2013 NBA Draft

[jwalker1399]

I think the Cavs would have won last night had they had someone like Noel. Wade would not be waltzing to the rim from the top of the key if there was a shot blocking presence there. Really frustrating to watch.

And what do you guys think of drafting another PG? This class is loaded with PGs. Smart, Burke, Carter-Williams, and Kyle Anderson should all be solid. You can throw McCollum into that list too. I wouldn't take a PG with the Cavs pick but maybe with the Lakers. Livingston has been good, but the Cavs could grab another player with PG abilities and size in MCW or Anderson.

It's a good a idea, imo. The Cavs have displayed a willingness to find a back-up PG in free agency that past few seasons but refuse to overpay. I also think a stretch 4 could be a very valuable for the team, especially since Speights will more than likely be gone. It also depends on where we're picking..... go Lakers!

[Shack]

He is a bad idea for the 1st pick. I'm from Croatia, actually living in Zagreb, and I watched Dario several times this season, live and on television. I watched him last summer also, on the competition on this video, he dominated in every single aspect of a game the whole tournament. He has great potential, no doubt, very athletic, good rebounder, shot-blocker, long arms etc. But he is still immature, he is very bad ft shooter, not great foot work. For example, he missed 4/4 ft shots in last 2 minutes of Croatian Cup final few weeks ago, game went to OT. Cibona (his team) won the Cup eventually (DJ Strawberry, Suns 2nd round pick in 2007 was great in that game). He has a very high ceiling, but still has a lot to work on.

IMHO, Dario has a potential to be late lottery pick, but not the top 5 pick. He can be something like a combination of Nowitzki/Gallinari, but also can be rich man's Vesely is he wouldnt work hard enough

As a Croatian how do you feel about Hezonja? I currently have him as my 2014 #1 prospect (not drinking the Wiggins or Parker kool-aid)

[caniggia]

As a Croatian how do you feel about Hezonja? I currently have him as my 2014 #1 prospect (not drinking the Wiggins or Parker kool-aid)

I believe that he will have a better career than Šarić, both in Europe and NBA. Can't remember any player outside USA/Canada with that amount of potential on SG position, even Ginobilli or Petrović. I think that he will progress far more in Barcelona than Šarić will in Cibona. Let's say it this way, I would rather have Hezonja on longterm than Beal. Hezonja can become a player with the whole package on SG, maybe a better version of Joe Johnson. His game can translate into NBA more easily than Šarić's.
The biggest question is his attitude. He looks a bit like an ego-maniac, for example, when he played in Zagreb (not Cibona Zagreb, but KK Zagreb in youth categories, every member of the team wore Nike, only he wore Adidas, he wants to be No1. He can be over-critical to his teammates, can't think of any good example of that, maybe Kobe That can be a problem.
He wants to be alpha-male, probably has more confidence than Dion. If he would be drafted by Cavs in 2014, he will probably believe that he is the best player on SG position in Cavs from the day one

[RchfldCavRaised]

I believe that he will have a better career than Šarić, both in Europe and NBA. Can't remember any player outside USA/Canada with that amount of potential on SG position, even Ginobilli or Petrović. I think that he will progress far more in Barcelona than Šarić will in Cibona. Let's say it this way, I would rather have Hezonja on longterm than Beal. Hezonja can become a player with the whole package on SG, maybe a better version of Joe Johnson. His game can translate into NBA more easily than Šarić's.
The biggest question is his attitude. He looks a bit like an ego-maniac, for example, when he played in Zagreb (not Cibona Zagreb, but KK Zagreb in youth categories, every member of the team wore Nike, only he wore Adidas, he wants to be No1. He can be over-critical to his teammates, can't think of any good example of that, maybe Kobe That can be a problem.
He wants to be alpha-male, probably has more confidence than Dion. If he would be drafted by Cavs in 2014, he will probably believe that he is the best player on SG position in Cavs from the day one

This post is almost as awesome as Drazen Petrovic.

