The Cavs missed an opportunity here. Kyrie Irving was too easy of a pick. In a league that is now run by point guards, they did not need to take one at #1. They had a chance to nab Derrick Williams with the first pick and then grab a Brandon Knight or Kemba Walker with the fourth pick. Williams is young, explosive, possibly has a longer future, and is far more valuable. He can either be used to draw a nice package of players to a rebuilding Cavaliers team or slide in at the 3 and become the focus of the Cavs offense. By bringing in Knight or Walker, you can bring them along slowly without the pressures of being the number one picks.
The Mavericks and Trailblazers did themselves well. Dallas acquired a swingman who can shoot in Rudy Fernandez. They got a much needed scoring option. So long Peja. Meanwhile Portland got younger and faster. Good for them. They are young and they needed a younger, quicker, more determined point guard. Raymond Felton should fit in nicely with LaMarcus Aldridge, Nicholas Batum, and hopefully a healthier Brandon Roy. Roy can no longer complain he has a point guard who's too slow.
The Bucks got a much needed scorer in the Stephen Jackson trade. Michael Redd is on the decline. The John Salmons experiment is over. Hopefully Jackson can keep his emotions in check and contribute to a team that isn't too far from being ok.
Can the Knicks please release an official statement on Spike Lee's position with the organization? Strangely he was the one interviewed after New York selected Imam Shumpert with the 17th pick. As many Knick fans voiced their displeasure, there weren't any known Knicks officials releasing any statements. A slightly bewildered Lee basically preached faith and patience in the selection. Perhaps it's time to give him his shot in the front office and see if he can do better. I'll bet he can.
Daniel Mazler
Twitter - @DMazzle
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