Written by Brandon Hunter
The Mailmen(3-0) continued their winning ways by defeating Firehouse(0-3), in a one sided contest, 72-27.
The Mailmen had to dig deep into their reserves due to the fact that Jason Hunter(honeymoon) and Kerry Hunter(injury) were both out this week. Clinton Weigel was contacted and agreed on a 10 day contract giving the Mailmen 6 men for the contest.
Though vastly undersized the Mailmen started the game by scoring using an uptempo offense that the opposition couldn't keep up with. Leading the Mailmen in scoring, Brandon Hunter(20pts, 11rebs) began the contest scoring the Mailmen's first 12 points and there was no looking back from there. The fast paced offense left Firehouse winded and without an answer for the scoring barrage. 5 of the 6 members of the squad were in scored in double digits and though size was against them crashing the glass was not an issue. Johno Reminder(15pts, 9rebs) and Andy Kempf(11pts, 9rebs) are the post players doing an excellent job filling the shoes of injured big man K. Hunter by averaging 10 and 9 rebounds per contest.
Mike Giardina(10pts, 3rebs), Pat Cripple(12pts, 5rebs), and Weigel(4pts, 7rebs) solid perimeter defense was a main reason the Mailmen held their opponent to only 8 first half points. Their on the ball pressure was too much for Firehouse to handle leading to many steals and fast break points.
K. Hunter, acting as coach while he's sidelined with knee and hamstring injuries, was impressed with the quickness added to the roster this year:
"Mike G's and Crip's speed and endurance is great," Hunter said, "the on the ball pressure will be a huge when facing some of the tougher teams, we couldn't provide that pressure last year without getting gassed late in the game."
Returning to the lineup will be Jason Hunter and Brent Hunter as The Mailmen look to keep their win streak alive this Sunday against Boston Rd. Auto (1-1 at the time of this writing). It is uncertain whether or not The Mailmen will sign Weigel to a full contract or continue to use 10 day contracts in order to avoid a crowded roster. Reply to:
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Saturday, December 17, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
A New Era
The Mailmen started off the regular season on the winning side of the equation defeating Team Eric 69-39.
Brandon Hunter led all scorers with 22 points while Brent Hunter added 16 (9 rebounds) and new comer Mike Giardina added 10 (5 rebounds) in the 30 point victory.
"This is how you want the season to start," Coach Jason Hunter (6 points) said afterward. "To come out and get a win like this, with some new faces, it really gets you excited to play week in and week out."
The Mailmen will be shuffling their lineup again next week and will have a different starting 5 for the third straight game. Jason Hunter will be off on a honeymoon as he was married this past weekend and Brent Hunter is being sent back down to the developmental league. To replace those two, the team has again dug back into its past bank, adding guard Clinton Weigel with a 10-day contract. Weigel averaged 4.5 points last year while shooting 53% from the floor. He will be another slasher and strong defender that will take up most of the minutes lost by the two Hunter brothers.
The Mailmen will face Firehouse, who lost their first preseason game 79-38. The score from their first regular season game was not available before this entry. The Mailmen were supposed to play Firehouse last season, but then, as the Reignmakers, won by forfeit on two seperate occasions.
"Gotta keep the train on the tracks," quoted Kerry Hunter
Brandon Hunter led all scorers with 22 points while Brent Hunter added 16 (9 rebounds) and new comer Mike Giardina added 10 (5 rebounds) in the 30 point victory.
"This is how you want the season to start," Coach Jason Hunter (6 points) said afterward. "To come out and get a win like this, with some new faces, it really gets you excited to play week in and week out."
The Mailmen will be shuffling their lineup again next week and will have a different starting 5 for the third straight game. Jason Hunter will be off on a honeymoon as he was married this past weekend and Brent Hunter is being sent back down to the developmental league. To replace those two, the team has again dug back into its past bank, adding guard Clinton Weigel with a 10-day contract. Weigel averaged 4.5 points last year while shooting 53% from the floor. He will be another slasher and strong defender that will take up most of the minutes lost by the two Hunter brothers.
The Mailmen will face Firehouse, who lost their first preseason game 79-38. The score from their first regular season game was not available before this entry. The Mailmen were supposed to play Firehouse last season, but then, as the Reignmakers, won by forfeit on two seperate occasions.
"Gotta keep the train on the tracks," quoted Kerry Hunter
Sunday, November 27, 2011
No Games, Itchy Fingers
The Mailmen are off this week and will begin regular season play on December 4th versus Team Eric.
That does not mean the team isn't busy however, as the front office signed a few of their roster members today.
