Fear The Sword - NBA Draft Rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers aggressively shopping first overall pickThe Warriors blew a 3-1 lead - never forget that.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50189/fts-fav.png2013-06-27T11:49:00-05:00http://www.fearthesword.com/rss/stream/42272352013-06-27T11:49:00-05:002013-06-27T11:49:00-05:00Could Cavs trade 1st pick after the draft?
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<p>It isn't exactly a secret that the Cavaliers have been trying to move the number one pick. Will their attempts continue on even after they make the first selection? </p> <p>Trading the number one pick before the draft is probably preferable to trading it after the selection has been made. Before the draft, teams could be interested in selecting any number of different players, whether it's Nerlens Noel, Victor Oladipo, or Ben McLemore, the Cavaliers can work with team's regardless of who they are interested in.</p>
<p>After the selection has been made, however, the flexibility weakens somewhat. If the Cavaliers select Ben McLemore, the Cavs will only be able to trade with teams that either need a shooting guard or have fallen in love with McLemore. Teams interested in Nerlens Noel would be trying to make trades with Orlando, in all likelihood. Of course, the Cavaliers could decide to keep the pick and take Nerlens Noel and keep him. That would be cool.</p>
<p>Chad Ford, though, indicates that the Cavaliers aren't going to stop trying to move their pick, even after the selection has been announced.</p>
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<p>What I know this morning: 1. Cavs 1st option is to trade the pick. Looking for a young veteran + a 2014 lottery pick in return</p>
— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) <a href="https://twitter.com/chadfordinsider/statuses/350254698969841666">June 27, 2013</a>
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<p>What I know this morning: 2. If the Cavs use the No. 1 pick, don't assume they keep it. Will continue to shop it after the draft.</p>
— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) <a href="https://twitter.com/chadfordinsider/statuses/350254925655179265">June 27, 2013</a>
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<p>What I know this morning: 3. Hardest asset to get rt now is a '14 lottery pick. Odds at 95% that NO team gives up one. 14 Draft too strong</p>
— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) <a href="https://twitter.com/chadfordinsider/statuses/350255399104032768">June 27, 2013</a>
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<p>What can we take from this? The Cavaliers want assets that other teams are not likely to want to give up. This means that the Cavaliers should probably take the guy they want the most and if they can pull off a trade, good for them. They could decide to take the guy who would be most appealing to other teams in the hope that they can pull off a trade, regardless of fit or how they see the player. This might make Ben McLemore or Victor Oladipo more appealing to Grant if he believes he is more likely to get better assets back for those guys.</p>
<p>I worry that as we get closer to the draft that Grant really doesn't like these players much, and ends up taking a deal for the number one pick that doesn't bring back enough value. But we really don't know anything at all.</p>
https://www.fearthesword.com/2013/6/27/4470784/nba-draft-rumors-cavs-might-trade-1-pick-after-the-draftDavid Zavac2013-06-27T11:38:46-05:002013-06-27T11:38:46-05:00NBA Draft 2013: Fear the Sword Final Mock Draft
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<p>I'm going to try my hand at a mock draft here that will have undoubtedly gone to hell in a hand-basket after about selection number 3. </p> <p>So this draft is absolutely unpredictable and insane. If I get five of these picks correct, I will have considered it a success. I'll give a quick one or two sentences on each pick, but this will mostly be shorter than most things that I write. This isn't even going to be close to accurate because I'm predicting a lot of movement. For instance, I think Oklahoma City is going to move up in order to get their guy. I think someone moves up for whichever of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/176525/anthony-bennett" class="sbn-auto-link">Anthony Bennett</a> or <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145556/ben-mclemore" class="sbn-auto-link">Ben McLemore</a> or <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145665/alex-len" class="sbn-auto-link">Alex Len</a> falls.</p>
<p>So without ado, here it is:</p>
