NBA Mock Draft v1.0 – Cashing in on the lottery

MANILA, Philippines – Like the rest of the sporting world, I was shocked when the card with the Cleveland Cavaliers logo was revealed during the drawing for the first overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft a few days ago. 

While some cried complaints of draft lottery fixing, others quickly started to guess which of the three standout stars of this year’s draft class the Cavs would select in June. 

Cleveland, which has had the No. 1 overall pick thrice in the last four drafts, has not done very well with their selections. Outside of Kyrie Irving, Dan Gilbert’s franchise has been unable to snag an All-Star out of their multiple lottery selections, with Anthony Bennett, their No. 1 pick in last year’s draft, being the latest failure.

However, considering the number of quality players available for drafting on June 26, it’s hard to fathom the thought of Cleveland blowing their next pick once again, despite what recent memory shows us. With three first-overall-pick quality players available, it’s safe to assume new team GM David Griffin will make the right selection, assuming the team doesn’t trade its pick.

The Bucks, who were absolutely atrocious last season with 67 losses, will pick second. The 76ers, who were basically screaming, “WE’RE TANKING, ALL OF OUR PLAYERS ARE FOR SALE!” in the past few months, ended up in the third slot. Meanwhile, no franchise was a bigger loser in the Draft Lottery than the Detroit Pistons, which lost its pick to the Charlotte Hornets thanks to the Corey Maggette-Ben Gordon-centered trade from a few years ago.

Some usual suspects are back in the lottery once again. One of which, the Sacramento Kings, have made it known that their No. 8 pick will be available as the club aims to acquire veteran players, hoping that will help them in the ultra-competitive Western Conference Playoffs race.

The Minnesota Timberwolves, meanwhile, have remarked that they do not plan on trading Kevin Love prior to this season. However, things always change in the NBA in an instant, and if the T-Wolves end up dealing their franchise cornerstone, they will most likely hold onto their pick and hope to acquire a game-changer.

A lot can happen between now and the NBA Draft in Brooklyn. Remember, trades may take place that could alter the selection process. But using the current dynamic, we try to predict who will land where.

So, without further ado, here is version 1.0 of Rappler’s 2014 NBA Mock Draft.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Andrew Wiggins, Kansas

The Cavaliers need someone who can shoot well, which would make Jabari Parker the choice here. They also need someone to replace the aging Anderson Varejao (32), so Joel Embiid is an attractive piece. But in the end, Griffin will take Andrew Wiggins, who can turn out to be the next Kevin Durant if he develops a reliable outside shot. With supreme athleticism and crazy defensive potential, Wiggins has too much talent and superstar ability to pass on.

2. Milwaukee Bucks: Jabari Parker, Duke

Now under new leadership, the Bucks need a big-name player who can increase their crowd attendance, considering how paltry it was last season (dead last in 13-14 season). Embiid arguably has more potential than Parker, but the latter’s star quality will intrigue Milwaukee citizens enough to at least fill up more seats at the Bradley Center right away. Also, Parker can play either the four or three, and since Giannis Antetokounmpo is going to be the small forward of the future, Parker could be his frontcourt partner at the power forward spot.

3. Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid, Kansas

The 76ers already have incoming big man Nerlens Noel, but Embiid has too much upside to pass up on. Many have called him the “next Hakeem Olajuwon” or a “seven-foot Serge Ibaka.” While that may be far from decided, there’s no question that he is an All-Star caliber player. Moreover, a defensive duo of Noel and Embiid in the paint would be hell for Philly’s Eastern Conference foes in the next few years.

4. Orlando Magic: Dante Exum, Australia

The Magic flirted with the idea of playing Victor Oladipo at the one last season, but it’s obvious he’s better suited at the two. Enter Dante Exum, a six-foot-six point guard whom many believe to be the next Penny Hardaway – ironic if the Magic draft him, eh? We’ve seen how a lethal backcourt can work in the East with Washington’s recent success, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Orlando takes the same route.