The Mailmen announced they would re-up Ryan Stuver's 10-day contract when it expires this week. Stuver made $1.75 million last year, but left the team when he was signed to a soccer program. The Mailmen were able to bring him back last week after injuries left the team with limited numbers. A year contract will be debatable once this second 10-day contract is up.
Big man Andy Kempf was also re-upped this year, after a $1.8 million dollar deal last year. After a successful season in the front office's eyes, the Mailmen signed Kempf for three years at $7 million total. He will make $2 million this season.
Pat Cripple and Michael Giardina were signed for the same amount $1.75 million dollars a year, but were signed for different lengths, two and one years, respectively. Crip performed well in his minutes with the team and Giardina should see action next week.
Johno Reminder was signed to a one year, $1.78 million dollar deal, with a option in 2012 for $2.35 million. Reminder missed the first game with personal obligations. He looks to be a body in the middle, taking minutes where big man Kerry Hunter left as he recovers from surgery.
Brent Hunter's contract situation was also an odd one for the team. After playing in only a handful of games last year under his Developmental League contract, he eclipsed the maximum amount of games played for the professional team. Under league rules, the team must either sign him to a 10-day contract, a full-year contract, or send him back down to the developmental league for one full year under a new contract. The Mailmen decided to make Brent an official part of the Mailmen, giving him a two-year $5.67 million contract. He will make $2.55 million this year.
The Mailmen have also had prelimanary talks with former Reignmakers Michael Petrilli and Clinton Weigel about possible returns to the team or their Developmental team association.
That does not mean the team isn't busy however, as the front office signed a few of their roster members today.
The Mailmen announced they would re-up Ryan Stuver's 10-day contract when it expires this week. Stuver made $1.75 million last year, but left the team when he was signed to a soccer program. The Mailmen were able to bring him back last week after injuries left the team with limited numbers. A year contract will be debatable once this second 10-day contract is up.
Big man Andy Kempf was also re-upped this year, after a $1.8 million dollar deal last year. After a successful season in the front office's eyes, the Mailmen signed Kempf for three years at $7 million total. He will make $2 million this season.
Pat Cripple and Michael Giardina were signed for the same amount $1.75 million dollars a year, but were signed for different lengths, two and one years, respectively. Crip performed well in his minutes with the team and Giardina should see action next week.
Johno Reminder was signed to a one year, $1.78 million dollar deal, with a option in 2012 for $2.35 million. Reminder missed the first game with personal obligations. He looks to be a body in the middle, taking minutes where big man Kerry Hunter left as he recovers from surgery.
Brent Hunter's contract situation was also an odd one for the team. After playing in only a handful of games last year under his Developmental League contract, he eclipsed the maximum amount of games played for the professional team. Under league rules, the team must either sign him to a 10-day contract, a full-year contract, or send him back down to the developmental league for one full year under a new contract. The Mailmen decided to make Brent an official part of the Mailmen, giving him a two-year $5.67 million contract. He will make $2.55 million this year.
The Mailmen have also had prelimanary talks with former Reignmakers Michael Petrilli and Clinton Weigel about possible returns to the team or their Developmental team association.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
New Look, New Year
Preseason basketball was good to the Mailmen.
A 54-43 victory over PBR's Finest this past Sunday night gives the good guys some ground to build off of.
After a change in uniform and a few tweaks to the roster, the Mailmen saw a lot that they liked.
The team shot 41% from three, 38% from the field total, as they continued the trend from last season of taking control in the second half of games. With only 6 players available due to various situations, the Mailmen extended their 10 point lead slightly to 11 to finish 1-0 in the preseason.
Brent Hunter led the team with 19 points, hitting three of six from deep. Brandon Hunter followed suit. 18 points, four of 10 from three and added 9 rebounds.
Rebounding was key Sunday. The Mailmen were the smaller team, a theme similar to last year. Four of the six players had more than 5 rebounds. Andy Kempf grabbed 10, Brandon 9, newly acquired Pat Cripple (10 points) had 8, and coach Jason Hunter (7 points) added 6. The Mailmen used their legs in the second half, taking control of the boards and the game.
"We aren't in the best shape," injured big man Kerry Hunter said afterwards. Kerry was highly involved on the bench, taking control of subsitutions, calling plays from the sidelines. "You could see us doing more standing late in the first half. We got back into it after the break. We will need to talk and move more because we will always be the smallest team on the floor."
Being small showed in the shooting percentage. The Mailmen only shot 36% from inside the three point line. Most of those shots coming within 5 feet of the basket.
"It's tough once we get to the key," Coach Hunter said, "we are small, we get banged up in there. Not a lot of clear shooting lanes once we get close. Brandon took some shots inside. We did well driving, we know we can't rely on the three point shot all the time. I liked what I saw, we had guys playing extended minutes tonight. We will take a W."