I loved Drazen Petrovic. I still remember him KILLING everyone that we threw at him in that 1st round series against the Nets (92 or 93, not sure). He was a bulldog on D as well. I remember sitting at one of those playoff games and watching he, Chris Morris and Kenny Anderson SWARM on the perimeter in unison, and then Bowie/Benoit Benjamin and Derrick Coleman behind them were rotating around like Mo Speights/JJ Hickson and killing all of their efforts.

He may have said every curse word in the Serbian language throughout the course of that game. He was tough as nails and noone on New Jersey was a better scorer. This was 10 year old Rchfld analyzing his game, btw. One of the most passionate players I ever got to see in person.

Back to the draft talk

[Shack]

Yeah as long as it's mixed with competitiveness and motor, a big head can be an asset as much as a liability

Mario is a plus slasher, shooter and feel for the game wing to me. Players who are + in all 3 are usually at least blue chip starters, but it really depends on whether he can be a dominant slasher or shooter instead of a good one. But I like Wiggins less because despite his amazing Tmac like feel for the game, I don't trust his perimeter shooting and I don't even trust his slashing without the high end ballhandling yet to take advantage of his athleticism, in the Nike Hoop Summit game he basically had no "face up, blew by you, no chance in hell that's what you've got" plays that the explosive star wings have which is the #1 thing I look for in slashers. Probably in part ballhandling issues and maybe just overrated athleticism as he also didn't look as impressive as expected finishing around the basket either. His darkest timeline scenario is becoming Marvin Williams 2.0 who was also hyped up as a transcendent athlete in HS because of his dunk footage, but the important stuff, slashing and first step off the dribble, wasn't there. Jabari OTOH has elite perimeter skills and feel, but the slashing will be an issue without great explosiveness. The other guy is Kasey Hill who if he added sharp shooting from 3 to his dynamic slashing (speed/skill) and feel/vision for a PG, would be a complete package. I don't know if Hezonja is a sure thing like college Anthony Davis or Kyrie Irving were, but I actually (at this moment) believe less in the top of the 2014 draft than everyone else, so it's enough for him to top it

[Frank Reynolds]

Wow, everyone saying this is not a deep draft is kidding themselves. There is a lot of unsureness as to how their games will translate to the next level but there's some hoopers out there.

Just got around to checking out this kid McLemore, I didn't know much about him but WOW! This kid's the one they should be comparing to Dwyane Wade. He has Wade's athleticism and Ray Allens shot, that's no exaggeration either. He's fast as hell in transition!

Coming into this draft I thought Shabazz Muhammad would be the #1 overall pick. Shabazz is a hoops junkie, if you know anything about the kid ball is life to him. I have a feeling he's going to be a better NBA player than collegiate athlete. His game is built for the isolation style NBA game, and an aspect of his game that many don't know much about is his post game. He has an old school reliable post game ala Delonte West, only he looked good shooting jump hooks down on the block too! Rare for a guard who is also very explosive and can jump equally well off of one foot or two. Potent scorer that can get buckets on his own. Reminds me very much of James Harden.

Then you have Zeller who obviously suffers from the disease known as Schwabels syndrome, aka white bread. They say Cody is a deceivingly good athlete and runs the floor better than Tyler. Only thing I'd be hesitant about him is he's so light that he's going to get tossed around in the pros. I can see Cody Zeller starting off slow for about 2-3 seasons, but by virtue of the Zeller's work ethic he's going to be a very good player in the league. I can see him being similar to a Pau Gasol type of player. Not known to bang but can beat you in a variety of ways because of his super high basketball IQ.

If you are willing to take a gamble on Nerlens Noel you could steal yourself an amazing anchor to your defense. The reflexes and shot blocking sense that this kid has is a rare commodity. That's a skill that's ingrained in his brain, even if he loses his athleticism he'll still have that sense. His weak side help defense could win you a lot of ballgames in the future. Two worries about Nerlens is his body and his body. Is he going to get man handled in the pros? Is his knee going to hold up? This could have very well been the #1 pick in the draft and you might be able to luckily snag him and get an amazing value for a pick in the 4-8 range.

