May 19, 2013

ESPN Mock NBA Draft: Cavs Land Beal, Harkless

May 1, 2012 by 79 Comments

With their draft positions inching closer and closer to being finalized, the latest mock draft from ESPN’s Chad Ford has the Cavaliers addressing their wing positions in one fell swoop.

With the third-overall selection in the 2012 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select:

Bradley Beal, SG, Florida. If the Cavs can stay in the top three, it’s a huge outcome for them. The Cavs scored big time when they landed Kyrie Irving last year. They would complete their backcourt overhaul if they could put Beal next to him. That would give them two high-octane scorers who can both handle the ball, get to the rim and shoot it — an ideal scenario for the Cavs.

Ford admits that it’s a toss-up between Beal and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist for the Washington Wizards who are currently pegged with the second-overall selection. Assuming that they miss out on the small forward in MKG, the Cavaliers will look to bolster said position with the pick they acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers, selecting St. John’s Mo Harkless — a Trevor Ariza clone who can score and defend while bringing plenty of size.

“Put [Harkless] on the floor with Kyrie Irving, Brad Beal, Tristan Thompson and Anderson Varejao,” said Ford, “and the Cavs suddenly have a team that should be fighting for the playoffs again.”

[Related: Instead of Fixing Tanking, NBA Should Remove the Lottery]

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  • BenRM

    If the Cavs land Beal in this draft, they win. Anthony Davis and MKG are the only players I like more. 

  • Boomhauertjs

    Nodding my head in approval, though I wouldn’t be opposed going big with that 2nd 1st rounder (Fab Melo).

  • http://www.facebook.com/davelb87 David W. Elbrecht

    Harkless is a nice player, but I’d rather see them grab Fab Melo with that second pick (even trade up if necessary). Wing players are relatively easy to find (see: Gee, Alonzo) whereas centers aren’t. I’m convinced that Andy’s recent injury problems are at least in part related to his playing the 5 full time. He doesn’t have the body to match up against the likes of Dwight Howard and Andrew Bynum night in and night out. Additionally, the Cavs are best served when he is the first guy off the bench, bringing energy to the 2nd team.

  • mgbode

    My dream scenario (that is somewhat realistic):

    Our Pick:   MKG, SF, Kentucky

    Lakers Pick:   John Jenkins, SG, Vandy (great shooter – we are devoid of great shooters)
    *Terrence Ross is better overall player, but I don’t think he makes it once the full scouting buzz hits

    Trade up from #34 (w/ Gibsons non-guaranteed deal also utilizing a teams desire to have a non-guaranteed 2nd rounder – perhaps Pacers/Grizz won’t have roster room):   Fab Melo, C, Cuse

    #33:  Kevin Jones, PF, WVU

    We solidify the wings for years with Gee, MKG, and Jenkins.  Lots of good combinations with those 3 that should complement each other.

    We get a true 7fter in the 20′s with a good defensive presence.  Yes, he has issues, but he’s better than Ezeli (backup choice)

    Finally, we use our 2nd rounder on a solid PF with a decently high floor.  This would be out of character of recent Cavs drafts as we like to go boom/bust guys, but I think we need a guy who can just play. 

  • Harv 21

    Demands mock draft sabbatical, on mental health grounds.

  • mgbode

    where are these Mental Health Grounds.  sounds like a nice relaxing place for a vacation.

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/WY7HMUS73KKWDOT3DZY4WWXFT4 Scott

    I’ll be happy with MKG or Thomas Robinson at the third pick. But Beal doesn’t appeal to me as much as a big man. Can never get enough good “bigs”. Can get a decent “2″ with the second pick.

  • Jusrhyme31

    Since this Draft isn’t gonna put us in the finals by drafting any one person I hope we can get Mkg and try to trade up with the other 3 picks to get Austin Rivers. Kyrie, Rivers, Mkg, Thompson, Verajo that’s a legit line-up that could also entice maybe a few free agents the following year to come play here? Dwight Howard?

  • ChadF

    IMO, Ezeli > Melo.  I think he’ll show that even more through the pre-draft workouts.  

  • Vindictive_Pat

    Is that what they’re calling Miami’s new stadium for the Marlins?  Makes sense giving the average age of the people attending the games (okay that was a cheap shot).

