Saturday, June 18, 2011

Cavs Not Sold on Irving

While Kyrie Irving is expected to be the first pick in the NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, it is not a done deal. Derrick Williams, who led his Arizona squad past Irving's Duke Blue Devils in the NCAA tourney, is still in contention for the spot.

The Cavs have not informed Irving that he will be picked, and have given no indication of which of the two players they are leaning toward. Most people connected with the league believe Cleveland will, in fact, go with Irving.

A possible scenario is that the Cavs pick Irving first overall and then use the fourth pick on center Enes Kanter, who played in Turkey before entering the draft. Kanter was a student at Kentucky last season, but was ruled ineligible to play by the NCAA.

Cleveland could also take Williams and Kanter, which would leave Baron Davis as the likely starting point guard. As he is aging, this would put pressure on them to sign another field general.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have said they will take either Irving or Williams, depending on the Cavs pick. Irving would join impending arrival Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn as point guards in Minnesota, and Flynn would likely be placed on the trading block.

The Utah Jazz have the third pick, and with Irving and Williams gone, will decide between Kentucky guard Brandon Knight and Kanter.

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