Hornets Reportedly Reject Offer from Cavaliers for No. 1 Pick in 2012 NBA Draft

The Cleveland Cavaliers would have been foolish to not at least try to flip their two first-round picks (No. 4 and No. 22) and two second-rounders (No. 33 and No. 34) in the 2012 NBA draft to the New Orleans Hornets in exchange for the No. 1 overall selection.

ESPN’s Chad Ford reported that the Cavs tried to do exactly that and were quickly rejected by the NOLA brass.

Cleveland has been working hard to rebuild around last year’s No. 1 overall pick, Kyrie Irving. Landing a second superstar in Anthony Davis would have significantly expedited that process.

The Hornets were wise to decline the offer, knowing that all of those picks combined aren’t likely to amount to anything as valuable to their franchise as Davis will be.

After an incredible freshman season at Kentucky, it appears to be more than a safe bet that the 6’11”, 220-pound big man will make an instant impact in the NBA. He’s got incredible instincts and the athleticism required to be an elite defender.

While he’s not going to lead the league in scoring anytime soon, Davis still projects well as an offensive force. He is a terrific finisher who can handle the ball and possesses a motor that does not quit.

Every single team in the league should be at least inquiring about what it would take to pry that No. 1 pick away from the Hornets. The asking price is going to be understandably steep, as they know they are about to land a franchise player.

The Cavaliers made a decent offer, and it might have been enough to land that selection in most other years, but the Hornets smartly declined with Davis waiting in the wings.