VegetasHairline
Veteran
Good. Hopefully it is Rudy Gay when he takes those stupid jumpers.Smart and Cousins
Someone is gonna have a black eye by mid-season.
The Official 2014 NBA Draft Talk Thread
- Thread starter tremonthustler1
- Start date
John Salmons's salary is only guaranteed for $1 million next year, so the Grizz would save about $6 mil.
Guy above writes for the Boston Globe and Slam. Thinks the Raptors promised Clint Capela at #20, hence this deal.
Update:
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You bet not do the CAvs dirty my brother.
tremonthustler1
aka bx_representer
My Final 2014 Mock Draft 1-10
1. Cleveland Cavaliers- Andrew Wiggins, F, Kansas #22 Thornhill, Ontario, Canada
The Cleveland Cavaliers looked as if they’d be taking Kansas C Joel Embiid with the #1 pick, but due to his foot injury, his stock will slide. It comes down to the two players who have been fighting for the top spot all season long: Duke F Jabari Parker or Kansas G/F Andrew Wiggins. I give Wiggins the edge because he could conceivably play either shooting guard or small forward (if they trade Dion Waiters both become major needs). With Embiid out of the way and Parker only being used as bait for other teams to trade up, Wiggins will be the guy if they stay here.
2. Milwaukee Bucks- Jabari Parker, F, Duke #1 Chicago, IL
With the Bucks looking for immediate help, Jabari Parker may have the most NBA Ready ability to score the basketball. The Bucks also seem impressed with his weight gain as his now 254-pound frame may be able to play power forward and in effect, allowing both he and Giannis Antetokounmpo to play alongside each other. This team still has major holes, but with Parker as the clear cut #1 option, they would be back on the right track towards getting back into playoff contention in a year or two.
3. Philadelphia 76ers- Dante Exum, G, Australia #11 East Melbourne, Australia
This team is no hurry to get better and have several picks in this draft to add more youth. Dante Exum is perhaps the most intriguing player in this draft because there isn't much to go on as far as seeing him play. Scouts have raved over his quick first step and his ability to play either guard spot, but he also hasn't played strong competition either. While this, too would be a nice landing spot for Joel Embiid given that the Sixers drafted Nerlens Noel last year fresh off of a torn ACL, Exum is the best player available and can use their other picks to fill in needs.
4. Orlando Magic- Noah Vonleh, F, Indiana #1 Haverhill, MA
It has been two years since the Dwight Howard trade from Orlando to Los Angeles. Since then, the Magic have gone 43-121 under head coach Jacque Vaughn, but the roots of a long term foundation are beginning to grow. The biggest concern with picking Vonleh is that he's not a finished product and the Magic at some point would like to see this talent product more wins soon, but with another lottery pick at #12, they can address their biggest need (point guard) there. It’s not ideal, but this is where Rob Hennigan will have to make some tough decisions for his team for the immediate future.
5. Utah Jazz- Doug McDermott, F, Creighton #3 Ames, IA
In my opinion, this is the biggest wild card of the draft. In the days leading up to the draft, there have been rumors of Utah looking to do whatever it takes to try and move up into the #1 or #2 picks to select either Wiggins or Parker, including dealing forward Derrick Favors. I can’t assume they’ll pull that off but if they stay at 5, they’ll look long and hard at McDermott. Most mocks project them to take Vonleh, Aaron Gordon, or Julius Randle, but this is a team that still has to decide whether they want to re-sign Gordon Hayward and whether C Enes Kanter is a part of their future. McDermott allows them to fill a need and answer these questions without needing to massively shake the core of a young team still rebuilding.
6. Boston Celtics- Joel Embiid, C, Kansas #21 Yaounde, Cameroon
Up until this past week, Joe Embiid was considered the leading candidate for the #1 pick by Cleveland. Unfortunately for him, he broke the navicular bone in his foot is broken and will be out for as long as 6 months. This may scare off many teams at the top of the draft, but Danny Ainge has nothing to lose by selecting him. Embiid embodies the term "lottery pick." If he pans out the Celtics have the best center they've had since Robert Parish. While it may alienate Rajon Rondo, it’s worth the risk. Embiid's health will always be a question mark, but he offers a combo of low post production and shot blocking of which we haven't seen in years. While they also like Aaron Gordon and Marcus Smart a lot, the Celtics also didn't expect Embiid to ever fall to #6. If they DO select Marcus Smart, stay tuned…
7. Los Angeles Lakers- Julius Randle, F, Kentucky #30 Plano, TX
While the Lakers have been eyeing point guards such as Marcus Smart and Elfrid Payton, the Lakers should continue to see if Kendall Marshall can continue to prove that he is the guy for the job or pursue free agents such as Kyle Lowry and Isaiah Thomas. A good way to show that is by drafting a big man for him to pass to in Randle. A bruising low post PF is what this franchise needs to add some stability to what has become a dysfunctional franchise as of late. Remember, Randle is someone who led his team to the NCAA Championship game and was right up there for being the #1 pick. Also, the Lakers may want to seek
8. Sacramento Kings- Elfrid Payton, G, Louisiana-Lafayette #2 Gretna, LA
For a team that can still use all of the young talent it can muster up, Sacramento wants to speed up the rebuilding process and is actively shopping this pick. While there is a major hole at power forward, this is a position that the Kings may look to improve via trade. In the meantime, with Isaiah Thomas’ free agency looming, the Kings may look to upgrade at PG with Payton, who has been the big winner in terms of improving a draft stock. Once considered a borderline first rounder, his improved shot mechanics and defensive potential has caused his stock to soar. Even if the Kings keep Thomas, Payton should still be leading candidate to start for Sacramento with this selection.