The Mailmen actually signed former player Ryan Stuver to a 10-day contract Saturday night in order to have bodies for rest. The team will look at his contract situation later and may sign him to a second 10-day contract this week. Johno Reminder should be back next week as should Michael Giardina, giving the team more depth. Kerry Hunter is still looking to be out at least 4 weeks, rehabbing his knee.
The schedule for the year will be released tomorrow and we will get a first look to see where the team sits division wise. Most analysts believe they will be slated in Division II again this year, as they came up short in the playoffs last year.
A 54-43 victory over PBR's Finest this past Sunday night gives the good guys some ground to build off of.
After a change in uniform and a few tweaks to the roster, the Mailmen saw a lot that they liked.
The team shot 41% from three, 38% from the field total, as they continued the trend from last season of taking control in the second half of games. With only 6 players available due to various situations, the Mailmen extended their 10 point lead slightly to 11 to finish 1-0 in the preseason.
Brent Hunter led the team with 19 points, hitting three of six from deep. Brandon Hunter followed suit. 18 points, four of 10 from three and added 9 rebounds.
Rebounding was key Sunday. The Mailmen were the smaller team, a theme similar to last year. Four of the six players had more than 5 rebounds. Andy Kempf grabbed 10, Brandon 9, newly acquired Pat Cripple (10 points) had 8, and coach Jason Hunter (7 points) added 6. The Mailmen used their legs in the second half, taking control of the boards and the game.
"We aren't in the best shape," injured big man Kerry Hunter said afterwards. Kerry was highly involved on the bench, taking control of subsitutions, calling plays from the sidelines. "You could see us doing more standing late in the first half. We got back into it after the break. We will need to talk and move more because we will always be the smallest team on the floor."
Being small showed in the shooting percentage. The Mailmen only shot 36% from inside the three point line. Most of those shots coming within 5 feet of the basket.
"It's tough once we get to the key," Coach Hunter said, "we are small, we get banged up in there. Not a lot of clear shooting lanes once we get close. Brandon took some shots inside. We did well driving, we know we can't rely on the three point shot all the time. I liked what I saw, we had guys playing extended minutes tonight. We will take a W."
The Mailmen actually signed former player Ryan Stuver to a 10-day contract Saturday night in order to have bodies for rest. The team will look at his contract situation later and may sign him to a second 10-day contract this week. Johno Reminder should be back next week as should Michael Giardina, giving the team more depth. Kerry Hunter is still looking to be out at least 4 weeks, rehabbing his knee.
The schedule for the year will be released tomorrow and we will get a first look to see where the team sits division wise. Most analysts believe they will be slated in Division II again this year, as they came up short in the playoffs last year.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Welcome to Mailmen basketball!
So the NBA is in lockout mode...the BMRL, Brunswick Mens Rec Basketball League, is not.
The league will begin play, on schedule, this Sunday, November 20th.
As you can recall, the Reignmakers came up short in their goal of a championship last fall and decided to rename the team, in order to get a fresh start and new outlook this season.
The team also made a few roster changes, hopefully resulting in more wins and hopefully a championship run this season.
A few of the names from last year are returning. Jason Hunter (10.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg), Brandon Hunter (21.2 ppg, 8.1 rpg), Kerry Hunter (10.7 ppg, 8.2 rpg), Brent Hunter (17.3 ppg, 2 rpg), and Andy Kempf (2.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg). There have been changes however. After losing Ryan Stuver and Mike Petrilli to a switch in sports, Chad Dobson to a Michigan league, and Clintion Weigel to a contract dispute, the now "Mailmen", had to search for replacements.
Pat Cripple, Michael Giardina, and Johno Reminder are the new faces on the roster, all which bring different aspects to a team in need of varying dynamics.
Johno Reminder comes back after a year hiatus from the team. He brings more size and toughness inside and on the glass. Reminder was out of basketball last season while developing his skills overseas and has now found a place on the Mailmen's roster. Familiarity with Reminder's game, and his added size, were a big reason why Coach Jason Hunter decided to bring the big man back. "With Kerry out for about a month after knee surgery, Johno will step in with major minutes early in the season."
Michael Giardina will ultimately take Weigel's place in the lineup this year as a defensive hustler and slasher on the offensive end. "Mike brings a lot of things we like to the table," Coach Hunter said. "He thrives on the defensive side of the ball, playing passing lanes and pressuring the ball handler. We don't have a ton of quickness on that side of the ball and he brings that added dynamic to our roster." Giardina was signed after playing overseas basketball this past season.
Pat Cripple, or Crip, will be another addition with some size and athleticism being added to the team this year. Again with big man Kerry Hunter sidelined for some time after successful knee surgery and newly acquired Johno Reminder already scheduled to be out for the first preseason game, Crip will be thrown into the fire right away. The Mailmen are only listing 6 players on their roster for that first game, and we will get to see how Crip fits into the system on night number one.
