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Cleveland Cavaliers in Search of a New Franchise Star in the 2011 NBA Draft It's no secret the Cleveland Cavaliers will be in full rebuilding mode for the 2011 NBA Draft. With two picks in the first four, including the first overall, the Cavs are intent on finding a franchise star or two to lead the franchise into the post-LeBron James era. Unfortunately for Cleveland, this year's draft pool is among the shallowest in the last decade or so, though there are still some future stars lurking here and there. Let's have a quick look at five prospects who could be franchise-type guys for the Cavs for years to come. 5. Enes Kanter, PF/C, Kentucky Enes Kanter never played a single minute of college ball at Kentucky, but certainly not for lack of ability. The Turkish big man was banned from play by the NCAA before he'd ever set foot on the hardwood. Nonetheless, Kanter, who's scheduled to work out for the Cavs for a second time on Monday, is a big, physical front court player who, like most players his age, is a bit raw but already has a reliable mid-range jumper in his arsenal. 4. Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky Brandon Knight was supposed to play with Enes Kanter at Kentucky this year, but managed to lead the Wildcats to the Final Four nonetheless. Knight, who at 6'3" can man either guard spot, would be an excellent choice with the fourth-overall pick, though the Utah Jazz might very well snatch him up with the third pick. 3. Kemba Walker, PG, UConn Should Knight be off the board by the time the Cavs get to pick again, they would still have an excellent option at the point in the person of Kemba Walker. In leading the UConn Huskies to the 2011 NCAA Tournament Championship, the Bronx native proved that he can be and often is a force to be reckoned with from the point guard position, despite his size—Walker is listed generously at 6'1". 2. Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke Most pundits have already penciled in Kyrie Irving as Cleveland's choice with the first pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. However, there is some doubt as to whether or not Irving, who played only 11 games during an injury-plagued freshman season at Duke, is really top-pick material. Don't get me wrong: the 6'3" point guard is a terrific talent, as indicated by the comparisons he's drawn to New Orleans Hornets superstar Chris Paul. However, given the Cavs' current roster, which already includes Baron Davis and Ramon Sessions at the point, and the small sample size from which to judge Irving's star potential, there is reason to doubt whether he's the best bet to lead the franchise into the future. 1. Derrick Williams, F, Arizona Derrick Williams is no LeBron James, but at 6'8" and 241 pounds, the forward from Arizona is the closest the Cavs will come to finding King James in this draft class. Some scouts have expressed doubts about Williams' pro potential, with many labelin him a 'tweener in the mold of Michael Beasley, but Williams, known for his intense work ethic and versatility, seems poised to prove otherwise to all the naysayers.
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