Golden State Warriors: 5 Teams That Would Pursue David Lee
Cleveland Cavaliers
April 17, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) drives through the defense of the Charlotte Bobcats forward Josh McRoberts (11), forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) and guard Kemba Walker (15) during the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
The Cavaliers won the finals equivalent for non-playoff teams; the draft lottery. This means they are getting their second first overall pick in the span of three years. What they want to do with that pick has yet to be established. The Cavs general manager, Chris Grant, has mentioned that they are willing to trade the pick which would expand Cleveland’s pool of players they could add this offseason.
One of the players in consideration would be David Lee. Lee would be the perfect fit for a young team like the Cavs by adding veteran experience to the team. He could be the key in developing a young talent like Tristan Thompson into a model player. Cleveland also has the space in the next couple years to continue paying Lee’s contract with ease.
How would the Warriors benefit from this trade?
With the flexibility of the No. 1 pick, the Warriors could go many ways with their choice. The predicted first pick, Nerlens Noel, wouldn’t really make sense because the Warriors already have Andrew Bogut and are developing Festus Ezeli. However, Ben McLemore makes sense. He who could fill in the same niche described in the Sacramento Kings section about an athletic guard who can put the ball down and drive to the hoop. His presence at the shooting guard position would allow the Warriors to use their small ball lineup.
Further, McLemore’s constant penetration to the basket will open up the floor for Stephen Curry and create better opportunities for everyone on the team. McLemore would also be an asset, not a liability, on defense, as his size and quickness would help shut down opposing guards. This is a trade not only across positions, but across age and potential. Ultimately. I think there is enough upside for both teams to make a trade like this.