The Mailmen will be playing PBR's Finest for their first preseason game. There is not much of a scouting report on Finest due to the fact they are a new team to the BMRL. After a dissapointing end to the season last year, the new-look Mailmen have their championship goal in mind.
Another report will be added later in the week with new player interviews and a look back at last year.
"It's basketball time...!"
The league will begin play, on schedule, this Sunday, November 20th.
As you can recall, the Reignmakers came up short in their goal of a championship last fall and decided to rename the team, in order to get a fresh start and new outlook this season.
The team also made a few roster changes, hopefully resulting in more wins and hopefully a championship run this season.
A few of the names from last year are returning. Jason Hunter (10.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg), Brandon Hunter (21.2 ppg, 8.1 rpg), Kerry Hunter (10.7 ppg, 8.2 rpg), Brent Hunter (17.3 ppg, 2 rpg), and Andy Kempf (2.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg). There have been changes however. After losing Ryan Stuver and Mike Petrilli to a switch in sports, Chad Dobson to a Michigan league, and Clintion Weigel to a contract dispute, the now "Mailmen", had to search for replacements.
Pat Cripple, Michael Giardina, and Johno Reminder are the new faces on the roster, all which bring different aspects to a team in need of varying dynamics.
Johno Reminder comes back after a year hiatus from the team. He brings more size and toughness inside and on the glass. Reminder was out of basketball last season while developing his skills overseas and has now found a place on the Mailmen's roster. Familiarity with Reminder's game, and his added size, were a big reason why Coach Jason Hunter decided to bring the big man back. "With Kerry out for about a month after knee surgery, Johno will step in with major minutes early in the season."
Michael Giardina will ultimately take Weigel's place in the lineup this year as a defensive hustler and slasher on the offensive end. "Mike brings a lot of things we like to the table," Coach Hunter said. "He thrives on the defensive side of the ball, playing passing lanes and pressuring the ball handler. We don't have a ton of quickness on that side of the ball and he brings that added dynamic to our roster." Giardina was signed after playing overseas basketball this past season.
Pat Cripple, or Crip, will be another addition with some size and athleticism being added to the team this year. Again with big man Kerry Hunter sidelined for some time after successful knee surgery and newly acquired Johno Reminder already scheduled to be out for the first preseason game, Crip will be thrown into the fire right away. The Mailmen are only listing 6 players on their roster for that first game, and we will get to see how Crip fits into the system on night number one.
The Mailmen will be playing PBR's Finest for their first preseason game. There is not much of a scouting report on Finest due to the fact they are a new team to the BMRL. After a dissapointing end to the season last year, the new-look Mailmen have their championship goal in mind.
Another report will be added later in the week with new player interviews and a look back at last year.
"It's basketball time...!"
Monday, June 20, 2011
New Name on Cavs Draft Board
My sources from around the world of basketball gave me some inside info on another player the Cavs could be looking at this Thursday when the draft takes place. Here's a look at a potential second-round choice...
From NBAdraft.net...
Player Profile:
Name - Jason Matthew Hunter
Age - 25
Position - G/F
Height - 6'0"
Weight - 170
Hometown - Twinsburg, Ohio
College & Leagues - Notre Dame College (Ohio), Brunswick Men's Rec Basketball League, Twinsburg Rec Basketball League
Ratings
Athleticism - 6
Size - 4
Defense - 6
Strength - 5
Quickness - 5
Leadership - 8
Jump Shot - 7
NBA Ready - 1
Ball Handling - 5
Potential - 6
Passing - 7
Intangibles - 8
Total - 68
2011 Mock - Undrafted Free Agent
Big Board - 8,875
Position Rank (SG) - 2,471
Career Highlights:
Averaged 10.2 points and 4.8 rebounds for the Reignmakers in the 2010-2011 recreation season. Helping the team reach an 11-2 mark during the year. Scored a career high 16 points as a JV highschool player at Twinsburg High School where he played 3 positions (PG, SG, SF). Made 92 of 100 (48/50) free throws as a sophmore during practice. Was he best player on many rec teams before middle school and dunked a women's basketball his sophmore, freshman, or junior year of highschool (he can't recall the year).
Strengths:
Great knowledge of the game. Can easily follow an offensive and defensive gameplan. Good midrange game and three-point range. Can catch fire from deep. Great motor and can get to the basket when he believes in himself. Decent free throw tosser. Ability to make those around him better. Decent floor vision. Doesn't over dribble. Makes less gambles on defense, plays well within the zone format. A "locker room guy".
