Though the Kentucky Wildcats will likely lead all schools based on shear probability, Draft Express’ latest mock draft has the Cleveland Cavaliers leaving the late-June selection with three players who recently cut down the nets as NCAA champions.
With what amounts to the third-overall selection, the Cavaliers, per Draft Express, will select Kentucky forward Michael-Kidd Gilchrist, who would instantly slot in as the teams starting small forward having the character and work ethic that makes Chris Grant and Byron Scott salivate coupled with the chemistry already existing between he and his former high school teammate Kyrie Irving. The 6-foot-7-inch Kidd-Gilchrist averaged 11.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 0.9 blocks for the Wildcats. He will not turn 19 until late September.
Merely serving to add to the chemistry would be the pair of second-round selections, shooting guard Doron Lamb and small forward Darius Miller, both wing players from Kentucky who ran along side Kidd-Gilchrist for John Calipari. These three players, with Miller being the oldest at 22 years of age, would sandwich Evan Fournier, the highly-touted 19-year-old out of France who possesses attributes with a 6-foot-7-inch frame, providing the ability to create his own shot very effectively thanks to his excellent size, strength, and ball-handling skills.
The obvious glaring issue would be the depth at the center position which would have to be addressed during free agency. Connecticut’s Andre Drummond, per Draft Express, would go second-overall to Washington.
[Related: From Introvert to Accolades, the Kyrie Irving Story Adds Another Chapter]
