This draft lacks star power. It doesn’t lack intrigue. And it’s not just about the No. 1 pick. It’s about Jimmer Fredette and the European players and potential deals and what position Derrick Williams should play (hint: It’s not the one he wants).
Will the Cavaliers take Kyrie Irving No. 1? » There’s some whispers that they would consider Williams first overall. But the great majority of reports suggest one thing. Irving will go first. Williams seems like a lock for No. 2, whether to Minnesota or someone else if there’s a trade.
“The point guard position has become even more important than it may have been years ago,” ESPN draft analyst Jay Bilas said. “Derrick Williams will be a terrific scorer in the NBA. But … Irving is the pick.”
Case closed?
How good are the European players? » Three of them could go in the top 10, but would they if other college players had entered the draft? Maybe not. But should they be written off because they’re from Europe?
“You can be a draft bust as easily out of the ACC as you can an international player,” ESPN draft analyst Fran Fraschilla said. “In many cases it’s the teams who are at fault for trying to see a young player from Europe as the next Dirk Nowitzki.”
The Wizards could take Enes Kanter or Jan Vesely. Jonas Valanciunas is said to be a possible top-five pick. Each comes with a risk. Then again, who in this draft doesn’t?
Where will The Jimmer go? » Pretty nice when you can go by one name, huh? The BYU star is this year’s Stephen Curry or Adam Morrison, someone who prompts divided opinions. Will Fredette sneak into the top 10 to Sacramento? Will Utah pick him at No. 12? Should he go that high?
Will Minnesota trade the No. 2 pick? Will Cleveland hold on to No. 4? Will the Wizards trade with either of them? And why the insistence on not trading JaVale McGee? Must have missed that coronation.
