Analyst: Beal good fit for Cavs

MARY Schmitt Boyer

Plain Dealer Reporter

CLEVELAND

ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas likes forwards Harrison Barnes and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist of Kentucky. But he loves shooting guard Bradley Beal of Florida. According to Bilas, Beal is the second-best player in Thursday’s NBA draft, after Kentucky forward Anthony Davis, who will go No. 1 to the New Orleans Hornets.

If Bilas was the general manager in, say, Cleveland, he’d trade up to make sure he got Beal at No. 2.

“I wouldn’t hesitate,’’ Bilas said in a conference call with reporters on Tuesday. “I think he’s the second-best prospect in this draft behind Anthony Davis. Reasonable minds can differ on that, but that’s the way I look at it.

“How could you not need a guard who’s got that kind of of ability? I think he’s terrific. He’d be a great backcourt mate for Kyrie Irving. If Cleveland moved up to No. 2 — Charlotte has been talking to people about trading down into the draft — that would be a terrific combo. There’s very few teams he wouldn’t work well with a good point guard. He’s tremendous.’’

Many have compared Beal to Celtics star Ray Allen, and Bilas sees why.

“There’s a smoothness to his game and also to his demeanor,’’ Bilas said of Beal. “They have a dignity on the floor — on and off. Both carry themselves with class and dignity.’’

Bilas could not say enough good things about Beal. “He’s a really good young man, so you’re working with a young man who’s got very good character,’’ he said.