[Andrew1984Participant]

The Cavaliers traded Baron Davis to the Clippers, who had the 8th worst record, and turned that pick into Kyrie Irving. Well I’m not so much a believer in luck per se, they were quite fortunate.

This year, not so much. Selecting at No. 4, their top targets were:

1. Anthony Davis:They made an offer to New Orleans for the No. 1, and it was rejected before they finished the sentence.
2. Bradley Beal: But it looks like he’s going No. 3 to Washington or whoever trades up to that spot.
3. Andre Drummond: As of a few days ago, he was ranked ahead of Barnes on their board, but after getting embarrassed by Thomas Robinson in a workout, it doesn’t look like they’re going that route.
4. Harrison Barnes: I could be wrong, but I think someone is going to offer Charlotte a young-ish veteran for the No. 2 pick to take Barnes, so he and Beal will both be gone at No. 4.

And they’re not especially interested in Thomas Robinson or Damian Lillard due to the positions of last year’s top picks. That leaves MKG, who, despite having a history with Kyrie, will not solve their biggest problem: no scorers on the roster.

The answer would then be to trade back, but that’s often easier said than done. What would you do in that spot? How far back do you go? Do you just take Drummond or MKG anyway?

[220Participant]

With the 24th pick the Cavs could get someone with a more scoring mindset in Doron Lamb or John Jenkins. It doesn’t solve all their problems, but it could help.

[TomShoeParticipant]

 Just get Drummond, they could use a backup C anyway. Anderson Varejao is going to start aging sooner or later.

Semih Erden, Samardo Samuels, and Luke Harangody taking over the reins?

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

Which I believe they would be fine with. They still have a gaping hole at the 3 spot and having the ability to choose between these two players is not really a bad position. I think Barnes will indeed be available and have heard that he is the favorite between he and MKG. So, if everything goes according to plan, looks like it will be Anthony Davis, Thomas Robinson, Bradley Beal and Harrison Barnes.

This is not set and stone, Charlotte could still take a trade and shake things up. It just seems like this is the likely breakdown as of what is out there right now. Have been told that Cleveland prefers Barnes to Kidd-Gilchrist and believe it makes sense. Do not think this is a bad position for Cleveland at all, only 12 SF’s that qualified for scoring leaders averaged over 12 ppg.

Barnes definitely will have a chance to exceed that as a rookie in a spot the Cavs need a major boost. If they have to settle for MKG, he at the very least has potential to be a decent scoring option and slasher. While I do not think he has the offensive potential of Barnes, he would provide in other areas and could still be at the least a decent offensive option as a slasher.

[Andrew1984Participant]

I think Chris Grant loves Barnes and I’d be happy with him too, I just think someone is going to trade up to No. 2 to pick him, possibly even a playoff team like Chicago, Dallas, Orlando, or Phoenix.

[Andrew1984Participant]

Er, I guess Phoenix missed the playoffs by one game or something, but you get the gist.

[PulseGlazerParticipant]

Cleveland supposedly loves MKG and Barnes.  Either is a huge win for them.  Most teams need shooting from their wings largely because their 1s are middling to good shooters.  Irving being elite there, and the ability to grab someone like Lamb at 21 means that Cleveland is one of the very few teams that can afford a purely non-shooting 3.  MKG, Varajeo and Tristan also has the makings of a sweet, hard working defensive frontcourt that would be a nightmare for teams like the Heat.  Barnes makes them a damn near elite shooting club almost immediately and lets them go with another need, perhaps Harkless, or if he falls Sullinger, later.  Tristan and Sully really complement one another.  I think they’re in a great spot.

[Andrew1984Participant]

Pulse, I love your optimism! I’d be all right with MKG at No. 4 and Evan Fournier at No. 24 or higher if they had to move up for him.

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

What could those guys offer worthy of the 2nd pick? I mean, we have heard the Noah to Sacramento rumors, plus the whole Luol Deng being available deal. But, while I think Michael Jordan has a well presented history of making fairly awful moves, I do not see what these teams offer that has him give up the 2nd slot. From what I have read as well, teams do not seem to believe that Barnes is going to go 2nd. That could change, just looks like Thomas Robinson has the edge at current time.

[PulseGlazerParticipant]

I’m not a Cleveland fan – some teams just seem to get it right now and Cleveland and the Hornets are at the forefront.  Toronto offers reason for optimism.  The Kings and Wizards?  Not so much.

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