2012 NBA Mock Draft: Cavs Select Brad Beal In Latest Tom Ziller Mock

The Cavaliers did not repeat the lottery luck from 2011, but the falling ping pong balls did not create a worst-case scenario. With the No. 4 pick, there should still be an elite talent to pair with Kyrie Irving and continue the building process. Now that the order is settled, SB Nation's Tom Ziller has released his latest mock draft and he thinks Bradley Beal will be available for the Cavs with the fourth pick. Here's what he had to say about the Cavs selection:

The Cavs' own pick landed at No. 4 for the second straight season; it looks like the team may have made a mistake in 2011 by taking Tristan Thompson (rawer than sushi) over Jonas Valanciunas. But Thompson is nonetheless in place, as is Kyrie Irving, which means it makes most sense (absent the smart strategy of taking the best player available regardless of position) to take a two-guard or wing. In this mock, that means Bradley Beal or Harrison Barnes. I think Barnes' hype will bounce back strong after the combine, but Beal is seen by many (and perhaps the Cavs) as the better prospect right now.

Beal would be a legit two-guard to pair with Irving in the backcourt, setting up a plenty of handle and outside shooting on the perimeter. If it goes the way Ziller predicts, Chris Grant will have to be pleased to have the choice of Beal or Harrison Barnes.

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