By the time this week concludes, the Cavaliers should have a clear plan regarding the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft. All five candidates under consideration will visit Cleveland Clinic Courts this week, including Kentucky’s Nerlens Noel today. Most mock drafts around the country project the Cavs to select Noel, but sources within the organization seem cool on him. Noel played in just 24 games because of a left knee injury his freshman year and his offensive skills are limited. He has spent time during his rehab working on his shooting. “The day I heard what the injury was, was the only day I felt sorry for myself,” Noel said last month at the combine. “Every day since then, I’ve devoted to my rehab. “I’ve been polishing every little part of my game. As time goes on, I’ll do more low-block work. Right now it’s more form shooting.” Rumors of problems regarding the people around him have surfaced this week, but two league executives outside the Cavs organization dismissed that this week as bogus. He recently signed with agent Andy Miller, who represents about 40 players across the league, including the Boston Celtics’ Kevin Garnett. Noel has been rehabbing his torn ACL in Alabama at Dr. James Andrews’ facility. He said at last month’s predraft workouts in Chicago that he wouldn’t be ready to play in an NBA game until about Christmas. Without a summer league and training camp, that will limit his impact and expectations as a rookie. But that isn’t what concerns the Cavs, a league source said, despite owner Dan Gilbert’s claims that the team is expected to compete for a playoff spot next season. The Cavs are still viewing this offseason with a long-term lens, one league source said, and won’t overreact in free agency or the draft based strictly on a desire to make the playoffs this season. Indiana’s Victor Oladipo, Kansas’ Ben McLemore and Georgetown’s Otto Porter worked out for the Cavs on Wednesday at their facility. McLemore and Porter are under consideration for the first pick, while Oladipo is considered a fringe candidate at best and a certain long shot to go No. 1 overall. Oladipo is viewed as a high-energy player who hustles and plays hard, but lacks one overwhelming skill. As for Noel, he averaged 10.5 points and 9.5 rebounds for the Wildcats before the knee injury ended his season prematurely. He is a defensive force who led the nation in blocks (4.4 per game), but his offensive game is limited to dunks and the Cavs prefer big men who can score more easily. - See more at: http://www.ohio.com/news/top-storie...rlens-noel-other-possible-no-1-picks-1.407191