<p><b>1. <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Cavaliers</a>: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175893/nerlens-noel" class="sbn-auto-link">Nerlens Noel</a>, 7'0" 220 lbs, Kentucky </b></p>
<p>This is for obvious reasons. He's the best player in the draft. The Cavs need a big. This is a win-win, until they take Alex Len and everything falls apart and Fear The Sword dies.</p>
<p><b>2. <a href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Orlando Magic</a>: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123694/victor-oladipo" class="sbn-auto-link">Victor Oladipo</a>, 6'4" 214 lbs, Indiana</b></p>
<p>It's either going to be Oladipo or Ben McLemore here (despite the fact that I think they're insane for passing on <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145685/trey-burke" class="sbn-auto-link">Trey Burke</a>). Given that we know a ton of GMs love Oladipo and that McLemore was unimpressive in workouts, I'm going with Oladipo.</p>
<p><b>3. <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Wizards</a>: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145391/otto-porter" class="sbn-auto-link">Otto Porter</a>, 6'9" 197 lbs, Georgetown</b></p>
<p>This is possibly the most perfect fit. He'll play next to <span>John Wall</span> and <span>Bradley Beal</span> for the next seven years at that combo small forward, small-ball power forward position. Wall is going to be salivating after seeing him move without the ball both cutting to the rim and getting open from the corners.</p>
<p><b>4. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Charlotte Bobcats</a>: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145499/cody-zeller" class="sbn-auto-link">Cody Zeller</a>, 7'0" 230 lbs, Indiana</b></p>
<p>I think the stuff yesterday about Rich Cho loving Zeller was actually true. Bennett is probably the most perfect fit here as a scorer, but given the bad luck of this organization and Bennett's inability to work out, I think Zeller's the guy. I think they're going to surprise and throw off the draft.</p>
<p><b>5. <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Suns</a>: Alex Len, 7'1" 255 lbs, Maryland</b></p>
<p>One of he, Bennett, or McLemore is the pick here I think. Given that we know McLemore had something of a poor workout there, I'm saying they go with Len here as the upside center who can learn under Gortat for a year.</p>
<p><b>6. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-orleans-hornets" class="sbn-auto-link">New Orleans Hornets</a>: Trey Burke, 6'1" 187 lbs, Michigan</b></p>
<p>If this scenario plays out in the top five, I think that in some order Burke, McLemore, and C.J. McCollum go 6, 7, and 8. I'm saying Burke goes to New Orleans simply because that's what the rumors have been all along (also because he's the best of the bunch).</p>
<p><b>7. <a href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Sacramento Kings</a>: C.J. McCollum, 6'3" 197 lbs, Lehigh</b></p>
<p>You know, when you're Sacramento and you get a chance to take another mid-major 6'3" shooting guard, you have to do it (good stuff Jimmer). That's unfair to McCollum, who's very clearly a far better prospect than Jimmer was, but if they're expecting a point guard here they're going to be sorely mistaken.</p>
<p><b>8. <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Pistons</a>: Ben McLemore, 6'5" 189 lbs, Kansas</b></p>
<p>The Pistons get their home run scenario here as they pick up a shooting guard that could possibly go as high as #2. I like this from their perspective a lot. I didn't necessarily mean to drop McLemore this far because of my dislike of him as a prospect, but it just kind of happened.</p>
<p><b>9. <a href="https://www.canishoopus.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Timberwolves</a>: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145393/kentavious-caldwell-pope" class="sbn-auto-link">Kentavious Caldwell-Pope</a>, 6'6" 204 lbs, Georgia</b></p>
<p>The TWolves barely miss out on their dream scenario in McLemore falling to #9, but they'll settle for a great backup plan here in KCP. He's going to be an excellent scorer in the NBA, the questions just come with whether he can fill out his game.</p>
<p><b>10. <a href="https://www.blazersedge.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Trail Blazers</a>: Anthony Bennett, 6'7" 240 lbs, UNLV</b></p>
<p>While the Wolves barely missed their home run, the Blazers hit one 500 feet. Bennett can step in from day one and score off the bench for the Blazers, which was their biggest weakness last season. Someone is probably going to move up to grab him if he falls past 6, but as the board stands now this where he falls because of guard needs 6-9.</p>
