2014 NBA Mock Draft: Best Possible Picks for Every 1st-Round Team: A number of teams have multiple first-round picks in what figures to be a loaded 2014 NBA draft class, but for the third time in four years, the Cleveland Cavaliers have the fortune of landing the No. 1 overall selection. Cleveland hasnt cashed in too well on its luck in the past, failing to appear in the playoffs in the post-LeBron James era. The search is underway for a new coach, and the Cavaliers have a monumental decision to make with three elite prospects in Jabari Parker, Joel Embiid and Andrew Wiggins as the options. The Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers have the second and third picks, respectively, and their actions will be determined largely by what Cleveland does. This will be one of the most exciting draft dominoes to fall in recent memory, with the three aforementioned players garnering legitimate consideration to go off the board first. Here is a mock of the entire first round based on what decisions would be best for each franchise if this or a similar draft-day scenario were to play out on June 26. Note: The more detailed analysis focuses on the most polarizing prospective picks, and those are italicized. 1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Jabari Parker, SF, Duke There is no need for new Cavs general manager David Griffin to scare the fanbase by taking a chance on the rawer Wiggins or the big man Embiid. Parker is the clear choice here if Cleveland wants to get itself headed in a better direction. Placing Parker on the perimeter with the likes of Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters would give opponents nightmares. FoxSportsOhios Sam Amico cites ESPN expert Dick Vitale, whose suggestion for the team last year seems far better now than Anthony Bennett: If the latest Cavs coach elects to go uptempo—and he should based on that personnel—the stage would be set for Parker to thrive immediately in the pros. With his versatile offensive game and outstanding size for the 3 position, Parker fills the massive void thats been a sore spot—and a sight for sore eyes—ever since James left town. 2. Milwaukee Bucks: Joel Embiid, C, Kansas The only reason Embiids selection here is polarizing is because there will still be those who advocate for his ex-teammate Wiggins to be selected by Milwaukee instead. However, pairing Embiid in the frontcourt with Larry Sanders would create a defensive tandem the likes of which cant be matched by many in the Association. Embiid is also a threat to score from just about anywhere on the floor, and he wouldnt have to expend as much energy on defense with the stalwart Sanders manning the paint. This would ease Embiids transition to the NBA and give him more latitude to roam around, allow his instincts to take control and make plays to give the Bucks a spark. The teams director of scouting, Billy McKinney, was pleased with what he saw from Embiid in a workout in late May, per Fox Sports Wisconsins Andrew Gruman: Embiid went through the entire workout. It didnt appear that there were any signs of issues with his back, which of course will continue to be investigated as we go into the draft. Seeing him run, jump, pull up, sit up and do everything but throw a softball was really good for us. He looked good. He took a hard fall on the court, and I think everybody was wondering if he was going to get up. He got up and continued to look as lively as ever. Of course, the big concern surrounding Embiid is his back injury that kept him out of the NCAA tournament. As long as that checks out, though, the legitimate 7-footer should not fall out of the top two. 3. Philadelphia 76ers: Andrew Wiggins, SF, Kansas There should be no qualms in Philadelphia about landing Wiggins if he is still on the board at No. 3. After failing to quite live up to the impossible hype at Kansas, he enters a promising, albeit rebuilding, situation with the Sixers. The front office gutted Phillys roster by design last season to position itself for this draft, as GM Sam Hinkie has two picks in the top 10 to play with. Wiggins is simply a no-brainer with the first of those choices, as hed join a core of reigning Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams and center Nerlens Noel. 4. Orlando Magic: Dante Exum, PG, Australia Ken Hornack of Fox Sports Florida reported not long ago that the Magic were seeking a point guard, as can be seen in the video above. Jameer Nelsons best basketball is behind him, so choosing the 18-year-old prodigy in Exum makes a lot of sense. Victor Oladipo can run the offense if need be, but having a pure floor general like Exum would help Orlando take a big step forward. 5. Utah Jazz: Aaron Gordon, F, Arizona If the Jazz do stay at No. 5, Gordon is among those who make the most sense. His upside is huge, and his freakish athleticism already translates well to guarding almost any position on the defensive end. Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA highlights the dilemma this organization faces based on its draft slot: Gordon is a tweener forward who wont bring much other than putback shots close to the basket on offense. However, considering this squad already has a playmaking point guard in Trey Burke, a versatile weapon in swingman Gordon Hayward and an intriguing, talented frontcourt in Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter, it affords them the opportunity to take a flier on Gordon this high. Utah also has another first-round pick, so it could address any number of needs here. The sheer athletic ability and versatility the Jazzs starting five of the future would have in this scenario seems tantalizing. 6. Boston Celtics: Marcus Smart, G, Oklahoma State Rajon Rondo is one who creates for his teammates, while Avery Bradley is more known for his defensive prowess than anything else. The Celtics need someone who can generate his own offense, and since Smart can play either guard position, he figures to be a strong fit to play right away and step up to score in bunches as a rookie. 