9. Charlotte Hornets- Nik Stauskas, G, Michigan #11 Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Nik Stauskas is perhaps one of the safest picks in this draft. You know he’ll shoot well, doesn’t defend, but can also pass the ball well. The defense part, well, that’s where coach Steve Clifford can come in and help him (and it doesn’t hurt that he’s on one of the best young defensive teams in the NBA). As long as his three pointer is as good in Charlotte as it was in Ann Arbor, it will free up Al Jefferson and Cody Zeller on the interior, and thus making the Bobcats much more complete as they look to build on their second playoff appearance in franchise history.
10. Philadelphia 76ers- Aaron Gordon, F, Arizona #11 San Jose, CA
This is where the Jrue Holiday /Nerlens Noel trade pays off major dividends for the Sixers. With Noel set to make his debut this upcoming season, his front court mate will come from the same trade in Aaron Gordon. He’s an athletic freak with a nonstop motor. He can do it all… except shoot, but it’s something he’s trying to work on. He’ll have plenty of time to work on his deficiencies as the Sixers are in full scale rebuild mode. Throw in defending ROY Michael Carter-Williams and a slew of other draft picks, you have a young, athletic, nucleus that can grow together, all part of GM Sam Hinkie’s plan. I’m not as high on Gordon as others are, but he, like the team, will ooze upside.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers- Andrew Wiggins, F, Kansas #22 Thornhill, Ontario, Canada
The Cleveland Cavaliers looked as if they’d be taking Kansas C Joel Embiid with the #1 pick, but due to his foot injury, his stock will slide. It comes down to the two players who have been fighting for the top spot all season long: Duke F Jabari Parker or Kansas G/F Andrew Wiggins. I give Wiggins the edge because he could conceivably play either shooting guard or small forward (if they trade Dion Waiters both become major needs). With Embiid out of the way and Parker only being used as bait for other teams to trade up, Wiggins will be the guy if they stay here.
2. Milwaukee Bucks- Jabari Parker, F, Duke #1 Chicago, IL
With the Bucks looking for immediate help, Jabari Parker may have the most NBA Ready ability to score the basketball. The Bucks also seem impressed with his weight gain as his now 254-pound frame may be able to play power forward and in effect, allowing both he and Giannis Antetokounmpo to play alongside each other. This team still has major holes, but with Parker as the clear cut #1 option, they would be back on the right track towards getting back into playoff contention in a year or two.
3. Philadelphia 76ers- Dante Exum, G, Australia #11 East Melbourne, Australia
This team is no hurry to get better and have several picks in this draft to add more youth. Dante Exum is perhaps the most intriguing player in this draft because there isn't much to go on as far as seeing him play. Scouts have raved over his quick first step and his ability to play either guard spot, but he also hasn't played strong competition either. While this, too would be a nice landing spot for Joel Embiid given that the Sixers drafted Nerlens Noel last year fresh off of a torn ACL, Exum is the best player available and can use their other picks to fill in needs.
4. Orlando Magic- Noah Vonleh, F, Indiana #1 Haverhill, MA
It has been two years since the Dwight Howard trade from Orlando to Los Angeles. Since then, the Magic have gone 43-121 under head coach Jacque Vaughn, but the roots of a long term foundation are beginning to grow. The biggest concern with picking Vonleh is that he's not a finished product and the Magic at some point would like to see this talent product more wins soon, but with another lottery pick at #12, they can address their biggest need (point guard) there. It’s not ideal, but this is where Rob Hennigan will have to make some tough decisions for his team for the immediate future.
5. Utah Jazz- Doug McDermott, F, Creighton #3 Ames, IA
In my opinion, this is the biggest wild card of the draft. In the days leading up to the draft, there have been rumors of Utah looking to do whatever it takes to try and move up into the #1 or #2 picks to select either Wiggins or Parker, including dealing forward Derrick Favors. I can’t assume they’ll pull that off but if they stay at 5, they’ll look long and hard at McDermott. Most mocks project them to take Vonleh, Aaron Gordon, or Julius Randle, but this is a team that still has to decide whether they want to re-sign Gordon Hayward and whether C Enes Kanter is a part of their future. McDermott allows them to fill a need and answer these questions without needing to massively shake the core of a young team still rebuilding.