<p><strong>11. <a href="https://www.libertyballers.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia 76ers</a>: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/174977/steven-adams" class="sbn-auto-link">Steven Adams</a>, 7'0" 255 lbs, Pittsburgh</strong></p>
<p>As someone who wants Adams to succeed in the NBA, I don't think this is the best fit for him. But as the best big left on the board I think there's a pretty strong chance this is the direction they go. Could also go Karasev or Nogueira.</p>
<p><strong>12. <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oklahoma City Thunder</a>: Sergey Karasev, 6'7" 197 lbs, Russia</strong></p>
<p>This is probably the disaster scenario for the Thunder. If all of the players other than Adams that they want are gone by the time #10, I think they probably try to move up and secure their man. In this case, they just take another shooter to possibly replace the aging <span>Thabo Sefolosha</span>.</p>
<p><strong>13. <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dallas Mavericks</a>: Giannis Antetokounmpo, 6'9" 215 lbs, Greece</strong></p>
<p>I think if the Mavs stay here, they try to convince Antetokounmpo to stay overseas for a year. If they move out, my guess is that it's for one of the teams directly below them that want to try to convince Giannis to stay overseas (even though he apparently wants to come over now). Either way, this feels safe to have him at 13.</p>
<p><strong>14. <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Utah Jazz</a>: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146180/michael-carter-williams" class="sbn-auto-link">Michael Carter-Williams</a>, 6'6" 187 lbs, Syracuse</strong></p>
<p>They're looking for a point guard, and get kind of lucky as my 8th overall prospect falls directly into their laps. He's the perfect fit here.</p>
<p><strong>15. <a href="https://www.brewhoop.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Milwaukee Bucks</a>: Dennis Schroeder, 6'2" 169 lbs, Germa</strong>ny</p>
<p>Replacing Monta Ellis and <span>Brandon Jennings</span> with a point guard that is excellent in the pick and roll, plus one that doesn't always look for his own shot may be a foreign concept to Bucks' fans. But I hope they aren't too scarred to continue on.</p>
<p><strong>16. <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Boston Celtics</a>: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/101221/kelly-olynyk" class="sbn-auto-link">Kelly Olynyk</a>, 7'0" 240 lbs, Gonzaga</strong></p>
<p>The Celtics are said to be looking for a big with this pick, and then a point guard later. They are said to be high on Olynyk and this is about his value.</p>
<p><strong>17/18. <a href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Hawks</a>: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124760/gorgui-dieng" class="sbn-auto-link">Gorgui Dieng</a>, 6'11 230 lbs, Louisville and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/177241/shabazz-muhammad" class="sbn-auto-link">Shabazz Muhammad</a>, 6'6" 222 lbs, UCLA</strong></p>
<p>The Hawks are in an interesting position in that they really officially have no one on their team next year seemingly outside of <span>Al Horford</span>, <span>Lou Williams</span>, and John Jenkins. They can basically use every position so I selected two of the best players on the board. I love imagining watching Dieng and Horford pass back and forth in a hi-lo game, and then Muhammad fits as a slasher next to the shooters that Jenkins and Williams are.</p>
<p><strong>19. Cleveland Cavaliers: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124043/reggie-bullock" class="sbn-auto-link">Reggie Bullock</a>, 6'7" 200 lbs, North Carolina</strong></p>
<p>You know what, we've had it for three months now, I'm sticking with it. As it looks increasingly unlikely the Cavaliers will be able to move up for Karasev at 13, this gives even more reason to take Bullock. I have no idea if they'll stay here though.</p>
<p><strong>20. <a href="https://www.blogabull.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bulls</a>: Tim Hardaway, Jr., 6'6" 185 lbs, Michigan</strong></p>
<p>He seems like a pretty good fit here, as the Bulls could use another wing shooter off the bench with Luol Deng's seemingly unknown future.</p>
<p><strong>21. Utah Jazz: Lucas Nogueira, 7'0" 215 lbs, Brazil</strong></p>
<p>The Jazz again hit the jackpot here as a guy they were considering at 14 falls to them at 21. Nogueira isn't nearly ready for the NBA yet, but has great potential as a shot blocker.</p>
<p><strong>22. New Jersey <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Nets</a>: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124249/jamaal-franklin" class="sbn-auto-link">Jamaal Franklin</a>, 6'5" 197 lbs, San Diego State.</strong></p>
