Fear The Links - Wednesday 6/24

by Buckeye Brad on Jun 24, 2009 2:18 PM CDT in Fear The Links

Cleveland Plain Dealer

Brian Windhorst answers readers' questions and looks at how the recent trades might affect the Cavs on draft day. He also breaks down the options for every pick in the first round.
Terry Pluto gives his thoughts on the NBA draft.
Their Cavs HQ blog, written by Michael Curry, also looks at some players the Cavs may target in the draft.

The News Herald

Bob Finnan looks at some of the guards, forwards, and centers available in the upcoming draft. He also reports that JJ Hickson is still having back spasms, which will make him unable to participate in summer league action next month, and has other notes on the Bucks-Spurs trade and the draft.

Around The Internet

At ESPN.com, Chad Ford gives his mock draft (Insider required for the full article) and has the Cavs selecting Xavier PF Derrick Brown with the 30th pick.
Ian Thomsen at SI.com has his mock draft (with the Cavs picking Chase Budinger from Arizona).
At TheClevelandFan.com, Erik Cassano looks at player the Cavs may target in the draft and Sam Amico checks in with his two-round mock draft (which sees the Cavs selecting Wayne Ellington from UNC).
Smooth at Cavalier Attitude ranks the top draft prospects at each position and has notes about possible trades for Vince Carter and Chris Kaman.
John Krolik at Cavs:The Blog looks at more Cavs' draft prospects here and here.
WaitingForNextYear has a look at six possible choices for the Cavs at pick #30.
Basketball Prospectus breaks down the guards in the draft and gives their projection for the first round.
At NBA.com, David Aldridge ranks the top prospect at every position.
Tony Meija at ProBasketballNews.com thinks the Cavs will pick Wayne Ellington in his latest mock draft.
Finally, one more mock draft, this one from Brian Levenson at CBSSports.com. He has the Cavs choosing PF Jeff Pendergraph from Arizona State.

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Comments

Yo Brad
Who do you think the Cavs should take? Who do you think they will take?

by Cols714 on Jun 24, 2009 3:43 PM CDT reply actions

I’d like to see them trade up to take Sam Young. He’s the kind of tall, athletic wing player that we need off the bench. He’s also a four-year player at Pitt so he can probably step in and play right away. He probably won’t be around at 30 but the Cavs might be able to trade up to get him in the early 20’s because some teams will be looking to sell their picks. I’d also like to get Ty Lawson from UNC; he would add depth to our backcourt and give a true backup point guard. I think he’ll develop in to a good NBA player and team leader. He also probably won’t be around at 30.

One guy that I don’t hear much about is Terrence Williams from Louisville. He was great in college and fits the tall, athletic swingman role that the Cavs are looking for. I haven’t heard much about him going in the first round so he’ll probably be there at 30 if the Cavs stay there.

by Buckeye Brad on Jun 24, 2009 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions

i’d be thrilled with sam young at 30, and would generally be ok w/ trading up a couple of spots to get him. i think you’re right that lawson isn’t around at 30, and i don’t think trading up to snag him would be a good use of our resources, though i know you’re not necessarily advocating for that here.

terrence williams had a bit of an inconsistent career, if a very good senior season. i’m not sure an athletic wing is what the cavs need, and definitely not one who is not a great shooter. though, i saw him in the early 20s in a mock on si.com, i believe.

i feel like we need to focus on bigs this off-season, both in the draft and FA.

by DontCallMeJoey on Jun 24, 2009 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions

Big guys are hard to find at 30, though, unless they are long-term projects. Of course, you’re not going to find great players at 30 for any position, but you can usually find quality guards later in the first round more than big men. That’s why I think the Cavs will look for a backcourt/wing player in the draft and get frontcourt help elsewhere (free agency or trades). Who knows, though, maybe a guy like Hansborough will fall to them.

by Buckeye Brad on Jun 24, 2009 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions

I agree we need a tall swingman provided he can learn to play lockdown defense

by Roger Dorn on Jun 25, 2009 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions

I also think it’s very big news that Hickson is still having back pain and is being held out of summer league play. The Cavs were counting on him to be a big part of the rotation next year and he’s missing valuable playing time. We’re going to need him to take a big step forward next season so I hope his back gets healthy over the summer.

by Buckeye Brad on Jun 24, 2009 5:34 PM CDT reply actions

this is huge, and bad, news. i think it makes signing AV more important, and also makes ferry turn his attention toward guys like brandon bass.

by DontCallMeJoey on Jun 24, 2009 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions

Confirmed… Shaq is on his way to help James……..

by What_happened_Cleveland on Jun 24, 2009 11:51 PM CDT reply actions

starting 5

Do you think we’ll move him to PF to accommodate big Z still starting? Though I have to admit the thought of Shaq playing bench behind Z that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

by North Coast Flea on Jun 25, 2009 9:27 AM CDT reply actions