Weaknesses
Only average one on one defender. Slow first step. Small for his position and will struggle defensively against bigger opponents. Injury concerns on left knee. Can force bad shots and passes. Does not run the fast break with great efficiency. Very limited exposure. Did not play college basketball and may need to transition against elite talent. Streaky shooter who can go frigid at times.
Overall
Hit-or-miss prospect. Can be taught to fit into a system and will ultimately fill the role of a "shooter" on any team. Will need to be coached in several areas, but ultimately wants to learn and improve. Could be solid end of bench guy.
Could potentially be: Jason Kapono, Damon Jones, James Jones
Might end up being: Luke Jackson, Trajan Langdon, Matt Carrol
Keep an eye out for this name late Thursday night.
PS. Dear Dan Gilbert, I will put in my two weeks notice at Dick's Sporting Goods that night if you pull my name. Thanks, Jason Hunter
From NBAdraft.net...
Player Profile:
Name - Jason Matthew Hunter
Age - 25
Position - G/F
Height - 6'0"
Weight - 170
Hometown - Twinsburg, Ohio
College & Leagues - Notre Dame College (Ohio), Brunswick Men's Rec Basketball League, Twinsburg Rec Basketball League
Ratings
Athleticism - 6
Size - 4
Defense - 6
Strength - 5
Quickness - 5
Leadership - 8
Jump Shot - 7
NBA Ready - 1
Ball Handling - 5
Potential - 6
Passing - 7
Intangibles - 8
Total - 68
2011 Mock - Undrafted Free Agent
Big Board - 8,875
Position Rank (SG) - 2,471
Career Highlights:
Averaged 10.2 points and 4.8 rebounds for the Reignmakers in the 2010-2011 recreation season. Helping the team reach an 11-2 mark during the year. Scored a career high 16 points as a JV highschool player at Twinsburg High School where he played 3 positions (PG, SG, SF). Made 92 of 100 (48/50) free throws as a sophmore during practice. Was he best player on many rec teams before middle school and dunked a women's basketball his sophmore, freshman, or junior year of highschool (he can't recall the year).
Strengths:
Great knowledge of the game. Can easily follow an offensive and defensive gameplan. Good midrange game and three-point range. Can catch fire from deep. Great motor and can get to the basket when he believes in himself. Decent free throw tosser. Ability to make those around him better. Decent floor vision. Doesn't over dribble. Makes less gambles on defense, plays well within the zone format. A "locker room guy".
Weaknesses
Only average one on one defender. Slow first step. Small for his position and will struggle defensively against bigger opponents. Injury concerns on left knee. Can force bad shots and passes. Does not run the fast break with great efficiency. Very limited exposure. Did not play college basketball and may need to transition against elite talent. Streaky shooter who can go frigid at times.
Overall
Hit-or-miss prospect. Can be taught to fit into a system and will ultimately fill the role of a "shooter" on any team. Will need to be coached in several areas, but ultimately wants to learn and improve. Could be solid end of bench guy.
Could potentially be: Jason Kapono, Damon Jones, James Jones
Might end up being: Luke Jackson, Trajan Langdon, Matt Carrol
Keep an eye out for this name late Thursday night.
PS. Dear Dan Gilbert, I will put in my two weeks notice at Dick's Sporting Goods that night if you pull my name. Thanks, Jason Hunter
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Back to the Ordinary: Cleveland Cavs - 2 in top 4; Four picks overall
The Cleveland Cavaliers will begin to rebuild from the Lebron James fiasco this summer.
Having two picks in the top four of this years draft will aid that process.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have four draft picks this year, with the two big ones being at the top of the first round. Me being who I am, should let you know who I think they should draft...but there could be a couple of options.
Here's a few ways I look at the first round:
Option #1
Pick 1 - Kyrie Irving - PG, Duke
Pick 2 - Enes Kanter - C, Turkey
Everyone and their mother seems to have the Cavs picking Irving first, so I'll stick with that option here. Listen he seems to be dynamic. He can score, pass, drive...everything you want out of a point guard. Im guessing this means you either send away Baron Davis (unlikely) or Ramon Sessions (most likely), which I am not in great favor of due to Ramon's continuing improvement throughout the year. He came on strong a second time after Davis's trip to CTown, pushing Sessions to the bench. But Irving could easily be the Cavs point guard of the future and it'll be hard to pass that up.
Kanter should have played in the NCAA this year. But due to the fact he may have accepted money from a Turkish national team to play basketball he was deemed ineligible this past season. Kanter however, impressed everyone in a huge way at the Nike Hoop Summit. While playing for the internationals he racked up 34 points and 13 rebounds. The 34 points, thankfully, beat Dirk Nowitzki's point total from the 1998 game.
