Duke's Kyrie Irving and Arizona's Derrick Williams spend part of their last days as amateurs in a familiar spot -- on a basketball court as part of the NBA Cares Community Caravan. Tonight, one of them likely will become the Cavaliers' No. 1 draft pick.

View full sizeSteve Freeman, NBAE via GettyKyrie Irving, left, possibly the first pick of tonight's NBA Draft, conducts drills during a Special Olympics Basketball Clinic in New York City on Wednesday.

NEW YORK — After an hour of interviews and seemingly endless questions about the draft order, post-draft plans and the possibility of a lockout, Duke point guard Kyrie Irving and Arizona forward Derrick Williams got back to where they're most comfortable -- the basketball court.

Irving and Williams, players the Cavaliers are thought to be considering with the No. 1 pick in today's NBA Draft, led a contingent of draft hopefuls onto the courts at John Jay College for a clinic with 60 Special Olympians as part of the NBA Cares Community Caravan.

It was hard to tell who enjoyed it more -- the draft hopefuls or the Special Olympians.

"Not everybody wants to wear a suit all day," a grinning Williams said. He Tweeted a picture of himself with three athletes and said, "It was a great experience."

Williams worked with a group of athletes on one end of the floor, while Irving and BYU's Jimmer Fredette conducted ball-handling drills on the other end. Irving clapped and distributed high fives and pats on the back, but a guy can only let so many players drive right by him. Before long, he was playing some light defense and even doing some friendly trash-talking.

"I'm not even guarding you yet," he told one laughing Special Olympian.

"Bringing a smile to everybody's face feels good," Irving said. "A couple of these players gave us a run for our money.

"Being out here with these kids is such a great experience, and being around other athletes is always a great experience for me."

This was the last full day the athletes will have before turning professional, and it seemed as if they wanted to enjoy being kids as long as possible. Williams was the last player to leave the court, posing for pictures with everyone who asked.

But whether he or Irving will be the No. 1 pick tonight remains a mystery -- even to them.

Asked about the Cavs -- the only team he worked out for -- Irving said: "They're keeping their cards close to the vest, as they should. We'll see how it goes."

Though most mock drafts list Irving as the No. 1 pick, Williams has not given up hope.

"I think there's always a chance," said Williams, who worked out only for Cleveland and Minnesota. "We'll never know until that draft pick comes."

Both players were asked about the difficulty of going to Cleveland after the stormy departure of LeBron James last summer. They insist they're not going to replace James, the Cavs' most recent No. 1 overall pick.

"I'm not the next LeBron," Irving said. "My name is Kyrie Irving. I'm not really concerned about filling that void if I do go to Cleveland. Right now, I'm really focused on going to a team and contributing as best I can."

Said Williams: "I don't want to be LeBron. I don't want to be anything like him. Whoever gets picked at the No. 1 spot, that's what the city is going to be looking for -- the next LeBron.

"If they pick me, I don't want to be anything labeled next to him. He's going to go down in the top 25 best players ever to play the game. I'm not trying to be like him. I just want to get out there and play my game like I've been doing my whole career. . . .

"The whole city of Cleveland is in need of a great player. Who gets chosen No. 1 is going to have big shoes to fill," Williams said.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: mschmitt@plaind.com, 216-999-4668

On Twitter: @pdcavsinsider

Valanciunas says he expects a deal will be worked out with his team in Lithuania -- Lietuvos Rytas -- that will allow him to play in the NBA, perhaps as early as next season.

View full sizeMindaugas Kulbis, Associated PressJonas Valanciunas of Lithuania says he thinks he might be drafted by the Cavaliers tonight.

Valanciunas held a news conference Wednesday during the NBA's pre-draft media sessions at the Westin Hotel off Times Square.

Speaking English without an interpreter, Valanciunas told reporters he expected a deal would be worked out with his team in Lithuania -- Lietuvos Rytas -- that would allow him to play in the NBA, perhaps as early as next season.

"I think they'll change their mind," he said.

The Cavaliers are thought to be considering Valanciunas with the No. 4 pick in today's draft, and he said he thought he would be drafted by Cleveland or Washington.

Asked if he knew Ilgauskas, Valanciunas smiled and said: "All Lithuanians know Zydrunas. When I was a small kid, I wanted to be like Zydrunas Ilgauskas. . . . Maybe one day [I will be]."

Big talk: Turkish center Enes Kanter, considered by the Cavs for the No. 4 spot although most observers expect him to be gone by then, made bold predictions during Wednesday's interview sessions.

He said he thought he would have been the No. 1 pick in the draft had he been allowed to play at Kentucky instead of being ruled ineligible by the NCAA because he was paid to play in Turkey. He also said Kentucky would have won the NCAA title. The Wildcats lost the NCAA championship game to Connecticut, led by Kemba Walker.

One reporter said Kanter had predicted the Cavaliers would win a title if he played with Kyrie Irving, but when questioned further, Kanter just predicted the Cavs would make the playoffs.

Good Knight: Kentucky point guard Brandon Knight thought his workout for the Cavs went well Monday. In spite of the talk about the Cavs taking Irving at No. 1, Knight said he wasn't surprised to be invited to Cleveland to work out and said he didn't think the Cavs would waste everybody's time if they weren't interested in him.

Z's option: Ilgauskas picked up his player option with the Miami Heat for next season, his agent, Herb Rudoy, told The Plain Dealer. Ilgauskas can still opt to retire, but the move keeps his options open.

Ilgauskas, the Cavs' all-time leader in games played, rebounds and blocked shots, barely played in the Heat's recent playoff run -- averaging 11.6 minutes in nine games -- and was not active for the NBA Finals, which the Heat lost to the Dallas Mavericks, 4 games to 2.

The last word: Irving, to Dan Patrick on Fox Sports: "I'm not really looking to be the next LeBron James, unless I grow 6 inches in the next two hours."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: mschmitt@plaind.com, 216-999-4668

On Twitter: @pdcavsinsider

Chisenhall goes 4-for-6 with a home run, triple and six RBI to lead the Clippers past Toledo.

View full sizeAPColumbus' Lonnie Chisenhall.

AAA Columbus Clippers

Clippers 13, Mud Hens 7 On the day he came off the disabled list, Columbus 3B Lonnie Chisenhall (.261) went 4-for-6 with a home run, triple and six RBI to lead the host Clippers past Toledo.

Chisenhall, who has six homers on the season, had been on the seven-day DL with concussion/whiplash symptoms after a slide into third base. SS Luis Valbuena (.307) hit his eighth home run of the season for Columbus.

AA Akron Aeros

Mets 3, Aeros 2 Akron SS Juan Diaz (.258) and CF Jordan Henry (.259) each had three hits, but the Aeros dropped the Eastern League game in Binghamton, N.Y.

Matt Packer (2-8, 5.60) started for Akron and pitched 51/3 innings. The left-hander allowed three earned runs on three hits and two walks. He struck out seven.

Advanced A Kinston Indians

California League 6, Carolina League 1 Three of the four Indians named to the Carolina League All-Star team played in Tuesday's Class A All-Star Game in Modesto Calif.

