Call the Picks

[jb]

See, I want to trade Andy tomorrow.

Need... more.... picks...

Also to suck again next year because Anthony Davis is whispering sweet nothings in my ear already.

How many 4's can a team have? Or does he project to grow to a 5 or stay slim with the tilted brim at a long 3?

[e0y2e3]

You need two good fours these days for playoff hoops. Andy would play the five for now, but Andy needs to go either way. He's our most valuable trade piece.

[e0y2e3]

Everything about Vala's skillset screams feh.

Okay, thanks, I guess we've read different stuff about him. What I've read says he's the first guy in the gym for practice and the last guy out, has had success raising his free throw shooting percentage close to 90% this season, plays in the paint and finishes at the rim on picks and rolls effectively. Most recent comparison I saw was Noah.

I've only seen a few videos of him actually playing, though, so I'll defer.

You probably read DX, who are my go to. They have some weird man-crush on him that no one else in the world shares.

[swerb]

How bout Andy and #4 for Anthony Tolliver and #2?

[RC]

If Kahn wants veterans do guys like Jamison and/or SSB offer enough to move up to 2?

[e0y2e3]

Sure, but Andy isn't really useful to Kahn.

Fuck, nevermind. I'm not going to pretend to try and get into the head of the fuck who thinks Darko is the best passing big man in the NBA and as good a passer as Webber was.

[e0y2e3]

And I would rather get additional picks out of Andy and Jamo. D-Will isn't without fault and the guys that will be there at four aren't going to be much of a fall-off from him prospect wise.

[RC]

Just eyeballed the Wolves and Cavs in the trade machine.....the Cavs would have to work in a third team somehow that needs cap relief or something that we can use to get the Wolves a vet or two that they would want.

We just don't seem to have the ammo that the Wolves would want unless they have some irrational love for Jamison or something.....

[Kingpin74]

The trade exception should net us a late lottery pick next year, right? Maybe Jamison can also if the contract we take back is bad enough. Baron also makes sense as a trade chip now but I don't really know who is taking on 2 years/$27M at this point.

Good times all around, we have a lot of options now. And sucking next year in a 50(?) game regular season wouldn't be too bad. I say we qualify for the 2013 Playoffs.

P.S.- I think we can get a little more for Andy than moving up two draft spots. He has a very reasonable contract and his value goes up on a contending team.

[e0y2e3]

Seriously, teams NEVER trade first rounders without top three protection. Only the fucking Clippers.

[Kingpin74]

Seriously, teams NEVER trade first rounders without top three protection. Only the fucking Clippers.

Was in disbelief when I heard about the trade and loved it instantly. Lot of cash that wasn't mine, Mo was a little pansy, and the Cavs were clearing salary in the next couple of years anyway. Plus, it's not like the Clippers had a late season tailspin to put them in the #8 spot (and 9% puncher's chance at the top 3) either. I think they were 7th or 8th worst when the trade was made.

[e0y2e3]

as M. Haubs pointed out tonight, the biggest upside of the trade was the Clippers having mad cap space to pursue a top flight FA in 2012. But the new CBA is going to fuck that up.

Just really odd trade.

[Kingpin74]

as M. Haubs pointed out tonight, the biggest upside of the trade was the Clippers having mad cap space to pursue a top flight FA in 2012. But the new CBA is going to fuck that up.

Just really odd trade.

Even beyond the CBA issue, I don't know if it made that much of a difference for 2012. Mo has something like a 9 mill player option for 2012-2013. So we're talking a difference of 4 mill in cap room and a moderate cash infusion to lose a mid lottery pick with a 9% chance of disaster. Thank God for the Los Angeles Clippers.

[daddywags]

Everything about Vala's skillset screams feh.

Okay, thanks, I guess we've read different stuff about him. What I've read says he's the first guy in the gym for practice and the last guy out, has had success raising his free throw shooting percentage close to 90% this season, plays in the paint and finishes at the rim on picks and rolls effectively. Most recent comparison I saw was Noah.

I've only seen a few videos of him actually playing, though, so I'll defer.

