Even the biggest fan of the Cleveland Cavaliers has to be surprised by the results of the NBA draft lottery.
Sure, the Cavs had a decent chance to get the top pick in next month’s draft, but to get the fourth pick as well, that’s a tremendous bonus.
With those two picks, and the trade exemption the team still possesses as a result of trading LeBron James, the rebuilding process was just advanced in a big way.
The Cavaliers could be back in the playoffs as early as next season, that’s what an impact getting two top five picks could have on this franchise.
First, GM Chris Grant will probably use the first pick to take Duke PG Kyrie Irving, considered by most to be the best player in the draft. Irving will be the next point guard to be tutored by Byron Scott, following Jason Kidd and Chris Paul.
He’s more like Paul in body type and style of play, and if he’s close to being that good, Cleveland will have a new centerpiece around which to build the franchise.
As for the #4 pick, Grant has all kinds of alternatives as to how to go with the choice. Certainly, he could take one of the European big men who will probably be available there.
One of these guys will certainly be available: Enes Kanter (6’11”, 250 lbs.), Jan Vesely (6’11”, 240 lbs.), Jonas Valanciunas (6’10”, 230 lbs.), or Bismack Biyombo (6’9″, 240 lbs.).
The Cavs could definitely use some size and of these guys, Kanter and Vesely are considered to be the best. Kanter was recruited by Kentucky, but never played there, but is strong, athletic, and has soft hands. His knees are considered a question mark.
Vesely is a good post up player, and can knock down open shots, but needs to develop his offensive game. He is athletic and can run the floor very well.
Grant also has the option of trading the pick either by itself, or with the trade exemption to bring in a front line player. Cleveland may have to take a bad contract in return, probably one with a year or two to go on it, but will get something of value as well.
Or the GM can make separate deals with the pick and the exemption, or of course he can keep the choice, and get another good, young player.
Also, keep in mind that Antawn Jamison’s hefty contract expires at the end of this season, which under the current rules, is very valuable to other teams.
Even if there is a hard salary cap in the new CBA, it is likely teams will get a few years of a grace period to adjust to the new rules.
Getting the first pick also affects the current roster, particularly at the point guard spot. The guess here is that Baron Davis will be here to help mentor Irving, but what becomes of Ramon Sessions?
Sessions showed enough last season to be a viable option for another team looking for a point guard.
Remember that next year’s draft will likely be deeper than this one, and there is no doubt Grant would love to get another first round pick in the ’12 draft.
So, you might even see the Cavs trade some other veterans to get multiple picks in next season’s draft and make the ’11 and ’12 draft a real bonanza.
No matter what they do, there is no question the franchise took a huge step with their win in last night’s lottery.
It’s the biggest win of the season.
JK
Cleveland Sports Perspective 