When the 2011 NBA Draft wraps up in the wee hours of June 23, Cleveland will welcome four new picks into the Wine and Gold’s fold.
Due to some craft and aggressive moves – not to mention a little luck – the Cavaliers have four selections in this year’s Draft – No. 1, No. 4, No. 32 and No. 54 overall. The top two choices will garner all the headlines, but Cleveland’s two second-rounders might one day be this Draft’s diamonds in the rough.
For reference sake, Cavs.com assembled a list of players who have been taken at those four positions in the forty-plus years of the Cavaliers’ existence. Everyone remembers the top picks and most of the No. 4’s are recognizable. Some solid contributors have been taken No. 32. But at No. 54, for every Sam Mitchell, there’s two Aurelijius Zukauskases.
Of course, quality NBA players have been drafted low – or undrafted altogether – and enjoyed success at the pro level. (The Cavaliers can attest to that after discovering Manny Harris and Samardo Samuels.)
That being said, here are some of the selections that have been made over the years …
* = denotes Cavaliers selection