(RELATED: NBA: Dante Exum decides to enter NBA draft)

5. Utah Jazz: Noah Vonleh, Indiana

Noah Vonleh is an intriguing prospect because he can stretch the floor, hit threes, play good pick-and-roll defense, and block shots. Think of him as something like a Chris Bosh-type of player. This would be a hard decision for Utah because they already have Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter, but when an absolute stud like Vonleh is available, might as well pick him up and figure out the rest later.

6. Boston Celtics: Julius Randle, Kentucky

Early into the NCAA season, Julius Randle was considered one of the top three prospects in the draft. His stock plummeted after, but elevated again after leading Kentucky to a bridesmaid finish in March Madness. He’s too undersized to dominate in the post, but pairing him with a fantastic pick-and-roll maestro like Rajon Rondo will make him a borderline All-Star. He still needs to work on his off-hand (right), though, along with a reliable mid-range J.

7. Los Angeles Lakers: Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State

Note: I kind of hope the Lakers mess this pick up. Even they should go through a few years of mediocrity.

While Aaron Gordon is more talented, Los Angeles needs to consider who will mesh better with the aging Kobe Bryant, which is why they’ll turn to Marcus Smart. Kendall Marshall is nice, but he’s a back-up PG for a playoff team, which the Lakers are trying to be as soon as possible. Oh, and let’s not forget that Steve Nash is pretty much done. Smart is a good scorer, he plays stout defense, and his competitive fire and leadership will fit well with Bryant’s personality.

8. Sacramento Kings: Aaron Gordon, Arizona

The Kings have made it known that they are shopping this pick, but if they hold onto it, they will most likely select a power forward to complement DeMarcus Cousins. Gordon can do that well. Bill Simmons has called him “Matrix 2.0,” and Shawn Marion was an All-Star early in his career. That should bode well for Sacramento.

9. Charlotte Hornets: Doug McDermott, Creighton

Note: Poor Pistons. Blame Joe Dumars. Sorry, Stan Van Gundy.

Some have undervalued McDermott because of the hype and eventual failure of Jimmer Fredette – another talented white prospect who went earlier than he should have. But this Creighton standout can light it up on offense – an area of need for the newly-minted Hornets. His defense is an issue, but his floor-spreading prowess will be a tremendous partner to Al Jefferson’s post game. With Josh McRoberts also possibly leaving in free agency, Charlotte will need someone to replace him, considering Cody Zeller hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations.

10. Philadelphia 76ers: Garry Harris, Michigan State

Even if Philly ends up with Embiid, they will still need an off-guard to partner up with reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams. Enter Garry Harris. At six-foot-five, he should be able to contain opposing SGs, and he’s already got a pretty deadly outside shot. That’s going to come in really handy in 76ers Coach Brett Brown’s run-and-gun system – and more so because MCW isn’t exactly a great shooter yet.

Note: Though Carter-Williams can’t shoot to save his life, his height makes him an incredible defender at his position. Add that with Harris’ potential to be a stout defensive presence thanks to his length and the potential of a Noel-Embiid combo, and the 76ers can turn out to be one of the best defensive clubs in the league three to four years from now. Great things are happening in the City of Brotherly Love.

11. Denver Nuggets: James Young, Kentucky

The Nuggets aren’t a club that is looking to build through the draft. They want to be back in the playoffs, pronto. Doing so would mean acquiring quality veteran players that can help the team gather Ws right away, and to do that, they will need to have attractive young pieces to trade away. James Young struggled last season with the Wildcats, but his stroke is still picture-perfect and he can turn into a very lethal shooter long-term. Many clubs won’t mind dealing some veterans to take a chance on him.

12. Orlando Magic: Kyle Anderson, UCLA

Note: This pick comes from New York via the Carmelo Anthony trade. DOLAN!!!

Tobias Harris had his moments the last two seasons, but Orlando isn’t convinced that he’s the SF of the future moving forward. Picking Kyle Anderson would be a reach here, but at six-foot-nine with a unique skill set that involves being able to handle the ball well, he may be to good to skip out on. Furthermore, he’s big enough to play power forward, which will enable Magic head coach Jacque Vaughn to tinker with line-ups. Think of him as a middle-class man’s Andre Iguodala, minus the world-class defense.