  • BisonDeleSightings

    I don’t know, the league is quickly becoming devoid of good 2-guards.  After Kobe, Wade, and Ray Allen, who is left?  Joe Johnson, James Harden, Eric Gordon…Kevin Martin?  Arron Afflalo?

    A top-flight SG is starting to become as rare as a top-flight big man.

  • Co811809

    I would rather pair Kyrie with Barnes no questions asked. 1. AD 2. MKG 3. Drummond or Barnes

  • The_Real_Shamrock

    From one mock to another unlike the Browns I have faith that the Cavaliers will actually draft well.  Either way this is the draft to get more excited about people!

  • The_Real_Shamrock

    I’m leaning more towards Beal then MKG right now.  Beal is the more all around polished player who I feel could come in and contribute in a variety of ways.  That being said I wouldn’t be unhappy with Gilchrist in the least you just have to be a little more patient with him while his NBA game develops.

    I’m only somewhat familiar with Gibbons but I’m leary of “great shooters” which is why I’m not as high on Jeremy Lamb.  I’ve seen enough shooters i.e. Damon Jones, Donyell Marshall, Daniel Gibson and Anthony Parker to last me a lifetime.  I much prefer athletic wing men who can not only shoot but score off the dribble.

    I’m intrigued by Fab Melo but also like Ezeli.  Of course I’ve also become a Tyler Zeller fan but he’ll be gone in the top 5 or 6. 

  • oppie00

    I know I’m probably alone on this, but I think I’d rather have MKG over anyone else in this draft, including Davis.

    That being said, I doubt we end up getting him and I’ll be completely satisfied to get a guy who can shoot like Beal. I can’t even remember the last time we had a legit scorer night in, night-out at the #2. Larry Hughes and Ricky Davis are the only SGs I could think of and the thought of that immediately made me depressed.

  • Steve

    If we stay at 3, and don’t get MKG/Melo, I think we have to take Drummond. Beal is a great player, no doubt, but Drummond has the chance to be Bynum-special. I don’t know how we can pass on that kind of upside.

  • BrownsFanSF

    I think it’s a pretty solid consensus that MKG has a higher ceiling than Beal.  He’s athletic, can defend anyone, fill up the box score in every way and scores efficiently.  I like Beal too, but if MKG is on the board he’s a must take.  I do definitely agree with you that we’ll have to wait a bit before he can be an 18 ppg kinda guy, whereas Beal could possibly be that right away.

    I do dream about sending Kyrie out on the floor with Gee and MKG at the 2 and the 3, TT at the 4 and Andy at the 5 and watch them turn into one of the best defenses in the league.  Of course question is, who besides Swirvin’ Irving scores in that bunch

  • The_Real_Shamrock

    For me MKG is lacking a shot which is why I’m leaning towards Beal but your right about him probably having the brighter long time future.  I think in order to get him the Cavaliers will have to be in the top three, possibly two.  Nick Gilbert work your magic!

    As far as your starting five I’d like to see either Thompson or Varejao come off the bench, probably Anderson.  This is why I’d be looking at a big man with that second pick.  You’d put Varejao back where he was at his best and you’d cut down some on his potential injuries.

  • The_Real_Shamrock

    I don;t personally see a comparison between Drummond and Bynum at all.  If the Cavaliers take Drummond first they better add a real scorer later because they simply won’t have anyone other then Irving.  Gee would have to take the next step and I don’t think he will, yet.

  • Steve

     That’s because you’re comparing a polished 24 year old Bynum to a guy who won’t turn 19 until August. This is what Bynum would have looked like as an 18 year old against the Big East. If you don’t think you have the ability to coach up Drummond you need to hire better coaches. The guy has the combination of size and athleticism to be an absolute stud.

  • BrownsFanSF

    Completely agree about Andy coming off the bench, I just don’t know where we are going to find a starting center.  Centers are so hard to find, it would be a neat trick by Grant to get one at the end of the first round (Melo and Ezeli have upside but if they were sure starters they would be top 5 picks).  

    Part of me says either open the check book for Hibbert (and admit we are gonna have to overpay him) or see if we can get Kaman for a reasonable price.  Unfortunately “reasonable price” and “7 feet” rarely go well together, but a vet with a good midrange game would be a nice compliment to TT and Andy down low.

