NBA Draft 2011: Kyrie Irving-Enes Kanter or Derrick Williams-Brandon Knight?
While everyone has their opinion on who the Cleveland Cavaliers should take with their first overall pick in the draft, many aren't looking at the 2011 draft for the Cavs as a whole.
While it's likely Kyrie Irving or Derrick Williams will hear their name called first on draft night, the fourth pick is very much a mystery.
Would the T'Wolves pass on Williams for Enes Kanter? Would the Jazz draft Kanter even with a plethora of low-post talent or with Irving off the board would they go for the next best point guard in Kemba Walker or Brandon Knight?
For the sake of argument, let's assume both Enes Kanter and Brandon Knight are available with the fourth overall pick. Which pairing would be best for the Cavs going forward?
Let's take a look.
Where's the Biggest Weakness?
1 of 11
Let's get a few things straight.
The Cavaliers won 19 games last season. They ranked 20th or worse in a league of 30 teams in points, rebounds, assists and points against per game.
Simply put, EVERY position on the Cavs should be open to an upgrade.
The Nick Gilbert Rating System
2 of 11
Eat your heart out John Hollinger. I hereby announce the "Nick Gilbert Rating System" as we take look at all four players likely to be taken by the Cavs.
As we go through player by player, I'm going to not only point how each can benefit the Cavs but also what's not to like from each as well.
I expect a phone call from ESPN shortly.
A Look at the Point Guards
3 of 11
Be it Irving, Walker or Knight, the Cavaliers should take a point guard.
Baron Davis has an early termination option on his contract after this season so his time in Cleveland may be short lived. Ramon Sessions is good, but on a championship team, I see his role as a sixth man that can run an offense when the superstar needs a breather.
Irving is the best of the bunch but by how much? Is he really that much better than Knight? Is he a proven winner like Kemba?
Let's start with Irving.
Kyrie Irving
4 of 11
Why the Cavaliers Should Draft Him:
Despite only playing in 11 college games, Irving has shown enough potential to be a worthy of the first overall pick. If he had stayed healthy and led Duke to a deep tournament run, we might not even be having this conversation.
He's quick, athletic, smart, can shoot from the outside and drive and is an outstanding character guy who seems to relish in the role of a team leader.
What's Not To Like:
Irving decided to skip many of the same drills that former No. 1 picks John Wall and Blake Griffin took part in. The toe injury remains a concern, as he may have to wear special shoes for the rest of his basketball career.
Brandon Knight
5 of 11
Why the Cavaliers Should Draft Him:
Knight is a John Calipari-coached guard, the previous (Derrick Rose, John Wall) having enjoyed immense success on the NBA level. He got better as the season went along and came up big in clutch situations in the NCAA tournament.
He's a great scorer who looks like he'll translate well to the NBA.
What's Not To Like:
Knight is a shoot-first point guard, not exactly what the Cavaliers need. His low shooting percentage (.423) would need a big improvement if he continues this style of play.
Kemba Walker
6 of 11
Why the Cavaliers Should Draft Him:
Walker might be a bit of a reach at No. 4, but he was by far the most exciting player in college basketball last season. His scoring (23.5 ppg) is something the Cavaliers desperately need, and he can also rebound well (5.4 rbg) for someone his size.
What's Not To Like:
Walker really didn't impress until this past season, his third in college. As a freshman he scored less than nine points a game, compared to the 17 per game Irving and Knight put up in theirs.
He's also said he'd like to play for the Knicks. I want people who want to play in Cleveland. Walker strikes me as the type who would skip town as soon as he could.
No thanks.
Derrick Williams
7 of 11
Why the Cavaliers Should Draft Him:
Williams may be the best athlete in the entire draft. He would provide much needed production out of the small forward position and seems to have no fear in filling LeBron's old spot, saying he has more "star quality" than other players in the draft.
You know what? He's right.
What's Not To Like:
It's not even sure what Willams' best position in the NBA will be. Williams has said he's a small forward who can play power forward, but it's up to what NBA GM's think. His skill set is great, but few were talking about Williams as a lottery pick before the season started, much less the first overall pick.
Is his game for real, or is he the next Michael Beasley?
Enes Kanter
8 of 11
Why the Cavaliers Should Draft Him:
For those of you that didn't catch Kanter at the draft combine this past weekend, you missed out on quite a show. Watching him move around on the court and throwing down power dunks makes me believe he will be the second best center in the league in three years. He has a great mid-range game and definitely has the size to bang with the NBA's best centers inside.
If he had been eligible this past season, Kentucky would have been national champions. I truly believe that.
What's Not To Like:
A lack of game experience. Kanter hasn't played in organized games in over a year, so he might get off to a slow start in the NBA. He also declined to interview with some teams at the combine, which was unusual. He did however, interview with the Cavs.
What Irving and Kanter Would Bring
9 of 11
A devastating inside-outside game, for one. Both can score from almost anywhere on the floor. How many point guards and centers can you say that about?
Perhaps the Cavaliers biggest weakness last year was size. Kanter would mean no more playing J.J. Hickson out of position or forcing Anderson Varejao into a starting role. Cleveland is back to getting Andy's energy off the bench and Ryan Hollins butt to stay on it.
Irving could be the franchise cornerstone to build around. He has no big weaknesses in his game and is someone I would trust with the pressure of being the first overall pick.
What Williams and Knight Would Bring
10 of 11
Production out of the black hole that was the Cavs small forward position last season. Williams could start from day one and bring a certain swagger back to Cleveland.
People expecting Kevin Durant will be disappointed, but Williams could be a very good pro. He would have to mold his body into an NBA small forward a bit, but the results could be fantastic. He would definitely sell tickets with his extremely athletic game.
Knight would be a nice complement to Williams. Upgrading the point guard position, Knight could develop into a Brandon Jennings-type point and could become the Cavaliers go-to guy at the end of games.
Conclusion
11 of 11
While the Cavaliers would get a great haul of talent with either duo of players, I have to say the best pairing Cleveland could come away with would be Irving and Kanter.
In a point guard-dominated league, Irving could be mentioned at the top as his Chris Paul-style game would be perfect driving, knocking down the three or setting up players like Hickson and Kanter inside.
Like I said earlier, I believe if Irving had played the entire year, it wouldn't even be a question who should go first overall.
Kanter is the next great NBA center. His skill set is unbelievable, and the Cavaliers would have to get lucky to have him slip to No. 4.
With the draft lottery turning out the way it did though, luck may definitely be on the Cavaliers side.
