson mixed in with finishing ability of Alonzo Gee (just using these as easy-to-make comparisons). Roberson doesn’t possess the qualities to fit Cleveland’s needs at the three (a player who can contribute immensely in offensive production, while also being a three-point threat), but he would fit well in the rotation coming off the bench due to his explosive nature. I don’t see any Paul Pierce-type players in this draft, but Roberson would add athletic depth at the small forward.

Nov 9, 2012; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles guard Michael Snaer (21) recovers a rebound during the game against the South Alabama Jaguars at the Donald L. Tucker Center. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

12. Michael Snaer – Senior SG at Florida State

Regarding wing players, Snaer is one of the most well-rounded wing players coming into the 2013 NBA Draft. He’s a crunch-time threat from beyond the arc and would bode well in the man-on-man defense that the NBA has to offer. His lockdown mentality, especially off the ball, would make him a great shutdown asset for the Cavaliers and would help tremendously with the defensive problems that are persisting with Irving.

13. Dario Saric – 19-year-old SF/PF at Croatia

I’m not big on international players, but Saric has an even balance of an outside game coupled with the ability to finish strong at the hoop. Just by looks many question his strength, but watching him play tells a different story. He’s very aggressive in the lane and has great length. Coming from a basketball pedigree, he was first noticed due to his ball-handling abilities. As far as foreign players go, he’s close as it gets to a complete package. And wouldn’t it be fun to boast three players from three different countries on the roster at the same time taken if Omri Casspi and Anderson Varejao are around next season?