Kanter, like Irving, could be the Cavs center of the future. He's only 18 and he's huge, 6'11" 272 pounds. He's great on the glass and would be a great body to bring off the bench behind AV or even potentially start with Hickson playing the 4. But the NBA is getting faster, not bigger. Just by watching the NBA playoffs this year you can see that. There really isn't a dominant big man left in the playoffs this year, with only Tyson Chandler and Serge Ibaka being more defensive than offensive.
Option #2
Pick 1 - Kyrie Irving
Pick 2 - Derrick Williams, F Arizona
Irving, again, could go #1. I'm not entirely sold on him, yet. Being injured throughout his only season at Duke, he played only 11 games. Irving did post solid numbers (17.5 ppg, 4.3 apg, 46% from 3, 52% from the field, over 90% FT)for the year, and had a huge 28 point game in their loss to Arizona in the NCAA tournament. But is that enough of a show to earn him as the Cavs point guard savior? Maybe.
Derrick Williams at #4? It could happen. With the TWolves and Jazz picking between the Cavaliers two picks, Williams could fall into the Cavs laps. Minnesota has Michael Beasley and drafted Wes Johnson last year at the forward spots. Both of whom are young guys and have the same type of game as Derrick Williams. Johnson didn't live quite to expectations, but was only a rookie last year. Beasley turned his game up after being traded from the Miami Heat. He averaged career bests in points per game (19.2), blocks (.7), assists (2.2), and minutes (32.3). He may be a scoring cornerstone in the Wolves offense to go along with Kevin Love. Having those two guys at the forward spot would push Williams name down to number 3 where....
...the Utah Jazz would pass him up. The Jazz have 6 forwards on their roster, three of whom were drafted last year (Jeremy Evans, Derrick Favors, Gordon Hayward). Paul Milsap, Andrei Kirilenko, and CJ Miles also fill the forward spot at Utah. Favors, Milsap, and AK47 easily take the meaningful minutes for the Jazz at the 4. Maybe Utah could try to swing Derrick Williams at the 3, but most scouts and teams see Williams as a 4 rather than a 3. So maybe Utah selects Jan Vesely or Kanter at number 3? It could happen.
Option #3
Pick 1 - Derrick Williams
Pick 2 - Kemba Walker, PG, UConn
Derrick Williams, like Irving/Kanter, could fall into the Cavs plans to be their power forward of the future. With many fans being up and down with JJ Hickson, me not being one of them (*side note - I see JJ Hickson being the future power forward for the Cavs), Williams could easily fit that role. My view, if you missed the parentheses statement, is the Williams an Hickson become a strong 1-2 punch at the forward spots. The Cavs could run a small defensive lineup with Williams and AV, then an offensive one with Williams and Hickson. Not sure how JJ would like being placed back on the bench, but with two young, explosive forwards, how could you go wrong?
Kemba Walker can do it all. We watched him take the University of Connecticut to the National Title this year (so you know he's a "winner" also a plus), averaging over 23 points and 4 assists per game. The boy can score and score in bunches. It's something that the Cavs need. The addition of Baron Davis last year showed us now nice it was to have someone who could creat their own shot everytime down the floor. We hadn't had someone like that all year and Kemba could be that guy. His range isn't great, but did I mention he can score? Shooting the three is something he could work on, as well as his point guard skills, but the idea of him and Baron Davis breaking down defenses on a nightly basis is a nice vision to have.
Option #4
Pick 1 - Derrick Williams
Pick 2 - Brandon Knight, PG Kentucky
Williams again at the top spot. Another guy who can create his own shot and will give the Cavs more fury underneath. I don't see him as huge "banger", but pairing him with AV underneath would give the Cavs a lot of strength. I could see Williams getting under the skin of opposing players, playing tight defense, being physical. It's something the Cavs lack, especially when Varejao was lost to an injury.
Brandon Knight has been scouted to having more "upside" than Kemba Walker. Knight is also bigger on both accounts than Walker (6'3" - 185 pounds to 6'0" - 172 pounds). Being bigger will help Knight on the defensive end, where Walker doesn't exactly shine. Knight can also score, maybe not with the same power as Walker, but Knight averaged over 17 points and 4 assists. He also shoots better than Walker from three (37%). Once again having to choose from Knight and Walker is a good problem for the Cavs to have, but you still want to get the career guy out of the two.
If I had full control of the Cavs office during draft night I would take Option #4. I think Baron Davis, coming off a fresh summer to get healthy, could be the Cavs starting point guard next year. And I like Sessions. I know a lot of fans might not agree with me (Kyle Knapik), but he showed a lot of character stepping up for a Cavs team with no legit star or legit scorer. Brandon Knight would come into play the year after Davis left or was traded. I like Knight's defensive ability over Walker's and him being the bigger guard gives him an advantage over Kemba on that end as well.
