June 19, 2013

Is Alex Len the next Zydrunas Ilgauskus?

June 18, 2013 by 44 Comments

The comparison is obvious. Len, the 7’1″ Eastern European center from the University of Maryland agrees with the assessment-

“Ilgauskas, also an Eastern European, is a good analogy: A guy with true-center size who could shoot well enough to place defenders in predicaments. Ilgauskas scored nearly 11,000 career points. But there’s a way the Ilgauskas-Len comparison works against Len.

Ilgauskas had chronic foot problems over most of his pro career. Len is in a walking boot, after having surgery in April to stabilize a partial stress fracture in his left ankle. Noted Charlotte foot specialist Dr. Robert Anderson did that surgery. Len’s rehab schedule suggests he’ll be cleared to start running in August and be fully recovered by the time training camp starts in October.”

“It’s that European style where big men can do whatever they want to,’’ Len described. “It just makes me a little different.’’ [Bonnell/Charlotte Observer]

The Cavaliers are rumored to be interested in Len with the first overall pick, and Ilgauskas himself has been scouting him. If the Cavaliers do draft Len, who better to work with him than Ilgauskas?

The draft is June 27th.

[Related: Top Pick Debate, plenty to rule out]

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Top Pick Debate: No Clear Answer, But Several Theories To Rule Out

June 16, 2013 by 25 Comments

porterOver the last couple weeks, I’ve been camped out in the Cavalier NBA Draft Film Room. I’ve covered Nerlens Noel, Otto Porter, Ben McLemore, Alex Len, and Victor Oladipo Friday. Anthony Bennett is still to come later this week. Over that time, we’ve had a lot of good discussion here at the site about who your favorite to grab with the top pick is and why. It’s not so much the “who” that interests me today as much as the “why”. The reasons for taking a guy at the top spot run the gamut from fit to potential to floors to ceilings to immediate impact and so on and so forth. Let’s examine some of the more common thoughts processes going around the web right now.

First, there’s the notion that you rule a player out because he can’t help you the most this season. I think most people can understand that this one is pretty absurd as a standalone argument. Dan and Nick Gilbert may have made a proclamation about not being back at the draft lottery next season, but I don’t think that will force them to take the wrong guy simply for short term gratification.  However, I DO think that with Mike Brown back to put the emphasis on defending along with the continued improvement from the young core of Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters, and Tristan Thompson coupled with the return of Anderson Varejao and the likely addition of some veteran bench pieces via free agency, that the team SHOULD expect to make the playoffs this season. I don’t think many have any surreal visions of being in the conference finals next year, but should they be able to win 38 or 40 games to sneak in as the eight seed next year? Why not? This team, when it was going good last season, was 15-15 over a thirty game stretch. The notion that such a “plan” rules out Nerlens Noel as the top selection is ludicrous. Noel may not be at the top of my board, but him not being available until Christmas has nothing to do with that. [Read more...]

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Cavalier NBA Draft Film Room: Victor Oladipo

June 14, 2013 by 33 Comments

victor-oladipo-draftWe continue our May and June trip around the top of the NBA draft board and navigate exactly who the Cavaliers should take with the top selection at the end of the month.

The recent rumor winds indicate that today’s topic of discussion, Indiana guard/forward Victor Oladipo, could very well be in play with the No. 1 pick for the Cavs. Oladipo, like top pick favorite Kentucky center Nerlens Noel, brings a game-changing brand of defense to the table with a more complete offensive game.

Let’s take a look at what others around the internet are saying about Oladipo. [Read more...]

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NBA Draft Rumors: Cavaliers could by shying away from Noel at No. 1

June 13, 2013 by 51 Comments

The Cleveland Cavaliers could be souring on the potential selection of Kentucky center Nerlens Noel. A report from the Louisville Courier-Journal uncovered a fractured growth plate which was sustained during the potential top pick’s sophomore year in high school. Bob Finnan of the News-Herald reports, via a league source, that several teams are shying away from the risk involved in selecting the center. Finnan could not confirm that the Cavaliers are in fact one of them.

In a report last week, famed surgeon Dr. James Andrews stated that Noel was ahead of schedule in the rehabilitation from an ACL injury suffered this past February.

“We’re really happy with his progress,” Andrews told ESPN. “He’s several weeks ahead of schedule on his rehab. He’s improving on a weekly basis. He has a completely stable knee. The bone plugs are completely healed into the bone. His muscle and weight is returning. He has had no setbacks at all.”