<p>Franklin would give them a wing to bring along with Joe Johnson. Also, with the team possibly looking to trade <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/26124/marshon-brooks" class="sbn-auto-link">Marshon Brooks</a> to the TWolves, this could be his replacement.</p>
<p><strong>23. <a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Indiana Pacers</a>: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/144186/shane-larkin" class="sbn-auto-link">Shane Larkin</a>, 5'11" 171 lbs, Miami</strong></p>
<p>This is the perfect scenario for the Pacers. They get their explosive guard off the bench who can lead a second unit, plus keep him away from the Knicks at 24.</p>
<p><strong>24. <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Knicks</a>: <span>Tony Mitchell</span>, 6'9" 240 lbs, North Texas</strong></p>
<p>The most JaVale-like player in this draft just seems like he'd be a perfect fit for the Knicks, right? I'm not a fan of his game at all, hopefully for his sake he proves me wrong.</p>
<p><strong>25. <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Clippers</a>: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175011/ricky-ledo" class="sbn-auto-link">Ricky Ledo</a>, 6'6" 197 lbs, Somewhere in America</strong></p>
<p>I think someone tries to take a flier on him at the end of the first round, and I think the Clippers are actually a pretty good fit for him. Plus I really don't think he could ask for a better situation.</p>
<p><strong>26. Minnesota Timberwolves: Rudy Gobert, 7'2", 129 inch arms, Someplace in France that my girlfriend made fun of</strong></p>
<p>This is pretty much the prototypical Timberwolves player, right? European, tantalizing tools? I think he can fit pretty well next to <span>Kevin Love</span> if he ever pans out, but who knows with him.</p>
<p><strong>27. <a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Nuggets</a>: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99824/erick-green" class="sbn-auto-link">Erick Green</a>, 6'3" 178 lbs, Virginia Tech</strong></p>
<p>This one goes out to Nate Timmons who runs Denver Stiffs. He says Green had a great workout in Denver and that he hopes that's the pick. The Nuggets might trade out of this spot though.</p>
<p><strong>28. <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Antonio Spurs</a>: Livio Jean-Charles, 6'9" 217 lbs, France</strong></p>
<p>This one is just a hunch. Jean-Charles plays for the team in France that <span>Tony Parker</span> owns part of, plus the Spurs might want to try to stash to preserve some cap space. I like him a lot actually. Huge motor, great game at the Nike Hoop Summit this year. If the Spurs pick him, guaranteed he ends up a player. If it's the Cavs, <a href="http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/christian-eyenga-Experience-300x300.png">he'll end up driving a car he can't afford and getting a blog named after him.</a></p>
<p><strong>29. Oklahoma City Thunder: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/53330/jeff-withey" class="sbn-auto-link">Jeff Withey</a>, 7'0" 225 lbs, Kansas</strong></p>
<p>Withey is an excellent fit as a backup defensive center in Oklahoma City, who loves shot blockers. With luck, maybe he can become a borderline starting NBA center.</p>
<p><strong>30. Phoenix Suns: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124012/tony-snell" class="sbn-auto-link">Tony Snell</a>, 6'7" 198 lbs, New Mexico</strong></p>
<p>I'm pretty sure that he's a first rounder because he looks like <span>Kawhi Leonard</span> and that's it. Because watching the tape, this guy literally does none of the things you want out of a "3 and D" small forward. He's lazy on defense and shot poorly. That normally makes it difficult to become an effective role player in the NBA.</p>
https://www.fearthesword.com/2013/6/27/4469424/nba-mock-draft-2013-cleveland-cavaliers-should-take-nerlens-noelSam Vecenie2013-06-27T11:10:30-05:002013-06-27T11:10:30-05:00Ford's final mock has Cavaliers selecting Noel
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<p>Chad Ford will probably be updating his mock draft throughout the day, but his 7.0 version continues to postulate that Nerlens Noel will be the first overall pick.</p> <p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175893/nerlens-noel" class="sbn-auto-link">Nerlens Noel</a> is still the presumptive first overall pick if one is to believe Chad Ford, who released his final mock today.</p>
<blockquote>The Cavs' top option is to trade the No. 1 overall pick for a combination of a veteran plus a 2014 first-round pick. If they can pull that off, they'll move the pick. If they can't, they'll keep attempting to move whoever they draft until all their options have been exercised.
