Dion Waiters, the former Syracuse University guard, was selected fourth overall Thursday by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft. Waiters, 6-foot-5, 215 pounds, had been expected to be selected anywhere from fourth overall to 13th.
The fourth pick is a stunningly early selection for Waiters, who did not start for the Orange last season. Waiters, though, fills a need for Cleveland, which was looking for a scorer to pair with last year's top pick, point guard Kyrie Irving. Waiters averaged 12.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.8 steals per game.
SI.com offered this instant analysis:
"The Cavs were as tough to gauge as any team in recent weeks, but they pull off an early shocker here by taking the talented combo guard who came off the bench for Syracuse. They were believed to be high on Harrison Barnes early, and then Bradley Beal became the flavor of the week. Waiters' appeal is in the fact that he is a tough, fearless scorer who was far more efficient than many of his fellow guards. The Warriors are sure to be disappointed because they wanted Waiters at No. 7."
NBA.com's prospect profile says "Waiters is known as a guy who can put points on the board in a hurry." Here is more from Waiters' NBA.com prospect profile:
Strengths:
- Great athlete
- Attacks the rim
- Instant offense
- Can handle the ball
- Good passer
Weaknesses:
- Doesn't have ideal size
- Jump shot has to get more consistent