Then there's Alex Len who plays on a team that has absolutely no clue how to use him. He looks every bit as tall as Ilgauskas out there even though he's 2 inches shorter than Z. With the way the NBA is becoming smaller Len's 7-1 will be the same impact that Z's 7"3' was on the Cavaliers. For being as tall as he is, Len is incredibly mobile. I'd say he might even be more mobile than Jonas Valanciunas. Jonas lovers, here's your chance to add your guy only Len is going to be the better player. That's just my opinion, but Len has a fire inside, his teammates do nothing to stoke the fire or feed the big man. He has the mobility to show all the way out to the perimeter on the pick and roll and recover under the basket. He's also way more explosive than Zydrunas ever was. Again, he's light in build and he's foreign so his first couple years in the league are going to be an adjustment, but he's got the opportunity to be a very special player.


I love the Cavaliers position. They can do nothing and be in a very good position to land one of these guys that will fall to us. We could still get Shabazz, Noel, Len.....

We also have assets and could make a deal to move up and grab who we really want. I'd be willing to trade our pick and Dion if it meant we could get McLeMore. This kid is going to be an absolute stud in the game. He's a fucking terror in transition with his explosiveness, finishing ability, and incredible line drive speed. D-Wade 2.0

[Czvosec]

I'm a huge fan of McLemore, but he's not D-Wade 2.0. He doesn't have near the ball-handling ability, nor the passing or shiftiness of Wade.

[Frank Reynolds]

I'm a huge fan of McLemore, but he's not D-Wade 2.0. He doesn't have near the ball-handling ability, nor the passing or shiftiness of Wade.

That's interesting I'm watching again and you're right, I don't see a variety of ballhandling. His impressive line drive speed is something to consider, but I'm not sure how well it's going to transfer over to the NBA game. He'll definitely be a threat in transition, but in terms of breaking somebody down off the dribble I'm just not seeing it. Maybe a shorter version of Paul George? with a better jump shot?

McLemore is deadly off of catch and shoot situations and his defensive potential is extremely noteworthy. He's got good physical tools, the extremely quick feet, good hands, lateral quickness and ability to make hard close outs on shooters. Not as much of a play-maker as Dwyane Wade, but he can still make plays, don't kid yourself. He's not going to facilitate like a James Harden, he's more of a terror in the open court making plays with his athleticism and finishing ability.


I'm not really sure if he's a 2 or a 3 though. He doesn't have the ball skills of a pure 2, and his game is more like an athletic forward. He's got good size for the 2, but he's gonna be short at the 3.

Interesting prospect.

[Frank Reynolds]

That's interesting I'm watching again and you're right, I don't see a variety of ballhandling. His impressive line drive speed is something to consider, but I'm not sure how well it's going to transfer over to the NBA game. He'll definitely be a threat in transition, but in terms of breaking somebody down off the dribble I'm just not seeing it. Maybe a shorter version of Paul George? with a better jump shot?

McLemore is deadly off of catch and shoot situations and his defensive potential is extremely noteworthy. He's got good physical tools, the extremely quick feet, good hands, lateral quickness and ability to make hard close outs on shooters. Not as much of a play-maker as Dwyane Wade, but he can still make plays, don't kid yourself. He's not going to facilitate like a James Harden, he's more of a terror in the open court making plays with his athleticism and finishing ability.


I'm not really sure if he's a 2 or a 3 though. He doesn't have the ball skills of a pure 2, and his game is more like an athletic forward. He's got good size for the 2, but he's gonna be short at the 3.

Interesting prospect.

He's got that jumpshot like Beal which isn't really saying much other than they have good form. Who do you compare him most favorably to Cvo?