You probably read DX, who are my go to. They have some weird man-crush on him that no one else in the world shares.

Yeah, that's my main source, although I could swear I've seen at least one other confirmation on that. Who hates him? I'd appreciate reading his negative reviews.

FWIW - My "please God, no" pick would be Jan Vesely. Guy can't do anything but dunk and shoots 50% on free throws.

[e0y2e3]

Ryen Russilo ripped him apart on a podcast a few weeks ago after doing a good bit of Synergy film work on him.

Ford isn't high on him either.

[jb]

as M. Haubs pointed out tonight, the biggest upside of the trade was the Clippers having mad cap space to pursue a top flight FA in 2012. But the new CBA is going to fuck that up.

As opposed to, oh I don't know, Cleveland still being located in Cleveland?

Maybe TMLP can get a top flight scrpps cluubz in Higbees.

[e0y2e3]

In some distant land, while getting bitched at by his new wife, Cass is smiling.

[daddywags]

Ryen Russilo ripped him apart on a podcast a few weeks ago after doing a good bit of Synergy film work on him.

Ford isn't high on him either.

Okay, thanks. Don't know who Russilo is (and don't really listen to podcasts anyway) and I don't get the insider stuff from Ford, so I didn't know that. Good to know.

[e0y2e3]

I want to say it was the 4/13 NBA Today pod... checking now.

[e0y2e3]

My memory is awesome: http://sports.espn.go.com/espnradio/pod ... id=3634017

It's 4/13.

[daddywags]

My memory is awesome: http://sports.espn.go.com/espnradio/pod ... id=3634017

It's 4/13.

Thanks for digging that up. I'll listen to it.

[StewieG]

Also, does Utah take the Jimmer at 12?

[StewieG]

Kahn calls conspiracy:

Wolves general manager David Kahn said he knew Minnesota was "dead" when it got down to the final three of himself, Utah executive Kevin O'Connor and Nick Gilbert.

"This league has a habit, and I am just going to say habit, of producing some pretty incredible story lines," Kahn said. "Last year it was Abe Pollin's widow and this year it was a 14-year-old boy and the only thing we have in common is we have both been bar mitzvahed. We were done. I told Kevin: 'We're toast.' This is not happening for us and I was right."

[Triple-S]

I was feeling the reverse

After all that went down with Gilbert last fall and looking kind of like a fool to the rest of the country in his actions (and made a hero by much of Cleveland), be it by letter or his calls for an investigation, I thought, no way in hell..Stern probably cannot stand the man, along with Cuban.

I guess, Stern was really feeling differently, seeing at how it would be a good story to see a competitive and rebuilding Cavs team in the next couple of years after the lequitness special.

Looking at it, it should have been pretty obvious when Haden, Cribbs and Bernie were all making the journey out there, I kind of find it hard that they would be posing with a #4 jersey afterall. Plus, again, it's hard not to give it a kid like Nick, after what was featured on ESPN.

[e0y2e3]

Yes, Stern fixed the lottery for a bottom three market in the league.

FACEMFINPALM

[StewieG]

Kahn does understand that he had a rep in the back room, right?

[e0y2e3]

the bar mitzvah part of that quote literally breaks the humor scale. Only David Kahn.

[Zip Watcher]

I'm probably guilty of liking a player too much based on one performance, but I like Williams at the #1 pick. He's got more games under his belt, and fills a big need (one of several). Also, since the strength of the top of the draft is @ PG and not the front court, I think you grab the front court guy first.

1. Cavs: Williams
2. Wolves: Irving (Kahn can't possibly pass up another PG).
3. Jazz: Kanter
4. Cavs: Knight (though I'd be content with Walker at this spot if the Jazz take Knight & the Cavs already have Williams).

Go Zips.

[StewieG]

I'm probably guilty of liking a player too much based on one performance, but I like Williams at the #1 pick. He's got more games under his belt, and fills a big need (one of several). Also, since the strength of the top of the draft is @ PG and not the front court, I think you grab the front court guy first.

