Why Cavaliers Should Go After Doug McDermott

Mar 23, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Creighton Bluejays forward Doug McDermott (3) shoots over Baylor Bears guard Kenny Chery (1) during the game in the third round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Cavaliers, unsuccessful in the 2013-14 season are now focusing on having an effective and meaningful off season. Many questions and uncertainties surmount this Northeast Ohio basketball club such as the future of head coach, Mike Brown, the future of general manager, David Griffin, potentially resigning Luol Deng and Spencer Hawes or letting them walk. One thing they have to make sure of is drafting smart. Let’s be frank here, former Cavaliers general manager, Chris Grant made a major mistake in drafting UNLV’s Anthony Bennett the first overall draft pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. According to ESPN.com, Bennett averaged a disappointing 4 points per game. Throughout the season, he was heavily referred to as a draft bust and “out of shape.”

Interim general manager, David Griffin has tried to prove himself and keep the job that he was temporarily promoted to. Griffin has acquired the talented Spencer Hawes from Philadelphia which was a very smart move. The fans seemed to like the move as Hawes performed very well on the court. Things have greatly improved for the basketball club that have gone 17-16 since Griffin had taken over after Grant was fired. Quite honestly, I believe Griffin deserves another crack at this general manager stint.

Over the past four seasons since LeBron James decided to take his talents to South Beach, the Cavaliers have not made the postseason. Not one time. The Cavaliers have squandered their draft picks after the departure of King James. In 2013, they drafted Anthony Bennett, in 2012, they drafted Dion Waiters, in 2011, they drafted Kyrie Irving to fill the shoes of James and Tristan Thompson.

This year since they are constantly in the stage of rebuilding, the Cavaliers who finished the season with a record of 33-49 will have another chance to make things right and draft the right player. Anthony Bennett will continue to ride the bench next season until he is able to prove himself which will take some time, effort and work.

So far, it has been projected that the Cavaliers have the ninth worst record in the NBA, so the highest they will probably pick in the 2014 NBA Draft is ninth. They will have a shot to pick first, second or third overall on May 20th during the drawing. If the Cleveland Cavaliers are picked from 1-3, the team will be able to pick from the top three best players available in the draft. If not, they will draft ninth as they are already projected to do so. This still gives them a shot at drafting someone with incredible talent.

One player that the Cavaliers should look at is Creighton’s own, Doug McDermott.

The 22 year old Grand Forks, North Dakota native would fit in perfectly with the Cavaliers team. He and Kyrie Irving would make a dynamic duo on the hardwood floor. McDermott is one of the most talented and offensive as well as defensive minded players in this year’s draft class. McDermott can make his own shot and it doesn’t matter which angle its from. His playing style can be compared to that of Wally Szcerbiak or Dallas Mavericks Dirk Nowitzki or Atlanta Hawks Kyle Korver. The young guy is a 6 ft 8 powerhouse with an impressive offensive rating. According to Bleacher Report.com’s Cody Norman, McDermott has averaged between 22.9 and 26.7 points per game with 7 rebounds and 52% shooting from the field as well as 45% from beyond the arc! McDermott is very capable of spreading the floor.

Roles need to be established with this young, gifted and talented team. The primary focus needs be the small forward position in this year’s draft. The Cavaliers need a franchise player along with Irving and McDermott definitely fits that role. McDermott would be adored in the city of Cleveland and would make a positive impact along with Irving. McDermott would also help change the losing culture in Cleveland and make them a lot more competitive.

Think about it! Kyrie Irving. Doug McDermott. And maybe even Evan Turner.

Can you say….playoff run.