3B Justin Toole (.282) went 0-for-1, LH Drew Pomeranz (2-2, 1.93) worked one scoreless inning and RH Preston Guilmet (0-0, 1.37, 16 saves) got a strikeout in one-third on an inning.

LH Giovanni Soto (4-4, 3.02) was named to the All-Star team but did not make the trip.

A Lake County Captains

The Captains were off Wednesday.

A Mahoning Valley Scrappers

Scrappers 4, Muckdogs 3 (11) Mahoning Valley 3B Jordan Smith (.400) drew a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the 11th inning, and the Scrappers beat Batavia (N.Y.) in a New York-Penn League game in Niles, Ohio.

Independent Lake Erie Crushers

Crushers 15, Beach Bums 4 Lake Erie CF Scott Houin (.313) was a single shy of hitting for the cycle, drove in five runs and scored three as the Crushers hammered Traverse City (Mich.) in Avon.

Kyrie Irving remains the favorite to end up with the Cavaliers as the No. 1 overall pick in tonight's NBA Draft.

View full sizeJim Mone, Associated PressEnes Kanter, a 6-11 center from Turkey, likely will be selected with the fourth pick ... but he still might not play for the Cavaliers.

Joe Kotoch is a Cleveland-based sports agent who operates probasketballdraft.com

FIRST ROUND

1. Cavs -- Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke

Kotoch's observation: While speculation has run rampant that the Cavs might decide at the last minute select Derrick Williams, the Cleveland front office is fully behind this selection, according to sources. The Cavs believe that Irving is the sole true PG and has all-star abilities. Irving will not only make an impact on the court, he will make his teammates better, which is not lost on the Cavs.

2. Timberwolves -- Derrick Williams, PF, Arizona

Kotoch's observation: The Timberwolves are desperately trying to move this pick to add a veteran to help the team win now, so whoever selects at this slot will take Williams, who is the consensus second-best prospect. Williams is NBA ready and an explosive athlete with a nice face-up game. Questions linger about his position, but conversations around the league indicate most teams view him as a PF who profiles as a more athletic David West.

3. Jazz -- Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky

4. Cavs -- Enes Kanter, C, Turkey

Kotoch's observation: With the disappointing news that Jonas Valanciunas' buyout will not allow him to play in the NBA next season, it's more likely the Cavs trade this pick. Whether it's Cleveland or another team that trades up to No. 4, Kanter is the likely pick. The Turkish big man has not played much basketball at a competitive level the last few years but scouts are enamored with his size and physicality. Kanter is an underrated offensive option with the ability to work in the low block and also face up. For a team trying to contend sooner rather than later, Kanter makes more sense than any other C.

5. Raptors -- Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Diego State

6. Wizards -- Jan Vesely, SF, Czech Republic

7. Kings -- Jimmer Fredette, PG, BYU

8. Pistons -- Bismack Biyombo, C, Congo

9. Bobcats -- Kemba Walker, PG, UConn

10. Bucks -- Marcus Morris, PF, Kansas

11. Warriors -- Klay Thompson, SG, Washington State

12. Jazz -- Chris Singleton, SF, Florida State

13. Suns -- Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas

14. Rockets -- Jonas Valanciunas, C, Lithuania

15. Pacers -- Marshon Brooks, SG, Providence

16. 76ers -- Jordan Hamilton, SF, Texas

17. Knicks -- Iman Shumpert, PG, Georgia Tech

18. Wizards -- Alec Burks, SG, Colorado

19. Bobcats -- Nikola Vucevic, C, USC

20. Timberwolves -- Donatas Motiejunas, PF, Lithuania

21. Trailblazers -- Kenneth Faried, PF, Morehead State

22. Nuggets -- Tobias Harris, SF, Tennessee

23. Rockets -- Markieff Morris, PF, Kansas

24. Thunder -- Kyle Singler, SF, Duke

25. Celtics -- Jeremy Tyler, C, Tokyo Apache

26. Mavericks -- Davis Bertans, SF, Latvia

27. Nets -- Tyler Honeycutt, SF, UCLA

28. Bulls -- JaJuan Johnson, PF, Purdue

29. Spurs -- Nikola Mirotic, SF, Montenegro

30. Bulls -- Jimmy Butler, SF, Marquette

SECOND ROUND

31. Heat – Reggie Jackson, PG, Boston College

32. Cavs -- Chandler Parsons, SF, Florida

33. Pistons -- Norris Cole, PG, Cleveland State

34. Wizards – Justin Harper, PF, Richmond

35. Kings – Darius Morris, PG, Michigan

36. Nets – Josh Selby, SG, Kansas

37. Clippers – Nolan Smith, PG, Duke

38. Rockets – Shelvin Mack, PG, Butler

39. Bobcats – Travis Leslie, SG, Georgia

40. Bucks – Malcolm Lee, SG, UCLA

41. Lakers – Bojan Bogdanovic, SF, Serbia

42. Pacers – Jon Leuer, PF, Wisconsin

43. Bulls – Charles Jenkins, SG, Hofstra

44. Warriors – Trey Thompkins, PF, Georgia

45. Hornets – Jordan Williams, PF, Maryland

46. Lakers -- David Lighty, SG, Ohio State

47. Clippers – Malcolm Thomas, SF, San Diego State

48. Hawks – E'Twuan Moore, SG, Purdue

49. Grizzlies – Diante Garrett, PG, Iowa State

50. 76ers – Greg Smith, PF, Fresno State

51. Trailblazers – Keith Benson, C, Oakland

52. Pistons – Malcolm Thomas, SF, San Diego State

53. Magic – Scotty Hopson, SF, Tennessee

54. Cavs -- DeAndre Liggins, SF, Kentucky

55. Celtics – Michael Dunigan, C, BC Kalev

56. Lakers – Cory Joseph, PG, Texas

57. Mavericks – Andrew Goudelock, PG, College of Charleston

58. Lakers – Giorgi Shermadini, C, Georgia

59. Spurs – Lavoy Allen, PF, Temple

60. Kings – Jamine Peterson, SF, NBDL

St. Ignatius senior Beau Titsworth continues to lead the Cleveland Junior Open golf tournament. Brooke Henderson from Ontario tied Mika Liu for the girls lead.

View full sizeBeau Titsworth

AVON, Ohio — Junior golf is for the young, but this was bordering on "Romper Room."

One day after 12-year-old Mika Liu shot a 1-under 71 to take the lead at the Cleveland Junior Open, 13-year-old Brooke Henderson went 2 under at Red Tail Golf Club in Avon to forge a tie for the top spot.

Henderson dealt with the windy conditions in posting four birdies and two bogeys during her round of 70.

"My drives were in the fairway, my approaches were good and I made a couple of putts," said Henderson, who will enter high school this fall in Smiths Falls, Ontario. "The difference [from 73 on Tuesday] was I made more putts today."

Built slighter than a jockey, the 100-pounder did not let the breeze get to her as she stayed safe, for the most part.