The Cavs will not be winners next year, but they will be better. I would try Derrick Williams in spurts at the 3, but I don't think that is where he will ultimately end up on the roster. Williams could be groomed into a superstar power forward. Hickson could grow right along with him.
All of this talk at the forward spot and no mention of Antawn Jamison? Sure I think Jamison could come back and be a 15 plus point scorer again for the Cavs, but I hope he plays well enough for the Cavs to trade him around the trade deadline. The Cavs need to get younger and Jamison could bring in another draft pick late in the season from a team who needs a veteran scorer. I don't see Jamison in the Cavs future, for long, which is why I left him out in most of this write-up.
I don't want to forget about the Cavs two picks in the second round either, but I think the top two are obviously much more significant. But the two picks in the second round I would look at names such as Jeremy Tyler, E-Twuan Moore, DeAndre Liggins, or Jon Leuer. Tyler is extremely raw, but extremely young and talented inside. Moore and Liggins could potentially be scoring pieces at the guard spots off the bench and Leuer could become that coveted "stretch 4" and give the Cavs another three point threat.
The Cavs have a great problem in the 2011 draft. Any combo of Irving/Kanter/Williams/Knight/Walker would please me, with Williams and Knight being at the top of my list. The Cavaliers will improve next year, but should still be picking in the top 10 next year with the likes of Harrison Barnes, Perry Jones, Austin Rivers, Jarred Sullinger, John Henson and Terrance Jones all potentially being there. The draft next year should provide more big names for the Cavs to choose from, making them even younger and more dynamic for the years to follow.
Saddle up Cavs fans, it's going to be exciting 2011-2012.
Having two picks in the top four of this years draft will aid that process.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have four draft picks this year, with the two big ones being at the top of the first round. Me being who I am, should let you know who I think they should draft...but there could be a couple of options.
Here's a few ways I look at the first round:
Option #1
Pick 1 - Kyrie Irving - PG, Duke
Pick 2 - Enes Kanter - C, Turkey
Everyone and their mother seems to have the Cavs picking Irving first, so I'll stick with that option here. Listen he seems to be dynamic. He can score, pass, drive...everything you want out of a point guard. Im guessing this means you either send away Baron Davis (unlikely) or Ramon Sessions (most likely), which I am not in great favor of due to Ramon's continuing improvement throughout the year. He came on strong a second time after Davis's trip to CTown, pushing Sessions to the bench. But Irving could easily be the Cavs point guard of the future and it'll be hard to pass that up.
Kanter should have played in the NCAA this year. But due to the fact he may have accepted money from a Turkish national team to play basketball he was deemed ineligible this past season. Kanter however, impressed everyone in a huge way at the Nike Hoop Summit. While playing for the internationals he racked up 34 points and 13 rebounds. The 34 points, thankfully, beat Dirk Nowitzki's point total from the 1998 game.
Kanter, like Irving, could be the Cavs center of the future. He's only 18 and he's huge, 6'11" 272 pounds. He's great on the glass and would be a great body to bring off the bench behind AV or even potentially start with Hickson playing the 4. But the NBA is getting faster, not bigger. Just by watching the NBA playoffs this year you can see that. There really isn't a dominant big man left in the playoffs this year, with only Tyson Chandler and Serge Ibaka being more defensive than offensive.
Option #2
Pick 1 - Kyrie Irving
Pick 2 - Derrick Williams, F Arizona
Irving, again, could go #1. I'm not entirely sold on him, yet. Being injured throughout his only season at Duke, he played only 11 games. Irving did post solid numbers (17.5 ppg, 4.3 apg, 46% from 3, 52% from the field, over 90% FT)for the year, and had a huge 28 point game in their loss to Arizona in the NCAA tournament. But is that enough of a show to earn him as the Cavs point guard savior? Maybe.
Derrick Williams at #4? It could happen. With the TWolves and Jazz picking between the Cavaliers two picks, Williams could fall into the Cavs laps. Minnesota has Michael Beasley and drafted Wes Johnson last year at the forward spots. Both of whom are young guys and have the same type of game as Derrick Williams. Johnson didn't live quite to expectations, but was only a rookie last year. Beasley turned his game up after being traded from the Miami Heat. He averaged career bests in points per game (19.2), blocks (.7), assists (2.2), and minutes (32.3). He may be a scoring cornerstone in the Wolves offense to go along with Kevin Love. Having those two guys at the forward spot would push Williams name down to number 3 where....
