NBA Draft 2011: Is Kyrie Irving or Derrick Williams Better for the Cavaliers?
Thought to be the two most electrifying players in college basketball not named Kemba or Jimmer, Arizona's Derrick Williams and Duke's Kyrie Irving are almost a lock to be the first two names called in the 2011 NBA Draft.
This will of course depend on the draft lottery and which teams end up where in the draft order, but for the sake of argument let's say that the 17-win Cleveland Cavaliers came away with the first selection.
Who would they take?
Williams led Arizona to a spot in the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament, including a win over Irving's Blue Devils.
Irving played in only 11 games due to a toe injury, but the freshman resembled a fourth-year senior with his poise and body control.
Which would be a better prospect for the Cavaliers to build a franchise around?
Let's take a look.
The Criteria
1 of 8
We know both are great players, but just simply being a "great" player isn't going to cut it for the Cavs. They need a player to build an entire team around. Cleveland needs a player to represent them with toughness on the court and professionalism off of it. They need a leader to rally behind, someone not afraid to go toe-to-toe with the NBA's best every night.
This isn't going to be easy.
For this article we'll compare the qualities Cleveland should be looking for in its next potential star. Criteria includes:
Athleticism
Marketability
Leadership
Team Needs
Future Success
Conclusion
Athleticism
2 of 8Just look at that crossover.
It doesn't appear as if there is anything on the basketball court that Kyrie Irving is incapable of. In his 11 games at Duke, Irving put up averages of 17.3 points and 4.3 assists per game.
Despite being listed at only 6'2", Irving is an extremely athletic guard who can get up and dunk or step back and hit the three.
Baron Davis is a fullback of a point guard and Ramon Sessions has no outside shot, so an upgrade in versatility and athleticism could definitely be used on the Cavs.
Irving's athleticism is extremely high, but is it higher than that of Williams?
Athleticism
3 of 8Williams is 6'8", can play either forward position and is an absolute freak of an athlete as evidenced by his play the last few years.
The Cavaliers desperately lack athleticism at just about every position, especially small forward.
As a sophomore Williams put up 19.5 points and 8.3 rebounds a game. He shot a remarkable .568 percent from three-point land and .595 overall for the year.
Not only is Williams an extremely accurate outside shooter, but his dunks are just plain filthy. Overall, Derrick's athleticism is off the chart, and as good as Kyrie is, Williams pulls ahead in this matchup.
Advantage: Williams
Marketability
4 of 8
The Cavaliers are currently third in attendance this season at 20,100 fans a game. This number is almost certain to drop for a couple years during the rebuilding process, so the Cavs will need this pick to be a marketable star, someone who fans will come pay to see even if the team's record isn't exactly sparkling.
Both players present a great marketing opportunity. Irving is somewhat soft-spoken, letting his game do the talking. Williams shows more emotion on the court, and provides multiple highlight plays a night.
Unlike other stars in the league, both seem to lack the "super ego" which could kill team chemistry and alienate some fans.
Williams and Irving, if both playing to their potentials, would be great players to market around. Irving with his do-everything game and Williams with his thunderous dunks should both draw crowds no matter who they they end up playing for. This one is too close to call.
Advantage: Draw
Leadership
5 of 8
Irving never had a real chance to settle into a leadership role with the Blue Devils due to his injury and senior Nolan Smiths' tremendous play.
Williams, as a sophomore, was the undisputed team leader taking the Wildcats to the Elite Eight with a win over Irving's Duke squad. His passion and energy for the game, along with his ability to take over late in games, proved he can be a leader at the next level.
However, it is much easier for a point guard to lead a team than a forward, and Irving has shown he has the skills to do just that. While a player like Williams is more likely to grow into a leadership role, a player like Irving could take over that position before training camp breaks.
Both have the potential to be team leaders, but Irving's position, demeanor and overall skills scream leadership at the NBA level.
Advantage: Irving
Team Needs
6 of 8
The Cavaliers could really use an upgrade at every position, with the biggest holes coming at center, small forward and shooting guard.
Williams played both forward positions in college, but would best translate to a small forward in the NBA with his size and outside shooting ability. He would be a great fit for the Cavs and could start from day one.
Irving is a true point guard, but do the Cavs really need one? Baron Davis is under contract for the next two years and Ramon Sessions has put up great numbers in a starting role this season. Would the Cavs really draft another point guard with other more glaring needs on the roster?
Advantage: Williams
Future Success
7 of 8
When you have the worst record in the league, you can't just draft patchwork players to upgrade weak positions, you need a team overhaul with the best available talent.
The Cavaliers need to hit on a player who can grow into a perennial All-Star and strike some fear into opponents every time they see the Cavaliers coming up on the schedule.
Williams could come in and start from day one at small forward for the Cavs. With Irving, some transactions would need to take place. Cleveland would most likely attempt to trade Baron Davis or Ramon Sessions for some help at forward or center now with Kyrie Irving running the point. It wouldn't make much sense to keep four point guards (Irivng, Davis, Sessions, Boobie Gibson) and only one center (Ryan Hollins).
While Williams would be the better fit right now, the current plethora of guards shouldn't stop the Cavs from drafting Irving, just like it didn't stop the Bulls from drafting Derrick Rose.
In the long run, for future success, Irving has to be the pick.
Advantage: Irving
Conclusion
8 of 8
Even though the final score reads 2-2-1, I believe there is a clear winner in the battle of lottery picks for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Both Williams and Irving should go on to enjoy successful NBA careers. However, if Irving had decided to stay another year at Duke, stayed healthy and proved what he could do over the course of a season, I don't think this pick would even be a debate.
Kyrie Irving has everything you need in a leader and superstar in the NBA. I love the way he plays the game the right way and represents the teams he plays for.
Cavaliers fans will fall in love with Irving, should they make the correct pick and call his name in June.
Conclusion: Kyrie Irving
