I agree with many of these points, and would take MKG over Barnes by far, its just I feel like people are underestimating barnes. Some people have even said they will stop following the team if they take barnes. Its not the end of the world imo. Barnes is still a good prospect, and would be a very good fit on this team.
I would never go that far. The only thing that could possibly deter me from rooting for the Cavaliers is if we ever took 6 back. That is really the only move that I draw the line for.
If we end up drafting Barnes, I will have to bite my tongue and hope for the best... But, I think it would be a blunder and that it would stunt the growth of what could be one of the best young teams in the NBA if we play our cards right. All of the pieces are there for this thing to be turned around fast, but drafting what I consider a slightly above average NBA 3 with the No. 4 overall pick would be a step in the wrong direction. There is always the chance that I am wrong and that he is a future All-Star... But I just don't see it.
Since we've been talking about it recently, let's delve into the Kentucky vs. UNC game this past season. You never want to draw too much from one game and highlights never tell the whole story, but let's take a look at the resources available to us...
December 3, 2011
North Carolina @ Kentucky
Final score: Kentucky 73, North Carolina 72
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist - 33 minutes, 17 points (6-10 FG, 0-1 3PT, 5-7 FT), 11 rebounds (4 offensive), 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 turnover
Harrison Barnes - 24 minutes, 14 points (5-12 FG, 4-5 3PT, 0-0 FT), 2 rebounds (1 offensive), 0 assists, 0 steals, 1 block, 1 turnover
This was MKG's 8th game as a player on the college level. I thought that he thoroughly outplayed Barnes on both ends of the floor. Almost all of Barnes' points came on long 3s and he showed no ability to get around the defense and to the basket. MKG, on the other hand, was very efficient, getting both to the basket and to the free throw line. He controlled the boards and showed some incredible explosiveness.
Highlights:
[video=youtube;t9mefHjfo30]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9mefHjfo30[/video]
[video=youtube;KEOriwcJkQA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEOriwcJkQA[/video]
Full game:
[video=youtube;TJSWkAZul_E]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJSWkAZul_E[/video]