The Cavaliers have Israeli forward Deni Avdija ranked in their second tier of draft prospects, according to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. Fedor states that the team has done “extensive homework” on Avdija, but evaluation is tricky because he had limited playing time in the EuroLeague.
At 6’9″, Avdija offers athleticism, versatility and play-making, but his outside shot is questionable. Forward is Cleveland’s primary position of need, but Fedor indicates the team plans to take the best player available, regardless of position. He identifies Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman and LaMelo Ball as the three players in the team’s first tier.
Fedor also says if the Cavs are interested in Obi Toppin, they should plan to use him as a power forward/center rather than a small forward. According to Fedor, Toppin doesn’t have the offensive skills or the lateral quickness to succeed on the perimeter in the NBA.
There’s more from the Central Division:
- If the Cavaliers‘ season is over, fans may not get the chance to say goodbye to a pair of franchise cornerstones in Tristan Thompson and Matthew Dellavedova, writes Evan Dammarell of Forbes. With Thompson’s $18.5MM and Dellavedova’s $9.6MM contracts deal both coming off the books, Dammarell doesn’t expect either to return next season, although Dellavedova may be willing to accept a veteran’s minimum deal. Thompson told the organization he would like to be traded to a contender before the deadline, Dammarell states, but Cleveland didn’t like any of the offers it received.
- Former Pistons star Tayshaun Prince has the experience to succeed as the team’s next general manager, contends Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press. Prince performs a variety of roles in the Grizzlies’ front office and has become an influential voice since being hired in 2017.
- Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times looks back at a disappointing season for the Bulls that will be over unless the NBA decides to resume the season for all 30 teams. Cowley hands out a few awards, such as Zach LaVine as player of the year and Coby White as reserve of the year, and says the most significant event was John Paxson’s decision to tell ownership in December that changes were needed in the front office.
If one of Warriors, Hawks or Wolves get top 2 pick, Knicks trade up to get Ball
If Cavs or Pistons are top 2 pick，Knick trade for Chris Paul
If Clippers keep Harris and Morris
You don’t know how much Warriors love Knicks 2021 or 2022 First round pick
Swap the pick Warriors draft Toppin or Okongwu or Advija
The use TE And 4 second round picks to get someone like PJ Tucker，Turner from Pacers
Toppin，Wolves 2022 unprotected pick and Knicks 2022 unprotected pick are the future
Are the Knicks still “crazy”?
Fedor combines a straw man argument with the mailbox device to dampen expectations that the Cavs will take in-state Toppin.
(“Hey, Chris: The Cavs need Obi Toppin more than ever. If Larry Nance Jr. can play small forward then why can’t Toppin?”)
Toppin lacks a clear position like most of the current bigger prospects, but his candidacy is that he can be a stretch 5, not that he can’t be a 3. It depends on matchups.
Maybe the media is being misled, in order to mislead other teams, like GSW is maybe doing by doubting Wiseman to the media.
Tristan Thompson to the Raptors.
Thompson is from Canada and do he would be returning home. He would also be on a playoff contender which would suit him cause although he’s not great he loves to compete.
Plus with Gasol and Ibaka both on expiring contracts, Thompson would be a cheap alternative.
Matthew Dellavedova I think he joins the Sixers.
Delly is an Australian who plays really well as a back up point who can shoot a little, defender a little, and run a second unit. He would be playing with Ben Simmons and Mattise Thybulle both who play for Australia and under coach Brett Brown who is the Australian team coach. Plus it gives Delly a chance to go to the playoffs and try win a ring.
Then lastly as for the Cavs draft pick which at this stage is second. I think Anthony Edwards should be their main target but he may go first. If not him then it would have to be Wiseman or Ball.
Toppin looks really solid and like he’s the most NBA ready but his potential isn’t that high and the Cavs won be competitive for 2/3/4 years and Toppin is 3/4 years isn’t going to be at the same level as Edwards, Wiseman or Ball. It’s like Tobias Harris vs something like Jimmy Butler or DeMarcus Cousins. Toppin will be solid and more ready but he might not ever be all star level whereas the other guys most likely will be eventually.
Getting Wiseman means trading Drummond, whereas getting Ball or Edwards doesn’t mean you have to make a trade. Edwards is more of a scorer and top player, Ball has sky high potential and would be a great passer for this team
It’s time for another redbull for you.
Thompson is a FA not worth the money. Toppin is a nice pick. They can move Love. Go full rebuild. I think Edwards is a great fit for Cavs. They can move one of their PGs. Edwards has the size and talent. Could be special a few yrs down road. I like Drummond, they got him cheap. The way market is. They might be able to sign him. Either way with a good draft. They move Love, they got cap space. They can rebuild this rather quickly. I think they are in a good position. Like Knicks they can’t blow this draft.
I like Toppin. I think he is ROY. He could help Warriors next yr. and eventually take over at PF. He can fit with a few teams. He’s safest pick in top of draft. But you know everyone likes to hit HRs on top of draft. No matter what I see him going top 3-4.