2014 Mock Draft (6/23 entire draft)

[babyjax13]

----1st round---
1. Cleveland: Andrew Wiggins
Extremely gifted athlete. Does well getting the ball into the teeth of the defense, but seems to haphazardly take difficult shots at the rim rather than rely on moving the ball. Too prone to believe he will get fouled when driving, it forces him out of position. Handles the ball well, solid but not great shooting touch. I don't think that he is a transcendent franchise player like Durant/LeBron/Kobe/Pierce/Allen, etc. but on the next tier. Probably going to be a top 8 wing in the league at some point in his career and with the right players next to him could be a part of some great teams. Really reminiscent of Alec Burks and Paul George in college with their frantic playing pace. I think Wiggins lands somewhere right between them, which is a great place to be considering that George is a top 5 player and Burks will probably averaging around 16 a game next season.

2. Milwaukee: Jabari Parker
A better athlete than people give him credit for. His efficiency for a freshman is really startling. Plays out of position defensively for Duke, becoming more of a post defender than a perimeter defender. Shows strong rebounding instincts for a small forward. Good shooting stroke, great feel for the game, very high awareness while on the court. Struggles at times when being defended by more athletic players, but I think that the heady way in which he plays will allow him to overcome those problems that he has faced early. Not sure how well he will do at the power forward position, I really feel that he is more suited to the small forward position. The only prospect that I watch play and can say that he will consistently average over 20ppg throughout his career.

3. Philadelphia: Dante Exum
Honestly, I know nothing about Exum. It just seems like the consensus is that he is a top 7 pick. From the highlights I've seen, I honestly don't understand the hype, so I wouldn't be surprised if he drops. But who knows how much he has developed? People are talking about his combine numbers being great, but he really didn't stand out historically. Measured very similar to MCW which is pretty good, but he is not the next Derrick Rose or Russell Westbrook athletically.

4. Orlando: Marcus Smart
Smart is relentless, I love watching how he can physically dominate college players. I'm not sure that trend continues in the NBA and I don't have faith that he is actually a point guard, which in my opinion hurts his draft stock. I think that his upside as a second player is tremendous, but he has a long way to go if teams expect him to play point guard. Built like Tony Allen and seems to have that same kind of tenacity, he'll still be able to play bully-ball at the shooting guard position.

5. Utah: Aaron Gordon
Gordon is a player that can spark all kinds of debate. One of the most athletically gifted players in college basketball, there is no doubting that his dunking ability and rebounding will translate to the league. What is in question is whether or not he can actually make an impact on the offensive side of the ball. His jumper is rough at best, yet despite this he still seems to take quite a few attempts away from the paint. He is also a poor freethrow shooter (42%). Ultimately, I think that his upside is somewhere around Josh Smith's, although I think that Gordon has a much higher basketball IQ. He certainly is worth a lottery pick, and I have him ahead of Vonleh on my big board and right around even with Randle. I feel pretty confident in saying that the Jazz are going to give the Kanter-Favors front line another go (and hire a coach that actually tries playing them together). Both have higher upsides and are already better players than the available power forwards.

6. Boston: Noah Vonleh
I think that his ability to spread the floor is a sign that Vonleh will at least be a nice 3rd or 4th option on offense. His post game is really unrefined and I question his footwork. Good coaching will go a long way toward helping him improve. I think that the ideal situation for him is to end up on a team with a good post player or big-man coach with a track record of improving players (Charlotte with Al Jefferson, Houston with Hakeem). Likely that doesn't happen, so I question how long it will take him to develop. No explosiveness whatsoever, but makes up for it with effort. I think that Vonleh ultimately becomes a productive player, but I don't see someone that I want in the early lottery. His length and hand size are the two things that he has going for him physically. If he can improve his lateral quickness there will be a lot less questions about how he pans out.

7. LA Lakers: Joel Embiid
The one thing that really impresses me when watching Embiid is his mobility as a 7' center. He's not explosive in the DeAndre Jordan way, he's fluid (but also has some explosiveness). Seems to have good instincts in pick and roll situations, defensive potential is obvious. Incredibly reminiscent of Greg Oden at Ohio State (albeit he isn't as dominating, yet...). Shows really promising signs with his footwork.