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<p>And if they keep the pick? General manager <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/28437/chris-grant" class="sbn-auto-link">Chris Grant</a> has been a Nerlens Noel guy all year. Other people in the front office are pushing for Len. I even heard, somewhat convincingly, that owner Dan Gilbert loves Oladipo!</p>
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<p>With a split front office, the final decision comes to Grant. I think he's a Noel guy … but we'll all find out whether I'm reading the tea leaves correctly around 7:35 p.m.</p>
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<p>Ford also has the <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cavaliers</a> selecting <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124043/reggie-bullock" class="sbn-auto-link">Reggie Bullock</a> at 19, but is not nearly as confident on that selection as the Cavaliers are still trying to find a way to move up for Sergey Karasev.</p>
<p>With the way that Ford phrases it there, I believe it is more likely that Noel is the first overall pick. If they are going to be attempting to trade him even after the selection, Noel seems to have better value throughout the league than Len does. I really hope that ends up being the case.</p>
<p>It all ends tonight, and we'll find out for sure around 7:35 P.M. EST.</p>
https://www.fearthesword.com/2013/6/27/4470472/nba-mock-draft-2013-chad-ford-final-mock-has-cavaliers-selectingSam Vecenie2013-06-26T22:45:51-05:002013-06-26T22:45:51-05:00Shawn Marion likely to stay in Dallas
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<p>A persistent rumor this week had Shawn Marion in the Wine and Gold by the end of the night tomorrow. Cleveland probably is going to have to make other plans.</p> <p><span>Shawn Marion</span> is likely staying put in Dallas tomorrow night.</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon/status/350089372529459200">Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas is reporting</a> that there has been no discussion of Marion approving his deal before tomorrow night, and that a deal has no chance of happening. The deadline for Marion to approve his deal is June 30.</p>
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<p>And you know, I really believed that Sam Amico guy when he said that the <a href="http://www.foxsportsohio.com/nba/cleveland-cavaliers/story/NBA-Report-Cavs-enter-draft-with-multipl?blockID=915407&feedID=8888">Cavs believed they could get Marion and the 13th overall selection for the 31st and 33rd.</a> He strikes again! (He's actually been awesome on Twitter lately, so all is forgiven.)</p>
<p>Really though, this was discussed on our podcast last night, with me stupidly being unsure that Marion actually had to approve his deal before being dealt. Having said that, I'm surprised that the <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Mavericks</a> haven't even discussed this with Marion if their goal is to get as much cap space as possible. I'd say that this makes a <span>Thomas Robinson</span> deal slightly more likely, as the 19th overall had been bandied about in these rumored discussions throughout the week.</p>
<p>Luckily, we'll find out how much of all of this is posturing and smokescreening and how much is for real in less than 24 hours.</p>
https://www.fearthesword.com/2013/6/26/4469108/nba-draft-rumors-shawn-marion-not-likely-to-be-tradedSam Vecenie2013-06-26T15:27:51-05:002013-06-26T15:27:51-05:00Nets looking to swap #22 pick for CJ Miles?
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<p>The Cleveland Cavaliers have all of your NBA Draft rumors. This time, however, it's another team making an offer to the Cavs. </p> <p>Do you need some more <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft">NBA Draft</a> rumors? No? Are you sure? Well here's some more anyway. </p>
<p>While the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> are certainly shopping the #1 overall pick, they still have lots of other assets that they could move. According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Brooklyn Nets</a> have talked to the Cavs about trading the #22 pick in the draft for <span>C.J. Miles</span>.</p>
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<p>Source:Nets have talked to the Cavs about acquiring CJ Miles for the No. 22 pick.</p>
— Stefan Bondy (@NYDNInterNets) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYDNInterNets/statuses/349984195667439616">June 26, 2013</a>
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<p>The Nets have been <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2013/6/26/4467348/as-draft-workouts-end-new-speculation-about-marshon-brooks-to" target="_blank">rumored to be dealing MarShon Brooks</a>, so C.J. Miles makes sense as a replacement for Brooks. Furthermore, personal relationships might be the motivation behind the Nets trying to make this deal. </p>
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<p>Miles is good friends and former teammats with <span>Deron Williams</span>.</p>
— Stefan Bondy (@NYDNInterNets) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYDNInterNets/statuses/349984620990832640">June 26, 2013</a>
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<p>On the other hand, I'm not sure why the Cavaliers would do this trade. I can't see them wanting to add even more young players to their team, but who knows with Chris Grant. At this point, Cleveland could do anything tomorrow and I would not be surprised. It is possible that the Cavs could use the #22 pick as further ammunition in their ongoing quest to make a MEGADEAL before draft night. </p>
<p>When contacted about trade rumors, CJ Miles had very little to add. He's basically just as confused as us. </p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/ConradKazNBA">@ConradKazNBA</a> nah ill just keep working on my game lol CG is good at his job</p>
— C.J. Miles (@masfresco) <a href="https://twitter.com/masfresco/statuses/349954266489831425">June 26, 2013</a>
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https://www.fearthesword.com/2013/6/26/4467816/nba-draft-rumors-nets-cavaliers-trade-cj-miles-22nd-pickConrad Kaczmarek2013-06-26T15:01:03-05:002013-06-26T15:01:03-05:00Cavaliers offer #1 for Vasquez, #6, and 2014 pick?