1. Cavs: Williams
2. Wolves: Irving (Kahn can't possibly pass up another PG).
3. Jazz: Kanter
4. Cavs: Knight (though I'd be content with Walker at this spot if the Jazz take Knight & the Cavs already have Williams).

Go Zips.

No.

It's Irving.

[peeker643]

Exactly. It's Irving-Irving-Irving.

The fact there are more marginal PGs than marginal big guys means shit. Irving is the one special player in the draft and that overrides all else.

I'm probably guilty of liking a player too much based on one performance, but I like Williams at the #1 pick. He's got more games under his belt, and fills a big need (one of several). Also, since the strength of the top of the draft is @ PG and not the front court, I think you grab the front court guy first.

1. Cavs: Williams
2. Wolves: Irving (Kahn can't possibly pass up another PG).
3. Jazz: Kanter
4. Cavs: Knight (though I'd be content with Walker at this spot if the Jazz take Knight & the Cavs already have Williams).

Go Zips.

No.

It's Irving.

[e0y2e3]

There are more top ten bigs than PGs.

And that is before you discount for the fact that Kemba and Knight are not real PGs.

[fundamentals]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=A ... cn-8493201

[rebelwithoutaclue]

Yes, Stern fixed the lottery for a bottom three market in the league.

FACEMFINPALM

And if it were really fixed against Minnesota for Cleveland, wouldn't the Cavs have received the top 2 picks and the Wolves the #4 pick, which is the lowest they could have fallen?


I don't know whose dumber, Kahn or the guy that hired Kahn.

[e0y2e3]

NO WAY REB, THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN TOO OBVIOUS!

[Triple-S]

Anyone saying anything other than Irving for that first overall is to not be taken seriously.

Now, if Williams is there at 4 (assuming Minnesota and Utah pass on him), that maybe worth a look..but..yeah, Irving, Irving, Irving, Irving.

[Calis32]

Brilliant Branson Wright advocates trading the #4 pick and using the trade exemption to acquire a veteran "who could help the team advance into the postseason". Guy must still be high from last night.

http://www.cleveland.com/ohio-sports-blog/index.ssf/2011/05/cleveland_cavaliers_trade_in_t.html

[e0y2e3]

Branson Wright still has a job?

Seriously you Cleveland people should just hold an old fashion riot centered around burning the PD down.

[Orenthal]

Uh, yeah! ^

Jason Lloyd, Windy, Withers, Chris Broussard, yet we get stuck with MSB, Jodie Vlade, and Branson Wright. Pay a mutha fucka. Axe Livvy if you need to free up cash.

[e0y2e3]

Draft express has added best case/worst case comps to the top 15 players profiles.

[e0y2e3]

Really, really awesome: http://mobile.nytimes.com/2011/05/19/sp ... 1-pick.xml

[Kingpin74]

“Everybody in my family has gotten our degrees, our master’s,” said the elder Irving, a Wall Street financial broker who left a job at Cantor Fitzgerald in the World Trade Center six months before 9/11. “We value the education aspect of it with Kyrie.”

Someone with roots!!??

[e0y2e3]

20 Minute mark starts Russillo on the draft, a good chunk of it on the Cavs.

http://myespn.go.com/s/conversations/show/story/6562861

He just upset me a lot.

*THIS, LIKE DX AND FORD IS A FIRST MOCK, THEY WILL CHANGE, A LOT*

[Orenthal]

After watching All Bets Are Off I want to kill most of Cleveland. At least the ones who call into sports shows. Too many retards are infatuated with Walker and Williams, "Cause look what they did against college guys."

[Orenthal]

http://www.probasketballdraft.com/index.html

Joe Kotoch who runs that site was on All Bets Are Off and he was really well spoken and shared many of the beliefs about the upcoming draft. Possibly another guy/site to follow. Also is an agent and lawyer.

He has us taking Irving and Kanter.

http://www.tritonsportsgroup.com/about_Triton.html

His site isn't updated to reflect what he said on Bets.
http://twitter.com/#!/Probballdraft

[StewieG]

20 Minute mark starts Russillo on the draft, a good chunk of it on the Cavs.

http://myespn.go.com/s/conversations/show/story/6562861

He just upset me a lot.