She put her approach on the 356-yard second hole within 2 feet for her first birdie, and putted in a 35-footer for another on the 353-yard seventh. She saved par on No. 9 with a 20-footer, going out in 34.

After getting to 2 under with a birdie on No. 16, she had a chance to finish in the lead, but she took a six on the 357-yard finishing hole.

"I'm happy where I'm at," said Henderson, who also is a hockey goaltender.

Liu, from Bradenton, Fla., got to 2 under after eight holes, but bogeyed No. 9. She parred the backside, except for No. 16, to go 35-37 for the day and stand tied at 143.

Highland junior Jessica Porvasnik went around once again at 1-over 73, leaving her three shots off the lead.

On the boys side, St. Ignatius senior Beau Titsworth continued his assault as he traveled his home course in 2 under. After tying the tournament record with a 64 on Tuesday, Titsworth's 134 total is good for a 10-shot lead.

Evan Russell from Isle LaMotte, Vt., playing with the leader for the second straight day, said he was just trying to follow in Titsworth's path. His 71 was the only other round under par.

"It was fun to watch and I was just along for the ride," said Russell, who will be a senior at Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire. "I was trying to act mentally like him and score."

Russell, 18, birdied the first three holes to go out in 33. He had his round down to 4 under after a birdie on the 502-yard 15th. But he put his tee shot in the water on the 163-yard 17th to double, and three-putted from 35-feet on No. 18.""""

Titsworth said he plans to be aggressive during today's final round.

He pointed out that he needs to shoot 66 to beat the tournament record of 15-under by Patrick Rodgers in 2009.

P.J. Collier from Houston and Mitchell Homb from Dixon, Ill., each opened with 69s. Collier posted a 76 and Homb an 81 on Wednesday.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: jmaxse@plaind.com, 216-999-5168

Tonight, Cole will sit in his Dayton home surrounded by family and friends to see if he lands in the first round or second, and with what team.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerNorris Cole is consistently projected as an early second-round pick, but no worse than No. 40 overall.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The game plan was simple for Norris Cole: identify the NBA teams that needed help at point guard, slot where he felt he was capable of being drafted, then become a workout warrior for those teams.

"That's right," he confirmed, while admitting that's a key reason the Cavaliers were not on his workout list. Picking first and fourth in the draft, any guards the Cavs were looking at ranked ahead of the former Cleveland State star. But Cole said he "worked out for about 12 teams" who have selections at the back end of the draft's first round.

Tonight, he will sit in his Dayton home surrounded by family and friends to see if he lands in the first round or second, and with what team. He has no favorite, although it seems Oklahoma City has done as much homework on the 6-1, 175-pound guard as anyone.

"I can only control what I can control," he said Wednesday via teleconference. "I'm looking forward to hearing my name called."

Cole is consistently projected as an early second-round pick in myriad mock drafts, but no worse than No. 40 overall.

However, if there is a run on guards in the first round, and sudden shyness from taking European players projected to go early, the four-year star for the Vikings could be a coveted choice late in the opening round.

If Cole is, indeed, a first-round choice, he would join Franklin Edwards (1981, Philadelphia 76ers) and Darren Tillis (1982, Boston Celtics) as first-round picks from CSU. He would be the first draft pick since Clinton Smith (1986) was a fifth-round choice by Golden State. All of this was before Cole, 22, was born.

Cole's game is speed, athleticism, explosiveness and defense. His scoring average rose consistently from 13.3 points per game as a sophomore to 16.3 as a junior and 21.7 as a senior. This went along with more and more minutes on the court, rising from 32.8 as a sophomore to 35.7 as a senior. In the end, Cole said two things made an impression on the teams for whom he worked out. And the first was defense.

"That stood out a lot," he said. "One thing teams can hang their hat on with me is I can defend."

The other plus is there is no guessing about where Cole will play in the NBA.

"The thing a lot of teams liked is I'm a true point guard," Cole said. "I have a defined position."

His final season for the Vikings was his most impressive as he bolstered his scoring average and also contributed 5.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. He shot 43.9 percent from the field and 85.3 percent from the line, albeit a tepid 34.2 percent on 3-pointers. Cole's highlight game came against Youngstown State, when he posted 41 points, 20 rebounds and nine assists.

In the nitpicking world of draft evaluators, the downside for Cole is how he projects over the rugged 82-game NBA schedule. While CSU went 6-4 over its final 10 games, the slightly built Cole showed evidence of losing steam in that stretch.

Including his stellar YSU performance, his shooting percentage in the 10-game stretch dropped a tad to 41.9 percent, and his 3-point shooting dropped to 33.8 percent. Perhaps most telling is that Cole made just one 3-pointer or less in seven of CSU's final 10 games, including 0-for-8 in CSU's season-ending National Invitation Tournament loss to College of Charleston.

But that's media talk to Cole, "people trying to find something to write about," he said. "Teams said I'm good size."

Tonight, Norris Cole will find out where he fits in.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: ealexander@plaind.com, 216-999-4253

Corey Perry said he came to the NHL Awards in Las Vegas just to have fun with nearly three dozen family and friends, not expecting much despite his 50-goal season.

In this photo provided by the Las Vegas News Bureau, Anaheim Ducks' Corey Perry poses with the league MVP Hart Memorial Trophy, following the 2011 NHL Awards at the Palms Casino & Resort, Wednesday, June 22, 2011, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Las Vegas News Bureau, Brian Jones)

LAS VEGAS  — Corey Perry said he came to the NHL Awards in Las Vegas just to have fun with nearly three dozen family and friends, not expecting much despite his 50-goal season.

Certainly not leapfrogging Daniel Sedin and Martin St. Louis for the league's MVP title.

"You never know what to expect, so just come in and have fun with it, I guess," Perry said.

"When you hear your name, it kind of shocked me. Like I said, you don't really believe it," he said. "But I gave my dad, gave my mom a big hug and went up on stage."

Perry's surprise Hart Trophy win grabbed the spotlight from the scoring champion Sedin, the Vancouver Canucks forward who was trying to complete an unprecedented MVP double dip after his twin brother and teammate Henrik took the honors last year.

Perry wasn't planning on standing in the way.

"All of a sudden, you hear your name and you're like, 'Oh,'" Perry said.

Perry's win capped the two-hour NHL Awards ceremony and a season in which he surged to the goal title, scoring 19 times in his final 16 games. During that stretch, Anaheim moved from 11th to fourth in the Western Conference.

"You always want to build on the year before and I think it's a steady increase," Perry said. "Hopefully it keeps increasing."

Perry got 67 of 126 first place votes from the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. Sedin had 51 first-place votes.

Tampa Bay's Martin St. Louis, who won the Lady Byng Trophy for gentlemanly and excellent play, was the third MVP finalist — well behind Perry and Sedin with only one first-place vote.

The Sedins didn't pull off the back-to-back MVP wins, but they do own the past two scoring titles. Daniel won it this season with 104 points — including 41 goals. He was second in the league with a plus-30 rating.

The scoring title earned him the Art Ross Trophy, and the players voted him most valuable for the Ted Lindsay Award.

Sedin said he wasn't disappointed that he failed to follow his brother with the Hart Trophy.

