Cavs Hoping Strong Draft Class Makes Them A Contender Again

By: Nate Wadley

It all started with “The Decision” last July. Throughout the entire summer, Cleveland fans held on to only a ray of hope that the kid they had embraced as a hero would elect to remain with the team that drafted him, the team that had built their city around him. Yet that all came to a screeching halt when LeBron James told the world that he would be “taking his talents to South Beach”. From then on, everyone knew that the Cleveland Cavaliers perennial runs through the playoffs were over. But nobody expected their first season without the King to go like it did. A dreadful 19-63 record (which at one point consisted of a 26-game losing streak) haunted the Cavs players, organization, and fan base for what turned out to be a painful year. While the Cavs are at home watching the Playoffs, LeBron is making noise down in Miami, the same city that will host the Dallas Mavericks in game one of the Finals on Tuesday night.

As for the Cavaliers, it can’t get any worse…right? Correct. Experts and analysts have shown that this year’s draft class is sure to be weaker than years’ past. However, Cleveland will potentially have the first, second, AND fourth picks in the first round. Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams, and Kawhi Leonard stand in those three spots in ESPN’s mock draft in which the Cavs will draft.

Kyrie Irving left Duke early, exiting the campus after being injured for half of his freshman year. Yet at the young age Irving is at right now, he dominated the games he played and shows unbelievable potential at the NBA level. Irving is considered to be a true point guard, yet can score whenever need be. He has a knack for the game and his basketball IQ is very high for a kid his age. In time, Irving just might be one of the elite point guards in the NBA.

Derrick Williams came alive in the NCAA tournament last year. Proving to all the critics that he was not just a post presence, Williams has developed a jumper from anywhere inside the arc. His knack for getting to the rim will surely draw multiple defenders, opening countless opportunities for kick-outs. With a 6’8, 240 frame he’s a little undersized for his position, but his strength and versatility will surely prove that he can play against anyone.

After his team had a breakout season, Kawhi Leonard decided to leave San Diego State and enter the draft. A 6’7 small forward, Leonard is a flexible player and feels comfortable playing power forward as well. Leonard repeatedly dominated the offensive boards at the collegiate level and shows great tenacity as a defender. He’s a threat to score both inside as well as outside and will surely draw attention from defenses around the league.

It is a term used in college year-round; “this was a rebuilding year”. Well, we can say that about the Cavs, but as a team they never had the players (or will?) to compete with anyone last year. Yet trade negotiations are flying around the league and the Cavaliers may just end up with the first, second, and fourth overall picks. When LeBron left, Cleveland fell to rock bottom of the league and was constantly a source of amusement on SportsCenter. If they are able to snatch these three picks, the Cavs may just end up being a contender once again.

Nate Wadley is the brother of Zach Wadley and is a contributor to the World of Wadley site. He is a senior in high school.