After a dramatic rise up NBA Draft big boards and with rumors circling that the Cavaliers are targeting Alex Len with the number one overall pick, the former Maryland big man is looking more and more like Cleveland's guy.

US PRESSWIRE/PHOTOCREDITS

Alex Len's Rise to #1
             Rumors persist across all NBA fronts that former Maryland center Alex Len is the likely choice for the Cleveland Cavaliers with the number one overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. For those who have been heavily entrenched in draft talks since the beginning of the 2012-2013 NBA season, this comes as quite the shock. Alex Len? The same kid who scored six points against Delaware State last year? The young Ukrainian center who has been forced to miss all pre-draft workouts with a stress fracture in his left foot? Yes, that Alex Len.

                While Alex Len’s rise up NBA Draft big board’s has been nothing short of spectacular, some credit for his upsurge can be directed towards the underachievement of Len’s peers. Ben McLemore, regarded by many NBA scouts as the number one prospect two months ago, has had an absolutely horrific pre-draft process. According to multiple reports, a string of poor workouts has virtually eliminated the former Kansas star’s chances at being selected with the first pick. Rumors continue that not only did McLemore show up flat to a workout with the Phoenix Suns, but he also showed up out-of-shape. And to top it all off, multiple sources report McLemore has refused to go up against other top wing players Victor Oladipo and Otto Porter in one-on-one workouts. Due to this, scouts are now questioning his overall work ethic (On a side note, this seems to be a reoccurring issue  among Kansas players, just look at former high school stars Xavier Henry and Josh Selby and their ugly transitions to the next level). After all this, it’s safe to say McLemore will not be hearing his name called first in Thursday’s draft.

And what about Nerlens Noel? Noel was widely regarded as the surefire lock at number one overall ever since he announced his college decision last April. The number one ranked player in the class of 2012? Headed to Kentucky? Where Anthony Davis was just in the same situation as Noel? Of course the kid is going number one overall. But then February 12^th happened. Torn ACL. Sidelined for the remainder of the season. And just like that, a dark cloud started to emerge around Noel’s name. How would this affect Noel’s game in the future? As a big man relying on rare athleticism and explosiveness for a player his size, it will surely have its setbacks. However, Noel still lingers near the top of many mock drafts across the internet. Even with that, Noel’s injury has recently begun raising questions among teams with high picks. Take Cleveland as an example, where owner Dan Gilbert has all but promised a Cavaliers postseason berth next season. With Noel unable to contribute during the first couple months of the season, it may hinder Cleveland’s ability to reach their goal. This is just one example within a long line of questions and concerns.

Outside of Noel and McLemore, former Georgetown star Otto Porter is also believed to be in contention for the number one pick at this point. Small forward is definitely a draft need for the Cavaliers. I just don’t see Alonzo Gee, Omri Casspi, or Luke Walton being viable long term options at the small forward position. Many NBA insiders have Cleveland selecting Otto Porter and filling an immediate need. I see the reasons, but I just do not think this will happen. Porter is in my opinion the most NBA ready prospect in the draft. There’s just a maturity to his offensive game that other prospects simply cannot offer. But it comes with a twist. Out of any prospect being mocked in the top 10, Porter has the lowest ceiling. Keeping this in mind, I think Cleveland will take a risk and bite on the potential of another prospect. Also, Cleveland has continued in their talks with the Dallas Mavericks regarding the 13^th overall pick. Per NBA trade rumors, Dallas would send Shawn Marion and the 13^th pick to Cleveland for the 19^th pick. The Cavaliers have been linked to Russian small forward Sergey Karasev at this spot, and will only be making this trade if Karasev is still available when the Mavericks pick. To me, such intense trade talks over Karasev have to mean Cleveland is investing in someone other than Porter with the first pick.

                Alex Len is a legitimate NBA prospect. Not only that, Alex Len is a legitimate candidate for the number one overall pick. Let me say that again. Alex Len is a legitimate candidate for the number one overall pick. He has all the tools necessary to succeed in the Association. Maybe his best showcase of talent was his complete domination of Nerlens Noel and future lottery pick Willie Cauley-Stein last season. 23 points and 12 rebounds are not bad statistics when you’re supposedly playing against two of the best shot blockers in the country. Standing at 7’1”, Len has an intriguing physical presence. It also helps having a 7’3.5” wingspan to corral lose balls and block shots. He is an athletic specimen. Len gets up and down the court extremely well for a 250+ pound center. Great natural leaping ability allows for frequent looks above the rim. His huge body still has room to put on muscle for the NBA. Great rim protector on the defensive end. Has tremendous upside, perhaps the most potential of anyone in this year’s draft class. The list goes on and on, Len is a tremendous NBA prospect.

There is a reason why the Cavaliers are favoring him the first pick overall. To draft a franchise center at this point in their organization’s timeline is essential. With a young nucleus of Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters, and Tristan Thompson, a young center to replace Anderson Varejao would do wonders for Cleveland’s future. Len is Cleveland’s guy. The Cavaliers have long yearned for an indispensable big man. He’s here now. This is the man Kyrie Irving will run the pick & roll with in Cleveland for the next decade.

 

Bold Prediction Alert:  The Cleveland Cavaliers will bypass Nerlens Noel and select Alex Len with the first pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.