Draft Day, Cavaliers Options

Here is a list of the potential players that the Cavaliers are targeting according to various news sources. 

• Kosta Koufos C Ohio State
• Roy Hibbert C Georgetown
• Chris Douglas-Roberts SG Memphis
• JaVale McGee C Nevada
• Courney Lee SG Western Kentucky
• J.J. Hickson PF NC State
• Brandon Rush SG Kansas

 In the end, the Cavaliers need to trade up in order to get a productive player that can contribute right away.  If they are able to trade, I would look to grab the best big man who is available.  The Cavs should be looking to trade with Golden State at 14 or with Phoenix at 15 in order to get their guy who should be Kosta Koufos.  Unfortunately I don’t think that is the right pick but everyone around the league has been enamored with his wingspan and his agility.  Unfortunately, only 1 year in college doesn’t mean that you will be a good pro and all because he can test well doesn’t mean that he will do well.  He has to get stronger and be more of an inside presence and not a Shawn Marion type who will shoot the 3. 

The Cavaliers have been shopping Anderson Varejao during the offseason.  Unfortunately due to his contract, he has to agree to any trade that occurs prior to December 5^th.  After that time, the Cavaliers can trade him at will.  Damon Jones and Wally Szczerbiak have expiring contracts which a team may look to take on in order to have cap space for the 2008-2009 offseason. 

If they are unable to trade the pick, look for the Cavaliers to target Roy Hibbert and a dark horse in Donte Greene from Syracuse.  Donte Green needs to get tougher outside, but he is a stretch at the power forward position because of his 6’11” height.  He can shoot the 3 and he can pound it inside and because of this, I wouldn’t mind seeing this. 

Also, the Cavaliers love the depth of the draft and are looking to get into the second round this year since they currently do not have a draft pick.  Next year they have 2 second round picks and they will look to unloading one or both in order to get back in and to get another steal like they did with Daniel Gibson. 

Mike’s Draft Pick for Cavaliers

            1^st Round:         at         #19  Roy Hibbert
            2^nd Round:        (if the Cavs obtain a 2^nd rd pick)    

SG J.R. Giddens New Mexico or Malik Hairston PG/SG Oregon