If I were Cleveland, I don't take Kyrie Irving. I take Derrick Williams. I think take Kantner at #4... or Brandon Knight if Kantner's taken. Why? Because I don't think that Irving is the same level of PG prospect that Rose and Wall were, and Williams is the best prospect irrespective of position... and because I can get a prospect that's nearly as good as Irving at #4. I'm sure Cleveland will take Irving, but I think they will regret it. Ed O.
Are you fanatically obsessed with LeBron James's downfall? Do you still go on and ON about how the Browns left? No? You're not Cleveland.
That's the trouble with Williams - he's "irrespective of position". Y'know, like Rodney Rogers, Antawn Jamison and Michael Beasley.
Jamison's been a pretty good player. Rogers and Beasely had more problems with their attitudes/work ethics than with their games. In fact, Jamison went at #4 with Mike Bibby going at #2... I would argue that Jamison has had the superior career. That's sort of an interesting parallel to this year's draft. Ed O.
IMO Ivring/Kanter (or Val) combo is better than a Williams/Knight combo simply because Williams doesn't really have an NBA position. I also feel Irving is more of a pure point guard than Knight who looks to score more. Sometimes it hard to changes a scorer's mentality (ie. Bayless).
Knight really grades poorly as a PG. In fact, he basically isn't one. Irving is far better. You take Irving and Valanwhatsisname or trade the #4. Williams will be a volume scorer on bad teams for his career.
While I'm not the biggest fan of his in the world, Knight could pretty easily become a Monte Ellis-type player. Is he a PG? Kind of. Knight will be able to defend PGs, IMO, and whether he ever evolves into a passer or not he can still be a very good player. As for Williams's position: I am not that worried. He will either add more weight and play the four or stay about where he is now and play the small forward spot. Ed O.
Good idea Ed. I agree. Taking Williams first, as well as Utah's decision at #3, may push many of the PG's down the draft.
The average fan isnt as enthused about Irving because they really only got to see him for a quarter of a season at Duke. Lets not get carried away, he's every bit the prospect as Rose and Wall, maybe just not the athleticism. He's more Chris Paul.
If I were Portland, I'd offer you Marcus Camby and Andre Miller in return. Then you'd slam the phone down on me. Your loss.
Chris Paul is a significantly greater talent than Rose or Wall. Irving isn't even Rose or Wall, let alone Paul.
I'd argue they've both been fairly disappointing in the NBA, and never more than role players on a good team.
Irving playing like a seasoned vet. Keeping a roster chalk full of D-Leaguers and washouts in contention for playoff spot in the East. Has a PER of 22.1 Compare PER's of other notable PG in their rookie year: Rose- 16 Wall- 15.8 Paul- 22.1 Williams- 12.4 Just sayin...