[Czvosec]

That's interesting I'm watching again and you're right, I don't see a variety of ballhandling. His impressive line drive speed is something to consider, but I'm not sure how well it's going to transfer over to the NBA game. He'll definitely be a threat in transition, but in terms of breaking somebody down off the dribble I'm just not seeing it. Maybe a shorter version of Paul George? with a better jump shot?

McLemore is deadly off of catch and shoot situations and his defensive potential is extremely noteworthy. He's got good physical tools, the extremely quick feet, good hands, lateral quickness and ability to make hard close outs on shooters. Not as much of a play-maker as Dwyane Wade, but he can still make plays, don't kid yourself. He's not going to facilitate like a James Harden, he's more of a terror in the open court making plays with his athleticism and finishing ability.


I'm not really sure if he's a 2 or a 3 though. He doesn't have the ball skills of a pure 2, and his game is more like an athletic forward. He's got good size for the 2, but he's gonna be short at the 3.

Interesting prospect.

You're preaching to the choir right now. I attend KU right now, so I've had the good fortune of watching every game of his. That paragraph is on the money.

[oasis05]

Cody zeller is getting pushed around. Reminds me of someone..

[narbar32]

He's got that jumpshot like Beal which isn't really saying much other than they have good form. Who do you compare him most favorably to Cvo?

I'd say he compares favorably to every other prospect in this upcoming draft, in my opinion.

My favorite comparison: a young and alive Bobby Phills, but better at every single thing that Bobby was just pretty good at. And Bobby Phills was one of my favorite Cavs of all time.

[Czvosec]

He's got that jumpshot like Beal which isn't really saying much other than they have good form. Who do you compare him most favorably to Cvo?

I like the Ray Allen comparisons in the sense that he's a great catch-and-shoot guy who's equally as good at coming off screens. He really does have great fundamentals on his jumper. And much like Allen, he's not really a guy that will break you down off the dribble... but that doesn't mean he can't score in iso sets. He's got a pretty good first step, and, as you mentioned, his straight line speed is very, very fast.

I really think he'll be a guy that fares even better in the pros because of the extra space. Kind of scary when you consider how well he's playing right now.

[Jack Brickman]

The weekly Chad Ford chat today. Some highlights:

Jeff (Boston, MA)
Ben McLemore has really been struggling lately. Is his stock holding up?

Chad Ford (1:29 PM)
Sort of. He's been struggling the past few games. Bill Self is pulling out his hair trying to get McLemore to be more assertive. Teams love his athletic ability and shooting stroke. They already know his weaknesses. He struggles to create for himself off the dribble and can be very passive when his shot doesn't fall early. He's a freshman and I think a lot of teams believe he'll work on those things. As a high school player, he played mostly the power forward position ... so he's still learning how to be a wing and create. Those things are fixable I believe. In a normal draft, he probably isn't a No. 1 pick, but this year, with so many top teams in need of a two guard who can shoot the basketball, he's got a good chance of going No. 1.

---

Chris (Boston)
Your thoughts on Cauley-Stein? He seems to have trouble with some of the simple parts of being a post player such as dribbling the basketball successfully and not traveling. Is he really going to be a top ten pick this year?

Chad Ford (1:16 PM)
Upside. He checks a lot of boxes. Long, athletic, good shot blocker, an emerging offensive game. He's a long ways away from being a productive NBA player, but if he comes out now, my guess talking to scouts is that he goes somewhere in the late lottery to mid first round. I hope he stays. He still needs to learn the game. But I'd understand if he wanted to take the money and run.

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Mike (Cleveland)
I have read where you say Muhammad's natural position is at SF. But I have read where lots of people (fans and scouts) who believe he can play SG in the NBA. Why do you believe he is better suited to be an undersized 3 rather than an oversized 2?

