Charlotte Bobcats hold workouts for Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Bradley Beal – NBA Update
Charlotte Bobcats who have the number two pick in this year`s NBA Draft, scheduled for June 28, have been holding workouts with several potential first round picks.
Florida`s Bradley Beal and University of Kentucky`s freshman sensation Michael Kidd-Gilchrist worked out for the team on Monday morning while the team owner Michael Jordan and president of basketball operations Rod Higgins watched from the sidelines.
Beal described the workout as a good opportunity to prove his potential both for himself and Kidd-Gilchrist.
"It really was," Beal said. "We both got after it, on both ends, even my defense and his offense. We're just competitors and we both went at it today. It was cool. We were laughing and joking around, but competing at the same time."
Both Beal and Gilchrist are in contention to be among the top five picks and have been working out for various teams.
Beal had a very impressive first year at college, averaging 14.8 points per game, and also bagging the SEC All-American honours. With his impressive ability to shoot from long range, comparisons have been drawn between him and Boston Celtics shooting guard Ray Allen.
Along with the impressive ability to shoot, Beal has a high basketball IQ which presents him as a strong option for any team. He has previously worked out for the Washington Wizards and Cleveland Cavaliers who have the number 3 and 4 picks in the draft respectively.
Beal seems confident with the skill set he possesses and is certain that he would not be selected any lower than the 4th pick. He has not been working for teams who have a pick below four.
"My agent and I have discussed that," Beal said. "Everybody's pretty much telling me I won't go any lower than that (No. 4) so I just limited myself to where I fit in best."
On the other hand, Kidd-Gilchrist was part of the Wildcats team which made a successful run to the NCAA Championship this April. In the same team as Anthony Davis, Gilchrist averaged 11.9 points to go along with 7.4 rebounds and was selected as the South Region`s Most Outstanding Player. The youngster is being tipped as the favourite to be selected at number 2 in this year’s draft.
Whichever team chooses to select him would also get their hands on one of the best defenders in this year`s class. Gilchrist operates like a motor on the floor and it has earned him high compliments from the NBA Scouts.
"It's all about heart to me," Gilchrist said after the workout. "Heart and winning basketball games. That's what I'm all about. It went good today. I'm a winner, and I showed them that today."
He would now be flying over to Cleveland to work out for the Cavaliers after having already worked out for the Wizards.
The Bobcats are also considering various options for their second round pick. Quincy Acy from Baylor, Bernard James of Florida State and Kris Joseph of Syracuse are some of those options and were also present at the workout.
Thomas Robinson of the University of Kansas and Harrison Barnes of North Carolina, two other expected top five picks, are still to work out for the team.
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