Cle Moved Up on the Draft Board Today!!!

[ShockerEngineer]

If nothing else from today, I'd be very happy if all this could help pay off really well for Cle.

[Rlh04d]

I think NBA scouts always worry about the "tweener" label. Seems like there's a belief that Early isn't strong enough for the post in the NBA and not fast enough to guard on the perimeter.

I don't see that at all. He was able to go against Randle and Cauley-Stein at the 4 without being mauled, and he was able to guard Kentucky's lottery picks on the perimeter. He's talented and efficient everywhere on the court -- he's pretty good on the block (especially at drawing contact), excellent finishing at the rim, good midrange game, good perimeter game. With the rebounding and defensive intensity that are Marshall's mark on players.

He's a first round pick. I don't think he's a lottery pick, but if he doesn't go in the first round, someone is being ridiculous. Cle is the exact opposite of a guy that racks up good stats against poor competition -- his best games are consistently against the best competition.

[Downtown Shocker Brown]

Selfishly want to see him end up in New Orleans, but they don't have a first round.

[ShockerMas]

If Jimmy Butler can take over games in the NBA, then I definitely think that Cle can. They've got similar builds and although it may take some time for Cle to adapt to the pro game, he should be a mid to late 1st rounder which would land him on a playoff contender

[MadaboutWu]

I will be an instant fan of whatever team takes Cle and actively follow if he gets some decent playing time. I really dislike the Knicks but would get on board if Murry saw more than spot minutes.

[Slam21]

Selfishly want to see him end up in New Orleans, but they don't have a first round.

That would be nice if Early teams up with Anthony Davis.

[1979Shocker]

Dude just made some big money today. I'm glad for him.

I'm pretty sure he didn't make anything today. Now in the future he's going to make more than the majority of us will ever make in our lifetimes.

[wsushox1]

Hope this is serious. That would be a BIG TIME endorsement.

Can confirm. Was there.

Pat Riley hoping to keep Early on the DL so that Miami can scoop him up.

[Shock Top]

I'm pretty sure he didn't make anything today. Now in the future he's going to make more than the majority of us will ever make in our lifetimes.

Careful, now may not be the best time for sarcasm.

[Shock Top]

Can confirm. Was there.

I heard he was there. I was just wondering if anyone actually heard him talking about Cle.

[Rocky Mountain Shock]

Hoping the Nuggets actually make a good decision in the draft this year...I know, I know, but a guy can dream.

[Shock Top]

Too bad the Knicks don't have a first rounder.

He could have been Phil Jackson's first pick to help restore the franchise.

[Shock Top]

[Bluzrover]

I'm really proud of that young man. He is the epitome of Big Time Player as he always comes up big in the big games. Wish we could have had him for his full four years of college and hate to see him go. To think that he bought into 3G's philosophy and game plans speaks volumes to his own character. Some NBA team is going to get a hard-working, blue collar, play every play player who isn't going to make headlines for the wrong reason. Class act. Best of luck Cle!

[CBB_Fan]

I think he goes to the Heat or Spurs, or at least that is what I am hoping for. He's the type of player that needs a high quality franchise to give him a rock for his emotions, and a plan to use his skills. The name I'm hearing for a comparison is Jimmy Butler, though Early is probably a little worse of a ball-handler and a better athlete. If Early tests off the charts at the combine he'll have a chance of getting drafted outside the range of the quality teams (Heat, Spurs, Bulls, Thunder).

My guess is that he'll stand around 6'8", have a 6'9.5" wingspan (fairly low) but a 8'11.5" reach (narrow shoulders). Athletically, I expect something in the range of a 33" no-step, 38-39" max vertical. If he tests in that range in the combine I think he'll go just outside the lottery.