6. Boston Celtics- Joel Embiid, C, Kansas #21 Yaounde, Cameroon
Up until this past week, Joe Embiid was considered the leading candidate for the #1 pick by Cleveland. Unfortunately for him, he broke the navicular bone in his foot is broken and will be out for as long as 6 months. This may scare off many teams at the top of the draft, but Danny Ainge has nothing to lose by selecting him. Embiid embodies the term "lottery pick." If he pans out the Celtics have the best center they've had since Robert Parish. While it may alienate Rajon Rondo, it’s worth the risk. Embiid's health will always be a question mark, but he offers a combo of low post production and shot blocking of which we haven't seen in years. While they also like Aaron Gordon and Marcus Smart a lot, the Celtics also didn't expect Embiid to ever fall to #6. If they DO select Marcus Smart, stay tuned…
7. Los Angeles Lakers- Julius Randle, F, Kentucky #30 Plano, TX
While the Lakers have been eyeing point guards such as Marcus Smart and Elfrid Payton, the Lakers should continue to see if Kendall Marshall can continue to prove that he is the guy for the job or pursue free agents such as Kyle Lowry and Isaiah Thomas. A good way to show that is by drafting a big man for him to pass to in Randle. A bruising low post PF is what this franchise needs to add some stability to what has become a dysfunctional franchise as of late. Remember, Randle is someone who led his team to the NCAA Championship game and was right up there for being the #1 pick. Also, the Lakers may want to seek
8. Sacramento Kings- Elfrid Payton, G, Louisiana-Lafayette #2 Gretna, LA
For a team that can still use all of the young talent it can muster up, Sacramento wants to speed up the rebuilding process and is actively shopping this pick. While there is a major hole at power forward, this is a position that the Kings may look to improve via trade. In the meantime, with Isaiah Thomas’ free agency looming, the Kings may look to upgrade at PG with Payton, who has been the big winner in terms of improving a draft stock. Once considered a borderline first rounder, his improved shot mechanics and defensive potential has caused his stock to soar. Even if the Kings keep Thomas, Payton should still be leading candidate to start for Sacramento with this selection.
9. Charlotte Hornets- Nik Stauskas, G, Michigan #11 Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Nik Stauskas is perhaps one of the safest picks in this draft. You know he’ll shoot well, doesn’t defend, but can also pass the ball well. The defense part, well, that’s where coach Steve Clifford can come in and help him (and it doesn’t hurt that he’s on one of the best young defensive teams in the NBA). As long as his three pointer is as good in Charlotte as it was in Ann Arbor, it will free up Al Jefferson and Cody Zeller on the interior, and thus making the Bobcats much more complete as they look to build on their second playoff appearance in franchise history.
10. Philadelphia 76ers- Aaron Gordon, F, Arizona #11 San Jose, CA
This is where the Jrue Holiday /Nerlens Noel trade pays off major dividends for the Sixers. With Noel set to make his debut this upcoming season, his front court mate will come from the same trade in Aaron Gordon. He’s an athletic freak with a nonstop motor. He can do it all… except shoot, but it’s something he’s trying to work on. He’ll have plenty of time to work on his deficiencies as the Sixers are in full scale rebuild mode. Throw in defending ROY Michael Carter-Williams and a slew of other draft picks, you have a young, athletic, nucleus that can grow together, all part of GM Sam Hinkie’s plan. I’m not as high on Gordon as others are, but he, like the team, will ooze upside.
tremonthustler1
aka bx_representer
11. Denver Nuggets- Gary Harris, G, Michigan State #14 Fishers, IN
The Nuggets may be getting tired of staying on the treadmill. With reports surfacing that they may be in on the Kevin Love sweepstakes, this team under coach Brian Shaw may look to want to shake things up a bit. While Danilo Gallinari is set to return from a knee injury, the team can’t fully trust that his outside shooting will quickly return to form. With Gary Harris, he can alleviate pressure from Gallinari from having to rush back. Already a good shooter with a great form, Harris is also one of the best defensive guards in this draft, something the defensively inept Nuggets could use desperately.
12. Orlando Magic- Marcus Smart, G, OklahomaState #33 Flower Mound, TX
The biggest surprise is this pick here. Marcus Smart falling is not based on anything he did or didn’t do, but he’s a casualty of Elfrid Payton’s rising stock. If he falls past Boston at 6, he could tumble to the Magic who would do backflips considering they could still select him at #4. While Smart is an inconsistent shooter, advanced metrics peg him as being the best player in this draft. GM Rob Hennigan, being a Spurs disciple, will not let a player with that kind of statistical correlation slip by him twice. While the Magic could still use more outside shooting, a Smart /Oladipo /Harris /Vonleh /Vucevic lineup would be entertaining enough to buy League Pass.
