Waiters?

[thetrapman]

pic too small, they're the 2 guys on far left?

[thetrapman]

And another thing I'm upset about is we got ourselves a Harden, and not a Durant. (a 3rd option player, not a 2nd option player) Who is gonna fight fire with fire against LeBron and Durant? Who is going to take their throne? We needed someone who had the potential to be unstoppable on offense. I don't see that happening with a 6'4"ish guard having 6'5 and up guards locking him down with their length.

Who do you think fit that bill that the Cavs should have taken?

I believe he wanted Barnes.

[DCsOwn]

He is the same height as Bradley Beal look at the draft photo:

He's actually not. If you go by the wooden border in the backdrop Beal's head rises above it more so than Waiters', and that's with Beal actually turned sideways slightly, something that throws perspective in photos. In any case, we have the official measurements so I'm not sure why it would matter what they looked like in an arbitrary photo.

In any event, I came to tell you guys that you got a player. I'm a Gtown graduate and avid fan, so I've watched quite a bit of Waiters over the last little while (both in games against the Hoyas and other Big East competition while keeping tabs on the direct opposition), and let me tell you, he's a dog. Very gritty, fearless player, good handle, big body, decent shooter, and terrific competitor. You'll like him quite a bit, and I would've taken him EASILY over Barnes. EASILY.

[Synciere]

Wow. I came here expecting to see more people in favor of the Cavs' draft. Surprised so many are disappointed. I'm a Syracuse fan so I watched Waiters a bunch and he definitely has a higher upside than most of the guards in this draft. He has the shooting, the handle, and most importantly in this league, he can run the pick and roll for himself and create for others. He's the most complete guard in this draft, Beal included. Beal has the size and shooting range, but he is not nearly as creative with the dribble as Waiters is at this point.

Zeller was another sleeper for me, and should have gone higher IMO. He is a skilled big man. He can finish with either hand, has legitimate post moves, and the with some weightlifting will be able to handle the 90% of the centers in this league. You guys drafted the best player available AND for need. It's difficult to do that in any draft.

As for the use of your many picks, it was stated numerous times leading up to the draft by analysts. No coach wants four rookies.

Some here have pointed out the Marvin Williams debacle, however if anyone remembers that draft, Marvin Williams was clearly a top 3 pick heading into the draft. There are some draft mistakes that you cannot fault a GM or team for making. Oden would be another prime example. There are others which fall into the category many have described here. Milicic being an example of that type. IMO, Waiters is not in the Milicic class at all.

I didn't like the way Cleveland handled the #4 pick last year. Thompson ended up being very solid and I think he can still be very good, but I thought he was taken a little high. However, if you look at the picks after him, the only player you can say was better by a wide margin was Monroe. Jonas may end up there, but he hasn't played yet, so that's still up in the air. Meanwhile, Thompson can still prove to be a better player than both. You'll just have to wait and see.

The Cavaliers did well guys. Cheer the hell up!

[zol2332]

Wow. I came here expecting to see more people in favor of the Cavs' draft. Surprised so many are disappointed. I'm a Syracuse fan so I watched Waiters a bunch and he definitely has a higher upside than most of the guards in this draft. He has the shooting, the handle, and most importantly in this league, he can run the pick and roll for himself and create for others. He's the most complete guard in this draft, Beal included. Beal has the size and shooting range, but he is not nearly as creative with the dribble as Waiters is at this point.

Zeller was another sleeper for me, and should have gone higher IMO. He is a skilled big man. He can finish with either hand, has legitimate post moves, and the with some weightlifting will be able to handle the 90% of the centers in this league. You guys drafted the best player available AND for need. It's difficult to do that in any draft.

As for the use of your many picks, it was stated numerous times leading up to the draft by analysts. No coach wants four rookies.

Some here have pointed out the Marvin Williams debacle, however if anyone remembers that draft, Marvin Williams was clearly a top 3 pick heading into the draft. There are some draft mistakes that you cannot fault a GM or team for making. Oden would be another prime example. There are others which fall into the category many have described here. Milicic being an example of that type. IMO, Waiters is not in the Milicic class at all.

I didn't like the way Cleveland handled the #4 pick last year. Thompson ended up being very solid and I think he can still be very good, but I thought he was taken a little high. However, if you look at the picks after him, the only player you can say was better by a wide margin was Monroe. Jonas may end up there, but he hasn't played yet, so that's still up in the air. Meanwhile, Thompson can still prove to be a better player than both. You'll just have to wait and see.

The Cavaliers did well guys. Cheer the hell up!

