There's just one day until the 2012 NBA Draft and there are plenty of conflicting reports on which way the Cavaliers will go at No. 4. Their approach obviously depends on what happens ahead of them in the top three, but the conventional wisdom, if there is such a thing in a smoke-filled draft week, gives Chris Grant a choice between Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Harrison Barnes.
The trade rumors with the Bobcats which center on Brad Beal will continue, but they seem to have cooled with a little less than 36 hours before the first name is called. Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress released his latest mock draft over at Yahoo! and he thinks Grant goes with MKG. His sources indicate that Barnes is not a lock for the pick at No. 4. Via Yahoo!:
The Cavs have virtually nothing on the wing going into next season and would be very happy to see Kyrie Irving's former high school teammate available right here. Kidd-Gilchrist could fill an immediate hole, bringing intensity and toughness that will improve Cleveland's shaky perimeter defense. He's one of the most competitive players in this draft.Still very much a work in progress offensively, he would form a formidable transition duo with Irving and hyper-athletic Tristan Thompson.
Some reports indicate that Harrison Barnes could be the pick here, but according to our sources that is not the case.
Kidd-Gilchrist would be an instant impact player, running alongside his former high school teammate Kyrie Irving.
For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Cavaliers Draft, visit Fear The Sword. For more on the 2012 Draft, check out SB Nation's NBA hub.