"Corey had an amazing season, a great finish and he carried the team a lot of times," Sedin said. "I expected him to win it and he did, so for me that's no disappointment. I was nominated, so that's good enough."

St. Louis had 68 assists, second to Henrik Sedin's 75, and was second to Daniel Sedin with 99 points.

Detroit's Nicklas Lidstrom returned to the awards platform by winning his seventh Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman, beating out Nashville's Shea Weber and Boston's Zdeno Chara.

Lidstrom tied Doug Harvey as a seven-time winner, one behind record-holder Bobby Orr.

Lidstrom won the award for the first time since 2008, the last of his second three-peat. His win came at the start of a glammed-up show in Sin City, where the league honored its brightest stars from the 2010-11 season.

Tim Thomas added his second Vezina Trophy to go with his recent Stanley Cup title. The Boston Bruins goalie earned top NHL honors after a stellar season that culminated in his first championship.

Thomas said that while his team pushed for the title, he was more focused on that than winning an individual award.

"I don't think that my style's the perfect style — that's for sure," Thomas said. "But it works for me.

"I'm kind of like the redneck of goaltending that duct-tapes everything together to fix it."

Thomas set an NHL record for save percentage when he finished at .938, surpassing Dominik Hasek's .937 set in the 1998-89 season. He also had a league-low 2.00 goals-against average and nine shutouts.

Those imposing figures lifted him over fellow Vezina finalists Roberto Luongo of the Western Conference champion Vancouver Canucks and Nashville's Pekka Rinne in voting by the league's 40 general managers.

Rinne had 25 wins in 42 starts, ranking second in save percentage.

Dan Bylsma of the Pittsburgh Penguins picked up the Jack Adams Award as coach of the year, and Ryan Kesler of the Vancouver Canucks ended Pavel Datsyuk's three-year run as Selke Trophy winner, honoring the best defensive forward.

Jeff Skinner, the 19-year-old sensation of the Carolina Hurricanes, won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year.

Bylsma was recognized for the job he did in leading the Penguins to the playoffs, despite being without star forwards Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin for much of the season.

Mike Gillis was chosen as general manager of the year after the Canucks finished with the NHL's best regular-season record for the first time and fell one win short of their first Stanley Cup championship.

St. Louis prevented Lidstrom from having a two-win night when he captured the Lady Byng Award for the second straight year. St. Louis topped Detroit's Datsyuk in 2010, ending the Red Wings forward's four-year run as the award winner.

St. Louis had only 12 minutes in penalties during the season in which he was second in the NHL with 99 points. He has been a Lady Byng finalist six times. Lidstrom had 20 penalty minutes and 62 points, but that wasn't enough to give him this award for the first time.

Loui Eriksson of Dallas was the third finalist after he posted 73 points and eight penalty minutes — the fewest among the league's top 50 scorers.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Ian Laperriere won the NHL's Masterton Trophy for his perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey following a likely career-ending injury in 2010.

Laperriere, who topped fellow finalists Calgary's Daymond Langkow and Anaheim's Ray Emery, blocked a shot with his face during last year's playoffs, suffering a concussion and fractured orbital bone. He has said he wants to play again, but doctors don't believe he should.

Emery went through bone-graft surgery last April. More than a year after a puck hit his spine and fractured a vertebra, Langkow returned to play on April 1.

Vancouver goalies Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider were honored for combining on the club that allowed the fewest goals.

New York Islanders center Doug Weight, who recently retired to join the team's front office and coaching staff, won the King Clancy Trophy for leadership and humanitarian efforts.

Before the show, hundreds of fans lined up inside and outside the Palms Casino Resort to catch glimpses of their favorite hockey players walking the red carpet.

"You're a riot," movie director Kevin Smith told "How I Met Your Mother" actress and Vancouver-native Cobie Smulders before they gave Lidstrom his award, poking fun at the Canadian city's reaction to the Canucks' Game 7 loss in the Stanley Cup finals.

Comedian Jay Mohr also poked fun at the city, calling the riots the "elephant in the room" at the start of the show.

"What an un-Canadian way to behave," Mohr said.

___

- Oskar Garcia 

Follow on Twitter @oskargarcia

The NBA draft is the beginning of the road back for the Cavaliers, but it’s a long road, Bud Shaw writes in his Spin column.

View full sizeAmy Sancetta | Associated PressCavaliers owner Daniel Gilbert desperately wants his team to quickly become a contender ... but the talent in this draft isn't likely to make that happen.

The cream rises in the NBA Draft.

This year, so does the Coffee-mate.

There's Kyrie Irving, who isn't Derrick Rose and may not even be Chris Paul.

And there's Derrick Williams, who isn't Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony or LeBron James.

There's a bunch of Euros who might or might not be Darko Milicic.

Cavs owner Dan Gilbert is a bold man, so it's not wise to sell him short. This NBA Draft, though, doesn't lend itself to bold moves.

The boldest, of course, would be to swing a deal that delivers the top two picks -- Irving and Williams.

If that happens, Nick Gilbert should immediately suspend his father's Twitter app for fear dad might predict not five, not six, not seven NBA championships, but a decade's worth.

Minnesota owns the second pick. It's the highest choice in franchise history, so the guess is they will feel significant pressure to keep it.

Irving at No. 1 and Enes Kanter at No. 4 is the likeliest scenario for the Cavaliers. Sexy? Not so much where Kanter is concerned.

The Cavaliers didn't become an also-ran overnight -- wait, on second thought, yes they did. They won't become contenders off one draft, especially this draft.

The question is whether Gilbert can accept that fact and not overreach. He wants a quick recovery so badly. That trait explains his great appeal to Cavaliers fans.

The status of his emotional "guarantee" that the Cavaliers will win a title before Miami? Crazy as a loon but not yet wrong.

I don't want to say a cavalry call out of this draft won't bring the necessary reinforcements, or that the draft is especially weak. Let this USA TODAY headline suffice: "Unknown Kanter Is Top Center."

Kanter hasn't played in more than a year. If Utah passes on Brandon Knight with the third pick, Kanter would be the choice there.

Then what? Jonas Valanciunas, who is only 19? He is under contract in Europe and the best-case scenario might be that he would be available for the 2012-13 season.

Even in years better stocked than this one, the excitement never rivals that of the NFL Draft. The NBA is a star's league, so few draft picks become anything more than role players -- important role players, but the importance for non-contenders such as the Cavaliers is difficult to measure.

After the 10th pick or so -- OK, maybe the fifth pick in some years -- meh. See: Luke Jackson (10), Dajuan Wagner (six), DeSagana Diop (eight), Trajan Langdon (11), Vitaly Potapenko (12), Bobby Sura (17).

Irving played 11 games in college. And he's a must-get for the Cavaliers.

To borrow a theme from Gilbert's Twitter feed after the Mavericks defeated the Heat, in the reconstruction of the Cavaliers into a legitimate contender, this draft offers an avenue but there are NO SHORTCUTS. NONE.