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<p>The Cleveland Cavaliers' attempts to trade the first overall pick in the draft continue! This time, they have reportedly made an offer to the New Orleans Pelicans. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft">NBA Draft</a> is a little over 24 hour from now and we still have no idea what the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> are doing with the first overall pick. It is well known that the Cavaliers are trying to trade the #1 pick and despite the countless rumors, they have had very little success. Apparently, the Cavaliers have tried trading the #1 overall pick to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for the #6 pick, <span>Greivis Vasquez</span>, and a future 2014 first round pick. This rumor was first reported <a href="http://www.hoopsworld.com/cavaliers-offer-top-overall-pick-to-pelicans" target="_blank">by Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld</a>. </p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; padding: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">Cleveland offered New Orleans this year’s top overall pick in exchange for point guard <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/25589/greivis-vasquez">Greivis Vasquez</a>, the No. 6 overall pick and a 2014 first-round pick, according to sources.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; padding: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">The Cavaliers, like most teams, would love to acquire an additional first-round pick for the 2014 NBA Draft since that draft class is expected to be one of the most talented in recent memory.</p>
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<p>Most people believe that the 2014 NBA Draft is totally loaded. It makes sense that the Cavaliers would be trying to get another high pick in that draft to get a chance at Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker, Julius Randle, and others. The Pelicans (formerly the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-orleans-hornets">Hornets</a>) were pretty terrible this past year and clearly the Cavs are assuming that they will be terrible again next season. Furthermore, the Cavs must believe that they can get <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145665/alex-len">Alex Len</a> with the #6 pick this year, if he is indeed their target. There are rumors that he could be the selection with the #1 pick, so if they can trade down, get more assets, and still get their preferred target, that's a win for Cleveland. Ultimately, I think the Pelicans have to decline this deal, unless they are in love with a prospect that they don't think will get the #6 overall. Yay for wild speculation!</p>
<p>This could just be another bad rumor. There have been an awful lot of them flying around lately. Or it could be totally true. Either way, we'll find out soon because come Thursday, all of this madness has to stop. </p>
https://www.fearthesword.com/2013/6/26/4467714/nba-draft-trade-rumors-cavaliers-trade-offer-new-orleans-greivis-vasquezConrad Kaczmarek2013-06-26T14:52:35-05:002013-06-26T14:52:35-05:00Cavs Eyeing 13th Overall for Karasev
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<p>The Cavaliers want to move up for Sergey Karasev. The utter shock of this nearly stopped my heart.</p> <p>The Woj has spoken.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cavaliers</a> are attempting to move up to 13th overall via a trade with Dallas in order to secure Sergey Karasev of Russia, <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA">according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports</a>.</p>
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<p>This is not in any way a surprise if you've been following the situation. It's been pretty common knowledge throughout the draft process that the Cavaliers are enamored with Karasev and want him in a Cleveland uniform next season. It's not a real surprise either that the Cavs probably will have to move up to get him, as Karasev has also been linked to the <a href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Hawks</a> as well as the <a href="https://www.brewhoop.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bucks</a>. The Cavaliers have been linked with the <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Mavericks</a> as trade partners for a couple of weeks now, so this deal has been speculated upon endlessly. The <a href="https://www.canishoopus.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Timberwolves</a> lurk above the Cavs and Mavericks as another team that likes him at ninth overall, but I think that would be certainly be a shocker if they were to steal him early.</p>
<p>I'm not particularly a fan of moving up to get Karasev because there are quite a few shooters in this class that they can pick up later. But if they're basically moving up for free to get the guy they covet, plus receiving another legitimate asset for next season, you won't ever hear a complaint from me.</p>
<p>So where the new surprise comes in is that apparently the Cavaliers may be able acquire <span>Shawn Marion</span> and the 13th overall by only giving up their two early second-rounders, if you want to <a href="http://www.foxsportsohio.com/nba/cleveland-cavaliers/story/NBA-Report-Cavs-enter-draft-with-multipl?blockID=915407&feedID=3725">believe Ohio's favorite reporter Sam Amico.</a></p>
<blockquote>The Cavs supposedly are offering their No. 19 pick for Robinson. They believe a draft-night deal consisting of their two second-rounders (Nos. 31 and 33) will be enough for them to land forward Shawn Marion and the 13th pick from Dallas, sources said.</blockquote>
<p>If the Cavaliers are able to acquire the 13th overall (presumptively Karasev), Shawn Marion, <span>Thomas Robinson</span>, and one of Nerlens Noel or Alex Len on draft night tomorrow, that is pretty much the absolute home-run scenario. It gives them their project big man, their shooter, plus two guys that can probably help next year at the two forward positions.</p>
<p>If that happens, Chris Grant is a wizard. However, there's no way that Mark Cuban wants to get rid of the 13th pick for only two second rounders, right? The Mavericks won't become THAT tied to the outcome of free agency in two weeks, right? Normally when things seem too good to be true, they are. I'm guessing this is one of those scenarios.</p>
https://www.fearthesword.com/2013/6/26/4467710/nba-draft-rumors-cleveland-cavaliers-trade-sergey-karasev-dallas-mavericksSam Vecenie2013-06-26T12:45:18-05:002013-06-26T12:45:18-05:0019th Overall For Thomas Robinson?