13. Minnesota Timberwolves- Zach LaVine, G, UCLA #14 Bothell, WA
Supposedly this is a promised pick. There may be some truth to it due to the close relationship agent Bill Duffy and Wolves minority owner /President/Head Coach Flip Saunders have. I’d consider LaVine to be the workout warrior of 2014. He has jaw dropping athleticism and the potential to be a good three point shooter, but couldn’t quite put it all together over his freshman season at UCLA. LaVine goes against Flip’s desire for two way players who can help the team win now but the franchise in flux at the moment, perhaps this will be Flip’s attempt to swing for the fences. Adreian Payne and TJ Warren would also be considered if he so chooses a safer pick.
14. Phoenix Suns- Rodney Hood, F, Duke #5 Meridian, MS
With three first rounders and a slew of young depth, the Phoenix Suns can go in any direction with this draft. Here, they select a wing who shot exceptionally well for the Blue Devils (except for the Tournament game vs. Mercer). Rodney Hood isn’t going to be a household name, but for a team that could use another wing in case the Suns were indeed playing over their heads, they could do worse than of the most efficient offensive guards in the country. They have two more chances to stash or fill a need later on.
15. Atlanta Hawks- Dario Saric, F, Croatia #9 Sibenik, Croatia
Two years, two stash picks. For a team that struggled to make the playoffs last year in the Eastern Conference, one would think Atlanta would look for immediate help, but this pick may have been promised to Saric, who signed a 3 year deal with Anadolu Efes. The Hawks are banking on a healthy Al Horford who has missed significant time with a triceps injury. Shopping the pick is also an option, but with someone who possesses the talent Saric has, he may be worth the wait. If they didn’t draft and stash Lucas Nogueira last year, Jusuf Nurkic would be the obvious pick.
16. Chicago Bulls- Jusuf Nurkic, C, Bosnia #23 Tuzla, Bosnia
The Bulls have two selections in this first round (16 and 19) and are actively shopping them. Selecting Nurkic is a good thing for a few reasons. First, if they want to stash him overseas, they can. Second, if he comes over, he’s a major upgrade over Nazr Mohammed at backup C for Joakim Noah who gets banged up very frequently. He also offers a different style than Noah; a low post scorer reminiscent of Nikola Pekovic. Last but not least, he’s an intriguing prospect to dangle in any trade as the Bulls continue to pursue big time free agents this summer.
17. Boston Celtics- T.J. Warren, F, NC State #24 Durham, NC
While I have the Celtics picking a player who may not see the court next season in Joel Embiid, this pick is definitely more conservative in nature. I strongly considered drafting a PG here in case the Celtics decide to trade star PG Rajon Rondo, but Warren has really impressed scouts with his ability to shoot and defend multiple positions. He’s a late bloomer so as a work in progress it remains to be seen if he can overtake incumbent SF Jeff Green to be a starter, but at the very least he makes Green expendable, which could help the C’s get out of his long term contract. Kyle Anderson would be another interesting option here.
18. Phoenix Suns- Adreian Payne, F, Michigan State #5 Dayton, OH
The Suns address depth at the PF spot with this selection by selecting Adreian Payne. A key theme I have here is drafting guys who can play right away and won’t have issues fighting for playing time. With Channing Frye opting out of his contract becoming a free agent, Payne can step right and fill his role. Perhaps he will not have the same ability to knock down threes, but he will keep defenses honest with his outside shooting. His endurance will be major knock on Payne as his lungs are small for a man his size, but as a 23 year old rookie, he’s a coachable player who has thrived in the big moment.
19. Chicago Bulls- Shabazz Napier, G, Connecticut #13 Groton, MA
I almost moved Napier up to the lottery before a last minute change, but it seems barring a Miami Heat trade to move up for the 2014 Most Outstanding Player, this would be a nice fit for Napier. As talented as franchise player Derrick Rose is, the Bulls must have a reliable insurance policy for him in case he gets hurt again. Napier can easily be that guy. While he’s short for a PG and has his inconsistencies as a passer, the Bulls won almost 50 games with D.J. Augustin handling PG duties. Defense isn’t his strong suit, but making him serviceable is not going to be difficult under coach Tom Thibodeau.
20. Toronto Raptors- Tyler Ennis, G, Syracuse #11 Brampton, Ontario, Canada
With both Toronto PG’s Kyle Lowry and Greivis Vazquez hitting free agency, the Raptors opt to hedge their bets here by selecting a PG who hit clutch shot after clutch shot for the Syracuse Orange in his freshman season. It doesn’t hurt that Ennis is from nearby Brampton either. I’d also consider selecting a SF who could replace John Salmons and Landry Fields soon enough, but unlike Lowry or Vazquez, Salmons and Fields are still under contract, so they could wait a bit on filling in the SF void.
