Over the years – (but especially last year) – the Cavaliers have done well uncovering the Draft’s diamonds in the rough. Every year, a few players slip through the cracks on Draft night. Whether that means that they fall through the first round or out of the Draft altogether, it’s a process that baffles front offices when late June rolls around. Last season, the Wine and Gold’s rotation featured a slew of second-rounders like Boobie Gibson, Ryan Hollins, Ramon Sessions, Anderson Varejao and Luke Harangody. Last season, the Wine and Gold’s rotation featured a slew of second-rounders like Boobie Gibson, Ryan Hollins, Ramon Sessions, Anderson Varejao and Luke Harangody.
Every year, a few players slip through the cracks on Draft night. Whether that means that they fall through the first round or out of the Draft altogether, it’s a process that baffles front offices when late June rolls around. Last season, the Wine and Gold’s rotation featured a slew of second-rounders like Boobie Gibson, Ryan Hollins, Ramon Sessions, Anderson Varejao and Luke Harangody. And Cleveland’s brass even uncovered a couple gems that fell through Draft night altogether – like Samardo Samuels and Manny Harris.
Just the past few Drafts have produced (or not produced) their share of steals and sleepers – players like Landry Fields, Wesley Matthews, DeJuan Blair, Chase Budinger, Omer Asik, DeAndre Jordan and Marc Gasol.
So when the big names are off the board this Thursday, don’t think that there aren’t contributors lurking in the second round and beyond. And when the Wine and Gold is on the clock at picks No. 32 and 54, they might just find a player we’ll one day include among the aforementioned steals and sleepers of the Draft.
Only time will tell ...
Davis Bertans – F – 6-10, 211 – Latvia Strengths: Excellent mechanics, high release and length make him a dangerous shooter; mobile, though not necessarily quick; strong court vision and decent passing ability; has been labeled the best pure shooting international player since Dirk Nowitzki. Weaknesses: Somewhat one-dimensional; at just 211 pounds, is thin for either forward position; not a threat to get to the rim and gets crowded by defenders. How he could help the Cavs: The Cavaliers have some solid big men on the roster, but none who – at 6-10 – can pop out and can the three.
Diante Garrett – G – 6-5, 180 – Iowa State Strengths: Great size and length for the point guard position; is good in both pick-and-roll and isolation situations; improved shooting from both three-point range and the stripe; good NBA pedigree – his father was former NBA player and he was coached by Fred Hoiberg at Iowa State. Weaknesses: Doesn’t get to the rim often; still not viewed as a great shooter; incredibly turnover-prone; will likely be a bench player at the next level. How he could help the Cavs: Once again, the Cavaliers would love to add an athletic wing player to their backcourt, and Byron Scott has no problem playing two lead guards together.