Wolves and Cavs

Yes and yes. Neither team can really afford to pass on the top talents in this year's draft. Minnesota would take Kyrie and gladly trade Rubio (who I believe isn't too excited about Minny as is). If Cleveland feels DWill is the next best prospect, I believe they'll take him as well.

Also, weren't you one of the ones arguing Dwill is a SF? That would put him at a different position than Hickson.

 

Well, we've got to have the lottery first, and it's not too terribly common for the two worst teams to select 1-2.

But

Given the long term deals they're stuck with in Ridnour and Flynn (combined $7M next season), their need at the 3, and that he's a much safer bet to pan out as a marketable star, I'd say the Wolves would take Williams over Irving. Ditto for the Cavs (with Baron Davis and his contract)

I'm not saying this to be mean, but I have to wonder why teams would be especially high on a shoot-first, one-and-done point that missed the vast bulk of his only college season and has a major learning curve ahead of him in the pros. I can't see him winning the starting job in either city early on, especially if we do have a serious lockout....and neither team is in a position to wait on a guy to develop.

There's incredible pressure when you hold the top pick to come away with a sure thing star. Even more when your franchise is DESPERATE for a savior to bring fans back to an empty arena.

Even in a more optimistic scenario, Kyrie could need a year or two to develop into a difference maker. He may have a higher ceiling, but Derrick Williams is going to step in and be a run away favorite for ROY (unless Brandon Knight explodes).

 

Williams is a tweener. PF game, SF height. Not a stellar jump shot, but seems quick enough to handle matchups up the 3.

Where he plays is going to come down to who drafts him. Minny and Cleveland would both probably slot him in at SF.

 

I'm on the "leave him at PF" bandwagon, personally. He had some incredible 3PT%s this past year, so I won't make the argument that he can't shoot from there. I just see more of a big man than SF in his game.

On another note, I couldn't disagree stronger with your take on Irving and the Wolves. Perhaps I'm just a lot higher on Kyrie than you are -- I think he's an incredible talent and will be one of the best PGs in a few years. I think you're underestimating him because of his injury.. the only reason people doubt him is because he was hurt for so long. Prior to that, he was one of the best players in the country as a freshman.

If crappy Luke Ridnour and Johnny Flynn stop Kahn from drafting Kyrie, he should be immediately fired on the spot. He should be fired already for a lot more reasons, but you don't miss out on a great PG talent because you have the 25th and 27th best PGs in the league.

I actually think Kyrie has greater star potential than DWill (lack of height, some questions ab position), but I understand the other side of the argument.. especially after the tournament run.

 

Irving, Kahn wanted to recreate the 80's Pistons with two starting caliber point guards. He can do that with Irving and Rubio. Either that or Rubio will shipped for hopefully a 2 guard or a center.

 

Agree with everything here.

Totally fair

Here's why I'm not as up on Irving as most people might be - I'm always hypertough on PGs. I don't care if they score like crazy, my primary interest is if they can get others involved and have a knack for making the team overall play better.

I'll leave out the major question mark of a guy coming out after playing 300 minutes of college ball.

Irving had 5 games with 2 or fewer assists....and only 4 when he had 5+. That's a bit alarming in my eyes. More concerning to me was how when he got back on the court in the tournament, he was a pure scorer. Maybe Krzyzewski wanted that role for him (less disruptive to the team).

Isiah Thomas really was a rare breed that could be a PG that led his team in scoring and make them winners. Unfortunately, that brought about 15 some years of copycats that couldn't (Starbury Syndrome).

We've seen a new breed that may have gotten it right (Chris Paul, Derrick Rose), and if Irving fits into that mold, he's going to be amazing. My major concern is that he could just as easily become a Tyreke Evans machine gunner that kills team chemistry and keeps you in the bottom of the standings. I am not saying he WILL be this or that....but I saw zip in college to suggest that he facilitates the scoring of his teammates.

Deron Williams is very upset that you're misplacing his nickname

I'll say this, Kyrie has a FAR FAR higher ceiling than Williams. I think Williams' best case scenario is a slightly better, but slightly less athletic, Antwan Jamison. Kyrie could be a true killer if he transitions perfectly.

 

I'm just interested in who is going to get Kanter. Wonder where he will end up getting picked?

 

I guess the Cavs and Wolves have a measure of sanity. Minny should be willing to give Rubio away if they can get Irving. Maybe they can dupe a team into giving up a 1st round draft choice.

 

Why do you care about them?

 

I'm a Rockets fan first and foremost, but I'm also an NBA fan and I enjoy discussing other team's needs/players.