Chad Ford released the eighth version of his 2012 mock draft on Friday, and the ESPN scout thinks the Cavaliers will have their choice of Harrison Barnes and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist at No. 4. Ford predicts Thomas Robinson will go to Charlotte at No. 2 and the Wizards will scoop up Brad Beal at No. 3, leaving Chris Grant with a delectable choice between the two wing players to run alongside Kyrie Irving:
If Beal goes No. 3, the Cavs have a choice between Kidd-Gilchrist and Harrison Barnes. The team is high on both players and could go either direction. Kidd-Gilchrist brings toughness, defense and leadership and would be great running the floor with Kyrie Irving. Barnes is a much better shooter and scorer who could add more punch to the Cavs’ attack.
At this point I’d give Kidd-Gilchrist the slight edge over Barnes.
As you may be aware, both have strong connections to Irving. MKG was his high school teammate at St. Patrick’s while Barnes and Irving were considered the top two players in their high school class and developed a strong friendship during high school. They’re also represented by the same agent.
[Related: Should Cavs Trade Up For Brad Beal?]
