With the NBA Draft quickly approaching in just eight days and the Cleveland Cavaliers have yet to give a clear picture as to what their intentions will be with the No. 1 overall selection. They have done their work looking at all top prospects available while also shopping around trade options that would get them established players in return. However, team sources are reporting that the Cavaliers have "overvalued" trading the pick and will likely keep it.
"Cleveland continues to aggressively shop this pick, according to sources, but one executive said the Cavs "have completely overvalued it." It's looking more and more like Cleveland will keep the pick," said Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated.
Unless Cleveland can work out a trade that just completely blows them away, sticking with the top pick is the right move. The team has toyed with the option as owner Dan Gilbert has been hesitant to add another rookie to the already young team. It seemed possible that they would make a move for DeMarcus Cousins, but have halted negotiations for some time now.
If Nerlens Noel had not torn his ACL part way through Kentucky's season last year, it would be no question that Cleveland would select the center No. 1. Noel has the athleticism and the defensive skills that have shot him straight up the draft boards. Scouts everywhere are loving his abilities.
The issue is that he did tear his ACL and teams are worried about his overall health. It is very possibly he will not see a basketball court until after Christmas. Even then, he might not be back at full-strength. He might be a hesitant player. He might not come back and play the way he was.
Due to the uncertainty surrounding Noel, the Cavaliers are also considering Alex Len and Otto Porter has strong options for the No. 1 pick. Both players linger around the top of draft boards and could make a strong case as to why they are the best available.
The team is not considering Ben McLemore with their top pick. While some believed he held firmly onto a top five spot, his stock is dropping by the day. Teams are having concerns over McLemore's character issues/ He has also failed to fully prepared for the upcoming draft as his agents continue to hurt his chances. The Phoenix Suns were unimpressed with their workout with the prospect, but would still welcome him on the team, reports ESPN's Chad Ford.
With many of the players even on talent, the No. 1 pick is slightly worthless. If Gilbert wants playoffs this year, he might want to start ramping up trade talks.