  • Alex

    I’d love to have Beal at #3. He has range and is strong when driving to the hoop and has enough athleticism to actuallly get those shots. If he can improve his defensive awareness, he could be a #2 on a championship contender.

  • The_Real_Shamrock

    No I’m comparing Bynum out of HS to Drummond out of college.  Plus I’d prefer a wing scorer, scorer period.

  • Steve

    Wing scoring can be found much easier than a big man with legit size and athleticism.  Very few guys have that at 18. 

  • Steve

     Once you see a Irving/Drummond pick and roll (something UConn doesn’t do), you’ll fall in love. Guaranteed.

  • floydrubino

    That’s hilarious that on a talent loaded big man draft and were going small. He is a real talented player and whomever is there I am a big proponent to draft talent and not needs and I hate “projects” of any level until we can get someone in front of them they can actually learn from so we don’t need to depend on them right away. We need to get some polished players in here. And isn’t figthing for the playoffs the worst place to be in the nba.

  • Ike

    Couldn’t agree more

  • mgbode

    and I’ll completely disagree.  Andy would have to start as he and Irving had gotten so good at the PnR that there’s no way I would separate them out.

    Pacers will not let anyone else overpay for Hibbert, though I would love him.  Kaman is over-rated.

  • mgbode

    I agree on the MKG vs. Beal discussion above.  MKG has the better defense and athleticism, whereas Beal has the better shot.  That’s why I like getting Jenkins better who is a pure shooter as well.

  • mgbode

    or have nightmares.  one of the two.   Drummond certainly has the size.  we’ll see if he develops into a Bynum or a Kwame (and remember all the bumps along the way for Bynum too)

  • mgbode

    at least you didn’t mention Castro

  • mgbode

    both are extremely raw.  i think Fab is a little further along, but their work ethic will probably determine who has the brighter future.

  • mgbode

    thomas robinson may end up a beast down low eventually, but he’s awfully skinny for now.  he’ll likely rely on this athleticism and become a “Bosh-type” PF (when he first came into the league, not now).   not the worst option, but we’d have 3 guys in TT, AV, and TR who are not really 5s.

    draymond green is a small for a big man, which is why I prefer Kevin Jones a bit more (basically the same player but KJ is taller).  we’ll see about wingspan when it’s measured (which is more important than heighth).

    finally, fighting for the playoffs is not the worst place to be when you have established a talented corps of players that you are going to grow with.  fighting for the playoffs before you have developed that corps is.

  • Yup

    The love for Beal baffles me. Have any of you actually watched him and looked at his numbers and measurables? Thre is absolutely NOTHING in any of those metrics to imply he his a top 3 pick! He’s under-sized (closer to 6’3″) has average athleticism and for a supposed “great shooter” has really mediocre shooting numbers!! What the hell?

    I would much rather risk a guy with obvious physical gifts and big upside like Davis, PJ3, T Jones, Drummond or Henson. Notice how all those guys are essentially physical freaks. And they’re all big. With nearly unlimited potential. Yes, all have question marks. But this is the time to take the big risk.

  • mgbode

    Beal the last month and a half looked like a Wade-style player.  Got to the FT line a ton, rebounds, steals, assists, even blocks.   He didn’t have an issue with TOs except in blowout wins (for whatever reason).

    Yes, he definitely has concerns with his size being one of the bigger ones.  It’s why I had J.Lamb and Barnes ahead of him most of the year.  But, that all-around game really won me over. 

    Of the guys you mentioned, only Davis and Drummond are worth consideration in the top5 picks IMO.  The others all have huge flaws in their game and have huge risks associated with them.   And, I have already shown you why I prefer Tyler Zeller over Henson. 

  • floydrubino

    Draymond Green is definitely undersized but he’s a winner and a player that you can depend on to bring it. I love his energy and he doesn’t do any thing spectacular but I just think these are the kind of guys you want making decisions on the court for you for their careers. He reminds me of a better offensive Charles Oakley type player and if you put him with Kyrie, Thomas Robinson, TT, Anderson Varejao, you will just need to find a shooting guard and you have a great rotation. Then on top it if you can somehow hit with our 2nd round pick by getting an under evaluated scorer later in the draft.  Whomever we pick at #4 I think out of that group at #24 area Green will be that type of player that will end up having a solid career. He obviously can’t be depended on to be the star but he could be a solid starter that gets double doubles quietly.

