We’re just about 24 hours away from the start of the 2011 NBA Draft. The action gets started at 7 pm EST Thursday night, and if you’re a fan of the Cleveland Cavaliers who’s keen on seeing what the Cavs plans to do in the first round, you best not be late to tune in. The Cavaliers, of course, hold the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, but they also will be selecting at No. 4. There had been some speculation that Cleveland might try to shop one of the two picks in an attempt to collect even more draft picks or players. Considering that this year’s draft class isn’t very loaded talent-wise at the top, unloading one of the two top-five picks might not be such a bad strategy.
However, on Wednesday, Cavs GM Chris Grant said that the Cavaliers plan to use both picks Thursday night.. Either Kyrie Irving or Derek Williams is expected to be taken No. 1 overall by the Cavaliers, with the other expected to be drafted second. Grant said that he knew who he wanted to select first, but needed consensus and agreements amongst the rest of his staff.
Grant wisely didn’t tip his hand too much, but did have this to say about Irving:
Of Irving, Grant said the concern was the lack of playing time in college (just 11 games for the Blue Devils because of a toe injury), but he said Irving comes across as someone who’s been on the national stage and knows how to handle it. The Cavaliers heavily vetted Irving’s injury and are “comfortable” with its status.
We’ll see what ultimately unfolds tomorrow night from the Prudential Center in Newark, but if I had to guess, the Cavaliers will go with the extremely likeable and versatile Williams.