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The Cleveland Cavaliers are on top of the NBA draft yet again, only this time there is no LeBron James waiting to save them. There may not even be a Kyrie Irving. The first big NBA draft question was answered Tuesday night when the Cavaliers won the lottery for the second time in three years. But there are still plenty of questions left with a draft that many talent evaluators believe lacks the star power of previous years. And they start right at the top. There is no consensus No. 1 selection. Kentucky big man Nerlens Noel may come the closest, but he is recovering from a torn ACL that will likely keep him out until at least December. Kansas guard Ben McLemore, Indiana guard Victor Oladipo and Georgetown forward Otto Porter also are considered some of the top players in the draft. "I think its a balanced draft," new Timberwolves president of basketball operations Flip Saunders said. "You dont have an Alonzo Mourning, a Patrick Ewing, a guy like Derrick Rose, Shaquille ONeal. You dont have that one player that might single-handedly change the face of the franchise. Its going to be a draft where you might see a player at taken at 12 that some other team might take at No. 6." Observations like that one are common, leading some to label the draft weak. Saunders is among several executives and talent evaluators who disagree with that characterization, instead taking encouragement from the overall depth. "There isnt a player that has wowed or completely dominated college or international ball to create that buzz or whatever," said Ryan Blake, the NBAs senior director of scouting operations. "We have a bucket load of really good players that are going to make an impact immediately." Noel is the wild card that could shape the rest of the draft. The 6-foot-10 centre from Kentucky was one of the most sought-after recruits in the country, but he tore the ACL in his left knee Feb. 12, giving him just over half of a season of college experience before coming to the pros. He hopes to make his NBA debut sometime in December, but some teams could be concerned after watching Rose sit out the entire season with the same injury. "We havent seen him in three or four months and were not going to see him in another three or four months," Blake said. "That can be disturbing." The Cavs certainly could use a young big man to bring into a promising core that includes Irving, Dion Waiters and Tristan Thompson. Getting a natural shot-blocker and gifted rebounder like Noel could round out that group very nicely. A knock-down shooter like McLemore or a versatile forward like Porter would also fill some needs for a team that is desperate to get back into the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference. The Orlando Magic sit in the No. 2 spot, still in full-on rebuilding mode after trading Dwight Howard to the Lakers before last season. If the Cavs go in another direction, the Magic could grab Noel to put alongside young centre Nikola Vucevic for an imposing new-age frontcourt. "They say this draft isnt running over with great talent, but believe me, there will be eight or 10 players from the draft, youll look back and say they had really good careers," Magic senior vice-president Pat Williams said after losing the No. 1 spot to the Cavaliers in the lottery. "Were very pleased. Obviously, we came here to win it, because we have a history and wanted to keep it going. But, everybody is very pleased with the second pick." And just because this class is lacking a star who became a household name last season in the NCAA tournament doesnt mean there isnt one to be found. Last year at this time few knew much about a muscular point guard out of Weber State named Damian Lillard. The 6-foot-3 Lillard played four years in college, which has become more of a liability than an asset for players at the top of the draft these days. The Portland Trail Blazers grabbed him with the sixth overall pick, and he wound up as the unanimous rookie of the year and a player heralded as a cornerstone for the franchise moving forward. "I dont think anybody expected when Portland was picking at six last year that theyd have the unanimous rookie of the year," said Saunders, whose Timberwolves have the ninth overall choice. Teams looking to add big men will find plenty in this draft, including Noel, Indianas Cody Zeller, Marylands Alex Len, Gonzagas Kelly Olynyk, Louisvilles Gorqui Dieng and Pitts Steven Adams. And as the draft moves on into the late first round, promising prospects like Michigans Tim Hardaway, Jr., Miamis Shane Larkin and Russias Sergey Karasev are there for the taking. "Some teams want to hit that home run," Blake said. "Theyre going to take a chance. But no matter what you get in this deep draft, youre going to have guys that come in and can be a 10-point, 10-rebound guys for 10 years."Todd Frazier Jersey Keon Broxton Mets Jersey .ca. Kerry, Just watched the shootout in the Coyotes/Leafs game and I have to ask, why was the James van Riemsdyk goal allowed to count? All of the video replays we were shown on TV were inconclusive about whether the puck had entirely crossed the line or not. http://www.metsbaseballauthentic.com/michael-conforto-mets-jersey/ . -- Former San Diego Chargers safety Paul Oliver was found dead at his Atlanta-area home Tuesday night, and a medical examiner said Wednesday that the ex-player committed suicide. Lenny Dykstra Jersey . Mickelson barely made the cut but had the best round of the day with nine birdies and an eagle coupled with two bogeys to sit two shots behind leader Craig Lee of Scotland. Lee shot a 69 for a 12-under 204 total. "I just love the fact I am in contention and have an opportunity in my first tournament of the year here in Abu Dhabi," Mickelson said. Nolan Ryan Jersey . -- About a third of the way through the regular season, the Washington Wizards are at .TEMPE, Ariz. -- Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer made strides overnight?toward returning from a concussion, coach Bruce Arians said Monday.Arians said Palmer got better last night and improved after suffering the concussion on Sunday afternoon, leaving open the possibility that Palmer could play Thursday night at San Francisco even if he doesnt practice all week.But the team could be preparing a contingency plan. A source tells ESPNs Adam Schefter that the team will sign practice squad quarterback Zac Dysert to their active roster, a sign they have doubts about Palmer starting Thursday night.Arians said Palmer, 36, wouldnt have to practice this week in order play against the 49ers as long as hes cleared by time the teams flight leaves for California on Wednesday. Arians added that Palmer doesnt typically practice on Wednesdays during a regular week so it wouldnt make a difference on a short week.Its not like theyre doing something he hasnt seen before, Arians saiid, referring to the 49ers.dddddddddddd Hed be more than ready to go.Thats a change from what Arians said after Sundays game, when he said Palmer probably would not play Thursday if he couldnt practice this week.From what I thought yesterday, I thought there was no chance, Arians said.Palmer was scheduled to go through the physical activity portion of the return-to-participation process on Monday, Arians said.Nothing surprises me with these guys getting healthy anymore, Arians said.Arians said he talked to Palmer and Palmers wife, Shaelyn, on Sunday night, after the quarterback was knocked out of Arizonas 17-13 loss late in the fourth quarter with a concussion.He sounded good, Arians said. I talked more to Shae, his wife, and he sounded fine. He said, Im OK, dont worry about it. And thats about it.ESPNs Adam Schefter contributed to this report.? ' ' '