Im pumped! A lot of us Cavs fans do our own brand of scouting. I love Waiters and have followed him closely. However, I was still very startled on draft night. I felt it was a slight reach at the time. Many of us got really angry--me not among them. He's a hell of a player, and we know that. Love his brash attitude. It was a case of mock draft syndrome--no one saw him being an option, thus labelling him as a reach. Zeller, that's a steal at 17.

[Metalman213]

I didn't like the way Cleveland handled the #4 pick last year. Thompson ended up being very solid and I think he can still be very good, but I thought he was taken a little high. However, if you look at the picks after him, the only player you can say was better by a wide margin was Monroe. Jonas may end up there, but he hasn't played yet, so that's still up in the air. Meanwhile, Thompson can still prove to be a better player than both. You'll just have to wait and see.

The Cavaliers did well guys. Cheer the hell up!

Thanks for the analysis, but monroe?

[kd35sneighbor]

Dion reminds me of Terrence Williams.

[Metalman213]

Dion reminds me of Terrence Williams.

Seriously?

Or are you just saying that for shock effect? If you were trying to disparage Chris Grant, which I think was the intended effect, because he picked the only other player to not start in the lottery.... Well you should at least have used the right player, marvin williams.

If you are being serious, you might be insane. You are comparing a 6'6" SF to a 6'4" SG. Honestly, Harrison Barnes is the closest thing to Terrence Williams in this draft in terms of style. Waiters is nowhere near Williams

[Kaner]

Dion reminds me of Terrence Williams.

Seriously?

Or are you just saying that for shock effect? If you were trying to disparage Chris Grant, which I think was the intended effect, because he picked the only other player to not start in the lottery.... Well you should at least have used the right player, marvin williams.

If you are being serious, you might be insane. You are comparing a 6'6" SF to a 6'4" SG. Honestly, Harrison Barnes is the closest thing to Terrence Williams in this draft in terms of style. Waiters is nowhere near Williams

This kid has been trolling our threads for weeks, it's definitely not an analysis that was made using any type of logic or thought process. Waiters and Terrance Williams?? oh man.

[kd35sneighbor]

Man, seriously, do you guys have to read everything I say negatively? Terrence Williams is a legit comparison, have you guys even seen him play? I'm talking about the one who was on the Nets, then the Rockets, then the Kings.

How the F is Barnes closer to T-Will? Again, I think you are confused.

T-Will is a high usage player, like Dion, and has skills similar to Dion. Stop getting your panties in a bunch and saying I'm a troll or whatever as an excuse. So sensitive.

[Metalman213]

Man, seriously, do you guys have to read everything I say negatively? Terrence Williams is a legit comparison, have you guys even seen him play? I'm talking about the one who was on the Nets, then the Rockets, then the Kings.

How the F is Barnes closer to T-Will? Again, I think you are confused.

T-Will is a high usage player, like Dion, and has skills similar to Dion. Stop getting your panties in a bunch and saying I'm a troll or whatever as an excuse. So sensitive.

Whoops thats my bad. Meant to compare Barnes to Marvin Williams, with maybe better defense.

As for Terrence Williams being compared to Waiters, you are completely wrong.

Weaknesses: Although he has improved his 3-point shooting over his collegiate career from 31% to 38% his senior year, he will really need to continue his development at the NBA level. His offensive game remains his biggest weakness as he struggles to put points on the board consistently ... If his shot isn't dropping and an athletic defender is keeping him from getting to the rim, his offensive game goes into the tank ... Also needs to improve his ability to drive in the lane with his off-hand as well as continuing to develop his ball-handling ... These will be particularly important if he wants to play the 2 at the next level ... Sometimes likes to go for the "highlight" reel play instead of just making the easy play, and seems too relaxed when he's out on the court ... Can fade in and out of games. Needs to develop a killer instinct at all times ...

Those are the weaknesses for Williams.

Strengths: Waiters' style of play reflects your prototypical combo-guard ... At 6'4 with a strong physical foundation, Waiters can play both on and off the ball throughout stretches of a game ... He's a scorer at heart, but his ability to create off the dribble results in open looks for teammates, which Waiters is capable of finding as a passer ... Always looking to get out in transition, he can change directions off the bounce, effectively absorb and deflect contact and finish at the rim ... Uses screens well off the dribble, recognizes when to hesitate and accelerate over the top ... He's an above average shooter with NBA range ... Comfortable shooting off the dribble inside the arch and via catch and release outside the arch ... Athleticism allows him to penetrate the heart of the defense, where he's illustrated a soft touch on his floater ... Defensively he has active hands and quick feet, and is a constant threat to steal the ball when defending a loose/careless handle ... Often comes out of nowhere for pokes and swipes as an off-ball defender ...

