SB Nation’s latest mock draft compares the players in the draft pool to current NBA players, and if their predictions come true, the Cavs are getting two players comparable to Raymond Felton and Al Jefferson.
Tom Ziller has the Cavs selecting Duke point guard Kyrie Irving with the first overall pick, for which he gives this explanation:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, G, Duke
Kyrie has drawn Deron Williams comparisons. If that’s the case, let’s keep him away from all headbands. Until he proves he can shoot dependably, let’s err on the side of Raymond Felton and hope for the best. (Felton’s not bad! He got traded for Carmelo Anthony! Sort of.)
With the fourth pick, they have not wavered a bit either, where they still have the Cavs selecting center Enes Kanter of Kentucky/Turkey. Here is the comparison:
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Enes Kanter, C, Turkey
I feel a little Al Jefferson coming on …
If these two players turn out to be like Ray Felton and Al Jefferson, the Cavs will not be in great shape. Felton has vastly underachieved since coming to the league, and while he is solid, he would never be worthy of the top pick in the draft. Jefferson is a great post player offensively, but he is nothing special on the defensive end and has spent a ton of time injured.
Still, the upside of these players seems greater to me, but only time will tell.