Spinoffs

• Turkish center Enes Kanter was one of the players asked to return to Cleveland for further scrutiny. He reportedly met Dan Gilbert's kids. Nick Gilbert is expected to announce the pick once Chris Grant makes it. Or the other way around.

• Things Remembered, the Highland Heights-based chain of personalized gift stores, is offering a Dallas Mavericks Championship Tankard with free engraving -- "We Were All Witnesses." It offers a discount, also known as "the last quarter off."

Where? Online. Why? "Because Things Remembered is a Cleveland-based company, and we remember," the company's news release explains.

• The NCAA says marijuana use is up in colleges. Having lived through the 1960s and 1970s, I'm going on record saying an increase in marijuana use in colleges is statistically impossible.

• Pat Riley says the Heat is poised to be "multiple contenders," which is a pretty far cry from LeBron James predicting multiple championships. Multiple contenders? That's quite a goal, sort of like predicting you will be somebody's Maid of Honor time and time and time again.

Riley also said he won't coach again. And I won't ever need to go on a diet again.

• Great talent has come out of the NFL supplemental draft: Steve Young, Reggie White, Cris Carter, Bernie Kosar, Mike Rozier. Of course, three of those came out of the 1984 draft that included USFL players.

• NFL personnel people can't resist great athletic ability, so my guess is Terrelle Pryor will go higher than a lot of otherwise level-headed people think. That obviously excludes Drew Rosenhaus, expected to become an even bigger carnival tub-thumper for Pryor once he gets the pronunciation of "Terrelle" down pat.

• Ohio State President Gordon Gee once again apologized for his "Little Sisters of the Poor" comment, this time to a group of Toledo nuns Tuesday. . . . Weren't Boise State and TCU the aggrieved parties, or has LSOP toughened its schedule of opponents?

He Tweeted it

"McKeon asked me what I had going on tonite. Told him I was going home 2 play w/Twitter. He replied 'oh, what kind of dog is it?' " -- Florida Marlins Logan Morrison, on 80-year-old interim manager Jack McKeon.

Just in case that's really true and not a joke, tell him it's a Cyberian.

He said it

"Well, since this is a lockout, I have the time to fight for Cleveland, fight for the blue collar workers here, and I think it's wrong and I am trying to stand up for those who can't." -- Josh Cribbs, on a parking ticket he believes he wrongly received in Cleveland Heights.

Any chance Cribbs thinks he's Batman?

You said it

Bud: What says baseball interleague rivalry better than Angels vs. Marlins? -- Tom Hoffner

Other than Nationals vs. Mariners, nothing at all.

Bud: Where has Jim Brown been during the Terrelle Pryor journey? -- Joe S.

From all appearances, advising him.

Bud: The Florida Marlins hired 80-year old Jack McKeon as interim manager. Isn't that the average age of most of their fans? -- Angelo, Cleveland

No. Most of their fans call McKeon "kid."

Bud: In keeping with "The Fumble," "The Drive" and "The Shot," has the Tribe just given us "The Slide?" -- Bruce

Only because the Cubs copyrighted "Swoon."

Hey, Bud: I am going to give [the Carrasco poetry challenge] a try. "If all you have is a No. 1 and a No. 2, as in Masterson and Carrasco, after that comes Fausto. Now that's a big fiasco!" -- Tim, Twinsburg

You worked so hard at that I am compelled to say that first-time "You said it" winners receive a T-shirt from the mental_floss collection.

Bud: If you want people to quit cigarettes, put LeBron's picture on the pack. -- Corby

Repeat winners receive a warning from the surgeon general.

To reach Bud Shaw: bshaw@plaind.com, 216-999-5639

Previous columns online: cleveland.com/columns

RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Ohio — Richmond Heights superintendent, school board members, parents and players expressed relief Wednesday when a four-month long ordeal surrounding the boys basketball program came to an apparent conclusion with the hiring of Beachwood assistant coach Jason Priah. "I'm hoping the district will heal and move on," school board member Aaron Burko said.

RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Ohio — Richmond Heights superintendent, school board members, parents and players expressed relief Wednesday when a four-month long ordeal surrounding the boys basketball program came to an apparent conclusion with the hiring of Beachwood assistant coach Jason Priah.

"I'm hoping the district will heal and move on," school board member Aaron Burko said.

The board acted on the recommendation of Superintendent Linda Hardwick and voted, 4-0, with one member absent, to hire Priah, 36, following a one-hour executive session. Several audience members applauded the hiring. Priah did not attend the meeting. Last week, his hiring was tabled at a special meeting.

"Last week was the first time we were provided a full update on the situation, and we heard a lot of information for the first time. We didn't want to make a snap decision," Burko said.

Priah replaces Jason Popp, who was removed during his fourth season as coach in February following charges he used racially offensive and vulgar language during team meetings and practices. The Spartans were 15-0 at the time and went on to win a district championship and finished 22-1. Popp could not be reached for comment Wednesday night.

"The board did the right thing," Hardwick said.

Priah's hiring comes amid a breakdown in the relationship between Hardwick and the school board. On Monday, the board voted not to renew Hardwick's contract when it expires next July, an unusual move so far in advance.

Priah is a graduate of Villa Angela-St. Joseph and Urbana College. He played on VASJ's 1994 state championship team. He has yet to meet with the Spartans.

"I'm really excited," senior basketball player Kareem Rock said. "I'm ready to get back in the gym. I'm relieved, too, definitely relieved."

Richmond Heights returns all but one starter next season. Rock said the coaching controversy did not deter the team.

"We had to come together to get [Popp] out," Rock said.

Plain Dealer reporter Patrick O'Donnell contributed to this story.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: twarsinskey@plaind.com, 216-999-4661

Draft is tonight on national TV, with the Cavaliers owning the first and fourth overall picks -- and two second-rounders, too.

Associated PressChristian Eyenga in the interview room at the 2009 NBA draft, when he was selected by the Cavaliers with the 30th, and last, pick in the first round. The Cavs did not have a draft pick in 2010, but are slated to have Nos. 1, 4, 32 and 54 on Thursday night.

Frequently asked questions - and answers - about the NBA draft, 2011.

Q: When and where will it be held?

A: Today at The Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., starting at 7 p.m. EDT.

Q: Who’s showing it on TV?

A: ESPN.

Q: Who is eligible for the draft?

A: According to the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, draftees must be at least 19 years sometime during 2011 and, if not designated as an “international player,” must be at least one year removed from the graduation of his high school class. International players are those who resided outside the United States for three years before the draft, did not complete high school in the U.S., and have never enrolled at a U.S. college.

Q: What is the first-round draft order?

A: 1. Cleveland (from L.A. Clippers); 2. Minnesota; 3. Utah (from New Jersey); 4. Cleveland; 5. Toronto; 6. Washington; 7. Sacramento; 8. Detroit; 9. Charlotte; 10. Milwaukee; 11. Golden State; 12. Utah; 13. Phoenix; 14. Houston; 15. Indiana; 16. Philadelphia; 17. New York; 18. Washington (from Atlanta); 19. Charlotte (from New Orleans via Portland); 20. Minnesota (from Memphis via Utah); 21. Portland; 22. Denver; 23. Houston (from Orlando via Phoenix); 24. Oklahoma City; 25. Boston; 26. Dallas; 27. New Jersey (from L.A. Lakers); 28. Chicago (from Miami via Toronto); 29. San Antonio; 30. Chicago.