...the Utah Jazz would pass him up. The Jazz have 6 forwards on their roster, three of whom were drafted last year (Jeremy Evans, Derrick Favors, Gordon Hayward). Paul Milsap, Andrei Kirilenko, and CJ Miles also fill the forward spot at Utah. Favors, Milsap, and AK47 easily take the meaningful minutes for the Jazz at the 4. Maybe Utah could try to swing Derrick Williams at the 3, but most scouts and teams see Williams as a 4 rather than a 3. So maybe Utah selects Jan Vesely or Kanter at number 3? It could happen.
Option #3
Pick 1 - Derrick Williams
Pick 2 - Kemba Walker, PG, UConn
Derrick Williams, like Irving/Kanter, could fall into the Cavs plans to be their power forward of the future. With many fans being up and down with JJ Hickson, me not being one of them (*side note - I see JJ Hickson being the future power forward for the Cavs), Williams could easily fit that role. My view, if you missed the parentheses statement, is the Williams an Hickson become a strong 1-2 punch at the forward spots. The Cavs could run a small defensive lineup with Williams and AV, then an offensive one with Williams and Hickson. Not sure how JJ would like being placed back on the bench, but with two young, explosive forwards, how could you go wrong?
Kemba Walker can do it all. We watched him take the University of Connecticut to the National Title this year (so you know he's a "winner" also a plus), averaging over 23 points and 4 assists per game. The boy can score and score in bunches. It's something that the Cavs need. The addition of Baron Davis last year showed us now nice it was to have someone who could creat their own shot everytime down the floor. We hadn't had someone like that all year and Kemba could be that guy. His range isn't great, but did I mention he can score? Shooting the three is something he could work on, as well as his point guard skills, but the idea of him and Baron Davis breaking down defenses on a nightly basis is a nice vision to have.
Option #4
Pick 1 - Derrick Williams
Pick 2 - Brandon Knight, PG Kentucky
Williams again at the top spot. Another guy who can create his own shot and will give the Cavs more fury underneath. I don't see him as huge "banger", but pairing him with AV underneath would give the Cavs a lot of strength. I could see Williams getting under the skin of opposing players, playing tight defense, being physical. It's something the Cavs lack, especially when Varejao was lost to an injury.
Brandon Knight has been scouted to having more "upside" than Kemba Walker. Knight is also bigger on both accounts than Walker (6'3" - 185 pounds to 6'0" - 172 pounds). Being bigger will help Knight on the defensive end, where Walker doesn't exactly shine. Knight can also score, maybe not with the same power as Walker, but Knight averaged over 17 points and 4 assists. He also shoots better than Walker from three (37%). Once again having to choose from Knight and Walker is a good problem for the Cavs to have, but you still want to get the career guy out of the two.
If I had full control of the Cavs office during draft night I would take Option #4. I think Baron Davis, coming off a fresh summer to get healthy, could be the Cavs starting point guard next year. And I like Sessions. I know a lot of fans might not agree with me (Kyle Knapik), but he showed a lot of character stepping up for a Cavs team with no legit star or legit scorer. Brandon Knight would come into play the year after Davis left or was traded. I like Knight's defensive ability over Walker's and him being the bigger guard gives him an advantage over Kemba on that end as well.
The Cavs will not be winners next year, but they will be better. I would try Derrick Williams in spurts at the 3, but I don't think that is where he will ultimately end up on the roster. Williams could be groomed into a superstar power forward. Hickson could grow right along with him.
All of this talk at the forward spot and no mention of Antawn Jamison? Sure I think Jamison could come back and be a 15 plus point scorer again for the Cavs, but I hope he plays well enough for the Cavs to trade him around the trade deadline. The Cavs need to get younger and Jamison could bring in another draft pick late in the season from a team who needs a veteran scorer. I don't see Jamison in the Cavs future, for long, which is why I left him out in most of this write-up.
I don't want to forget about the Cavs two picks in the second round either, but I think the top two are obviously much more significant. But the two picks in the second round I would look at names such as Jeremy Tyler, E-Twuan Moore, DeAndre Liggins, or Jon Leuer. Tyler is extremely raw, but extremely young and talented inside. Moore and Liggins could potentially be scoring pieces at the guard spots off the bench and Leuer could become that coveted "stretch 4" and give the Cavs another three point threat.
The Cavs have a great problem in the 2011 draft. Any combo of Irving/Kanter/Williams/Knight/Walker would please me, with Williams and Knight being at the top of my list. The Cavaliers will improve next year, but should still be picking in the top 10 next year with the likes of Harrison Barnes, Perry Jones, Austin Rivers, Jarred Sullinger, John Henson and Terrance Jones all potentially being there. The draft next year should provide more big names for the Cavs to choose from, making them even younger and more dynamic for the years to follow.
Saddle up Cavs fans, it's going to be exciting 2011-2012.
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