2012 Raptors Republic Mock Draft: Fan Edition - 4th Overall Pick

[MangoKid]

So far with the 2012 Raptors Republic Mock Draft, there have been no surprises. Some pundits might say it has gone exactly right. Here is where things can get a bit interesting. The Cleveland Cavaliers have the 4th pick in the 2012 Draft. They struck gold last year with Rookie of the Year Uncle Drew, eerrrr, I mean, Kyrie Irving and Brampton-native Power forward Tristan Thompson. The Cavs are in decent shape and they hope history repeats itself in the respec that they'll look to add another ROY into the fold.

Raptors Republic, who do you think the Cleveland Cavaliers will take with the #4th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft?

[Matt52]

Barnes.

Irving and Barnes are best friends.

As an added bonus, Barnes fills a very large need and could be arguably BPA.

There are a number of free agent options at SG as well as in the late first round (they have 24) and early second round (they have 33 and 34).

[MangoKid]

I say Barnes too. They were crestfallen when Barnes pulled out of the draft last year. Like Matt said,The Cavs are in dire need of a small forward and Barnes fits the bill very nicely

[Bendit]

I think Drummond. They need a centre long term and Barnes seems to be floated out there a bit much (linked to Cavs) that it maybe a smokescreen! Besides they like taking a stretch pick (TT last year).

[e2thed]

Barnes because the Cavs are looking into picking him there.

[draftedraptor]

Cavs will predictably pick Barnes if he is available.

Personally, I prefer Drummond to put some muscle up front.

[Rainman]

Barnes.

[japetas]

Barnes

[ceez]

taking barnes over beal is retarded but this is the cavs were talking about, barnes it is.

[CalgaryRapsFan]

Barnes

[RapthoseLeafs]

Barnes for me on the 4th overall pick.
.
So far:

1. Davis - NO
2. Beal - Charlotte
3. MKG - Washington
4. Barnes - Cleveland

.

[saints91]

I took Barnes as well... there seems to be a lot of reports around this pick.


So far my draft would have been:

Davis
Beal
Robinson
Barnes

[thead]

Barnes at 4

[MangoKid]

The votes have been tallied and with the 4th Pick in the 2012 Raptors Republic Mock Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select.....

HARRISON BARNES, SF, NORTH CAROLINA




The Cavaliers get their man - a guy who have they have been high on since Lebron left. Kyrie now has his best pal with him in the Cleve!


2011-2012 NCAA Statistics


PPG: 17.1
RPG: 5.2
FG%: 44.0
3PT FG%: 35.8


Positives
•Long, scoring wing
•Can score from anywhere
•Smooth player
•Terrific midrange game
•Great fundamentals and basketball IQ
•Can be a lock down defender
•Has the rep as a smart, well-mannered kid



Negatives
•Good athlete, but not particularly explosive or quick
•A bit one dimensional
•Needs to add strength
•Struggles as a ball handler
•Struggles to create his own shot off the dribble
•Can be passive at times



Analysis, as per ESPN scouts

Barnes is a terrific shooter, is unafraid to keep firing and can defend multiple positions. But at times he looks one dimensional on offense and can disappear or coast for stretches. Barnes' struggles handling the ball often limit his ability to get shots where he wants them.

One of the best pure scorers in college basketball. Barnes is a smooth player with a sick jumper. He has deep, deep range. He's fearless. He can miss five straight shots and will still be unafraid to take the next one. Can defend multiple positions. He's a great kid with a terrific basketball IQ.

A number of GMs still believe he can be a very effective weapon at the NBA level. His size and shooting ability for his position are good. Put him on the right team, with the right point guard, and don't ask him to be a superstar, and Barnes could still have a very effective NBA career. I don't think he's a franchise-changer, but if he continues to develop, Danny Granger or Luol Deng might be his upside.

[Hugmenot]

I will not be surprised if the Cavaliers draft Harrison Barnes, but only if they trade down to #6.

I expect the Cavaliers will draft Beal (most likely) or Drummond. The Cavaliers worse position is SG where they had to suffer with Anthony Parker as a totally ineffective starter.