Nick Gilbert to represent Cavs at NBA draft lottery, hopes for 2nd number one pick

CLEVELAND - The Cleveland Cavaliers are hoping owner Dan Gilbert’s son is their luck charm once again.

Last year, Nick Gilbert, now 15, took his bowtie and “what’s not to like” attitude to the NBA lottery. The ping pong balls fell in Cleveland’s favor, giving the team the first and fourth overall sections in the 2011 NBA Draft.

“We’re going to give it our best shot to go back-to-back and secure another great pick for Cleveland,” said Nick Gilbert.

During an interview with NewsChannel5’s Mike Cairns earlier this month, Dan Gilbert said he was very superstitious and that’s why he wanted to bring the exact same group from the 2011 draft back. That’s why Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs and cornerback Joe Haden, as well as former quarterback Bernie Kosar will join the Gilberts in New York City on Wednesday.

Of course, the number one overall pick in the 2011 draft and rookie of the year Kyrie Irving will also be there to support Team Cavs. The Cavaliers only have one lottery pick this year and could land a selection as high as number one, but no lower than number six. The team has four of the top 34 picks.

Gilbert also joked that if his son did not produce the number one pick again, he would “be grounded all summer.” The teen’s return to the draft lottery is also about bringing awareness to a disease he was born with: neurofibromatosis.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are joining forces with BowTie Cause, a Cinncinati-based group created by former NFL player Dhani Jones. Nick Gilbert will rock a new signature bowtie at the lottery event, which fans can order. All proceeds will go towards to the Children’s Tumor Foundation and the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital for Rehabilitation.

You can get your bowtie at www.2012PickNick.com www.cavs.com or www.BowTieCause.org