Trade the Pick
The Cavs want to make the playoffs this year, so they'll be trying to swing a deal using this pick. Despite the fact that Cleveland has two guards who don't play any defense, no small forward and a second best player that gets injured every season, they believe that a little bit veteran help can get them over the hump, and are willing to mortgage future success for some instant gratification. Any deal Cleveland makes will be sure not to interfere with their ability to sign LeBron James. Potential trade targets include Luol Deng, DeMarcus Cousins, Danny Granger, or even Zach Randolph. The Cavs have a ton of other draft pick, both this year and in subsequent drafts so they've got a lot of ammunition to make a move and still be able to find some role players later in the draft.
Use the Pick On...
Nerlens Noel, C Kentucky Fr. (7-0, 206)
The appeal of Noel to the Cavs is obvious, he's the kind of athletic, defensive presence that would fit perfectly on this team, especially because Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters get beaten off the dribble a lot, they'll need a shot blocker behind them. Noel won't be ready to play until at least January due to a knee injury, so he won't help the Cavs make the playoffs, but long term his upside is a Joakim Noah-type player, with the worst case scenario being more of Marcus Camby type defensive specialist.
Alex Len, C Maryland So. (7-1, 255)
The newest rumor is that Cleveland is hot on Alex Len because he, though still injured, will be ready to contribute at the start of the season and offers more offensively than Noel, while not being a minus defensively. If not for his foot injury, I would be on board with Len at first overall, but 7-1 guys with foot injuries have a sorted history in the NBA. If he can recover fully, Len projects as a two-way center, much like former Cav center (and current member of their front office) Zydrunas Ilgausas.
Ben McLemore, SG Kansas Fr. (6-5, 189)
Though the Cavs drafted Dion Waiters with the fourth overall pick last season, I still think they could go after McLemore or Victor Oladipo for a couple of reasons. First is defense, Waiters is not a good defensive player at this point, and both McLemore and Oladipo would be a big upgrade at this point. Also, fit: Waiters isn't a great shooter and is best with the ball in his hands. McLemore's shooting and transition ability would be a great fit with Irving while Waiters could be a Sixth Man ala J.R. Smith.
Victor Oladipo, SG Indiana Jr. (6-4, 213)
While Oladipo isn't as good a fit offensively next to Irving (unless his shooting continues to improve),he is the best perimeter defender in this draft and an extremely hardworking player who will do all the little things to help a team win. Oladipo is the kind of player every good team has and one that other players want to play with.
Otto Porter, SF Georgetown So. (6-9, 198)
Speaking of players who do all the little things, Porter also falls firmly into that camp as well as filling a huge need at small forward, where Alonzo Gee started all 82 games and posted a robust 10.56 PER (15 is league average). Porter would obviously be a huge upgrade and would bring shooting, passing, defense, and toughness to the team. His upside is a little limited for a top pick, but the safety in a draft like this is appealing.
Anthony Bennett, PF UNLV Fr. (6-8, 240)
If the Cavs had the same hole at power forward that they do at small forward, then Anthony Bennett might be the favorite for the top pick. However, Tristan Thompson is coming off his best season and only 22. However, Bennett is long, explosivelly athletic, physically developed, and skilled, the whole package except for height at 6-8 and a shoulder injury that has kept him out of workouts. He would be a worthy number 1 pick, but not a need filler.
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