Q: How did the Cavaliers end up with the first pick?

A: On Feb. 24, just before the NBA non-waiver trading deadline, the Cavaliers traded point guard Mo Williams and forward Jamario Moon to the Clippers for point guard Baron Davis and the Clippers' first-round pick in this draft. The order of the draft is determined by the teams' win-loss records, in reverse. The Clippers had the eighth worst win-loss record last season, so the first-rounder they had owned had the eighth-best chance of winning the first pick in the draft lottery. That chance, though, inherited by the Cavaliers with the trade, was just 2.8 percent. The ping pong balls in the lottery hopper, though, "fell the Cavs' way," and they won that first pick.

The Cavaliers' win-loss record was the NBA's second-worst last season, thus they had the second-best chance to win the lottery via that pick. That chance was 19.9 percent. The Cavaliers' own, original pick worked out at No. 4 on lottery night, giving them the fourth pick.

Q: How about the draft order of the second round?

A: 31. Miami (from Minnesota); 32. Cleveland; 33. Detroit (from Toronto); 34. Washington; 35. Sacramento; 36. New Jersey; 37. L.A. Clippers (from Detroit); 38. Houston (from L.A. Clippers); 39. Charlotte; 40. Milwaukee; 41. L.A. Lakers (from Golden State via New Jersey); 42. Indiana; 43. Chicago (from Utah); 44. Golden State (from Phoenix via Chicago); 45. New Orleans (from Philadelphia); 46. L.A. Lakers (from New York); 47. L.A. Clippers (from Houston); 48. Atlanta; 49. Memphis; 50. Philadelphia (from New Orleans); 51. y-Portland; 52. z-Denver; 53. Orlando; 54. Cleveland (from Oklahoma City via Miami); 55. Boston; 56. L.A. Lakers; 57. Dallas; 58. L.A. Lakers (from Miami); 59. San Antonio; 60. Sacramento (from Chicago via Milwaukee).

y-May be conveyed to Detroit via Denver.

z-May be conveyed to Portland or to Detroit.

Q: Which players are expected to be at the draft tonight?

A: The NBA invites about 15 players each year to hang out in the “green room” on draft night with their families and agents. Here is the latest available list of tonight’s invitees: Alec Burks (Colorado); Jimmer Fredette (BYU); Enes Kanter (Turkey); Brandon Knight (Kentucky); Kyrie Irving (Duke); Kawhi Leonard (San Diego State); Marcus Morris (Kansas); and Markieff Morris (Kansas); Chris Singleton (Florida St.); Klay Thompson (Washington St.); Tristan Thompson (Texas); Jonas Valanciunas (Lithuania); Jan Vesely (Czech Republic); Kemba Walker (Connecticut); Derrick Williams (Arizona).

Q: How many times have the Cavs chosen No. 1, and which players did they take?

A: The Cavaliers have owned the first pick in the draft on three previous occasions: (1) in 1971, they selected Notre Dame guard Austin Carr; (2) in 1986, they traded forward Roy Hinson to the Philadelphia 76ers for the first pick, and selected North Carolina center Brad Daugherty; (3) in 2003, they selected Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary High School forward LeBron James. 
  
Q: Have the Cavs ever had two picks in the top five or top 10 before?
 
A: In 1986, the Cavaliers had the first and eighth picks. As noted above, they traded Roy Hinson to Philadelphia for the first overall pick, which they used to select Brad Daugherty. The Cavaliers drafted Miami (Ohio) guard Ron Harper with the eighth pick. That pick was the last of four "bonus" first-round picks -- for the 1983 through 1986 drafts -- that the NBA gave to the Cavaliers as part of the terms for George and Gordon Gund to buy the team in 1983.

Previous owner Ted Stepien had traded several of the Cavaliers' future first-round picks, mostly for marginal veterans. The NBA essentially was helping the Gunds restore viability to a franchise that had been decimated during Stepien's ownership. 

Q: How much money will the No. 1 and No. 4 picks earn, and how long are their contracts?

A: According to the CBA, first-round contracts are three years - two guaranteed with a third year at the team’s option. The No. 1 pick in 2011-12 will make about $4.4 million, followed by about $4.7 million the second year and about $5.0 million in the option season. The No. 4 pick starts at about $3.2 million, followed by $3.4 million and $3.6. million.

A fourth-year qualifying offer can be made by the team at a raise of about 26 percent for the top six picks. The percentage of the raise escalates for players chosen later in the draft - but their salaries were lower to start, declining the later the player is selected.

The CBA expires on June 30. The next CBA might include new guidelines for rookie contracts.

(From Basketball-Reference.com, every draft pick in Cleveland Cavaliers history)

The Cavs will probably take Kyrie Irving with the first pick in the draft, and if not him, almost certainly Derrick Williams. Several players are candidates when the Cavs draft again at No. 4.

Associated PressMost analysts think the Cavaliers will select Duke point guard Kyrie Irving with the first pick in tonight's draft.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers, barring a trade, will make the first pick in tonight's NBA draft.

About 15 minutes later, the Cavs will again take the spotlight, making the No. 4 overall pick.

The Cavaliers also own two picks in the second round, Nos. 32 and 54 overall.

Most pundits expect the Cavaliers to make Duke point guard Kyrie Irving the first pick. Should they surprise and pass by Irving, they would likely take Arizona forward Derrick Williams.

Two scenarios seem all but certain: (1) the Cavaliers will take either Irving or Williams with the first pick; (2) whichever of the two they don't take, will almost certainly be drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves or the Utah Jazz before Cleveland picks again at No. 4.

Let's look at what observers are saying about Irving and Williams, and what they're saying about six other players (in alphabetical order) among the candidates for the Cavs to take at No. 4.

KYRIE IRVING, 6-2 point guard, Duke

NBADraft.net predicts the Cavaliers will take Irving with the first pick. It's report on Irving includes among his strengths:

A facilitator who shows the ability to make those around him better ... Great vision and passing skills ... Great burst. Has the blow by speed to get past defenders off the dribble ... Good decision maker. Looks to make the right play instead of always trying to dazzle ... Doesn't force shots or overdribble (improved this in his limited time at Duke) ... Excellent shooter with the ability to get shots within the flow of the offense ... Jumpshot has great form ... Has range out to NBA three and just needs time to gain consistency on it ... Good one on one skills ... Can pull up off the dribble ... A strong finisher exhibiting good body control ... Ambidextrous with the dribble, showing impressive ability to go to the left and finish with his off hand ... Has excellent ball handling ability with a nasty crossover ... High motor kid who gets strong reviews for his character and work ethic ... Has a good wingspan and big hands which are obviously positive attributes.