8. Sacramento: Julius Randle
I have concerns that he will struggle getting his shot blocked at the NBA level because of his lack of vertical explosiveness. However, his strength and wide body coupled with good footwork, a nice mid-range jump shot and better than average ball handling will help keep defenses honest and possible allow him to thrive in the right situation. I think that he can contribute 12-14ppg immediately and he will be in that Luis Scola/David West/Paul Millsap level of power forward that makes one or two all-star games and acts as a great second or third option.

9. Charlotte: Nik Stauskus
I'm convinced that he is a top 3 offensive player in this draft. I want to make the easy comparison and say that he is in the same mold as Klay Thompson/Kevin Martin, but he is much more multi-dimensional (IMHO). I think he can easily become a 16-18ppg scorer in his prime. Not only is he a great shooter, but he also has the ability to make things happen with the ball in his hands. He can create his own offense, or play well off of others. The problem is whether or not his defensive deficiencies are great enough to keep him off the court.

10. Philadelphia (via New Orleans): Doug McDermott
McDermott has an elite ability to create scoring opportunities for himself. He doesn't do it through elite athleticism or ball handling abilities, but rather craftiness and a great sense for how to create space to get his shot off. His athleticism is being significantly underrated and he will perform just fine at the NBA small forward position. He IS a below average defender and I doubt that he is ever good on that end, but he can easily average 15-17ppg on good efficiency on the other side. I think for many NBA teams, that's enough to consider drafting him in the lottery. He's definitely top 8 on my big board (if I ever make one).

11. Denver: Zach Lavine
LaVine is a player who can entertain you. He is athletic, he can shoot, and he is an above average ball handler at the shooting guard position. While there is still a lot to work on (like moving off the ball...and EVERYTHING involving defense), Lavine has enough potential that I think a team could take a flier on him in the lottery....or he could slip out of the first round completely. He reminds me of JR Smith, and if he ends up being JR Smith without the crazy...watch out...

12. Orlando (via New York): Clint Capella
Shows really nice body control and great mobility. Needs to improve his strength and footwork, sometimes seems to disappear for long stretches. I think that is a result of conditioning (he is only 19). Long, huge and mobile, once he adds weight onto his frame he will be really formidable, especially if he stays mobile enough for the power forward position. I wouldn't be surprised if he rises once he starts working out with teams.

13. Minnesota: James Young
Young's potential is pretty apparent, he is reasonably athletic, long and has a nice shooting stroke. If he can develop better ball handling abilities, I can see him being a solid player in the league.

14. Phoenix: Gary Harris
I'm not as sold on Harris as other people are. He moves really well off the ball, is extremely aggressive for an undersized shooting guard and is a good enough shooter that if left open he will hit. What I don't see is any sort of elite skill that makes him a starter in the league. He's a solid defender, but I don't think that he merits a lottery pick.

15. Atlanta: Jusuf Nurkic
Know nothing about him. Lots of mocks have him a lot higher so I might have him rising as well. There are plenty of teams that could use a center. I have a better feel for what Capella can do, but don't be surprised if Nurkic climbs.

16. Chicago: Elfrid Payton
With athletic point guards being all the rage, I think Payton rises above Ennis (although he shouldn't).

17. Phoenix: Dario Saric
A lot of people have pointed to Saric being a floor-spreading four. From what little I've seen, most of his damage comes in the paint (as far as scoring is concerned) and in the high post (creating for others). He does have a solid enough shooting stroke to keep defenses honest. Another interesting point forward prospect in this draft. Haven't watched enough to make a solid comment as to what I think his potential is. His new contract lowers his value quite a bit, but I can see a team with multiple first round picks taking him and happily watching his development over seas.

18. Boston: TJ Warren
I'm not really sure what Warren's role is at the NBA level. He doesn't score in a traditional way and he really isn't the most athletic player (measuring worse than Doug McDermott in almost every category at the combine) but he scores at a ridiculous rate at the college level. His ability to move off the ball makes him ideal on a team that spreads the floor well.

19. Chicago: Adreian Payne
Can score in a variety of ways. Spreads the floor with his shooting but can also score with post moves. Seems slow when he is on the court, I think he will struggle getting his shots blocked at the next level because of the plodding nature of his post game. Can't score with his back to the basket, must make moves to face up. Often brings the ball low while executing post moves, needs to correct this. Has the potential to be a difference maker, but I think that despite his strengths his shortcomings are rather large. Reminds me of a taller, less explosive Malik Rose.