  • Steve

     Kwame wishes he were half as athletic as Drummond. And Bynum was one of the better centers by age 20. The kid’s game is much better suited for the NBA where he has more room to operate and more chances to show off his athleticism.

  • The_Real_Shamrock

    It doesn’t sound like the Cavaliers will be active in free agency which makes me cringe because of the Browns doing the same.  I’d like to see them make an offer though on Hibbert or Eric Gordon.  At the least their respective teams have to match to retain them and if they didn’t, well you just solved one area of need.

  • The_Real_Shamrock

    I disagree with your disagreement to me Thompson would be better suited, for the future, to be paired with Irving as opposed to Varejao.  ;-)

  • The_Real_Shamrock

    I haven’t seen alot of Drummond but from what I have he’s mostly an athletic defense first kind of player to me.  That doesn’t mean he won’t get an offensive game but at this point I have other guys I like more then him.

  • The_Real_Shamrock

    Zeller over Henson here too big time.  Henson reminds me of a Marcus Camby type player, rebounds and blocks.  If the Cavaliers draft a big man he needs to be able to score especially in the middle.  That’s why I’m not as big on Drummond.

  • mgbode

    Charles Oakley was not 6’6″

    let’s see how Green’s wingspan measures up, but a front-court only player generally has to be big enough to bang with the trees in the NBA

  • mgbode

    ok.  I guess I just didn’t see Drummond’s athleticism when he was playing.  Or drive (important too especially for a big man).  He certainly has the ‘tools’

  • mgbode

    one problem is that unlike the NFL, NBA FA is after the draft.  so, we can’t go into the draft thinking we will get one of those guys.

  • mgbode

    also, shenanigans on the Kwame-athleticism angle:
    http://www.foulshots.com/Analysis/2001nbadraftscouting.htm#KwameBrown

  • mgbode

    from site:
    The most gifted player in the draft, Brown is a great athlete with exceptional basketball skills. He can handle the ball like a guard and has a good-looking stroke from 15 to 17 feet. Brown also has good floor vision and passes extremely well. Brown is currently at his best when he faces up and takes people off the dribble using an excellent crossover dribble. Defensively, Brown is a devastating shotblocker with superb leaping ability, timing and reach. Because of his combination of size, strength and skill, Brown is often compared to Chris Webber and Kevin Garnett.

  • Yup

    Again, Henson’s stats and measurables are almost exactly the same as the prohibitive number one pick’s. The part many seem not to be getting here in the physical freak aspect. Henson has that (wingspan and frame that will allow more growth); Zeller does not. PJ3 does; Beal does not. Also, you draft BEST PLAYER! Not position! So many obsessed with a wing. As said by some others on here, wings are a dime-a-dozen relative to freakish bigs like Davis, Drummond, PJ3, T Jones and Henson. Iwatched Henson play Davis to essentially a stand-still and show a better offensive game than Davis. It seems only I and Draftexpress see his massive upside…

    Anyway, no Beal or even MKG. Bigs.

  • The_Real_Shamrock

    No I draft the best player at a position of need – in basketball.  I like Henson but the Cavaliers will need scoring next year and he’s not a scorer.  Anthony Davis really isn’t either but I think he has more offensive upside then does Henson, as of today. 

    You realize that for almost every game Irving and Jamison were the top two scorers for Cleveland right?  I doubt Jamison is back so that leaves Irving.  The kid can’t do it all.  I don’t need another LBJ redux. 

    MKG is actually a SF.  He’s 6’7″ so you’d move Gee to SG if he was the guy.  If it’s Beal you move Gee to SF.

  • The_Real_Shamrock

    That’s the only downside I see about Green is that he doesn’t like to play inside.  He’d rather make like a guard.  That being said I like him.  In a perfect world he’d last until the top of the second round after the Cavaliers draft Beal/MKG and Melo/Ezeli.  Wow.

  • The_Real_Shamrock

    Is it?  D*&n I didn’t realize that, oh well.

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