MKG, Brad Beal & trading for the 2nd pick
Maybe what they were saying...Michael Kidd-Gilchrist pictured below at his Charlotte Bobcats workout: "Take him at 2, Bobcats. Draft my man Bradley Beal over here. I'm not trying to play for the worst team in NBA history. Bradley Beal: "You better watch that, Mike. You know I'm not trying to play here either bro."
This could be good news for the player eventually drafted 2nd overall next Thursday. The Charlotte Bobcats and Cleveland Cavaliers are either in discussions, or might have spoke already, about the possibility of trading that 2nd pick. We speculated about this initially, and then heard similar reports before. It's the smokescreen pre-Draft narrative where Cleveland trades the 24th pick overall (probably) in exchange for the right to move up two spots (from 4 to 2). Instead of doing this in order to acquire MKG this time though, Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated writes the Cavaliers are considering the move in order to Draft Beal.
Here's Sam Amick's SI report on that from earlier today:
As Charlotte continues to ponder its decision at No. 2, numerous executives expect the Bobcats to be approached by Cleveland (No. 4) about the possibility of swapping picks (if it hasn’t happened already) in order for the Cavaliers to land Florida shooting guard Bradley Beal. While Cavs point guard Kyrie Irving is known to be a huge proponent of drafting North Carolina small forward Harrison Barnes, it appears Beal has shot up their big board just as he has so many others, and it’s widely believed that he won’t get past Washington at No. 3 if they don’t make a move.
The Cavs have four picks (Nos. 4, 24, 33, 34), and those could be enticing to the Bobcats as assets should they decide to pursue both quality and quantity in this draft. It would make some sense, considering they’re coming off such a horrific season (league-record-low winning percentage of .106) and need so much roster help. What’s more, if the widely held opinion that Washington would take Kentucky small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist at the No. 3 spot if Beal was gone held true, the Bobcats could still get Barnes at No. 4 if that’s the direction they wanted to go. For more on that …
If Charlotte is left alone, nobody trades with them, and they are forced to pick 2nd overall, I believe they'll go with Thomas Robinson from Kansas. He's a good pick in that spot for the Bobcats too. He'll hold his own out there. You'd be asking MKG, Beal, or Barnes to do a whole lot if you dropped them into that mess on the perimeter, but playing in the paint is more of a known quantity to some extent. Sure, Robinson will get zero help inside for Charlotte. He won't have much on the wing to help create space in the paint for him to operate either. But, if he hits the glass, finishes around the rim, and knocks down the 15-footer he could survive his first season in NBA-siberia better than the other guys would. So with that in mind, and Anthony Davis going 1st, you are then left with three players for one spot (3rd pick). Too many options could fall to the Cavaliers at four, IMO, and that's why I don't see the need to spend no. 24 in order to trade up right now.
I also don't think we should get too carried away with the "Kyrie Irving is known to be a huge proponent of drafting Harrison Barnes" line either. Kyrie is friends with Barnes. They have the same agent. Played in the McDonald's AA Game together. But he's also friends with MKG who he played with at St. Pat's, and Tristan Thompson's friends with Kidd-Gilchrist as well for that matter. Those three guys are all cool - Irving, Thompson, MKG - and they all spent time together while Kidd-Gilchrist was working out in Cleveland last month. So while Kyrie would be a proponent of drafting his buddy Barnes, he'd also be a proponent of taking MKG. It's not like he's going to be upset with the latter. In saying that then, I suppose, the Cavaliers better be sure Beal is that special if they are going to deliberately (trade-up, spending pick no. 24 to do so) pass on two guys their franchise player already has a relationship with. Like Beal better then be a mix between Allen Iverson and Ray Allen or something.
@BowersCLE so we’re gonna give up 24 to get a guy who it’s widely thought will b at 4, and doesn’t have ties to our stud PG? I don’t get it!
@BowersCLE I hope… I mean, I want Beal or MKG. If we trade we should b talkin bout GS n 7th pick! That’s my dream scenario! Beal + Drummond!
@BowersCLE @WFNYScott Well that didn't take long. Thanks!! Time to get out of bed and punch in here, Sergio.
@daverini @BowersCLE I'm here man -- will have a final NsBB next week. Will gladly discuss on here in the meantime.
@WFNYScott @BowersCLE In order of desire: MKG, Beal, Barnes? Agree? And is it reverse order of how it realistically will play out?