7. Los Angeles Lakers: Noah Vonleh, PF, Indiana This choice is a win-win situation for the Lakers. If Pau Gasol does return after testing free agency, he can mentor Vonleh. Otherwise, the ex-Hoosier standout can be part of the rebuilding effort and be around to reap the rewards when LA returns to prominence. Vonlehs ability to stroke it from outside while still being aggressive in the paint on both ends bodes well for him. With only one season under his belt in Bloomington, theres no telling how high his ceiling can stretch, presuming the proper coach is brought in to right the ship for this storied franchise. 8. Sacramento Kings: Julius Randle, PF, Kentucky How about an all-Kentucky front line in Sacramento? The small-market team needs a brand boost, so pairing Randle with All-Star-caliber center DeMarcus Cousins would be a great way to do that. Randle is also worthy of this draft status, based on his ability to crash the boards, score in just about any way and create matchup problems at the 4. 9. Charlotte Hornets: Dario Saric, F, Croatia To kick off their shedding of the Bobcats mascot in favor of the throwback Hornets, Charlotte goes bold by selecting the second international player off the board in Saric. This team needs an impact scorer, and Saric is a point forward with tantalizing talent who can help push the tempo, create better spacing and divert attention away from Al Jefferson in the post. 10. Philadelphia 76ers: Gary Harris, SG, Michigan State Defense wont be a problem if the Sixers manage to land Harris. Carter-Williams is a 66 point guard who can lock down anyone with his length and knack for clogging passing lanes. Presuming Philadelphia picks Wiggins in this mock, Harris slightly smaller stature for a 2-guard is compensated for. Thanks to his high basketball IQ developed under Tom Izzo and superb shooting stroke from beyond the arc, theres no reason Harris shouldnt contribute right away. The opportunity to start for this squad would be immediately available, and there are enough pieces in place for Harris to be one of the top rookies in the league. 11. Denver Nuggets: Adreian Payne, PF, Michigan State After four seasons of college ball under his belt in East Lansing, the professional polish Payne possesses on and off the court makes him an attractive option for Denver here. The Nuggets need a hard worker like Payne to help the leagues 28th-ranked scoring defense get back on track and a big man who has outside shooting touch. 12. Orlando Magic: Doug McDermott, F, Creighton The Magic added an electric point guard toward the top of the draft and now seek to find perhaps the best pure shooter and all-around scorer in the class. Although McDermott is not the greatest athlete, he is a classic glue guy who can fill it up for a team lacking elite offensive options. Defense isnt his strong suit, yet he can be compensated for in that area if he plays the stretch 4. Thats thanks mostly to Oladipos ability to guard multiple positions, Arron Afflalos toughness on the ball and Nikola Vucevics hopeful, continued development down low. 13. Minnesota Timberwolves: Nik Stauskas, SG, Michigan To keep the trend of players going who can fill it up, the ex-Wolverine Stauskas showed great progress as a sophomore in Ann Arbor in all areas, save for defense. Outside shooting is still a problem in Minnesota, as it converted just 34.1 percent of attempts from three-point range in 2013-14. Stauskas was around 44 percent in his two years at Michigan, making him an ideal fit for the Timberwolves. 14. Phoenix Suns: Rodney Hood, SF/SG, Duke Between Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe, there isnt much size on the outside for the Suns, who do have a multitude of big men who can stretch the floor. A need exists for a sharpshooter like Hood who can play the 2-guard at 68 and give Phoenixs second unit an interesting, new dimension. 15. Atlanta Hawks: James Young, SF, Kentucky The raw athleticism and sheer physical tools bring to mind shades of former Hawks franchise cornerstone Josh Smith. Young is more of a lethal threat from the perimeter than Smith ever was and would have room to develop every aspect of his game to eventually become an All-Star in Atlanta. 16. Chicago Bulls: T.J. Warren, F, North Carolina State Some may consider this a reach, but Warrens status as a tweener actually works to Chicagos advantage. Few on the Bulls current roster with any size can score in bunches. Counting on injured point guard Derrick Rose isnt the best strategy, so that makes Warren a great fit after he averaged 24.9 points per game as a sophomore in the ACC. 17. Boston Celtics: P.J. Hairston, SG, Texas Legends The former North Carolina Tar Heels leading scorer made the most of an adverse situation following his unceremonious exit from Chapel Hill for NCAA violations. In the NBA D-League, Hairston lit it up, per InsideCarolina: Infusing the backcourt with superior strength, size and offensive firepower is something GM Danny Ainge should consider. Deepening coach Brad Stevens rotation with Smart and Hairston would indeed be a wise route to go. 18. Phoenix Suns: Kyle Anderson, F/G, UCLA Rarely can a player be worthy of a forward-guard label, but such is the case for the 69 Anderson. At UCLA, he was the point guard and created matchup nightmares despite average athleticism and quickness. That can continue at the NBA level. Thanks to his excellent floor vision and extraordinary length for a perimeter-oriented player, Anderson would keep with the theme of the Suns adding taller athletes across the rotation. 19. Chicago Bulls: Jusuf Nurkic, C, Bosnia and Herzegovina The emergence of Taj Gibson and the imposing presence of Joakim Noah affords Chicago the chance to invest in Nurkics potential—even if he doesnt help right away. Warrens selection before this combined with Roses impending return offers the Bulls a chance to invest in the long-term future. Chicago is only a semi-competent offense away from being a Finals contender. 