NBA fans have one last major event to look forward to before a possible lockout threatens the entire 2012 season. The amateur draft takes place this evening, and fans will be watching closely as their teams make selections that could change the balance of power in the league.
Last summer, when the Cleveland Cavaliers lost LeBron James to free agency, owner Dan Gilbert made the bold statement that his team, depleted by the loss of the league's best player, would win a title before The King did. That proclamation almost was dispelled in the first year of James' contract with the Miami Heat.
The Heat ended up losing in the NBA Finals to Dallas, and it left Gilbert still clinging to his bold prediction. The first step towards realizing that prediction takes place tonight, when the Cavaliers make their picks at number one and four in the draft. The stroke of luck Gilbert has had in securing the first and fourth picks gives Cleveland fans a reason to hope.
The Cavaliers have already decided that they will select Duke guard Kyrie Irving with the top pick. From there, it is any gamblers bet as to who falls to Cleveland at number four. The Cavs had entertained the idea of taking Derrick Williams number one overall, and then hoping Irving fell to number four.
In the end, Cleveland decided in Irving in the top spot, making it unlikely they will land Williams. There is always the option of trading the fourth pick for a veteran star that could help Irving grow, while giving the Cavs a chance to win next season. That possibility seems remote as Cleveland officials have said on Wednesday they would keep both the first and fourth picks.
James' Heat join the Los Angeles Lakers as teams that do not have a first round pick. The Lakers and Heat are currently the betting favorites to win the NBA title next season, assuming the lockout does not end the season before it starts. Miami is the top pick of odds makers, with L.A. in the second position.
June 23, 2011
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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