20. Toronto: Tyler Ennis
Ennis is a guy who has never really impressed me as a potential star. Everything in his game seems to scream average, except for one thing, he is a pure point guard. He can throw a myriad of creative passes, is extremely good at throwing the lob and is not turnover prone. He isn't looking to be a primary scorer on offense. Everything about his game screams that he would be a perfect fit for a team with an athletic big man to take advantage of his lobs and great entry passes he can make. Ennis is also great at getting into the lane and then turning it into scoring opportunities for other players. Again, he primarily creates opportunities for post players, but an elite shooter on the wings would also benefit from his court vision. I don't think that he is ever a top 10 point guard, but I think that Ennis is a long term starter that can really help hold a team together. He is a perfect fit, in particular, for Detroit and Sacramento.

21. Oklahoma City: PJ Hairston
Another 3 and D player. Has similar attributes as Wesley Matthews. I can see Hairston being unavailable at this position in the draft pretty easily. A player that really demonstrates how deep this draft is. I think he tops out as a guy who scores about 13 a game on good efficiency with nice defense. Another great value pick outside of the lottery and maybe someone who could climb into a late lottery position.

22. Memphis: Rodney Hood
I think that Hood will go higher than where I have him, but when I've watched him play he just seems to disappear. Clearly has a nice shooting stroke, but is a poor defender and a poor rebounder for his position. I think there are other far superior prospects later in the draft, like GRIII.

23. Utah: Damien Inglis
His physical profile is really impressive, seems to have advance skills for an 18 year old. Shooting percentage from 3 is a promising sign for at least developing into a 3 and D type of role that is being popularized in the NBA. I think that his downside is fairly high for a player this late in the draft, but I'm not sure how high his upside is.

24. Charlotte: Kyle Anderson
Has a really interesting game that is built mainly on his ability to penetrate into the paint and find open players. Shows advance ball handling abilities for a forward, definitely plays a "point forward" role on offense. A master of the high-low pass. If his footspeed were fast enough to play point guard he would be a top five pick. Not sure how his game will translate into the league because he does not really fit a "traditional" position. He's a player that you really want to see be successful because he has such an interesting game. A team that has a lot of athletic players to take advantage of his passing skills would be a perfect fit.

25. Houston: Vasilije Micic
Game seems very natural on the court, spreads the court well, a willing passer with exceptional court vision.

26. Miami: Jordan Adams
Adams is one of my favorite players in the draft. He is a very good ball handler at the shooting guard position, has quick hands and makes good decisions in the half court. I think that the concerns about his athleticism are overstated, if he has the motivation, an offseason with an elite trainer could dispel those concerns. I think that outside of the lottery he is a great value pick. My gut says he is a top 8 player in this draft.

27. Phoenix: Spencer Dinwiddie
Has a polished all-around game with the ability to really spread the floor and act as a secondary ball handler. Would be between 15-20 had it not been for his injury.

28. LA Clippers: Shabazz Napier
Has the ability to score the ball in a variety of ways. Not a true point guard, but will fit in a system where his job is to penetrate and dish or spread the floor for other players.

29. Oklahoma City: Patric Young
I think that Young is being underrated by a lot of mocks. He has an NBA ready body and has a firm grasp of the fundamentals of the game. He won't ever be a star, but he will be a solid role player in the league.

30. San Antonio: Nikola Jokic
Based on what little I've seen, Jokic seems to be a better prospect than Nurkic, he plays with more fluidity and court awareness.