13. Minnesota Timberwolves: Adreian Payne, Michigan State

Like I previously mentioned, Minnesota has said they don’t plan on dealing Love. But I think he’s gone before the season starts, or by the trade deadline at the latest. Adreian Payne has had health issues, but he’s a pesky defender who can stretch the floor, convert baskets in the post, and brings the kind of passion Joakim Noah exhibits. If Love leaves, Payne won’t be enough to replace his production, but he won’t be a total bust, at least.

14. Phoenix Suns: Nik Stauskas, Michigan

At six-foot-seven, Stauskas has the ideal built for a shooting guard. What’s even more impressive is that he can play some point as well, making him sort of like a combo guard. And no team did a better job with combo guards last season than Phoenix – Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe, anyone? – which will gladly take Stauskas if he’s available at No. 14.

15. Atlanta Hawks: Dario Saric, Croatia

There are reports Dario Saric may not suit up right away even if he’s drafted, so Atlanta would be taking a gamble by picking him at this spot. However, he has a tremendous skill set for his height (6-10) to die for. Also, with Paul Millsap entering free agency in 2015 and Al Horford’s track record of injuries not exactly being friendly, Hawks GM Danny Ferry won’t mind taking a risk on Saric and stocking a back-up big in case either, or both, his starting PF and C get taken out of the picture in the long run.

16. Chicago Bulls: Tyler Ennis, Syracuse

When ‘Cuse raced off to an unblemished 25-0 clip to start the college hoops season, many started singing praises of Tyler Ennis. In fact, one insider scout said that he’d take Ennis over Kyrie Irving at that certain point in time. After the Orange began to lose games, Ennis’ stock dropped just as quickly. However, you can argue he’s the best playmaker in this draft class, and he’s also got a knack for scoring the basketball. Moreover, considering Derrick Rose’s knees and other health concerns, it’s important for Chicago to have a young and talented point guard waiting in the ranks. You know, just in case…

17. Boston Celtics: Rodney Hood, Duke

Combining Hood’s amazing three-point shooting capabilities with Rondo’s playmaking will make many Celtics fans happy for years to come. Hood’s also six-foot-nine and can play either shooting guard or small forward. He can’t do much penetration, but under the guidance of Brad Stevens, it won’t be a surprise to see him develop more abilities not long after he’s drafted.

18. Phoenix Suns: Zach LaVine, UCLA

Note: This pick comes from Washington via the Marcin Gortat trade.

LaVine is another combo guard that would flourish under the principles of Coach Jeff Hornaceck. Phoenix already has an amazing one-two backcourt punch of Dragic and Bledsoe, so why not add LaVine and Stauskas to your bench to have arguably the best collection of backcourt players in the NBA. More importantly, Bledsoe becomes a restricted free agent in a few weeks. If things don’t turn out well and he bolts the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix will have two quality replacements.

19. Chicago Bulls: Jerami Grant, Syracuse

Chicago will be tempted to get a scorer here, bearing in mind how difficult it was for them to find offense against the Wizards in the postseason. However, with Carlos Boozer most likely to be amnestied and Taj Gibson moving over to the starting power forward role, the Bulls will need frontcourt depth. Grant is an amazing athlete who provides non-stop effort and determination. Sound like a perfect fit for Coach Tom Thibodeau, right?

