Australian
point guard Dante Exum's stock is rising while Marcus Smart could be nabbed by
the Magic at No. 4.
Jabari Parker or Andrew Wiggins? It's been talked about since both were
juniors in high school. But Joel Embiid's tremendous potential threw a wrench
into the debate. The Cavs are picking No. 1 overall for the second year in a
row and the third time in four years. Last year they drafted Anthony Bennett.
Who will they go with this time around? Our Mitch Lawrence predicts the entire
first round.
1. CAVALIERS:
Andrew Wiggins, Kansas, Shooting guard, 6-8
After using the No. 1 pick overall on big underachiever Anthony Bennett
last June, the Cavs find another Canadian who can actually play.
2. BUCKS:
Jabari Parker, Duke, Small forward 6-8
It’s hard to believe, but here’s a major talent who won’t mind one bit
playing for the Bucks.
3. SIXERS:
Dante Exum, Australia, Point guard, 6-6
In a draft full of unknowns, he’s the unquestioned mystery man of 2014.
4. MAGIC:
Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State, Point guard, 6-3
The Magic liked him last year, before he decided to leave
the draft and return to school.
5. JAZZ: Noah Vonleh, Indiana, Power forward, 6-9
The Jazz is looking for frontcourt help but will (gulp) pass
on Julius Randle.
6. CELTICS: Joel Embiid, Kansas, Center, 7-0
If Embiid’s foot heals and he can stay on the court, the
Celtics will come away with the steal of the draft.
7. LAKERS: Julius Randle, Kentucky, Power forward, 6-9
He’d go as high as No. 3 if there weren’t so many questions
about whether he really needs foot surgery.
8. KINGS: Aaron Gordon, Arizona, Power forward, 6-9
9. HORNETS:
Doug McDermott, Creighton, Small forward, 6-8
Another “stretch four’’ who can shoot, and that’s one thing Charlotte
needs to complement Al Jefferson’s inside scoring.
10. SIXERS:
Nik Stauskas, Michigan, Shooting guard, 6-6
The Sixers, in a pick from New Orleans, come away with a highly skilled
player who will help them in their rebuilding.
11. NUGGETS:
Elfrid Payton, La.-Lafayette, Point guard, 6-4
Some scouts think that Payton, the biggest riser in the draft, could be
another Damian Lillard.
12. MAGIC:
Jusuf Nurkic, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Center, 6-11
Not yet 20, he’s got size, skills and upside, in a pick via Denver.
13. T-WOLVES:
Adreian Payne, Mich. State, Power forward, 6-10
This helps the Wolves find frontcourt help for when Kevin Love is
traded.
14. SUNS:
Gary Harris, Michigan State, Shooting Guard, 6-4
He might be a little undersized for the position, but he can defend and
will get better as a shooter.
15. HAWKS:
T. J. Warren, N.C. State, Small forward, 6-8
The Hawks can get an offensive talent to help them climb out of eighth
place in the East.
16. BULLS:
Shabazz Napier, UConn, Point guard, 6-1
The Bulls, via Charlotte, can’t wait to land a first-rate leader and
winner who is being compared to Kyle Lowry.
17. CELTICS:
Dario Saric, Croatia, SF-PF, 6-10
The question is whether this versatile talent will stay overseas. Pick
is from Brooklyn.
18. SUNS:
Rodney Hood, Duke, SG-SF, 6-8
He’s the player from Duke nobody is talking about, with all the focus
on Jabari Parker.
19. BULLS:
Zach LaVine, UCLA, Shooting guard, 6-6
Some scouts think he could go higher because his athleticism is off the
charts.
20. RAPTORS:
Tyler Ennis, Syracuse, Point guard, 6-2
He’s fallen recently, but the Raptors might need to replace Kyle Lowry
if he goes to Miami.
21. THUNDER:
James Young, Kentucky, Shooting guard, 6-7
The Thunder might be looking to replace Thabo Sefolosha, and Young will
score on the next level.
22. GRIZZLIES:
Kyle Anderson, UCLA, Point forward, 6-9
Anderson is a top passer who doesn’t need to shoot to contribute to the
Grizzlies.
23. JAZZ:
P.J. Hairston, North Carolina, SG, 6-4
NBA teams think Hairston, who was booted by UNC, can provide scoring
punch. Pick from Golden State.
24. HORNETS:
Mitch McGary, Michigan, Power forward, 6-10
Stock has fallen since last season but he’s seen as a skilled Tyler
Hansbrough. From Portland.
25. ROCKETS:
Clint Capela, France, Power forward, 6-10
NBA personnel men think he can develop into a contributor but first he
needs to bulk up.
26. HEAT:
Jarnell Stokes, Tennessee, Power forward, 6-8
LeBron wants Napier, who will be off the board, so the Heat can get a
player who rebounds with strength and length.
27. SUNS:
Jerami Grant, Syracuse, Small forward, 6-8
Son of ex-NBA’er Harvey Grant will provide top-notch athleticism for
the Suns.
28. CLIPPERS:
Cleanthony Early, Wichita State, SF, 6-8
Early is out of Middletown, N.Y. and is an overachiever who could
thrive under Doc Rivers.
29. THUNDER:
K.J. McDaniels, Clemson, Small forward, 6-6
The Thunder will like how McDaniels is a defense-first player who wants
to improve at the offensive end.
30. SPURS:
Walter Tavares, Spain, Center, 7-3
With Tim Duncan finished after next season, it’s never too early for
the new champs to start lining up more size.
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