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First International Player Drafted: #3 Enes Kanter

1. Cleveland Cavaliers, GM Drew Jonke (NBADraft.net) – Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke:

While I’m extremely tempted to select a larger-sized player here (Williams) and take Jimmer at No. 4 if available, I cannot pass up a player who may remind some of Chris Paul, but others of Isiah Thomas, but less of a dolt off the court. 

2. Minnesota Timberwolves, GM Jonah Steinmeyer (Howlin’ T-Wolf) – Derrick Williams, SF, Arizona:

There’s no denying that the Wolves would love to deal this pick for some veteran leadership, but if it comes down to it, the Wolves aren’t in a position to pick for need. They take the B.P.A. in Williams and sort out the Williams/Beasley conundrum via trades later in the summer.

3. Utah Jazz, GM Troy Ballard (The Beard And Stache) – Enes Kanter, C, Turkey:

TRADED To Cleveland With The 12th Overall Pick For The Draft Rights Of Jimmer Fredette

The Jazz struggled last season without Deron Williams, and they need an extra push to get them back on the map. Kanter easily could have been the top overall pick if not for his eligibility issues at the University of Kentucky. The Jazz won’t be able to pass up on a talent as good as Kanter, and he could be the first step into getting the Jazz back into validity in the Western Conference.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers, GM Drew Jonke (NBADraft.net) – Jimmer Fredette, SG, BYU:

TRADED To Utah For The Draft Rights Of Enes Kanter & 12th Overall Pick

Would this confuse a lot of people? Sure. Is this what I think the Cavs wil actually do? No. But this is what I would do. Irving and Fredette have absurd talent and both have an extremely rare combination of skill sets. Plus, the drop-off after Williams and Kanter is enormous. Why reach for a wing or a big? The Cavs have two or three more years to build this team. They expect to be in the top of the draft next year too, when there should be a slew of wings and bigs available (Barnes, Sullinger, Jones, Anthony Davis, etc.) Plus, there’s also free agency. 

Could Irving and Fredette co-exist? Absolutely. They’re both unselfish players, and both have an off-the-charts basketball IQ. They might struggle to defend bigger backcourts, there’s no question that bigger backcourts would struggle to defend them! 

Get more insight on the trade at Cavaliers Gab

5. Toronto Raptors, GM Adam Francis (Raptors HQ) – Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky:

The Raptors desperately need an influx of top talent and Knight is the best of the bunch left on this board in terms of upside.  Is he on the level of a John Wall or Rajon Rondo?  No, but he should be a very solid lead guard in the league for years to come.  Most impressive though is his basketball IQ, maturity and work ethic, something else the Raps could use in spades considering how young their club is already.  Talking to him after his workout in Toronto last week, you just got the feeling that this kid is going to do whatever it takes to be a star in the league.

6. Washington Wizards, GM Rajan Nanavati (Sports Gab Network) – Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Diego State:

We love this pick. Leonard instantaneously adds versatility, work-ethic, energy, and solid defense to a young & developing team. Leonard’s upside is very reminiscent of Shawn Marion, and would fill a huge hole for the Wizards at the 3 position.