----2nd round---
31. Milwaukee: Bogdan Bogdanovic
Really impressive lateral quickness on defense, has nice defensive anticipation. A threat to score from the perimeter.
32. Philadelphia: Walter Tavares
33. Cleveland: KJ McDaniels
An explosive athlete with great leaping abilities, defensive anticipation and length. Is a threat to finish in transition or off of off ball cuts. Really needs to work on his jumpshot, inconsistent from three. Not a great ball handler, but can finish with both hands. I think that McDaniels is a great value pick in this draft. Has the ability to post up smaller defenders and score, I think this part of his offensive game translates better than other aspects. I don't think he'll be an elite scorer, but he will be an elite defender, possibly from day one.
34. Dallas Mavericks: Glenn Robinson III
35. Utah: Dwight Powell
Has a great faceup game on offense, can spread the floor and handle the ball pretty well for a power forward. A willing and able passer, measured EXTREMELY well at the combine. Look for Powell to be a riser on draft night. I think that he is a better player than Adreian Payne.
36. Milwaukee: Mitch McGary
37. Toronto: Cleanthony Early
Really impressed in athletic testing, clearly has the ability to play small forward at the next level. An incredible competitor, spreads the floor well and is willing to absorb contact in order to get 50/50 balls. Not sold on his fundamentals from the perimeter.
38. Detroit: Artem Klimenko
39. Philadelphia: Jerami Grant
I always have my doubts about athletic freaks with undeveloped games. I think that Grant is ultimately a power forward and not a small forward because he doesn't have the skills to play the 3. Anything before 20 is probably a reach for a player without a true position or an elite skill.
40. Minnesota: CJ Wilcox
41. Denver: Jordan Clarkson
42. Houston: Rasmus Larsen
43. Atlanta: Deonte Burton
44. Minnesota: Khem Birch
45. Charlotte: Ronald Roberts Jr
46. Washington: Josh Huestis
47. Philadelphia: Ioannis Papapetrou
48. Milwaukee: Thanasis Antetokounmpo
49. Chicago: Johnny O'Brien
50. Phoenix: Eric Moreland
51. Dallas: Semaj Christon
52. Philadelphia: James McAdoo
53. Minnesota: Russ Smith
54. Philadelphia: Moussa Diagne
55. Miami: Nick Johnson
56. Denver: DeAndre Daniels
57. Indiana: Mike Moser
58. San Antonio: DeAndre Kane
59. Toronto: Devyn Marble
60. San Antonio: Alessandro Gentile

Best of the rest (no particular order): Travis Bader, Scottie Wilbekin, Nemanja Dangubic, Andre Dawkins, Markel Brown, Aaron Craft, Sean Kilpatrick, Alec Brown, Cameron Bairstown, Jordan Bachynski, LaQuinton Ross, Cory Jefferson, Keith Appling, Roscoe Smith

*Notes:
Bold indicates a player that I think has a good chance at being a steal based on where they are selected.
Red indicates a player that I think will have less nba impact than projected.

[babyjax13]

Updated.

[LloydFree]

2. Philadelphia 76ers: Jabari Parker
A better athlete than people give him credit for. His efficiency for a freshman is really startling

Jabari Parker has the same Freshman PER as Anthony Bennett.

[babyjax13]

2. Philadelphia 76ers: Jabari Parker
A better athlete than people give him credit for. His efficiency for a freshman is really startling

Jabari Parker has the same Freshman PER as Anthony Bennett.

Would you like it to be under 25? I know it isn't the end all be all, but Parker has very good advanced stats and he passes the eye test as far as intangibles are concerned. A bit of weight loss and I doubt anyone would argue he is 3x the prospect Bennett was.

[djthesonicsfan]

21. Oklahoma City: Adreian Payne
29. Oklahoma City: Glenn Robinson III

Awesome if that #21 pick happens. As for #29, I'm not so sure Robinson would find a role on our team. Durant plays a lot of minutes and Lamb, Roberson & PJ3 are all still trying to bust out behind Brooks' favored old guys (Sefolosha, Butler and Fisher). I actually could see Presti taking a PG as insurance against not being able to resign Jackson summer 2015... Burton, Micic, Christon are my top picks. Those guys, or at least one of them, could still be available early 2nd round so maybe Presti trades down?

[babyjax13]

21. Oklahoma City: Adreian Payne
29. Oklahoma City: Glenn Robinson III

Awesome if that #21 pick happens. As for #29, I'm not so sure Robinson would find a role on our team. Durant plays a lot of minutes and Lamb, Roberson & PJ3 are all still trying to bust out behind Brooks' favored old guys (Sefolosha, Butler and Fisher). I actually could see Presti taking a PG as insurance against not being able to resign Jackson summer 2015... Burton, Micic, Christon are my top picks. Those guys, or at least one of them, could still be available early 2nd round so maybe Presti trades down?

