2014 NBA Mock Draft 1.0
Here is the first official Keeping It Real Sports break down of this year’s NBA Draft featuring one of the best classes in over a decade. Names like Embiid, Wiggins and Parker may dominate the headlines but there are many other great players ready to be picked late in the first round.
(CLE) 1. Joel Embiid, C, Kansas
Cavs will select Embiid because of his size and athleticism but there should be major caution with a big man who is already experiencing back problems at such a young age. Embiid pre-draft workouts impressed but he did look a tad bit slow
(MIL) 2. Andrew Wiggins, SF, Kansas
Yes we know that he only scored 4 points in his final game as a Kansas Jayhawk but the upside to this kid is amazing. Andrew #OVOWIGGINS Wiggins’ game is already tailor made for the open space that the NBA brings and he will be just fine. A lineup consisting of Giannis, John Henson and Wiggins is wingspan hell for any team.
(PHIL) 3. Jabari Parker, F, Duke
Jabari Parker is the most skilled offensive player in the draft and a great leader for a kid as young as he is. He’s large enough to play any forward if a team wants to play him at any position. The downside is that Parker’s defense is something to worry about but with his mental toughness, he can become a sizable defender. It seems Parker has been working on his speed and quickness of the dribble heading into the draft. While others may have a higher “Upside” than Parker, he seems to be the most NBA ready out of all the prospects. If you don’t agree watch and be amazed
(ORL) 4. Dante Exum, PG, Australia
A PG that is 6’6 with a 6’9.25 wingspan, I will say it again, 6’6 with a 6’9.25 wingspan. Not many athletes have that type of body but as a PG, he will be heavily coveted. ORL future backcourt of Exum & Oladipo (sorry Nelson, your time is up) will be a sight to see in the NBA.
(UTAH) 5. Julius Randle, PF, Kentucky
Randle is the most dominant player in this current draft class and abused many teams with his offensive rebounding and aggressive put backs. He does not have a traditional post-game but he can develop in the NBA especially on the Jazz.
(BOS) 6. Aaron Gordon, F, Arizona
At first I thought Gordon was a Blake Griffin prototype, but as I watched more of his games, he plays more like Shawn Marion. He’s a great pick and roll defender and he slides his feet like someone half his size. He’s skilled enough to get blocks off ball as well.
(LAL) 7. Marcus Smart, PG, Oklahoma State
Smart was one of my favorite players to watch this season, as he played with composure and control, bringing down his turnovers and increasing his assists. Smart has to work on his outside shot if he wants to become an all-around threat for PGs in the NBA.
(SAC) 8. Gary Harris, SG, Michigan State
Harris is the prototypical 3-and-D guy or just a better version of KCP. Harris created problems for every guard he defended and spaced himself well to hit the open shot. Harris still scored 17 ppg with Adreian Payne as the main offensive threat; Harris knows how to score his buckets at the right time.
(CHA) 9. Adreian Payne, PF, Michigan State
Payne has the perfect size to defend NBA power forwards and he can become a valuable stretch four. Payne developed a shot at Michigan State and commands double teams in the post and can make the right pass when needed.
(PHIL) 10. Noah Vonleh, PF, Indiana
His strong combine measurements and absolute rebounding skills make him a definite prospect and a great option for the Jazz
(DEN) 11. Doug McDermott, F, Creighton
Denver needs a duplicate of Danilo as he recovers from ANOTHER knee surgery, great pick up for the Nuggets.
(ORL) 12. Nik Stauskas, SG, Michigan
*JJ Redick situation all over again (Minus the back issues)*
(MINN) 13. Rodney Hood, G, Duke
Rodney Hood is not going to make Love stay, but a valuable piece if Saunders plays him in his rotation (Lord knows Adelman hated playing rookies)
(PHO) 14. T.J. Warren, SF, N.C. State.
A younger P.J. Tucker who can score efficiently and defend well at a young age, yeah sure, why not!
(ATL) 15. James Young, F, Kentucky
In case you do not know who this young man is
(CHI) 16. Kyle Anderson, F, UCLA
*Most likely to be traded*
(BOS) 17. Clint Capela, F, Switzerland
*Most likely to be traded*
(PHO) 18. Dario Saric, SF, Croatia
*Most likely to be traded*
(CHI) 19. Tyler Ennis, PG, Syracuse
Bulls needs a guard who can operate a P&R. Ennis can pass to the rolling man or p…..I’m just kidding, the Bulls need a back PG because we all know the pressure that Derrick Rose’s knees are getting right now
(TOR) 20. K.J. McDaniels, SF, Clemson
(OKC) 21. Cleanthony Early, PF, Wichita State
OKC is great at selecting late 1st round talent and Early is instant offense that OKC would love to have but will he be able to develop in OKC’s system?
(MEM) 22. Zach LaVine, SG , UCLA
Zach may have moved up a couple spots in my mind because of this vertical leap #Bruh
(UTAH) 23. Markel Brown, SG, Oklahoma State
Marcus Smart’s partner in crime has the ability to be a 3 & D guard who can break into the rotation of the Jazz (I mean…Alex Burke is the starting SG……who can’t at this point)
(CHA) 24. Jerami Grant, PF, Syracuse
Charlotte needs athleticism at the forward spot; he is a prototype who can be molded into a decent rotational player for any team, i.e. Terrance Jones
(HOU) 25. Jarnell Stokes, PF, Tennessee
*Most likely to be traded*
(MIA) 26. Patric Young, PF/C, Florida
Miami Front Office: “We just need a rebounder, who is this guy? Oh he’s a center?
Adam Silver: The Miami Heat selects Patric Young
(PHO) 27. Elfrid Payton, PG, Lou-Lafayette
I see the headlines now, Ish Smith vs Elfrid Payton: The Battle to Play Behind the Dragon
(LAC) 28. Shabazz Napier, PG, UConn
The MIP of the 2014 NCAA tournament will be a late 1st round pick. Although Napier was very exciting in the tournament (Shabazz’s run was more magical than Burke’s and Walker’s) but his size and age really affects his stock.
(OKC) 29. Glenn Robinson III, SF, Michigan
*Most likely to be traded*
(SAS) 30. Jordan Adams, SG, UCLA
Spurs are going to be the Spurs and make this pick and playoff stout