Andrews added that any team which does select the shot-blocking big man would have to go slowly if they wanted him to get back to the level he was prior to the injury. It is believed that Noel will not be ready to play in an NBA contest until the holiday season, if at all. In his latest mock draft, FOX Sports Ohio’s Sam Amico also hinted that the Cavaliers are starting to pump the breaks on the 19-year-old who is largely considered to be the consensus first-overall selection.

[Related: Cleveland is merely the starting point in the Danny Green story]

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The Diff: Cleveland futility, NBA Draft and Indians streak

June 12, 2013 by 16 Comments

The Diff is your weekly Wednesday WFNY look into the amazing world of sports statistics. For a complete log of articles, click this link. Last week, The Diff provided an update on the various top Cleveland Indians prospects. This week, I’m covering three varying Cleveland sports topics.

The Diff

WFNY Mentality

Back in September, I wrote a lengthy article about the worst three-season stretches in Cleveland sports history. The formula was simple: I looked at the longest continuous stretches of last-place finishes for the Cavaliers, Indians and Browns, when all three were active. Barely, by just 2 games over Minnesota, the 2012 Indians stopped a city-record three consecutive last-place streak from occurring. But how do things stack up in using a different approach to Cleveland sports futility? [Read more...]

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NBA Draft Rumors: Victor Oladipo under consideration at No. 1 for Cavs

June 11, 2013 by 35 Comments

The Cleveland Cavaliers are considering Indiana’s Victor Oladipo with the first-overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, per ESPN’s Chad Ford.

Ford has the Cavaliers still selecting Kentucky center Nerlens Noel in his latest mock draft, but in his big board blurb regarding Oladipo, he pens the following:

Oladipo had his first workout last week — with the Suns. Oladipo’s main competition at the workout was Shabazz Muhammad (Ben McLemore also was in Phoenix that day, but declined to workout with Oladipo or Muhammad). By all accounts the Suns (like just about every other team) were impressed. Sources say that Oladipo has moved into the Cavs’ conversation for the No. 1 pick, and also is under heavy consideration from the Magic at No. 2. Sounds like it would be a surprise if he goes past the Suns at No. 5.

Oladipo is a highly athletic swingman who would provide an immediate boost to Mike Brown’s defense. Questions surround his ability to make an impact offensively at the next level, but any team which selects the Hoosier product will instantly have a tenacious defender with one of the higher floors in his class.

[Related: LeBron’s lack of help in 2013 rivals lack of help in 2007]

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While We’re Waiting…Trading for Aldridge, scouting Desmond Bryant, and more thoughts on attendance

June 9, 2013 by 4 Comments

“While We’re Waiting” serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

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“If Portland was ever going to trade Aldridge, they’d be sure to get the best return possible for him, as they should. If a trade with Cleveland was ever going to happen, Portland would undoubtedly insist on getting that pick (with other assets included as well) in exchange for their star big man. The reputation of this year’s draft gives Portland more leeway in trade negotiations. If the first overall were available, then that’s when trading Aldridge becomes an idea for management to consider.

As good as Aldridge is, he’s 28 next month. Damian Lillard and Nicolas Batum are 22 and 24 respectively, and their best years lie ahead of them. Aldridge will be on the wrong side of 30 when they hit their prime. Could the Blazers conceivably be a contender with an aging Aldridge? I’m hesitant to say yes, and it would require a lot more depth than what they have now. It’s hard to imagine them rising to that level.

By flipping Aldridge for young assets such as center Nerlens Noel via the first overall pick and one of Tristan Thompson/Dion Waiters, the Trail Blazers could add a bunch of good young players that can all reach their prime at once. Flipping Aldridge for two players also helps with the problem of depth, and from what we have seen so far, Lillard seems like a mature enough figure to replace Aldridge as a leader. Throw in some veteran leadership, some complimentary role players (and while very raw, Meyers Leonard is still a very nice asset to have alongside the other young players), and there you have a foundation that could be better to work with.” [Yeung/Rip City Project]
[Read more...]

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NBA News: Cavs to have $19 million in cap space this summer

June 8, 2013 by 12 Comments

ShamSports.com a website for basketball data and analysis is projecting the Cavs to have just over $19 million in cap space this summer. That number will more than likely grow if Mo Speights opts out of his deal that would have him earning just over $4.5 million in 2013-14.

Throughout the rebuild process, Chris Grant and his staff have tried to stay as flexible as possible, acquiring assets, and reducing the amount of salary committed to the long term.

The Cav’s salary cap picture looks as follows for the summer of 2013, this is with the inclusion of Speight’s contract and ShamSports.com’s projected cuts of CJ Miles and Chris Quinn..

