Cavaliers take Dion Waiters from Syracuse with 4th overall pick

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio - The Cavaliers could do nothing but watch as the names we have heard about for weeks went in the first three picks.

Anthony Davis was a lock at No. 1, but when Michael Kidd Gilchrist went to Charlotte and Bradley Beal to the Wizards, the Cavs took Syracuse sophomore guard Dion Waiters.

The Cavs have scouted Dion Waiters for a long time and like his 6-foot-4, 220 pound frame. As a sophomore this year, Waiters ranked second on the team in scoring (12.6), first in steals (1.8 pg). Waiters, who was named the Big East Sixth Man of the Year, was considered by man experts the most NBA-ready player in the first round.

Waiters is a physically gifted player with a strong frame with good instincts and is aggressive in transition. He is listed as an effective defender who is good in pick and rolls and has a developing jump shot.

The Cavaliers then pulled the trigger on a trade in the first round to get 7-footer Tyler Zeller from the Dallas Mavericks for picks 24, 33 and 34. Zeller was the ACC player of the year becoming the first player since Phil Ford to accomplish that feat.

Zeller averaged 16.3 ppg, 9.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. Zeller is considered a very mobile big man, he can run the floor well. Zeller has very good hands and an improving game in the post.

Chris Grant, Cavaliers GM said the team had a very good day Thursday and both picks have the chance to be high level contributors.

"We liked what we did. We had a good day," said Grant. "We probably did more research on Dion then on any player we have ever done."

Byron Scott said, "I was very excited when his name was still on the board and I think he has something very special. I think we got a steal."

Grant went on to say, "Ultimately we had to make a decision on what was best for this team and this organization".

Both players will appear here at the Cleveland Clinic Courts in Independence Friday afternoon.