20. Toronto Raptors: K.J. McDaniels, F, Clemson This Toronto roster was better than advertised as it enjoyed a surprising, successful run to the playoffs as the Easts No. 3 seed in 2013-14. A disappointing first-round postseason exit still led to decent draft position, where the Raptors should add a premier frontcourt defender in McDaniels. 21. Oklahoma City Thunder: Jerami Grant, F, Syracuse Since the Thunder can run like lightning in transition with Russell Westbrook pushing the tempo, Grant would fit right in. Coach Scott Brooks can bring Grant off the bench and allow him to learn from veteran Nick Collison and starter Serge Ibaka. Brooks can also deploy Grant at the 3 to spell Kevin Durant when he wants to go with a bigger lineup. 22. Memphis Grizzlies: Cleanthony Early, SF, Wichita State Lets be real: The Grizzlies need someone to fill the 3 with Tayshaun Prince approaching the end of perhaps his last contract. Coming from a small school and not being chosen until this stage of the draft should continue to provide Early with a chip on his shoulder to prove himself. At age 23, he is still improving a lot and has the edge in life experience over many other prospects. That should lead Memphis to take Early if hes still on the board this late. 23. Utah Jazz: Tyler Ennis, PG, Syracuse Ennis falls because of how loaded the NBA is at point guard and the lack of need the squads ahead of Utah have, but he would be a steal for the Jazz at this point. The Syracuse standout is more of a distributor than a dynamic scorer, complementing Burke well in that regard. Utah could also place Ennis on the floor at the same time as Burke in smaller lineups, giving the Jazz two capable, crunch-time performers who can handle the ball and make big shots with comparable effectiveness. 24. Charlotte Hornets: Shabazz Napier, PG, Connecticut A magnificent run to the NCAA title with UConn pushes Napier into the first round, though still in the latter stages of it. That wont matter, because the Hornets need players who will compete hard and produce offense. Napier figures to excel in headlining a second unit and would be reunited with former Husky teammate Kemba Walker in Charlotte. 25. Houston Rockets: Mitch McGary, PF, Michigan A positive test for marijuana would have led to a year-long NCAA suspension, prompting McGary to declare for the draft. McGary played in just eight games as a sophomore after undergoing back surgery but burst onto the scene as part of Michigans national runner-up squad as a freshman. Rockets GM Daryl Morey will love the energy McGary brings, along with the size that should see him break into the rotation right away. This selection would enhance the chances of trading away Omer Asik and save Houston valuable cap space. 26. Miami Heat: Zach LaVine, G, UCLA Presuming the Heats All-Star trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh stick together, this team doesnt need much fixing. LaVine offers further depth and more shooting on the outside, and he would be a strong fit in Miamis system, perhaps as an eventual starter in a few years to supplant Mario Chalmers. 27. Phoenix Suns: Jarnell Stokes, PF, Tennessee Stokes was a double-double machine for the Volunteers and has a massive frame that is ready to mix it up with the strongest NBA big men. The Suns need someone with his attitude and swagger in a frontcourt platoon that has too many players drifting away from the paint, along with an unproven commodity in 2013 top draft pick Alex Len. 28. Los Angeles Clippers: Clint Capela, PF, Switzerland The Clippers have depth everywhere but up front. Beyond DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin, there isnt much to work with. LA should pursue options in free agency to address this need, leading to the choice of Capela as a fascinating project who can hit the glass and alter shots with his imposing length and lateral quickness. 29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Spencer Dinwiddie, G, Colorado If not for a torn ACL that brought an abrupt halt to his collegiate career, theres no doubt Dinwiddie would be considered a borderline lottery pick. There are few holes to poke in his game, since hes a capable combo guard and can do anything a coach asks. Dinwiddie projects well as a 2 at the next level and could be the surefire starter Oklahoma City has sought at the position. 30. San Antonio Spurs: Elfrid Payton, PG, Louisiana-Lafayette Despite possessing a slender frame and encountering less formidable competition in college, Payton is nevertheless a worthy heir apparent to the aging Tony Parker. Its impressive that he averaged six rebounds in his final year with the Ragin Cajuns, and its Paytons blend of effort and speed that San Antonio should covet. Even though this draft seems to be top-heavy, there can be outstanding value to be had even late in Round 1. Among the premier trio of Parker, Embiid and Wiggins, none are likely great enough to cause instantaneous turnarounds with their future teams on their own. However, they can galvanize an organization and put it on a more promising path. Trades are always possible, and considering the multiple assets the Suns and Magic have, it wouldnt be a shock to see them move up and try to get an even better player than they would by standing pat. That should help enhance the drama surrounding the 2014 NBA draft. Not many first-round picks pay immediate dividends. This figures to be a year where we see a number of immediate stars emerge—even beyond the consensus top three. Read more NBA news on BleacherReport #Basketball #NBA #Opinion #2014NBAMockDraft #fantasybasketball
Posted on: Wed, 04 Jun 2014 14:43:02 +0000
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