NBADraft.net, after mentioning the turf toe injury that sidelined Irving for all but 11 games with Duke last season, lists some concerns about Irving's game:

Has solid athleticism, but not elite ... Not known for highlight reel dunks or a player who overwhelms opponents with his physicality ... Needs to continue to work on his strength in order to improve his ability to finish and defensively ... Tendency to get out of control attacking the basket.

Video: From Youtube.com, some Irving highlights at Duke:

More Irving: Ben Cohen writes about Irving for the Wall Street Journal; an in-depth feature story on Irving and his dad, Drederick, by Kevin Armstrong for the New York Daily News; questions, and some answers, as to whether Irving should be the first pick, by John Kaplan on USAToday.com.

DERRICK WILLIAMS, 6-8 forward, Arizona

NBADraft.net's summary of Williams' overall game:

Williams' blend of size and his pure talent scoring the ball on offense will make him a viable option in the NBA. His ability to be a matchup problem at the NBA level offensively will make him a coveted prospect in this draft, as today's NBA covets mismatch PFs who can score at Williams' level. He's not a great rebounder and he's not a very good defender, but he does have the body to hit the glass with solid effectiveness and his fundamentals on D aren't bad. Williams will go on to have a productive NBA career, particularly offensively.

Video: From Youtube.com, highlights of Williams' play during Arizona's nonleague games last season:

More Williams: A story from last March, but with much insight into Williams' march to stardom, by Jeff Eisenberg for Rivals.com/Yahoo! Sports; Anthony Gimino wrote for the Tucson Citizen about Williams a few weeks ago from the NBA combine, with video of Williams being interviewed; a story about Williams' development into an elite player, by Baxter Holmes for the Los Angeles Times' "The Fabulous Forum" blog.

ENES KANTER, 6-11 center-forward, Turkey

About Kanter: Enes Kanter thinks he's the best player in the draft, Eric Freeman writes for Yahoo! Sports; an in-depth scouting report on Kanter, with videos, on the Utah Jazz section of NBA.com; detailed analysis, with videos, of Kanter's game, by Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.com.

Video: Kanter highlights, from ESPN.com:

BRANDON KNIGHT, 6-3 point guard, Kentucky

About Knight: Knight, who would be a candidate for the Cavs with the No. 4 overall pick only if they don't draft Kyrie Irving first, has excelled academically, too, Paul Schwartz wrote for the New York Post; some insight on Knight from a Q+A with Jason King for Yahoo! Sports last season.

Video: From Youtube.com, Fox Sports video of Knight with Kentucky last season:

KAWHI LEONARD, 6-7 forward, San Diego State

About Leonard: Earlier this year, Jeff Goodman of FoxSports.com wrote about Leonard and his late father; a feature story on Leonard by Sam Amick for the New York Times.

Video: From Youtube.com, Fox Sports video of Leonard with San Diego State last season:

TRISTAN THOMPSON, 6-9 forward, Texas

About Thompson: A feature story on Thompson by Chris Tomasson for The Star-Ledger and NJ.com; Thompson's stock has since soared, but his overall game was recently summarized by Jeremy Bauman for slamonline.com.

Video: Thompson during a recent workout, from slamonline.com and CLHTV.com, via Youtube.com:

JONAS VALANCIUNAS, 6-11 center, Lithuania

About Valanciunas: An athletic big man, Valanciunas might not be able to play in the NBA until the 2012-13 season. Kelly Dwyer of Yahoo! Sports comments on whether Valanciunas' abilities are worth waiting on for a year; Valanciunas' contract status, by Sean Deveney for SportingNews.com.

Video: Valanciunas highlights from ESPN.com:

JAN VESELY, 6-11 forward, Serbia

About Vesely: A prospect profile of Vesely on NBA.com; an interview with Vesely earlier this year, by Rodger Bohn on slamonline.com.

Video: Vesely highlights from ESPN.com:

Join cleveland.com as we bring you live draft analysis. You can share your thoughts on the draft as well, take live, interactive polls and more. We'll be joined by The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff among others. You'll also get the latest tweets and from Mary Schmitt Boyer and Jodie Valade and up-to-the-minute news on the draft.

View full sizeDavid I. Andersen | The Plain DealerChris Grant will make some of the most important decisions of his young GM career tonight.

The 2011 NBA Draft is tonight as the rebuilding of the Cavaliers gets underway in earnest.

Which number one overall pick is the biggest bust in draft history?

Associated PressWill Duke point guard Kyrie Irving become a No. 1 bust?

The NBA Draft is tonight and the Cleveland Cavaliers will have the No. 1 overall pick for the third time in franchise history.

In their history, the Cavaliers have done well with the top pick. The Cavs selected LeBron James No. 1 overall in 2003, Brad Daugherty No. 1 overall in 1986 and Austin Carr No. 1 overall in 1971.

None of those players would be considered a bust. Injuries was the only thing that slowed down Daugherty and Carr.

But what about some of the other No. 1 overall picks league wide? Not counting injuries, which No. 1 overall pick since 1980 is the biggest bust in draft history?

The Cavaliers own the No. 1 and No. 4 picks in today’s NBA Draft. Take a look at which players went first and fourth in the 10 most recent drafts to see whom the Cavs might have been able to acquire together in other years.

AP PhotoLeBron James went No. 1, Chris Bosh No. 4 and Dwyane Wade No. 5 in the 2003 NBA Draft.

The Cavaliers own the No. 1 and No. 4 picks in today’s NBA Draft. Take a look at which players went first and fourth in the 10 most recent drafts to see whom the Cavs might have been able to acquire together in other years:

2010 — PG John Wall, F Wesley Johnson.

Comment: Wall is a star, but time will tell how good Johnson can be. He averaged 9 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists in 26 minutes per game.

2009 — F Blake Griffin, G Tyreke Evans

Comment: The second-best No. 1-No. 4 combo of the past decade. Combined to average 40 points, 17 rebounds and 9 assists per game last season.

2008 — PG Derrick Rose, G Russell Westbrook.

2007 — C Greg Oden, PG Mike Conley Jr.

Comment: Oh, how area Ohio State fans would have loved this. Until Oden got hurt, of course.

2006 — F Andrea Bargnani, F Tyrus Thomas.

Comment: Bargnani averaged more than 21 points per game this season, but they likely would have gone for a guard at No. 4.The first one taken was talented-but-injury prone Brandon Roy at No. 6.

2005 — C Andrew Bogut, PG Chris Paul.

Comment: One’s steady, one’s spectacular.

2004 — C Dwight Howard, PG Shaun Livingston.

Comment: A stud and a dud.

2002 — C Yao Ming, F Drew Gooden.

Comment: If the Cavs would have gone with a guard with the No. 4 pick, the next guard taken was . . . disappointing Dajuan Wagner, who went to the Cavs at No. 6.

2001 — C Kwame Brown, F Eddy Curry.

Comment: A good example of how a draft can turn daft.

Travis Hafner is back but will be limited in the NL parks.

Ted S. Warren / Associated PressCleveland Indians' Travis Hafner.

Life as a designated hitter means Travis Hafner will see limited action on the Cleveland Indians' nine-game National League road trip that begins Friday in San Francisco.

