Pros and Cons of Possible #1 Overall Picks for the Cavaliers
Mar 24, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Ben McLemore (23) puts up a shot against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the first half during the third round of the NCAA basketball tournament at the Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Click here to follow along with recent Cavs rumors, part 1 and part 2.
As we sit a little over 48 hours away from the 2013 NBA Draft the only thing we know for sure is that the Cavs front office has stayed busy talking to any and everyone along the way. Today we take a brief look at all of the possible selections the Cavs could make #1 overall. We will take a look at both the positives and negatives of each player, and include specifics related to their fit with the Cavaliers. For ease of reading this will be done in bullet point format, let us know how you feel about that format.
Nerlens Noel
Pros
– Athleticism leading to defensive prowess and ability to finish alley-oops and fast breaks.
– High praise from analytically community with a high PER and projection for NBA career.
– 19 years old will room for improvement.
– Provide interior defense missing for the Cavs.
– Fast break as well as roll partner for Kyrie Irving
Cons
– Slight build, a little over 200 pounds, could get pushed around in the paint.
– Little developed offensive game, including a 53% free throw percentage.
– Coming off ACL tear, as well as growth plate injury in high school to same knee.
– Combined with Tristan Thompson provides limited spacing on the floor.
Alex Len
Pros
– Size: 7’1 255 Pounds
– Ability to post up or turn and face on the offensive end.
– Size and athleticism to play above average defense.
– 20 years old with room for improvement.
– Provides some floor spacing when paired with Thompson.
Cons
– Not productive in college: 12 points and 8 Rebounds
– Recent stress fracture surgery, and possible (likely) recurrence of foot problems.
– While athletic, plays somewhat stiff.
– On tape shys away from physical play/contact, even with smaller players.
– Upside limited compared to other top 5 players.
Ben McLemore
Pros
– Great shooting stroke.
– Able to play off the ball with Irving.
– Spaces the floor.
– From a winning program.
– Inability to create shot negated by Irving and Dion Waiters.
Cons
– Lacks aggressiveness.
– Reportedly showed up to interviews out of shape.
– Creates conflict with last year’s 1st round pick, Waiters.
Otto Porter
Pros
– Position of need for the Cavs
– All around game is complete.
– Polished player able to contribute immediately.
– Doesn’t need ball in hands to contribute.
– Can play some stretch 4.
– Plays solid defense
Cons
– Limited upside due to athletic limitations.
– Not a pure shooting stroke, limits floor spacing.
– Lacks aggressiveness as seen in Florida Gulf Coast NCCA tournament game.
Anthony Bennett
Pros
– Refined offensive game.
– Size to play power forward, agility to play some small forward.
– Production level was high in college: 16 points, 8 Rebonds.
Cons
– Tweener forward historically not successful in NBA.
– Showed limited desire on defensive end.
– Plays better with ball in hands instead of off the ball.
– Small front court when at PF with Thompson.
Overview
Each player has his own pros and cons as you can see but what did we miss? When broken down in simple terms here does it sway your opinion on who the Cavs should draft? Chris Grant and company have some difficult decisions to make. Do they make them in a vacuum? Does who might be available at #19 or through a trade change how they see this pick? Does the edict to make the playoffs impact the pick? Does LeBron James’ possible free agency next year have any impact? In a little over 48 hours we shall see.
Click here to follow along with recent Cavs rumors, part 1 and part 2.