NBA Draft Rumors: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Excellent Fit with Cavaliers at No. 4
The Cleveland Cavaliers would be wise to hold on to their No. 4 pick in Thursday night's 2012 NBA Draft and select Kentucky small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
According to The News-Herald, Kidd-Gilchrist is believed by many to be the Cavs' pick at No. 4 if they remain there or fail to make a trade with the Charlotte Bobcats for No. 2 overall.
Cleveland is reportedly interested in Florida shooting guard Bradley Beal, but would likely have to trade up to No. 2 in order to get him. Trading up would cost the Cavaliers something in return, perhaps a pick or a player that they are unwilling to part ways with.
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That being said, Kidd-Gilchrist is an excellent fit with the Cavaliers at No. 4. He will make an impact right away with his athleticism, his relentless desire to get to the rim and his ability to help out on the glass for a team that ranked 14th in rebounding last season.
The 18-year-old prospect has one of the best motors of any player available in this year's draft. Kidd-Gilchrist averaged 11.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per game last season with the Wildcats, while averaging close to 31 MPG.
Most of the time, though, the New Jersey native was impacting the game in ways that didn't necessarily show up in the box score. Kidd-Gilchrist is a phenomenal defender and a hard-working player who often puts the team ahead of himself.
MKG had 39 steals and 37 blocks in 40 appearances last season and attempted only eight shots per game on average. At 6'8" with a 7-foot wingspan, Kidd-Gilchrist has all of the physical attributes that NBA general managers look for in small forward, but it's his drive and intensity that make him stand out from former Kentucky teammate Terrence Jones and the rest of the small forward prospects available this summer.
The Cavaliers could surely use Kidd-Gilchrist in their starting lineup next season alongside former No. 1 overall pick Kyrie Irving.
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