Even in Miami, LeBron James still haunts Cleveland.
Despite coming up short in the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, James still dictates how and who Cleveland drafts.
While the Cleveland Cavaliers were the worst team in the NBA with a mark of 19-63, they go into this coming draft with major issues at the point guard and small forward spots.
Cleveland has Baron Davis, Ramon Sessions, and Daniel Gibson currently as their point guards, and Anderson Varejao, Antwan Jamison, J.J Hickson, and Samardo Samuels as their current small forwards.
Look for Cleveland to move and unload assets either during the draft or during the free-agency period.
For Cleveland, their biggest need may not be at point guard, as Davis is capable of creating his own shot, but the 6'3", 215-lb veteran also has a salary of $14,000,000. If owner Dan Gilbert is savvy and wise, he would try to move Davis and gain an extra second-round pick for him either in 2011 or 2012.
The other movable asset for Cleveland is small forward with Antawn Jamison and his $13.3 million dollar salary. Jamison's veteran leadership could help a NBA title contender, but it will not help the re-building Cavaliers anytime soon.
The key for Cleveland is to draft for the future and build a solid foundation that emphasizes teamwork and solid play, and not rely on or cater to one superstar, as in the case of LeBron James.
With ESPN reporting that the Cavs have settled on Duke point guard Kyrie Irving, do not be too surprised to see the Cavaliers go in another direction and go with Arizona small forward Derrick Williams and Kentucky point guard Brandon Knight.
The prospective Williams/Knight duo not only addresses both of Cleveland's needs at the small forward and point guard spots, but also look to be impact players who can help jumpstart Cleveland's next generation of hoops.
Leave a Comment