2012 NBA Draft: SB Nation Mock Has Michael Kidd-Gilchrist To Cleveland
By James Brady@jamesbradyisme Jun 28, 2012, 1:27pm CDT
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It's never too late to get a mock draft in, with the 2012 NBA Draft just hours away. The Cleveland Cavaliers are a team with a ton of options at No. 4 in the draft - including moving up to No. 2 in a trade with the Charlotte Bobcats. But the trade talks have cooled off of late as many believe that the Cavs are just about equally happy with four players in the draft so will end up wiht someone they like.
But there is word that the Cavaliers want Bradley Beal more than the other three. Will they be able to get him? It doesn't seem likely at this point, with mock drafts around the league reaching something of a consensus on the Washington Wizards taking Beal at No. 3 following their trade with Charlotte.
SB Nation's Tom Ziller took one last crack at an NBA mock draft, where he admittedly isn't sure what's going to happen. Still, he has Michael Kidd-Gilchrist going to Cleveland:
4. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS: MICHAEL KIDD-GILCHRIST
I do believe the Cavaliers' interest in Dion Waiters, mostly because the best reporters are presenting it. However, I think this pick is trade bait. Waiters can be had lower. Teams want to move up. MKG could be the second best player in the draft. ERGO, it makes sense to move down even a little to pick up another asset (even though Cleveland already has three more picks in the top 40).
That's an interesting situation - moving down in the draft. It hasn't been something that has been discussed until recently, and it could be a sign that the Cavaliers are desperate to move in one direction or another. It would make sense for them to move and get the player they want with all the young talent on the roster. But moving backwards does seem like an odd choice for them, as it would likely mean even younger guys making it onto the team.
For more on the Cleveland Cavaliers, go to Fear The Sword. You can also check out professional basketball news from around the league over at SB Nation's NBA page.
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