CLEVELAND — It could be worse.
That might be hard for a Cavaliers fan to accept after watching the local team drop a spot in Wednesday's NBA Draft Lottery, landing the fourth overall pick.
There was no magic from Nick Gilbert and his bowtie. The Cavs won't wind up with Kentucky standout big man Anthony Davis, who is sure to go first to the New Orleans Hornets. The Cavs might not even get Kentucky swingman Michael Kidd-Gilchrist or Florida guard Bradley Beal — two other prospects seemingly coveted by fans.
But the Cavs are likely to land someone good. They're likely to land a player who can make an impact. If not right away, then soon. At least, that seems to be the consensus of general managers and scouts when talking about this draft.
As one Western Conference GM said, "Picking fourth this year really is a lot like having the No. 1 or No. 2 pick next year.”
Cavs fans should take that into the consideration.
They also should be thankful they have a GM in Chris Grant who tends to look at the bright side, exploring all his options and staying aggressive.
The same could be said of owner Dan Gilbert, well-known for his willingness to spend cash and for possessing a fervent desire to build a winner. Sounds simple, but let's be honest – not every professional sports owner values those qualities.
As for who the Cavs might draft, well, it's way too soon to say.
The Hornets will likely take Davis, but what about Charlotte at No. 2 and Washington at No. 3?
It's possible that those two teams could end up with Kidd-Gilchrist and/or Beal. It's also possible they select from a pool that includes Connecticut center Andre Drummond, Kansas power forward Thomas Robinson or North Carolina small forward Harrison Barnes.
All are viewed as quality choices.
But no matter what happens, fans can probably forget about the idea of the Cavs trading up. While Grant hinted he might look into it, he was quick to note, "Look at the history of the draft. It doesn't happen very often.”
That's not to say Grant was down in the dumps. Just the opposite, actually.
"We're going to stay pretty active,” he said. "But if we stay where we are, that's fantastic, too.”
Grant knows the Cavs already have reigning Rookie of the Year point guard Kyrie Irving and young power forward Tristan Thompson. Grant knows they'll have gobs of cap space to use in free agency and trades. He's well aware the Cavs' flexibility is about as endless as it gets in the NBA.
So fourth overall pick? There's no reason to be upset.
The Cavs also own the 24th pick in the first round, and two high picks in the second (Nos. 33 and 34). With all the right moves (or at least one or two), they'll be relevant again in no time.
That has as much to do with summer league, training camp and the free-agent period as it does with the draft. Right now, practically half the roster is in tryout mode.
Cavs such as Samardo Samuels, Manny Harris, Donald Sloan, Semih Erden and even Omri Casspi are vying for another year with the team. But they'll have to earn it. If all goes well, it will be even more difficult next season than last.
It's true this would be a different story had the Cavs won the lottery. Davis is expected to be a game-changer. But the Cavs have one of those in Irving.
Whether the Cavs were drafting second or seventh doesn't appear to really matter. There's plenty of talent from which to choose and lots of moves still to come — and the fourth overall draft pick is a good place to start.
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