The Nuggets may be getting tired of staying on the treadmill. With reports surfacing that they may be in on the Kevin Love sweepstakes, this team under coach Brian Shaw may look to want to shake things up a bit. While Danilo Gallinari is set to return from a knee injury, the team can’t fully trust that his outside shooting will quickly return to form. With Gary Harris, he can alleviate pressure from Gallinari from having to rush back. Already a good shooter with a great form, Harris is also one of the best defensive guards in this draft, something the defensively inept Nuggets could use desperately.
12. Orlando Magic- Marcus Smart, G, OklahomaState #33 Flower Mound, TX
The biggest surprise is this pick here. Marcus Smart falling is not based on anything he did or didn’t do, but he’s a casualty of Elfrid Payton’s rising stock. If he falls past Boston at 6, he could tumble to the Magic who would do backflips considering they could still select him at #4. While Smart is an inconsistent shooter, advanced metrics peg him as being the best player in this draft. GM Rob Hennigan, being a Spurs disciple, will not let a player with that kind of statistical correlation slip by him twice. While the Magic could still use more outside shooting, a Smart /Oladipo /Harris /Vonleh /Vucevic lineup would be entertaining enough to buy League Pass.
13. Minnesota Timberwolves- Zach LaVine, G, UCLA #14 Bothell, WA
Supposedly this is a promised pick. There may be some truth to it due to the close relationship agent Bill Duffy and Wolves minority owner /President/Head Coach Flip Saunders have. I’d consider LaVine to be the workout warrior of 2014. He has jaw dropping athleticism and the potential to be a good three point shooter, but couldn’t quite put it all together over his freshman season at UCLA. LaVine goes against Flip’s desire for two way players who can help the team win now but the franchise in flux at the moment, perhaps this will be Flip’s attempt to swing for the fences. Adreian Payne and TJ Warren would also be considered if he so chooses a safer pick.
14. Phoenix Suns- Rodney Hood, F, Duke #5 Meridian, MS
With three first rounders and a slew of young depth, the Phoenix Suns can go in any direction with this draft. Here, they select a wing who shot exceptionally well for the Blue Devils (except for the Tournament game vs. Mercer). Rodney Hood isn’t going to be a household name, but for a team that could use another wing in case the Suns were indeed playing over their heads, they could do worse than of the most efficient offensive guards in the country. They have two more chances to stash or fill a need later on.
15. Atlanta Hawks- Dario Saric, F, Croatia #9 Sibenik, Croatia
Two years, two stash picks. For a team that struggled to make the playoffs last year in the Eastern Conference, one would think Atlanta would look for immediate help, but this pick may have been promised to Saric, who signed a 3 year deal with Anadolu Efes. The Hawks are banking on a healthy Al Horford who has missed significant time with a triceps injury. Shopping the pick is also an option, but with someone who possesses the talent Saric has, he may be worth the wait. If they didn’t draft and stash Lucas Nogueira last year, Jusuf Nurkic would be the obvious pick.
16. Chicago Bulls- Jusuf Nurkic, C, Bosnia #23 Tuzla, Bosnia
The Bulls have two selections in this first round (16 and 19) and are actively shopping them. Selecting Nurkic is a good thing for a few reasons. First, if they want to stash him overseas, they can. Second, if he comes over, he’s a major upgrade over Nazr Mohammed at backup C for Joakim Noah who gets banged up very frequently. He also offers a different style than Noah; a low post scorer reminiscent of Nikola Pekovic. Last but not least, he’s an intriguing prospect to dangle in any trade as the Bulls continue to pursue big time free agents this summer.
17. Boston Celtics- T.J. Warren, F, NC State #24 Durham, NC
While I have the Celtics picking a player who may not see the court next season in Joel Embiid, this pick is definitely more conservative in nature. I strongly considered drafting a PG here in case the Celtics decide to trade star PG Rajon Rondo, but Warren has really impressed scouts with his ability to shoot and defend multiple positions. He’s a late bloomer so as a work in progress it remains to be seen if he can overtake incumbent SF Jeff Green to be a starter, but at the very least he makes Green expendable, which could help the C’s get out of his long term contract. Kyle Anderson would be another interesting option here.
18. Phoenix Suns- Adreian Payne, F, Michigan State #5 Dayton, OH
The Suns address depth at the PF spot with this selection by selecting Adreian Payne. A key theme I have here is drafting guys who can play right away and won’t have issues fighting for playing time. With Channing Frye opting out of his contract becoming a free agent, Payne can step right and fill his role. Perhaps he will not have the same ability to knock down threes, but he will keep defenses honest with his outside shooting. His endurance will be major knock on Payne as his lungs are small for a man his size, but as a 23 year old rookie, he’s a coachable player who has thrived in the big moment.
