reflections
June 28th, 2008 2008 NBA Draft Grades: Cleveland Cavaliers

By: Dustin Chapman

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  • Selected J.J. Hickson 19th overall.
  • Traded a 2009 second round draft pick to Miami for the rights to Darnell Jackson (52nd overall).
  • Acquired the rights to Sasha Kaun (56th overall) from Seattle in exchange for cash considerations.

Hickson was a bit of a reach up at 19, and surprised many. He’s got some long-term upside, but he’ll likely take a few years to come into his own. Cleveland needs help now; Hickson may not be ready to give them what they need. Down the road, he could be a player, but the Cavaliers aren’t about potential. They want to win. Hickson is an interesting prospect, but was he the right fit?

Darnell Jackson may be able to crack the roster with his athleticism, strength, and tenacity. He could be sent to the D-League early on, but he may have a shot at sticking in the league.

Sasha Kaun, a teammate of Jackson at Kansas, may look like a solid value pick at 56 based on the name, but don’t expect the 2008 NCAA Champion to wear a Cavaliers jersey for quite some time. Kaun has reportedly signed a multi-year deal overseas, where he’ll get an opportunity to refine his skills and earn extra money for himself early in his professional career.

Grade: C

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June 11th, 2008 Gibson Undergoes Successful Ankle Surgery

ESPN.com reports:

Cavaliers guard Daniel Gibson had arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle Tuesday and is expected to be ready for training camp.

The second-year guard, a restricted free agent, had the operation in Houston, his hometown. The team said he is expected to start rehab next week.

Gibson sprained his ankle Feb. 20 at Indiana and sat out 18 games. He missed the final two games of the playoff series against Boston with a separated shoulder.

One of the Cavs’ best outside shooters, he averaged 10.4 points in 58 games. He was named MVP of the All-Star Rookie/Sophomore game in New Orleans when he made a record 11 3-pointers.

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Posted By: Dustin Chapman

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June 6th, 2008 Varejao Will Not Play For Brazil This Summer

According to the Akron Beacon Journal, Cavaliers forward Anderson Varejao will pass up the opportunity to play for the Brazilian National Team this summer.

Anderson Varejao’s season with the Cleveland Cavaliers dramatically was altered by one false step. Now it is affecting his summer plans, too.

A Cavaliers’ official confirmed Thursday that Varejao has informed Cleveland he has decided not to play this summer for the Brazilian National Team. Varejao will devote the offseason to rehabbing his left ankle instead.

Varejao suffered a sprain and partial ligament tear in the ankle and was out for a month after stepping on Los Angeles Lakers’ guard Sasha Vujacic’s foot during a game in January.

He was never the same after the injury. His agility and jumping ability showed lingering effects, and he averaged 6.7 points and 8.3 rebounds for the season.

Varejao did not play for the national team last summer because he was in contract talks with the Cavs and caring for his parents, both of whom were recovering from surgery. Brazil has yet to qualify for the Beijing Olympics.

Posted By: Dustin Chapman

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