@ClevTA I won't disagree that his numbers leave a lot to be desired. I just believe he's a project that could look very good if given time.
@WFNYScott please read abt Drummond. By far worst back to basket stats & 6th least efficient big man. He stinks! http://t.co/4h0Z7sPr
@WFNYScott So when teams go hack-a-Drummond/TT in Q2 then what? Doesnt concern u that a 6-8 TRob ran circles around him in the Cle workout?
@WFNYScott Drummond?? Say it aint so. Two raw off post players who cant score or shoot FTs on the court at same time? Recipe for disaster
@WFNYScott Motor is something thats difficult to fix though. Although I will admit if there's a coach that can do it, its Byron Scott
@WFNYScott agreed. I was hot for Barnes, but a center that could dominate?! Paired with Irving would be awesome
@DavidLBurkart The prospect of a Bynum-like C with the next three years is tough to pass up
@TheBrownieElf He's a project. Needs to be developed. If done right, we are talking an Andrew Bynum-level center.
@WFNYScott But the appeal of Barnes is the safety of the pick. Drummond could be such a huge setback if he doesn't work out
@daverini @WFNYScott that's my order at least, MKG, Beal, Barnes. The answer to your second question seems to be more fluid right now tho
@BowersCLE If the Cavs like Beal’s fit and potential that much more, they need to go get him imo. Quality > quantity.
@BrendanLeister fair point. Agreed on quality over quantity. I just personally wouldn't trade up 2 spots for Beal in this situation
@BowersCLE They could potentially package 2nds to move up or package one of them with a player to move up if they do have to trade 24.
@WFNYKirk @BowersCLE I used to take it more seriously but football is my thing. Basketball and baseball are on the side for me now.
@WFNYKirk @BowersCLE I’d be happy with Barnes just like the others but I personally don’t love him.
@WFNYKirk @BowersCLE I don’t think Barnes is that close to Beal and MKG but he may prove me wrong.
@BrendanLeister @BowersCLE can't disagree but I think they're all so close I stay put and look to trade up or back in otherwise
@WFNYKirk @BowersCLE Right. So do whatever it takes (involving picks) to get that guy.
@WFNYKirk @BowersCLE I see MKG as a better version of Gerald Wallace but I’m definitely not as qualified as most to access the prospects.
@WFNYKirk @BrendanLeister @BowersCLE Stay at 4. Get a really good player. Package the rest of the picks to move up and get another one.
@WFNYKirk @BowersCLE I think going for the guy that has highest likelihood of becoming a star is good strategy. That’s why I like Beal most.
@BrendanLeister @BowersCLE I think Gee has potential to be a 6th/7th man on a good team... Hope over next 2 drafts we can find our 2&3
@BrendanLeister @WFNYKirk Gee's a long-term piece I think, just see him coming off bench as 6th or 7th man backing up both wing positions
@BowersCLE @WFNYKirk I actually saw a tweet by someone saying Gee has improved on his ball handling a lot this offseason or something.
@BowersCLE @WFNYKirk They may think Gee can start if he improves again like he did last season. I agree though. Best off bench.
@BrendanLeister @WFNYKirk thing to remember is #Cavs need multiple wings. A new starter at SG & SF. Whoever they take at 4 is only one piece
@WFNYKirk @BowersCLE That’s because they knew they simply needed guys that can shoot to go with their 3 stars. Easy when it’s all you need.
@BrendanLeister @BowersCLE can't explain that, but look at who Heat shoved together with Battier, Chalmers, Jones, Miller... Beal is more
@WFNYKirk @BowersCLE Beal is a lot more than just a shooter and if they’re easy to find, why don’t they have any that can stay healthy?
@BrendanLeister @BowersCLE my 2 cents, 3 point shooters easier to find/sign than guys who can elitely defend, rebound, drive like MKG
@BowersCLE Cavs just have next to no perimeter scoring aside from Irving. At very least, Beal brings that. MKG’s offense needs work.
@BowersCLE I love MKG’s work ethic, age a ton. Also the hustle, rebounding, D. I don’t think he’ll be a star though. Beal- better shot imo.
@BrendanLeister all valid points. I think MKG is the best fit for Cavs myself tho, I like him more than Beal and Barnes respectively.
@BowersCLE Falling back on MKG sounds great to me but I’m not going to say he fits close to as well as Beal because I don’t think he does.
@BowersCLE I would. I think Wizards will definitely take him if Bobcats don’t so at this point, without a trade up, they’ll likely miss out.