Anderson Varejao: $9,036,364
Kyrie Irving: $5,607,240
Marreese Speights: $4,515,000
#1 pick: $4,436,900
Tristan Thompson: $4,062,000
Dion Waiters: $3,894,240
Alonzo Gee: $3,250,000
Tyler Zeller: $1,633,440
#19 pick: $1,223,200
Kevin Jones: $788,872
Roster charge: $490,180
Roster charge: $490,180

Total = $39,427,616 = $19,072,384 in cap room.

If Speights decides to opt out, that number will grow to above $23 million in free cap space.

The biggest names among unrestricted free agents include Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, Josh Smith, Andrew Bynum, Al JEfferson, and Manu Ginobili.

Paul, Howard, and Ginobili seem like unrealistic options for Chris Grant and his staff, while Josh Smith, Andrew Bynum, and Al Jefferson  are all wildcards. The Cavs will have to make some moves to upgrade a roster that won just 24 games this past season, while still leaving open the option to pursue LeBron James in the summer of 2014.

[Related: The Cleveland Cavaliers should plan well for 2014 but not just LeBron James]

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Dr. James Andrews: Team that drafts Nerlens Noel ‘has to go slowly’

June 8, 2013 by 6 Comments

With the NBA draft less than a month away Nerlens Noel’s injured knee is in the spotlight. The odds on favorite to be selected by the Cavaliers with the first overall pick is in the middle of a strenuous rehab process after tearing his ACL back in February.

Noel’s surgeon, Dr. James Andrews spoke with ESPN and painted a realistic picture of what to expect from Noel’s recovery.

“Whoever gets him has to go slowly with him,” Andrews said. “It’s going to take him a while to get back to the level he was before he was injured.”

While knee injuries aren’t career threatening as they have been in years passed, it is still a tall order for a basketball player to make a full recovery from a torn ACL. Look no further than Derek Rose.

Despite the severity of the rehab process, Andrews is happy with Noel’s progress.

“We’re really happy with his progress,” Andrews told ESPN. “He’s several weeks ahead of schedule on his rehab. He’s improving on a weekly basis. He has a completely stable knee. The bone plugs are completely healed into the bone. His muscle and weight is returning. He has had no setbacks at all.”

Noel’s trainer, Kevin Wilk, echoed Andrews’ excitement in how far Noel has come.

“He’s well ahead of schedule,” he said. “He’s now out on the court for about an hour doing free shooting. He’s running in the pool. I don’t know too many guys who could do that at this stage.”

It has been speculated that Noel would not be able to return to full game action until next December which would be ten months since the top prospect tore his knee. Despite the injury Noel is still the consensus choice among mock drafts for the Cavs at the number one.

[Related: Cavalier NBA Draft Film Room: Nerlens Noel]

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Cavalier NBA Draft Film Room: Ben McLemore

June 7, 2013 by 34 Comments

mclemoredraftAs we continue to look through the Cleveland Cavaliers’ options with the #1 selection in the NBA Draft later this month, it’s time to look at Kansas guard Ben McLemore.

McLemore’s flying under the radar a bit right now with all the talk focusing primarily on Nerlens Noel, Otto Porter, or a trade for the Cavaliers at No. 1. However, there is certainly a case to be made for McLemore going No. 1. He’s a phenomenal shooter and scorer, but his position (shooting guard) and his poor scoring performances in four out of his last five games have cooled some of the hype around the redshirt freshman.

Let’s take a look at what those around the league are saying.
[Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… Looking for Cavaliers role players

June 2, 2013 by 12 Comments

“While We’re Waiting” serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

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Great article over at FTS about the specific kind of role player that the Cavaliers need: “This brings up an intriguing question in my mind, because Arron Afflalo is the perfect case study in the value of a “3 and D” player in the NBA. Let’s stop and define “3 and D” players first. In my mind, a pure “3 and D” guy must be able to shoot threes at at least a 38% clip, plus play above-average defense while guarding multiple positions. Most of the time, these guys are swingmen, however I do think that Harrison Barnes may present an interesting case study in the future if he doesn’t improve from this season and stays as a combo forward, playing the small-ball 4.” [Sam Vecenie/Fear The Sword] [Read more...]

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DeMarcus Cousins rumors fading, so what’s next for Cavs?

June 1, 2013 by 26 Comments

cousins kingsAlthough absolutely nothing has happened for the Cavaliers in the 12 days since winning the NBA Draft Lottery, it has seemed like an eternity to fans. There’s still another 26 days remaining until the actual draft — showing how all of the team’s options can start to wear on an exhausted Twitter base.

