Interview With: Scott of WFNY

Interview With:

As the National Basketball Association gets its rest, the bloggers that give us the news about the NBA are definitely not resting. One of them, Scott from Waiting For Next Year (WFNY), was kind enough to answer some questions about the Cleveland Cavaliers and their second round pick, Danny Green. Once again all I can say is how lucky I am as another great blog comes out of the “Interview With:” series thanks to the awesome answers given. See what Scott has to say about Green, the rest of the Tar Heels in the League and the “one and done” rule that is in place…

A.E.M.: Of course the “big” news in Cleveland is Shaq coming to town, but for us Tar Heels the question is this: What do you make of the Cavs second round pick, Danny Green?

Scott (WFNY): I think it is safe to say that fans in general are excited to see what Green brings to the table. He’s the perfect role player for Mike Brown’s system. Green wasn’t the number one option on UNC, so he’ll be comfortable doing the same at the next level. Plus, he loves defense, yet can hit the open three – something that Brown can’t get enough of. Many feel that the Cavs got a steal with Green in the second round, and the folks at WFNY definitely agree, albeit a little more tempered than pundits like John Hollinger. Given the depth on the wing, there won’t be a lot of pressure put on the rookie; something that is good for all parties involved.

A.E.M.: Is Green a: a) lock to make the team, b) will probably make the team, c) will start the season on the Cavs but will end up in the NBDL or d) will start the season in the NBDL.

Scott (WFNY): Given the release of Tarance Kinsey, I think that Green definitely makes the team. The issue that he may run into will be in the second half of the season if both JJ Hickson and Leon Powe are both healthy, Brown may be forced to put Green on the inactive list for a few games here and there. The thing that Green has going for him is the regression that we experienced from Danny Gibson. If Green flourishes in limited minutes, but Gibson continues to struggle, there may be a changing of the Dannys in the SG depth chart. Green already has height in his favor, he’ll just need to produce when called upon.

A.E.M.: Now to the other ex Tar Heel on the Cavaliers: Jawad Williams. Last year he never got much time playing in Cleveland (maximum 3-4 minutes), while he was dominating in the NBDL. Where do you see Williams this season?

Scott (WFNY): We’re big fans of Jawad Williams. Yes, he’s on the professional team of our rooting interest, but is also a Cleveland guy, going to St. Eds. I’ve heard nothing but great things about him as a person, and I think the release of Kinsey (instead of Williams) speaks volumes. Brian Windhorst has mentioned several times that the team thinks very highly of Jawad, and he will be given every chance in the world to make the team come October. He had a very successful summer league, and already has a year of service under his belt with these guys. We wish him nothing but the best, even if it is in a limited role with the big boys.

A.E.M.: If you were the GM of the Cavs and you had to pick one player from Chapel Hill that is in the NBA now to help your team out who would you pick, and of course why?

Scott (WFNY): Wow, great question. We could use point guard depth, so Ray Felton would be a solid fit behind Mo Williams. However, we have yet to see what he can do at this level, so I’ll make my selection be a veteran. A close second would be Marvin Williams, a guy whom I was hoping the Cavaliers were interested in during the most recent free agency period. Alas, he was restricted and was signed by the Hawks. Thus, with all things considered (LeBron’s game, a “win now” philosophy, etc), I’d go with Antawn Jamison. He’s a great “stretch” power forward that can hit the mid-range jump shot and still crash the glass. Jamison may be older than both of the aforementioned, but his game would be the best fit right now to help out the Cavs.

A.E.M.: And lastly, the NCAA bloggers (for the most part) think that the “one and done” rule is not good for the sport at the college level. As a pro blogger what do you think of that rule? (Keep it as is – Change it – Get rid of it altogether)

Scott (WFNY): It’s tough as my team currently has the best player in the league, LeBron James, and he came directly out of high school. I do think that the one-and-done is ridiculous and needs to be changed, I’m just not sure what way it should go. Allow kids to come out of HS again, or make them stay for at least two years? College football seems to have it down pretty well, allowing teams to build and repeat. As an Ohio State fan, we haven’t had the same center in years; something that Thad Matta has been criticized for in the past – though he’s simply playing the hand he’s being dealt. So, if I had to play a hard line, I’d say yes, it needs to be changed. Let’s add at least one more year to give us ‘teams’ to root for instead of just a player for one year, hoping he can take us to the promise land.

All that is left is to thank Scott for the straight forward answers and to remind all of you that you can check out his blog at Waiting For Next Year or see what he is saying on his Twitter Page.

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