As for him being a high usage player, thats just ... irrelevant. Kobe Bryant is a high usage player. Does Waiters = Kobe? Besides Waiters has a lower usage rating than Barnes.

Really wish people would WATCH waiters play, or at least look at his stats before looking at mock drafts and going "omg hes slotted to 7, but we took him at 4!!"

[Laowai]

Raptor fan coming in peace I tink you got decent player and believe it or not I think it was a crap draft. Similar reaction getting Ross on the Raptors board.
Think 4 players from last years draft will be head and sholders over this year with the exception of A Davis and I'm not sure Kyle and JV won't be better. Think TT and Leonard are also better than anything in this draft other than AD.

[tidho]

...Really wish people would WATCH waiters play, or at least look at his stats before looking at mock drafts and going "omg hes slotted to 7, but we took him at 4!!"

Important thing with that argument is how much space there is between 4th and 7th...how much of a talent drop off. If Anthony Davis was passed over for even the 2nd best player in this draft, it wouldn't be no big deal.
I viewed this draft as Davis, four guys, then a bunch of others. We passed on two of those four guys which is what made this a reach.

Waiters is a good player, and I don't think there is any doubt he'll improve this team. Its just a question of whether the value of the pick was maximized. I don't like the pick because I believe there was a better option - not because I doubt his ability.

[Metalman213]

...Really wish people would WATCH waiters play, or at least look at his stats before looking at mock drafts and going "omg hes slotted to 7, but we took him at 4!!"

Important thing with that argument is how much space there is between 4th and 7th...how much of a talent drop off. If Anthony Davis was passed over for even the 2nd best player in this draft, it wouldn't be no big deal.
I viewed this draft as Davis, four guys, then a bunch of others. We passed on two of those four guys which is what made this a reach.

Waiters is a good player, and I don't think there is any doubt he'll improve this team. Its just a question of whether the value of the pick was maximized. I don't like the pick because I believe there was a better option - not because I doubt his ability.

Thats the way you viewed the draft, and thats fine. But the cavs obviously thought differently. The value that everyone here perceives is just created by mock drafts and the media. The cavs thought they were getting good value because they had him 3rd or 4rth on their board.

Robinson would have taken TT's minutes and hindered his development. Barnes would have been a disaster. Instead we got an explosive guard who is probably most likely to be the best scorer from this draft. Beyond scoring, he generates tons of steals and is good at getting his teammates involved. Barnes cannot get to the hoop at all, well this guy can get to the basket against almost anyone. I think when we look back on this draft in several years we will be happy we didnt take barnes.

[atlbraves]

And another thing I'm upset about is we got ourselves a Harden, and not a Durant.

The Cavs will take care of this in free agency, 2014

[thetrapman]

And another thing I'm upset about is we got ourselves a Harden, and not a Durant.

The Cavs will take care of this in free agency, 2014

ugh.

[Little Digger]

I had Waiters 4th on my draft BIG BOARD...Jerry Logo West had Waiters 2nd behind Davis.. You guys may have just landed a gem..As a warriors fan, I'm not exactly happy for Cleveland.

[nle2367]

...Really wish people would WATCH waiters play, or at least look at his stats before looking at mock drafts and going "omg hes slotted to 7, but we took him at 4!!"

Important thing with that argument is how much space there is between 4th and 7th...how much of a talent drop off. If Anthony Davis was passed over for even the 2nd best player in this draft, it wouldn't be no big deal.
I viewed this draft as Davis, four guys, then a bunch of others. We passed on two of those four guys which is what made this a reach.

Waiters is a good player, and I don't think there is any doubt he'll improve this team. Its just a question of whether the value of the pick was maximized. I don't like the pick because I believe there was a better option - not because I doubt his ability.

Thats the way you viewed the draft, and thats fine. But the cavs obviously thought differently. The value that everyone here perceives is just created by mock drafts and the media. The cavs thought they were getting good value because they had him 3rd or 4rth on their board.

Robinson would have taken TT's minutes and hindered his development. Barnes would have been a disaster. Instead we got an explosive guard who is probably most likely to be the best scorer from this draft. Beyond scoring, he generates tons of steals and is good at getting his teammates involved. Barnes cannot get to the hoop at all, well this guy can get to the basket against almost anyone. I think when we look back on this draft in several years we will be happy we didnt take barnes.

Dion's work ethic is poor. He will have raymond felton's body in 2 years.

[SaiCLE]

Poor work ethic??? Lol sure

[jjtreyball]

He looks fat but he's 3 percent body fat...that's hard to be that big with it all being muscle. I'd say that's a pretty good work ethic. Plus he's gonna work out with kyrie as well