Game 29 : Cleveland Cavaliers (10-18) @ Golden State Warriors (14-13) - 10:00PM

[JonFromVA]

yeah by about 40 days lol what difference does that make here

lol, I stand corrected ... but that doesn't change the fact that if he'd played 4 years at Alabama like McCollum did at Lehigh or Lillard did at Weber St that this would be his rookie season.

And speaking of drafting upperclassmen (which not only worked for Portland, but even more impressively for Golden State) ... this would actually be a good point in our rebuild to look for some older players in the draft.

I know there's a bunch of hyped up one and dones, but are there any interesting Juniors or Seniors in this years draft?

If there's a player the Cavs identify as a franchise talent, they should make the selection regardless of his age. They should make the selection even if they have to trade up to get him. Toppin was the four year senior last year and he's really underwhelmed.

Clearly there's an art to it, and risks either way you go, but cutting down on the development curve and getting a player that's ready to contribute to winning sooner than later would be beneficial with our group.

It's just when you look at teams who've become contenders building through the draft, Portland and Golden State stand out for their method especially given they didn't need top-5 picks. Going after one and dones by comparison is higher risk, takes longer, and risks churning of talent.

[jbk1234]

lol, I stand corrected ... but that doesn't change the fact that if he'd played 4 years at Alabama like McCollum did at Lehigh or Lillard did at Weber St that this would be his rookie season.

And speaking of drafting upperclassmen (which not only worked for Portland, but even more impressively for Golden State) ... this would actually be a good point in our rebuild to look for some older players in the draft.

I know there's a bunch of hyped up one and dones, but are there any interesting Juniors or Seniors in this years draft?

If there's a player the Cavs identify as a franchise talent, they should make the selection regardless of his age. They should make the selection even if they have to trade up to get him. Toppin was the four year senior last year and he's really underwhelmed.

Clearly there's an art to it, and risks either way you go, but cutting down on the development curve and getting a player that's ready to contribute to winning sooner than later would be beneficial with our group.

Toppin was that guy from the last draft and it's looking like most of his on-the-court success his senior year was derived from being bigger than the 19-20 year olds.

If I use my most optimistic projections of every one of the Cavs young players and go two years out, I'm not sure there's an all star on the roster (Allen is closest). If Okoro develops a reliable three point shot, and if he's moved to 2 guard where he's not giving up so much size, you can squint and see it. Does Garland develop into a top 2 pg in the East, possibly, but it could involve putting more weight on this present frame than I'd recommend. I'll believe that Sexton is capable of doing more than taking more shots slightly more efficiently when I see it.

The Cavs need *that* guy and all of a sudden there's less pressure on everyone else.

[JonFromVA]

If there's a player the Cavs identify as a franchise talent, they should make the selection regardless of his age. They should make the selection even if they have to trade up to get him. Toppin was the four year senior last year and he's really underwhelmed.

Clearly there's an art to it, and risks either way you go, but cutting down on the development curve and getting a player that's ready to contribute to winning sooner than later would be beneficial with our group.

Toppin was that guy from the last draft and it's looking like most of his on-the-court success his senior year was derived from being bigger than the 19-20 year olds.

If I use my most optimistic projections of every one of the Cavs young players and go two years out, I'm not sure there's an all star on the roster (Allen is closest). If Okoro develops a reliable three point shot, and if he's moved to 2 guard where he's not giving up so much size, you can squint and see it. Does Garland develop into a top 2 pg in the East, possibly, but it could involve putting more weight on this present frame than I'd recommend. I'll believe that Sexton is capable of doing more than taking more shots slightly more efficiently when I see it.

The Cavs need *that* guy and all of a sudden there's less pressure on everyone else.

Well, maybe that guy is a junior or senior in College right now and would be able to help us sooner rather than later. Just a thought, obviously there's no secret code for drafting well. It still comes down to talent evaluation and luck.

[Stillwater]

If there's a player the Cavs identify as a franchise talent, they should make the selection regardless of his age. They should make the selection even if they have to trade up to get him. Toppin was the four year senior last year and he's really underwhelmed.

Clearly there's an art to it, and risks either way you go, but cutting down on the development curve and getting a player that's ready to contribute to winning sooner than later would be beneficial with our group.

Toppin was that guy from the last draft and it's looking like most of his on-the-court success his senior year was derived from being bigger than the 19-20 year olds.

If I use my most optimistic projections of every one of the Cavs young players and go two years out, I'm not sure there's an all star on the roster (Allen is closest). If Okoro develops a reliable three point shot, and if he's moved to 2 guard where he's not giving up so much size, you can squint and see it. Does Garland develop into a top 2 pg in the East, possibly, but it could involve putting more weight on this present frame than I'd recommend. I'll believe that Sexton is capable of doing more than taking more shots slightly more efficiently when I see it.

The Cavs need *that* guy and all of a sudden there's less pressure on everyone else.

Its way too early to know what they will do or want to do in the 21 draft, but they probably will pass on a center even though Mobley is possibly a top 3 lock.
There are a couple prospects that seem to not be talked about enough as late lottery pick options if thats where the Cavs are. Romeo Weems is one of them. Huge upside.
The other one for me is Jalen Johnson who should fall some after opting out.
If they are in the high lottery though Kuminga Suggs and Green seem most likely right now maybe Ziaire Williams