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<p>Yesterday's rumor of Thomas Robinson being imminently traded looks to be founded in reality, as both Cleveland and Chicago have first-round picks on the table. </p> <p><a href="http://www.fearthesword.com/2013/6/25/4463206/nba-draft-rumors-houston-rockets-trying-to-trade-thomas-robinson-cavaliers">As we told you yesterday</a>, the Houston Chronicle reported that the <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rockets</a> are in "advanced talks" to trade <span>Thomas Robinson</span>. It appears we have a firmer grasp on the details of that move now, <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/status/349940702932770816">thanks to Marc Stein of ESPN.</a></p>
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<p>That means that as of now, it looks like the <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cavaliers</a> are in the lead to acquire last year's fifth overall pick. This isn't to say that Chicago couldn't throw in another pick as a sweetener, but as of this moment in time I think the odds look pretty decent that Robinson is in a Cavalier jersey next season.</p>
<p>Personally, I'm fine with this. He didn't have a great rookie season by any stretch, but his stats line up pretty well with another Big-12 product that recently entered the draft in Tristan Thompson. Athletically and size-wise, the two players are actually quite similar. Robinson, also like Thompson, is an excellent rebounder who averaged nearly 11 rebounds per-36 minutes last season. I also think he's more explosive around the rim than Thompson is and shows the same kind of potential defensively. He even showed some potential in limited midrange opportunities, shooting 37% from 16-23 feet (only on 35 attempts, but this is also a skill that showed slight potential in college). I'm not saying that I like Robinson more than Thompson (I don't), but I do think that the possibility exists that he can be a better player in the future.</p>
<p>Which is exactly why I have zero problem trading the 19th pick for him. If you can pick someone up with his potential, regardless of position, for a mid-first rounder, I think you do it. Even though it creates a potential log-jam in the front court with <span>Anderson Varejao</span>, Thompson, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175893/nerlens-noel" class="sbn-auto-link">Nerlens Noel</a>/<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145665/alex-len" class="sbn-auto-link">Alex Len</a>, <span>Tyler Zeller</span>, and potentially <span>Marreese Speights</span> (if he opts in), it's never a bad thing to have too many players. I'd certainly take Robinson over Zeller if you gave me the choice.</p>
<p>This is exactly the kind of "buy-low" opportunity the Cavaliers should be looking for, and I applaud <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/28437/chris-grant" class="sbn-auto-link">Chris Grant</a> in going for it.</p>
<h5><b>*UPDATE* </b></h5>
<p><b></b>Meanwhile, Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal is refuted the reported trade offer. He says that the Cavs are not interested in Robinson and would be surprised if the deal actually happens. Conflicting reports, y'all -- it's what the NBA Draft is all about. </p>
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<p>Was told 2 weeks ago <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Cavs&src=hash">#Cavs</a> weren't interested in T-Rob. From all indications, that hasn't changed. I'd say the Robinson for #19 isn't true</p>
— Jason Lloyd (@JasonLloydABJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/JasonLloydABJ/statuses/349950028896407552">June 26, 2013</a>
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https://www.fearthesword.com/2013/6/26/4467142/nba-draft-trade-rumors-cleveland-cavaliers-thomas-robinson-houston-rocketsSam Vecenie