19. Chicago Bulls- Shabazz Napier, G, Connecticut #13 Groton, MA
I almost moved Napier up to the lottery before a last minute change, but it seems barring a Miami Heat trade to move up for the 2014 Most Outstanding Player, this would be a nice fit for Napier. As talented as franchise player Derrick Rose is, the Bulls must have a reliable insurance policy for him in case he gets hurt again. Napier can easily be that guy. While he’s short for a PG and has his inconsistencies as a passer, the Bulls won almost 50 games with D.J. Augustin handling PG duties. Defense isn’t his strong suit, but making him serviceable is not going to be difficult under coach Tom Thibodeau.
20. Toronto Raptors- Tyler Ennis, G, Syracuse #11 Brampton, Ontario, Canada
With both Toronto PG’s Kyle Lowry and Greivis Vazquez hitting free agency, the Raptors opt to hedge their bets here by selecting a PG who hit clutch shot after clutch shot for the Syracuse Orange in his freshman season. It doesn’t hurt that Ennis is from nearby Brampton either. I’d also consider selecting a SF who could replace John Salmons and Landry Fields soon enough, but unlike Lowry or Vazquez, Salmons and Fields are still under contract, so they could wait a bit on filling in the SF void.
tremonthustler1
aka bx_representer
21. Oklahoma City Thunder- K.J. McDaniels, F, Clemson #32 Birmingham, AL
Thabo Sefolosha should get the hint that the Thunder are ready to move on if they make this selection. However, this should also light a fire under Jeremy Lamb and Perry Jones. Their positions on this team aren’t immovable and they haven’t yet proven to be mainstays in the Thunder rotation. While McDaniels won’t be as good as someone like Kawhi Leonard, having a player who can shut opposing stars down is something the Thunder lack, so in a copycat league, the Thunder hope they can at least have what they used to have with Sefolosha in his prime: a true 3 and D player.
22. Memphis Grizzlies- James Young, G, Kentucky #1 Troy, MI
With head coach Dave Joerger back in the fold, he should be able to open up the offense a bit. The personnel he had a year ago didn’t really give him that chance, but James Young can thrive in a higher powered offense. It also helps that Young played on a Kentucky Wildcat team with Julius Randle, as he already knows how to coexist with a rugged big man (it remains to be seen if Zach Randolph comes back to Memphis next season). When the offense slows down, Young, while still raw, can be molded into a reliable three point shooter.
23. Utah Jazz- Jordan Adams, G, UCLA #3 Lawrenceville, GA
As surprisingly impressive as Doug McDermott’s combine numbers were, Jordan Adams’ numbers were equally as disappointing. As impressive as he looked for UCLA last year, he had trouble converting layups and only has a 29’’ vertical. Players that earth bound tend to flame out, but this is where the Jazz hope the eye test and advanced statistics prevail as both view Adams as a promising player with a nice jump shot and exceptional basketball IQ. If the Jazz choose to trade Alec Burks or let Gordon Hayward sign elsewhere, Adams can quickly step in and contribute.
24. Charlotte Hornets- Clint Capela, C, Switzerland #21 Geneva, Switzerland
Now that GM Rich Cho completely runs the show, as a Portland Trail Blazers disciple, he will wanna dip into the foreign marketplace for more help. Bismack Biyombo is approaching the final year of his rookie deal and may seek a replacement. Clint Capela is light on his feet, but possesses shot blocking ability with way more offensive potential than Biyombo has. This pick may get moved and if not for the Stauskas selection earlier, this pick would be earmarked for P.J. Hairston, but this late in the first round, I can see the draft and stashes take over.
25. Houston Rockets- Kyle Anderson, F, UCLA #5 North Bergen, NJ
Let’s forget the Rockets’ pursuit of Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James for a moment or even the RFA status of Chandler Parsons. Kyle Anderson’s ability to handle the rock and distribute for a guy his size sets him apart from everyone else. Scouts don’t know what to make of him, but GM Daryl Morey would not pass up a guy with his talent, even if he is subpar athletically. Since PG on the team doesn’t have as much of an emphasis to distribute, Anderson adds another facilitator to support James Harden. If they happen to sign a Carmelo or a LeBron or even keep Parsons, the Rockets may have one of the best young Swiss Army Knives in the league.
26. Miami Heat- P.J. Hairston, G, Texas Legends #15 Greensboro, NC
With most of the PG’s off the board (including Napier whom Miami reportedly covets), the Heat look to upgrade the wing position. If Troy Daniels showed us anything last year in the playoffs, it’s that if you can hit 3’s at a crazy rate in D-League, it should translate well to the pros. While P.J. Hairston had off the court issues that got him kicked out of UNC, he has worked hard to put that behind him. Ray Allen won’t be around forever. Dwyane Wade won’t be the same player moving forward. Someone’s going to have to be a threat outside for the Heat, and Hairston shined in D-League from outside. If the big three return, they can keep Hairston in line.