But most notably in the past week, Cleveland Twitter has been electric with the allure and mystique of 22-year-old Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins. One of the most polarizing players in the NBA, Cousins was “potentially” on the block with the Kings being sold and changing their leadership structure.

Alas, as of last night, it now appears that Cousins will not be anywhere close to the trade block. Would this have been a fruitful exploration? Moving forward after that fantasy, what can Cavaliers fans do now? What’s next on the horizon? Let’s take a look through the stats and the narratives. [Read more...]

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Cavs ranked eighth in ESPN’s NBA Future Power Rankings

May 31, 2013 by 23 Comments

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been slotted in the eighth spot within ESPN’s annual Future Power Rankings. These rankings are based on forward-looking items such as age, salary cap flexibility and core players. The 2013 ranking represents a four-spot jump for the up-and-coming Cavs.

The Cavs are another team making a significant leap in our rankings, and landing the No. 1 pick in the draft for the second time in three years has something to do with that. While they might not be able to find another Kyrie Irving in this draft, they can pick a significant player (most likely Nerlens Noel) or trade the pick for immediate help.

Cleveland’s biggest jump came in the Players section, as Irving looks like a potential superstar. Tristan Thompson also started to develop, and Dion Waiters looks like a lethal scorer. Add in the No. 1 and No. 19 picks this year, as well as a plethora of future selections, and the Cavs will be loaded with young talent for the foreseeable future.

The team will also be flush with cash this summer and could add a significant free agent this summer or in the future, giving it even more roster flexibility. While all of this doesn’t totally make up for the loss of LeBron James, it shows the dramatic strides Cleveland has made in just three years. With the right draft picks or free-agent signings, the Cavs should start a long run of playoff appearances soon.

Current players, managament, salary cap projections, market appeal and draft positioning are all provided with numerical values. The Cavaliers currently rank as the best in the league in draft positioning and third in salary cap flexibility. Both players (12th) and management (13th) fall in amongst the top half of the league. The team’s biggest detractor was market appeal with Cleveland ranked 20th among its peers.

The Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls are the seven teams presently ranked ahead of the Cavaliers.

[Related: The Diff: The stats behind drafting Nerlens Noel at No. 1]

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NBA Rumors: Nerlens Noel still top draft option for Cavs

May 29, 2013 by 66 Comments

Though Georgetown’s Otto Porter and Maryland’s Alex Len are in the mix, the Cleveland Cavaliers are believed to have Kentucky center Nerlens Noel at the top of their board heading in to the June 27 NBA Draft. ESPN’s Chad Ford reports that Noel is considered the leader in the clubhouse due to a myriad of reasons.

“Cavs general manager Chris Grant and his staff spent more time than anyone watching Noel this season, according to Kentucky head coach John Calipari,” writes Ford. ”In fact, Grant recommended the surgeon, Dr. James Andrews, that Noel used for his ACL surgery. The Cavs also lean heavily on advanced metrics, and those numbers, regardless of the system, strongly favor Noel.”

These items all corroborate with recent reports seen at WFNY as well as the statistical breakdown in the most recent edition of The Diff.

The items working against Noel, per Ford, are the player’s current listed weight (206 lbs.), his recent ACL surgery, and the recent statements made by team owner Dan Gilbert about not wanting to be in the lottery after the impending seasons.

“The weight issue is quickly becoming a non-issue,” says Ford. ”Noel weighed in at 206 pounds at the draft combine, creating a bit of a furor. Calipari told me that Dr. Andrews actually recommended Noel lose weight to help speed up the ACL recovery. Calipari said Noel weighed 222 pounds when he was injured. Noel told me in Chicago the number was actually 228.”

If the 2013-14 postseason does in fact become the overriding priority, there is a growing suspicion that Grant would be forced to move the pick for NBA-ready talent who can help the team immediately upon acquisition.

[Related: The Diff: The stats behind drafting Nerlens Noel at No. 1]

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The Diff: The stats behind drafting Nerlens Noel at No. 1

May 29, 2013 by 135 Comments

The Diff is your weekly Wednesday WFNY look into the amazing world of sports statistics. For a complete log of articles, click this link. Last week, The Diff covered the historical finishes for MLB teams that started 26-18. This week, it’s NBA Draft talk time.

The Diff

Since the Cavaliers won the lottery last week, Cleveland sports fans have been enamored by the idea of Nerlens Noel. Whether you love him or hate him, the 19-year-old University of Kentucky center already has been the subject of dozens of Cleveland-based analyses and reports. Is he the best prospect in this draft? Will he fit in the NBA? Will he actually make an impact in 2012-13? How good can he be? After perusing through the usual and not-so-usual stats, I’m here today to give you the statistical know-how about why Noel should be the Cavs’ no-doubt pick at No. 1.