20. Toronto Raptors: Elfrid Payton, Louisiana Lafayette

The Raptors will do anything they can to re-sign Kyle Lowry this summer. But if the All-Star snub’s asking price is too high, then savvy GM Masai Ujiri might let him walk. Adding to his woes, backup PG Greivis Vasquez is also a free agent, and that could lead to the Raptors having no playmakers, if worst comes to worst. That’s why look for Toronto to snag Elfrid Payton, who’s been a sleeper so far. His offense needs work but his D and athleticism are already there, making him an asset.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder: T. J. Warren, North Carolina State

The Jeremy Lamb experiment has failed for OKC, forcing Coach Scott Brooks to rely on old men Caron Butler and Derek Fisher for firepower. Warren’s a superb scorer whose only weakness is a lack of a three-point shot – something that can be developed. He’s also an absolute demon on the break, and should fit in nicely with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Furthermore, at six-foot-eight, he can play the three while Russ, Reggie Jackson, and KD play the one, two, and four, respectively.

22. Memphis Grizzlies: K.J. McDaniels, Clemson

The Clemson stalwart was the fastest sprinter in the NBA Draft Combine and had one of the highest vertical leaps. Mike Miller can’t do anything anymore but shoot open threes while Tayshaun Prince is devoid of any type of offense. If K.J. lands in Memphis, don’t be shocked to see him in the starting line-up right away.

23. Utah Jazz: C.J. Wilcox, Washington

Note: This pick comes from Golden State via the Richard Jefferson trade.

Wilcox can’t do anything but shoot the ball, though he can do the latter quite well. Utah was one of the worst teams in hitting the 3-ball last season, so picking up someone who can go on binge shooting nights should remedy some of that issue.

24. Charlotte Hornets: Cleanthony Early, Whichita State

The Hornets like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist because he’s already a valuable defender; some have called him a bigger version of Tony Allen. Still, that’s not enough to negate his atrocious shooting form and the rest of his non-existent offense. Plus, Charlotte doesn’t have a lot of wing depth, which could lead to the selection of Early. At six-foot-seven and 210 pounds, Early can be an offensive juggernaut in the right system. His defense isn’t too shabby, either.

25. Houston Rockets: Jusuf Nurkic, Bosnia

The Rockets don’t need anymore young, talented players; they have enough of that. They need quality veterans who know how to win, most especially since expectations in Year 2 of the Dwight Experiment will be higher. It won’t be a surprise to see them draft Nurkic, a center with a world of potential, but one whom they can store in Bosnia for a couple more years before calling him to the United States.

26. Miami Heat: Shabazz Napier, UConn

Napier was a second round selection before March, but his performance in the NCAA Tournament bolstered his stock because of his display of leadership, big-shot making ability, and pick-and-roll expertise. The last one is important, considering Miami’s offense centers on the screen and roll. With Mario Chalmers leaving during free agency a high likelihood, Norris Cole will be inserted into the starting line-up, and Napier should do a suitable job being the team’s back-up PG.

27. Phoenix Suns: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Serbia

Note: This pick comes from Indiana via the Luis Scola trade

With an influx of first round picks, Phoenix will most probably have their last selection be a player who would spend a few more years abroad before coming to the NBA. Also, Bogdanovic can one day become a viable perimeter threat, and the Suns love those kinds of guys.

28. Los Angeles Clippers: Clint Capela, Switzerland

Lob City needs more weaponry from their wings, but an even bigger concern is their lack of a quality big guy off the bench who can produce on both sides of the floor. Capela, who some believe can go up to No. 15, is a defensive menace at 6-foot-11 and should be a tremendous back up to DeAndre Jordan. Oh, and I almost forgot: he’s a monster on the fast break who can finish incredible dunks in transition. Yeah, he should fit right in.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Glenn Robinson III, Michigan

Perry Jones has had some nice games, but he hasn’t proven enough to be a high-caliber back up to the league’s reigning MVP. Glenn Robinson III wasn’t exactly eye-catching in his college career, but there’s no doubt he’s got amazing athleticism and there are days when his jumpshot is silky smooth. This is a no-risk and possible high-reward play for Oklahoma City.

30. San Antonio Spurs: Mitch McGary, Michigan

Hmm. A big, husky white guy who has pretty noteworthy potential, some head-scratching back issues, and some off-court, drug-related problems. Wonder where he would fit best? How about that team which embodies discipline and has a mentor that just won the NBA Coach of the Year award, right?

– Rappler.com