27. Phoenix Suns- Bogdan Bogdanovic, G, Serbia #13 Belgrade, Serbia
The Suns won’t bring in 3 rookies in the same season. They may shop this pick or even sell it, but they can use the draft slot to their advantage and stash the 2014 Euroleague Rising Star in Bogdanovic. He is a natural born scorer and can really help the Suns in a year or two once GM Ryan McDonough decides what his roster will look like as guys play themselves in and out of the rotation.
28. Los Angeles Clippers- Mitch McGary, F, Michigan #4 Chesterton, IN
The Clippers could really use the help at backup C. They can’t keep using Ryan Hollins and expect good results. Here, they go after McGary, who shined 2 years ago with the Wolverines, but had back surgery this past season and also had off the court problems failing a drug test. While DeAndre Jordan provides shotblocking and rebounding, McGary can provide more offensive touch for a second unit that needs another big man since Jordan and Blake Griffin always find themselves in foul trouble. There are more intriguing center prospects, but the Clippers aren’t going to draft and stash.
29. Oklahoma City Thunder - Walter Tavares, C, Spain #22 Maio, Cape Verde
This kid is a blank canvas. He’s 7’2’’and 260 pounds. He’s already 22 so it’s not as if he has unlimited upside, but he will be an interesting case study in big man development. He’ll be overseas for the next 3 years, so this will be the last we hear of him for a while, but the Thunder will take a flier on him and see if he’ll be worth something as a trade chip later on. There are better players who can contribute now, but this is a win now team who needs to bank on internal improvement rather a raw rookie.
30. San Antonio Spurs- Cleanthony Early, F, Wichita State #11 Middletown, NY
The World Champion Spurs don’t need much fine tuning, but they are getting older, which means they must rely on their depth more and more. With Cleanthony Early who was a huge reason for Wichita State’s undefeated regular season, the Spurs now have a backup forward for Kawhi Leonard who can add yet another shooter (while he’d be undersized at the 4, he’d also be a suitable replacement for Matt Bonner). Early could go much earlier than this (pardon the pun), so the Spurs land a steal here and it wouldn’t surprise anyone if he was a key component off the bench immediately.
Thabo Sefolosha should get the hint that the Thunder are ready to move on if they make this selection. However, this should also light a fire under Jeremy Lamb and Perry Jones. Their positions on this team aren’t immovable and they haven’t yet proven to be mainstays in the Thunder rotation. While McDaniels won’t be as good as someone like Kawhi Leonard, having a player who can shut opposing stars down is something the Thunder lack, so in a copycat league, the Thunder hope they can at least have what they used to have with Sefolosha in his prime: a true 3 and D player.
22. Memphis Grizzlies- James Young, G, Kentucky #1 Troy, MI
With head coach Dave Joerger back in the fold, he should be able to open up the offense a bit. The personnel he had a year ago didn’t really give him that chance, but James Young can thrive in a higher powered offense. It also helps that Young played on a Kentucky Wildcat team with Julius Randle, as he already knows how to coexist with a rugged big man (it remains to be seen if Zach Randolph comes back to Memphis next season). When the offense slows down, Young, while still raw, can be molded into a reliable three point shooter.
23. Utah Jazz- Jordan Adams, G, UCLA #3 Lawrenceville, GA
As surprisingly impressive as Doug McDermott’s combine numbers were, Jordan Adams’ numbers were equally as disappointing. As impressive as he looked for UCLA last year, he had trouble converting layups and only has a 29’’ vertical. Players that earth bound tend to flame out, but this is where the Jazz hope the eye test and advanced statistics prevail as both view Adams as a promising player with a nice jump shot and exceptional basketball IQ. If the Jazz choose to trade Alec Burks or let Gordon Hayward sign elsewhere, Adams can quickly step in and contribute.
24. Charlotte Hornets- Clint Capela, C, Switzerland #21 Geneva, Switzerland
Now that GM Rich Cho completely runs the show, as a Portland Trail Blazers disciple, he will wanna dip into the foreign marketplace for more help. Bismack Biyombo is approaching the final year of his rookie deal and may seek a replacement. Clint Capela is light on his feet, but possesses shot blocking ability with way more offensive potential than Biyombo has. This pick may get moved and if not for the Stauskas selection earlier, this pick would be earmarked for P.J. Hairston, but this late in the first round, I can see the draft and stashes take over.
