NBA Team Needs 2011 – Cleveland Cavaliers
By Ed Isaacson
It’s time to start my look at each of the NBA team’s needs and possible draft scenarios. This is not a mock draft, it is simply a break down of the team’s biggest needs and ways they can address them through this year’s draft. I will work my way through in the order the teams are drafting, looking to also address possible trade scenario if they make sense.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are up first and they have the first and fourth picks, along with two second round picks. The first year without Lebron certainly wasn’t a success, but the team seems committed to rebuilding and already have some young talent in JJ Hickson and Christian Eyenga, along with vets Antwan Jamison and Baron Davis to help the youngsters.
Returning Players– Antawn Jamison (F); Baron Davis (G), Anderson Varejao (F/C), Daniel Gibson (G), Ramon Sessions (G), JJ Hickson (F), Christian Eyenga (G), Joey Graham (F), Samardo Samuels (F), Manny Harris (G), Semih Erden (C), Luke Harangody (F), Ryan Hollins (C/Player Option)
Team Needs– Superstar to rebuild around, better offensive interior presence, perimeter shooter
Position Needs – SG, SF, C
Picks – Round 1, Pick 1 (#1) (from LA Clippers)
Round 1, Pick 4 (#4)
Round 2, Pick 2 (#32)
Round 2, Pick 24 (#54) (from Oklahoma City via Miami)
Analysis– After the loss of Lebron James to the Miami Heat, the team is desperate for a new young star to rebuild the team around. While some may say that Derrick Williams could be more talented, the answer is Kyrie Irving. 2 reasons here – a talented point guard to build around and the charisma to make people want to rally behind him and the team. While rumors have floated around regarding a 3 team trade which would net the Cavs the #2 pick as well, we will assume that they stay at #4. Having locked up the point guard position with Irving, look for them to target the low-post scoring presence the team desperately needs. Jonas Valanciunas may be an option here, but I think it will be tough for the Cavs to pass on Enes Kanter if he is available. Valanciunas is still very raw and will need to become a lot more physical to play serious NBA minutes. Kanter has a NBA-ready body, and seems to have a plethora of offensive and defensive skills. However, he hasn’t played competitively in over a year, and there still may be questions of how he plays against stronger, more agile players.
With the 2nd pick of the 2nd round, the Cavaliers have the opportunity to grab one of the many versatile small forwards who are available in this draft – two names that come to mind are Chandler Parsons and Jon Leuer. Another option could be to look to add a perimeter scoring threat to stretch defenses – Andrew Goudelock may be a fit. With a full roster, including these 3 new players, the #54 pick could be used in a few ways, but maybe they look at a project player, such as center Greg Smith or Michael Dunigan to shore-up the front-court.
Make sure to leave your comments below, email me at ed@nbadraftblog.com, and follow me on Twitter – @NBADraftBlog. Tomorrow we look at the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Utah Jazz.