The 2014 NBA Draft is tomorrow night.. Still undecided Cavs?
ESPN’s Chad Ford reports that the Cleveland Cavaliers are still torn between taking Jabari Parker or Andrew Wiggins with the #1 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.
Sources: Cavs owner Dan Gilbert wants Wiggins at No. 1. Cavs front office wants Parker. Link coming …
— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) June 25, 2014
After Joel Embiid’s unfortunate foot injury last week that will require him to miss the next 4-6 months, it has come down to either Wiggins or Parker being the first named called in tomorrow’s draft. Cavs owner Dan Gilbert remembers the epic miss in last years draft when the Cavs chose Anthony Bennett, an under the radar player from UNLV, with the #1 pick. Bennett averaged 4.2 ppg and 3 rebounds and was a non-factor for the Cavaliers in his rookie season.
Gilbert doesn’t want to miss another opportunity after receiving the second straight #1 pick, their third #1 pick in four years (Kyrie Irving, #1 pick in 2011 NBA Draft). There is no way Cleveland can mess this one up with two of the most talented players and guaranteed top 2 picks available. Many are led to believe that the Cavs will take Wiggins at 1, but Gilbert still wants to make his presence felt before a decision is made.
Gilbert let Cavs front office + Mike Brown select Anthony Bennett. Gilbert was an Oladipo fan. He’ll have a stronger voice this year.
— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) June 25, 2014
There is plenty of time until the draft begins tomorrow night, but the front office and Gilbert will need to get on the same page. Parker’s tanked workout with the Cavs last week and his desire to play for the Milwaukee Bucks (#2 pick) might make the Cavs pick an easier one with Wiggins, but there won’t be another Bennett disaster with two excellent talents available.
-Patrick Hazel (@pattywack25)