Chad Ford (1:13 PM)
I'm not sure he has the quickness, on either end, to be a two. He's strong and physical. He bullies his way around. I think he might get abused by the quicker, smaller twos in the NBA. The issue for scouts is that at 6-5, he's undersized as a three. That's why some are trying to project him as a two guard. But I just don't think he has that game offensively, and more importantly, I'm not sure he can guard twos on the defensive end. That's why he's been sliding a bit in our rankings. Teams love the motor and he's obviously a gifted scorer, but there are concerns.

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Will (DC)
I believe the most slept on and overated player in this years draft will be Otto Porter. Is there a realistic chance the Georgetown star could be a top 3 pick?

Chad Ford (1:11 PM)
I agree with the first part -- he's been so great all year and only recently is he getting the credit he deserves. To me he's got an upside of Danny Granger or higher. High basketball IQ. Unselfish. Does a little of everything. Cares more about winning than stats. And this year he's really taken the Hoyas on his back. His game against Syracuse last week was one of the most impressive performances in college basketball. I really think he has the chance to special. So I wouldn't hesitate to take him in the Top 3. He's No. 6 on our Big Board, but if it was just my own personal board, he'd be higher.

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Andrew (SF)
Oladipo- overhyped by now, or legit talent? Smaller but quicker MKG?

Chad Ford (1:06 PM)
Hard to tell. He's definitely got the hype going for him right now. But for the most part ... he delivers. I'm uncomfortable with the Dwyane Wade and young Michael Jordan comparisons. I just don't think he's as gifted of a scorer. I do like the MKG comp. Similar motors, defenders, winners. I do think Oladipo is a better shooter than MKG and that does make a difference. But imagine Kidd-Gilchrist stayed in school until his junior and worked on his jumper. They might be very close. I didn't have a problem with MKG going No. 2 last year and I wouldn't have a problem with someone taking Oladipo anywhere in the Top 10, including No. 1. Hard to see how guys with that athletic ability + motor fail in the NBA.

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Charles (NY)
Should Nerlens Noel declare for the draft, where might he get picked? Does the ACL injury knock him down far enough to remove him from a first round pick?

Chad Ford (1:35 PM)
He's a lock for the Top 5 as long as there aren't any complications with his surgery or rehab. Players completely recover from ACL tears these days. In fact, he might be ready to go by NBA training camp in October. I'm not sure if he will declare or return to school. Either option will be a good choice. I know GMs were a bit hesitant right after the injury to say he could be the No. 1 pick, but I've seen them back off that assertion lately. If the right team gets the No. 1 pick, he could still be the guy.

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Bill (MD)
Alex Len. Where does he go? What team would he fit well with?

Chad Ford (1:46 PM)
He's a hard one to project right now. He's had some breakout games against Kentucky and Duke, but mixed in with those games are quite a few duds. Most scouts are willing to give him a pass on his poor games because of the poor guard play at Maryland. They don't make it easy on the big fella. I know some teams consider him a candidate for the No. 1 pick. I think he'll likely go somewhere in the Top 7 or 8 picks.

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Brett (NO)
Do you think A. Bennett could be a SF at the next level?

Chad Ford (1:49 PM)
I think most scouts project him as a four who will have the ability to stretch the defense. He's a little undersized, but has a big wingspan and an explosive vertical jump to make up for it. He's one of my favorite players in this draft. I think he could have a big NBA career if he lands on team who uses him the right way.

[ajz20]

Porter is on espn 2 tonight, and has grown to be my second fav prospect besides Len. I acknowledge the Cavs would probably take Noel if they won the draft lottery, but that is becoming more and more unrealistic as the wins pile up I feel like Len's pedestrian numbers may allow him to slip to the 4-7 range while I am worried that porter is starting to solidify himself as a top 6 pick.

Really hope we can land Porter or Len. It would not shock me if Grant used the 2nd 1st rounder and both 2nd rounders and our top 8 selection to move from pick 8 to 5 to get someone he covets! I know that Len is high on the Cavs board, I am hoping the same holds true for Porter!