Comments on: Are Cavaliers taking a risk with taking a Duke player No. 1?

By: flapjack3285

flapjack3285 — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:42:32 +0000

Out of that list two players had their careers ruined by injuries outside of basketball, and their are two actual busts. Everyone else was either an all-star or at least a decent player for years. Plus, if add Dunleavy and Maggette to the list, the number of draft busts is even lower. Have any of these players become superstars? No, but it more times than not you’re getting at least a decent player.

By: Kurt Helin

Kurt Helin — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:42:03 +0000

I couldn’t get to them all, there were a lot left on the list. But i needed to write about trades that were never going to happen.

By: themanchine

themanchine — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:17:37 +0000

I think Varejao & a 2nd for Bargnagni would be gold for both teams. V would be a defensive 5 next to Davis & Johnson in Toronto. Bargnagni would be a nice scoring 4 in Clev where they have some bodies at the 5 from missing V last year…

By: zacmonte

zacmonte — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:47:41 +0000

Maybe add Minny’s other 1st to the deal?

By: sguy2130

sguy2130 — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:34:02 +0000

That’s a good deal for Minnesota, and a terrible deal for the Cavs. Verajao is worth more than moving up 2 spots in a weak draft and picking up a throw away big man. I agree that the Cavs should move him if the price is right, but that would be a fleecing. No thanks.

By: sknut

sknut — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:05:34 +0000

As a T-Wolves fan that is a decent trade, although both Verajao and Kanter are a little redundant in my opinion and I don’t think the Wolves would take a PG there.

By: nvr4gt12

nvr4gt12 — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:54:02 +0000

Look how many duke players have a NBA title…….I’ll wait for you too look it up……I’ll give you a hint…..less then 3

By: fishmatt

fishmatt — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:55:49 +0000

Question: why do I never hear anything about the possibility of the Cavs trading up from 4 to number 2?
Ok let me start by saying that I am neither a Cavs or T’wolves fan (I am a Sixers fan). So I have no dog in this fight. Nor do I have any motive in suggesting this trade other than I think it would be a damn good idea for both teams.

Here is how it could work:

The Cavs send the number 4 pick and Anderson Verajao to the Wolves for the number 2 pick and a player (really any big guy, it could be Darko, Pekovic, or Tolliver). This deal works on ESPN trade machine.
For the Wolves this works b/c they have been asking for a veteran for the number two pick and Verajao would be a perfect compliment (defense and rebounding) playing next to Love. If the deal went down this would likely be the Wolves staring five and second five:

C- Anderson Verajao C- Darko, Pekovic or Tolliver (whoever doesn’t get traded)
PF- Kevin Love PF- Anthony Randolph
SF- Michael Beasley SF- Martell Webster
SG- Wesley Johnson SG- Wayne Ellington
PG- Ricky Rubio PG- Luke Ridnour

Plus they would have the 4th pick to take someone like Enes Kanter or whichever PG the Jazz don’t take (Knight or Walker) in case Rubio doesn’t work out. I am not saying that roster wins a championship but it should resemble a real NBA roster. And make them at the very least respectable.

For the Cavs this works because they are in complete rebuilding mode. By the time they are good again Verajao is likely to be past his prime and this deal gives the Cavs two very good building blocks. With Kyrie Irving at the point, Williams at the SF (where I think he’ll end up in the NBA) and Hickson at PF they have something to work with. Furthermore after two years Antwan Jamison is gone and a year later Baron Davis is gone. So they would have the money to sign a big time free agent just as these guys are hitting their stride as NBA players.

I think it’s a dream scenario for both teams if you ask me, but it won’t happen b/c teams in the NBA don’t make trades like this. It’s always to shed a salary or get rid of a player who is a problem. It’s a shame, maybe that’s something they can work on in the next CBA.

By: bigtrav425

bigtrav425 — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 10:16:31 +0000

Anytime anyone drafts a Duke player they should be concerned.There is not a good track record at all there.But as a Cavs fan ya kinda got to take Irving this yr.a severe lack of Impact players in this draft.Irving is about as close as your going to get unless Thompson or Leonard step up

By: joj0420

joj0420 — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:14:47 +0000

I’m just not sure how someone who didn’t even prove himself imo gets to go number 1. He will be a bust and the cavs will be terrible for many years to come.

By: 00maltliquor

00maltliquor — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 07:41:33 +0000

I like Kyrie Irving a lot, but i’m definatly not as high on him as the rest of the world seems to be. That being said, don’t compare him to former Dukies and their misfortunes. He’s a different guy, and not really a prototypical Duke player. ( Hell, he left after the 1st year!)

By: gastonly

gastonly — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 06:14:04 +0000

Kurt, you totally forgot about Corey Maggette and William Avery! O.o