*THIS, LIKE DX AND FORD IS A FIRST MOCK, THEY WILL CHANGE, A LOT*

I just listened. He does make some solid points, especially about the possibility of Williams sliding simply because of fit (if Minny and Utah don't trade out of their slots). Hypothetical: If Williams and Biyombo are both there at #4, which do you take? I go Biyombo. I'm not in love with Williams, and I think Biyombo will be a defensive force.

Re: No superstar in this draft - He's right. There's nobody in this draft that's as (or even near) as talented as a LeBron, Durant, Wade, or Howard. Irving's gonna be a good player, and will probably play at an all-star level (regardless of whether or not he actually makes the all-star team), but he's not a generational talent, and anybody expecting that will be sorely mistaken.

Re: Drafting need over talent in this draft - Here again I think he may be right. And I think that will make this one of the more unpredictable drafts in recent memory.

Re: Vesely at 4 - NO

Re: Trades - I think if someone wants to trade into the upper lottery, picks 2, 3, 5, and 6 could all be had. What it would take to get them would differ (probably a good PG and future picks for 2, a good SG for 3, and something that doesn't suck for 5 or 6), but you could see a mass exodus out of the upper lottery the likes we've never seen. Especially if a team falls in love with a Kanter, Williams, or Biyombo.

Re: Knight vs. Irving - Not even a debate IMO. Knight will probably score more points than Irving when all is said and done, but Irving will be the better player. It's easier to find guys who can score than guys who can run a team, while putting up some points themselves. Who would you rather have? Jason Kidd (even if he weren't a good rebounder) or Steph Marbury?

All in all, interesting takes but nothing earth-shattering. He likes some guys more than I do, and vice-versa...he likes the Euros more than I do, and doesn't like Kawhi Leonard very much (I do). But an interesting 10 minutes.

[e0y2e3]

Russillo is good, real good in that he spends his nights always watching games and films then comes to a conclusion.

FWIW: Broussard just mentioned Vesley at #4 as well. So someone is leaking around the league (at least to Russillo and Broussard) that the Cavs like him.

And again, Knights upside is freaking Jamal Crawford.

[Orenthal]

I see Williams as a slot pick a #2. Ya think the Jazz go big already having Milsap, Jefferson, and Favors? I think that 4 pick is setting up nice for another solid player. Considering we were more then likely picking 2-5, and 8 I just can't complain.

Love his take on Vala (also from the earlier 'cast that I listened to when it came out) and I agree completely. Rather have Jan at the 3 then a Z clone. Color me a skeptic on Euro toughness from that guy.

[peeker643]

http://www.probasketballdraft.com/index.html

Joe Kotoch who runs that site was on All Bets Are Off and he was really well spoken and shared many of the beliefs about the upcoming draft. Possibly another guy/site to follow. Also is an agent and lawyer.

He has us taking Irving and Kanter.

http://www.tritonsportsgroup.com/about_Triton.html

His site isn't updated to reflect what he said on Bets.
http://twitter.com/#!/Probballdraft

Saw that on dvr. He has Bismack's upside as Ibaka and if he develops no offensive game like Ibaka his comp is Ben Wallace? 7'7" wing span? Mean?

I'm good with the downside of that deal to be honest. Wallace was an All-NBA defensive stalwart and 4-time defensive player of the year.

Yes please.

Pretty much the same size too.

[e0y2e3]

Seriously, why is it that everywhere I look, read, watch or listen Cleveland fans are hyping this retarded D-Will, Knight idea.

Every single analyst out there shoots them down yet they keep on piping.

Wake the eff up.

[Orenthal]

^There is no hope with that... After you hit them with a mountain of rational thought their response is, "but did you see Williams in that Duke game?" or "Walker just got dat swag, that killer insinct." or "I'm a fucking retard that licks windows and has water in my skull, but I call radio shows dur dur."

WHY THE FUCK THEY CAN'T UNDERSTAND WILLIAMS HAS NO POSITION.