MLB.com reporter Matt Fortuna writes how the Indians said Hafner will be limited to strictly pinch-hitting duties.

The Tribe begin this road trip after a 4-2 homestand.

"We put ourselves in position to win all six games. The two games we lost, we played well and we had a chance to win," manager Manny Acta said, adding, "Overall, the homestand, we wanted to come in and play well. Did we want to win six? Yes. But we'll take 4-2, especially looking back to where we were seven or eight days ago. We're moving in the right direction. We're holding our ground and playing crisp baseball and staying in the game. That's all you can ask for is take care of business."

Hafner, writes Fortuna, was a part of that homestand, playing in five of six games and going 5-for-17 overall with two home runs and seven RBIs, including a two-run blast Wednesday in the sixth.

Ohio.com reporter Sheldon Ocker jumps into the disadvantage the Indians are under because DH's are not allowed to bat in NL parks.

That means the pitchers will have to bat. The pitchers are up to the challenge.

Manny Acta is looking primarily for starters [relievers seldom bat] who will get a sacrifice bunt down. None of his pitchers is claiming greatness when he step into he batter's box.

''I just want to put the barrel of the bat on the ball,'' Talbot said. ''I'm praying that I make contact.''

Talbot batted third in high school, but, ''It was a terrible team,'' he said. ''I hit two home runs every year. I could hit the ball decently, but it was always a line drive.''

Game stories:

MLB.com: Tomlin, Pronk solid as Tribe rocks.

Cleveland.com: Tribe avoid sweep.

The News-Herald: Tribe 4, Rockies 3.

Ohio.com: Tribe break losing streak.

Denver Post: Wigginton homers twice.

Peyton and Eli Manning having fun during lockout.

The NFL Lockout continues, but not all of the players are sitting around waiting for something to happen.

Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning and his brother Eli, quarterback for the New York Giants, are enjoying their side jobs while football has been on the shelf this summer.

It looks like Shaquille O'Neal is not the only athlete who may have a career in law enforcement.

Irving working on his game, playing at Duke and in high school, being interviewed.

Associated PressKyrie Irving has developed a consistent jump shot, to go with his playmaking skills and his ability to get to the basket.

The Plain Dealer's Paul Hoynes breaks down the win over the Rockies and the Tribe's homestand along with postgame comments from Manny Acta and others.

View full sizeAP Photo | Mark DuncanThe Indians celebrated a win last night over Colorado.

The Indians beat the Rockies, 4-3, on Wednesday night to complete a 4-2 homestand.

The Plain Dealer's Paul Hoynes breaks down the win over the Rockies and the Tribe's homestand along with postgame comments from Manny Acta and others.

Cinesport video: Paul Hoynes on the Indians homestand

For more Cinesport video on cleveland.com, go here.

Plain Dealer columnist says he thinks Cavaliers should stick with the safe pick go with Irving at No. 1. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Branson Wright, as Chuck Yarborough is still on assignment.

The 2011 NBA Draft is tonight, and the Cavaliers have the No. 1 and No. 4 overall picks. They are projected to take Duke guard Kyrie Irving with the first pick, and they are expecting that he won't go down as one of the draft's all-time busts. Speaking of which, that's the topic of today's Starting Blocks poll. Who is the biggest bust among the No. 1 overall NBA picks of the last 30 years? Cast your vote now.

A Cavaliers prospect at the No. 4 pick, Turkey's Enes Kanter, said this week that if the Cavaliers take him and Irving, they will make the playoffs. Today's guest on SBTV, Plain Dealer columnist Bill Livingston, says that's entirely possible.

Livy also talks about his column today and why Duke players generally underachieve in the NBA; and which player will be a better NBA player, Connecticut's Kemba Walker or BYU's Jimmer Fredette.

SBTV will return Friday with follow-up coverage of tonight's draft.

PD columnist predicts Cleveland State's Norris Cole will have a better NBA career than one of the top six drafted tonight.

APEnes Kanter dominated against some top college players a year ago at the Hoops Summit.

1. This draft is a major, major minefield. That makes me glad the Cavs are at No. 1 and No. 4. They could have been at No. 4 and No. 9 or worse if the pingpong balls went the wrong way -- and this could have been a bummer.

2. Here's a list of the six players that most mock drafts have in the top six: Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams, Brandon Knight, Enes Kanter, Jonas Valanciunas and Jan Vesely.

3. Of that group, Williams has at least played two years of college ball at Arizona. He's 20 years old.

4. Four other players are 19: Irving, Kanter, Valanciunas, Knight.

5. The oldest is Jan Vesely at 21 . . . He has the most European experience.

6. Irving has played 11 college games. Knight played a full season at Kentucky. Kanter played at Stonebridge Academy two years ago, one game in the 2010 Hoops Summit and not any games this season. He did practice at Kentucky.

7. The supposed top six players are two college freshmen, one sophomore, one guy who played nowhere and two guys from Europe.

8. Group think at work: They are in love with the tall guys from overseas. They almost penalize a player who spends more than two years in college.

9. Four of these guys are 19! How good can they be right away in the NBA?

10. No matter how they spin it, there are real reasons for concern with Kanter, Vesely and Valanciunas. They are big men (who tend to develop slower and later), and they have so little experience. Vesely can run and dunk, but the lean 6-foot-11 forward shot 44 percent from the foul line at his last Euro stop. He's never shot higher than 58 percent at the foul line as a Euro pro. So he's not one of those long, tall Euros swishing 3-pointers.

11. I find it hard to believe that all three Euros should be ranked higher than the likes of Kemba Walker, Klay Thompson and some of the other college players.

12 I am CONVINCED that Cleveland State's Norris Cole will have a better career than at least one of these guys in the top six. This is not to make Cole a lottery pick, but to say that there will be some major flameouts in the top six, especially with the big guys. Jimmer Fredette will be better than one of these Euros because he is an incredible outside shooter.

13 I did watch tape of the 2010 Hoops Summit, where Kanter dominated in a game with the likes of Irving, Knight, Harrison Barnes and Jared Sullinger. At 6-10, 260, he bulled his way to layups and rebounds. But it was an all-star game with little defense and not much physical play.

14. I can't believe I'm writing this because he didn't play a game this season -- but Kanter seems to be the safest pick of the three Euros. He was on the Kentucky scout team this season, so at least he practices against good players.

APMorehead State's Kenneth Faried will be able to clean the boards in the NBA, Terry says.

15. I bet there is a Carlos Boozer (in a good way) in this draft. In 2002, the Cavs grabbed Boozer at No. 35, despite his terrific career at Duke. Scouts underrated him because they saw so much of him. I think that guy could be Kenneth Faried of Morehead State, who averaged 14.5 rebounds. He doesn't have Boozer's jumper, but he is a rebounding machine. I hear little about him other than Portland make take him. Faried had 20 points and 18 rebounds against Florida. It was 15-12 against OSU. He had 17 rebounds in the NCAA tournament when his team upset Louisville. In his last three years, he averaged 13-13-14.5 rebounds. Yes, it's the Ohio Valley, but he'll rebound in the NBA.