 

[Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… Disappointing Indians weekend

May 27, 2013 by 1 Comment

“While We’re Waiting” serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

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“Look guys, I got nothing. I’m as upset as you all are at what transpired this weekend. After winning the first game, dropping the last three, especially the last two, and even more especially on Sunday, times a thousand multiplied by infinity, I’m disappointed. Times a thousand multiplied by infinity and all I can say is I’m disappointed? Yeah I guess so. I’ve had time to cool off and I also realize that it’s just two games of the 162.” [Nino Colla/The Tribe Daily] [Read more...]

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Exploring The Trade Angle For Cavs’ Moveable Assets

May 26, 2013 by 51 Comments

lopezThe Cavaliers won the draft lottery on Tuesday. I was ecstatic. Luck bounced in the wine and gold’s favor one more time, and now, despite the relentless reminders that this is yet another weak draft 1 , the Cavaliers are going to be adding a significant piece to the core of Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters, and Tristan Thompson 2

With that in mind, fresh off my profession of love for Otto Porter along with tweets indicating I would be completely happy with Nerlens Noel in Cleveland, I’m going to explore the third avenue, dealing the pick for an instant impact player that will likely make the playoffs next season a reality. [Read more...]

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  1. We’ve heard that for the last three years.

    There are still players, great players if not franchise-changers, in every single draft. You just have to find them. [back]

  2. Sorry, Tyler Zeller. You didn’t make the list, pal. [back]

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While We’re Waiting… Norv Turner’s impact in Cleveland

May 25, 2013 by 3 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

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Nice look at Norv’s past success: “The greatest organizational acquisition of the Cleveland Browns over the past twelve months has been that of their new offensive coordinator Norv Turner. Yes, Turner only reached the postseason 4 times in 15 years as an NFL head coach, with the Washington Redskins, Oakland Raiders, and San Diego Chargers. Of all the head coaches in NFL history with a losing record in their respective careers, Turner has coached the most games. As a head coach, he has been criticized for lacking motivational and emotional leadership skills, exhibiting poor clock management, and being responsible for a series of poor drafts, most notably over his last several years in San Diego. However, his credentials as an offensive coordinator are impeccable.” [Kyle Flippin/Sporting Charts] [Read more...]

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NBA Draft: John Calipari commends Cleveland’s scouting

May 24, 2013 by 6 Comments

Anthony Lima and Dustin Fox hosted University of Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari on their show this afternoon. The segment was great and packed with lots of intriguing Cavaliers draft fodder.

But how the 54-year-old Calipari started off the segment — when prodded if he thinks Cleveland would be making a mistake if they don’t pick former Wildcat Nerlens Noel No. 1 overall — stood out the most:

“Chris Grant and his crew are the most thorough people that I’ve seen,” he said. “No disrespect to anyone else in the league, all I know is I’ve seen Chris’ face more in my gym than any other GM, guys that are making the decision. So, if he picks my guy, my hope is he picks him, which means he’s the No. 1 guy because they don’t make many mistakes. When you go back to Tristan [Thompson], everybody says, ‘What are they doing? Fourth pick in the draft, that’s crazy!’ When they picked Kyrie [Irving], they were saying, ‘Wait a minute, Kyrie’s toe.’ Well, he’s going to be the best point guard in the NBA here in short order. Then, they picked Dion Waiters and everybody says ‘What the heck?’ So I’m looking at it saying, ‘Look, they don’t make many mistakes, and if they pick my guy that means he is the guy.”

Those are pretty strong words from any college coach, let alone one who has coached some of the elite, elite prospects over the last half decade. The fact that he went out of his way to begin the segment like that is certainly noteworthy. Definitely, it appears the Cavs’ scouting and drafting success has a much better reputation than the other two Cleveland teams, and for that we should be grateful.

[Related: Cavalier NBA Draft Film Room: Nerlens Noel]

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Cavalier NBA Draft Film Room: Otto Porter

May 24, 2013 by 15 Comments

porterIn this week’s installment of the film room, we give you the other half of the two most likely candidates for the Cavaliers’ selection at number one in the 2013 draft. Of course, when I gave you the Nerlens Noel film room nearly two weeks ago, I didn’t think it was very likely he’d be a Cavalier. Now, it’s probably the most likely scenario. But, I will say that Otto Porter Jr. makes it a very interesting debate in my mind, and the Georgetown forward may just be my pick if I were Chris Grant. Let’s take a look at what others are saying about Porter first. [Read more...]

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