25. Houston Rockets- Kyle Anderson, F, UCLA #5 North Bergen, NJ
Let’s forget the Rockets’ pursuit of Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James for a moment or even the RFA status of Chandler Parsons. Kyle Anderson’s ability to handle the rock and distribute for a guy his size sets him apart from everyone else. Scouts don’t know what to make of him, but GM Daryl Morey would not pass up a guy with his talent, even if he is subpar athletically. Since PG on the team doesn’t have as much of an emphasis to distribute, Anderson adds another facilitator to support James Harden. If they happen to sign a Carmelo or a LeBron or even keep Parsons, the Rockets may have one of the best young Swiss Army Knives in the league.
26. Miami Heat- P.J. Hairston, G, Texas Legends #15 Greensboro, NC
With most of the PG’s off the board (including Napier whom Miami reportedly covets), the Heat look to upgrade the wing position. If Troy Daniels showed us anything last year in the playoffs, it’s that if you can hit 3’s at a crazy rate in D-League, it should translate well to the pros. While P.J. Hairston had off the court issues that got him kicked out of UNC, he has worked hard to put that behind him. Ray Allen won’t be around forever. Dwyane Wade won’t be the same player moving forward. Someone’s going to have to be a threat outside for the Heat, and Hairston shined in D-League from outside. If the big three return, they can keep Hairston in line.
27. Phoenix Suns- Bogdan Bogdanovic, G, Serbia #13 Belgrade, Serbia
The Suns won’t bring in 3 rookies in the same season. They may shop this pick or even sell it, but they can use the draft slot to their advantage and stash the 2014 Euroleague Rising Star in Bogdanovic. He is a natural born scorer and can really help the Suns in a year or two once GM Ryan McDonough decides what his roster will look like as guys play themselves in and out of the rotation.
28. Los Angeles Clippers- Mitch McGary, F, Michigan #4 Chesterton, IN
The Clippers could really use the help at backup C. They can’t keep using Ryan Hollins and expect good results. Here, they go after McGary, who shined 2 years ago with the Wolverines, but had back surgery this past season and also had off the court problems failing a drug test. While DeAndre Jordan provides shotblocking and rebounding, McGary can provide more offensive touch for a second unit that needs another big man since Jordan and Blake Griffin always find themselves in foul trouble. There are more intriguing center prospects, but the Clippers aren’t going to draft and stash.
29. Oklahoma City Thunder - Walter Tavares, C, Spain #22 Maio, Cape Verde
This kid is a blank canvas. He’s 7’2’’and 260 pounds. He’s already 22 so it’s not as if he has unlimited upside, but he will be an interesting case study in big man development. He’ll be overseas for the next 3 years, so this will be the last we hear of him for a while, but the Thunder will take a flier on him and see if he’ll be worth something as a trade chip later on. There are better players who can contribute now, but this is a win now team who needs to bank on internal improvement rather a raw rookie.
30. San Antonio Spurs- Cleanthony Early, F, Wichita State #11 Middletown, NY
The World Champion Spurs don’t need much fine tuning, but they are getting older, which means they must rely on their depth more and more. With Cleanthony Early who was a huge reason for Wichita State’s undefeated regular season, the Spurs now have a backup forward for Kawhi Leonard who can add yet another shooter (while he’d be undersized at the 4, he’d also be a suitable replacement for Matt Bonner). Early could go much earlier than this (pardon the pun), so the Spurs land a steal here and it wouldn’t surprise anyone if he was a key component off the bench immediately.
@tremonthustler1 (or anybody) what would you say wiggins/ parker respective odds are of being the first pick?
70/30??
70/30??
tremonthustler1
aka bx_representer
60% Wiggins.30% fukkery 10% Parker
WaddupDoe!
Steez.
Alex Kennedy ✔ @AlexKennedyNBA
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Miami likes Jarnell Stokes. He's an option at No. 26. They worked him out multiple times and were impressed. Shabazz Napier an option too.
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Miami likes Jarnell Stokes. He's an option at No. 26. They worked him out multiple times and were impressed. Shabazz Napier an option too.
VegetasHairline
Veteran
@tremonthustler1 Sell me on Elfrid Payton breh. Don't know anything about him. I really want Marcus Smart if the Kings draft a PG and he's there at 8 but everything I'm reading says Kings are higher on Payton than they are on Smart.
tremonthustler1
aka bx_representer
That's what I'm getting out of this too. Payton's biggest weakness is his shooting, but he's showing scouts that he's working on it and looked good shooting the ball. For a team interested in Rajon Rondo, they can draft their own.
VegetasHairline
Veteran
Got any good links to scouting reports on this kid?
You also have to think Smart is being viewed as a combo guard but Payton is a pg there numbers albeit different levels if comp are similar.
I'd take smart also honestly heart like he has means that he will always try to be better.
VegetasHairline
Veteran
I'm a huge fan of Marcus Smart. He's got that IT factor that certain players have. Just like DeMarcus Cousins. He WANTS to be great. I'll take players on my team like that any day. I feel the whole attitude thing is overblown as well, but I've got a different mindset than most.
