NBA Draft Preview 2011: Cleveland Cavaliers Targeting Lucas Nogueira?
A tall, Brazilian-born skilled rebounder and defender with a unique hairstyle.
Anderson Varejao? Well, yes.
Also, the next Cavalier big man? Possibly.
Lucas Nogueira is an 18-year-old center from Brazil who is likely a late first-early second round pick in this June's NBA draft that the Cavaliers could target with their 32nd overall pick.
The similarities to Varejao are strikingly obvious.
Nogueria is very raw, but has already shown signs of being a great rebounder and shot blocker. Like Varejao who came into the league at around 230 pounds, Nogueria's 220 pound frame will have to add a lot of muscle. His weight and wingspan are already greater than that of Andy's though, measuring in at 7' tall with a 7'6" wingspan.
Nogueria began to make a name for himself at last years U-18 FIBA Americas tournament in San Antonio, where he led the tournament in rebounds, blocks, and field goal percentage. Last winter while playing for Asefa Estudiantes in the Spanish EBA, Nogueira averaged a double-double at 11.8 points and 10.5 rebounds in just 25 minutes per-game.
Why would someone with this much potential possibly fall to the second round?
Well, for starters, Lucas is viewed as a prospect who may even need a season overseas to develop. His frame is too skinny to be a force against some of the bigger centers in the game right now and some have even labeled him as a bit of a diva that can be lazy at times—not a good sign from an 18-year-old.
However, the Cavaliers remain an intriguing fit.
Along with having native countryman Varejao around in a mentor role, Coach Byron Scott remains one of the best in the game at developing young talent.
The Cavs aren't exactly in a "win now" mode anyways, so they could afford to be patient with a project like Nogueria.
With center being such a critical position of need and Lucas's potential and athleticism so great, the risk/reward may be too much to pass up.
Nogueria could turn out to be a hidden gem or a Hasheem Thabeet-like bust.
However, if he's ends of being the next Anderson Varejao, or even better, the wait would definitely be worth it.