What about Elfrid Payton if you don't move? I think that neither he nor Micic would be a reach at the position you guys are at...but then again it is really hard to forecast what those bubble picks will look like. What about another backup post player as insurance in case Payne doesn't pan out?

[PZiv]

Bogdan Bogdanovic so deep in 2nd round. Lol, hes only acclaimed euro player from this years class.

[NekiEcko]

Atlanta is at 15 not Orlando (unless we trade the pick)

[babyjax13]

Atlanta is at 15 not Orlando (unless we trade the pick)

Thanks

[babyjax13]

Bogdan Bogdanovic so deep in 2nd round. Lol, hes only acclaimed euro player from this years class.

8 picks in is deep? There are plenty of good wing prospects in the draft, I wouldn't be surprised if he is drafted in the 20s or close to the 40s.

[djthesonicsfan]

21. Oklahoma City: Adreian Payne
29. Oklahoma City: Glenn Robinson III

Awesome if that #21 pick happens. As for #29, I'm not so sure Robinson would find a role on our team. Durant plays a lot of minutes and Lamb, Roberson & PJ3 are all still trying to bust out behind Brooks' favored old guys (Sefolosha, Butler and Fisher). I actually could see Presti taking a PG as insurance against not being able to resign Jackson summer 2015... Burton, Micic, Christon are my top picks. Those guys, or at least one of them, could still be available early 2nd round so maybe Presti trades down?

What about Elfrid Payton if you don't move? I think that neither he nor Micic would be a reach at the position you guys are at...but then again it is really hard to forecast what those bubble picks will look like. What about another backup post player as insurance in case Payne doesn't pan out?

Elfrid Payton is long and athletic. But he can't shoot. Our system needs perimeter players who can shoot. Which is why Sefolosha's been killing us this year and we rented Butler. Burton and Christon are also athletic... and they can shoot. Micic is very interesting too. From what I've read he's got size and a great feel for the game. A few good kids to choose from. Jackson leaving June 2015 is a very real possibility. Presti has to protect against that. I'm very sure we add another PG and Presti's MO is via the draft.

Payne is the real deal from what I've seen. But I also like Patric Young. If Payne is gone at #21 my bet is Presti trades down because it seems Young will still be there at the start of the second round.

[babyjax13]

Updated.

[bwgood77]

I'd be stoked as a Suns fan to get Gary Harris at 14.

[babyjax13]

I'd be stoked as a Suns fan to get Gary Harris at 14.

I think that one of the good shooting guards will be there for them. Anyone out of the Harris/Stauskas/Lavine/Young group would be a nice takeaway for them. Harris especially since he shares many aspects of his game with Eric Gordon (mainly ability to score at the rim).

[bwgood77]

I'd be stoked as a Suns fan to get Gary Harris at 14.

I think that one of the good shooting guards will be there for them. Anyone out of the Harris/Stauskas/Lavine/Young group would be a nice takeaway for them. Harris especially since he shares many aspects of his game with Eric Gordon (mainly ability to score at the rim).

Yeah, I'm not as high on LaVine as the others mainly because they already are pretty high on Archie Goodwin and they are very similar in many respects (size, athleticism, finishing at the rim, etc). Goodwin made a ton of progress this year and has been working on his shot. I mentioned this on a couple of other mocks that have the Suns taking LaVine.

I'd rather have more of a knockdown shooter first and foremost. So I like Stauskas, and then Young probably has the most upside...will probably be a great shooter, has the length and athleticism to be a great defender.

Any of those three (Harris, Stauskas or Young) would be nice. Not as high on Hood and LaVine.

I also like Early as a potential later pick. Would be a steal imo at 27 but I'd think about him at 18.

Also, your mock has the Suns at 17 and Celtics at 18....Celtics won the coin toss so they get 17.

A lot of Suns fans also like Payne. They feel perhaps he could play the Frye role in about a year and maybe be the backup and Markieff Morris moves in as starter.

But Suns mgmt (or local media say suns mgmt) said they wouldn't go for a power forward because none in their range are as good as Markieff Morris.

Now if we could trade up to get Vonleh that would be a different story. He would fit our offense like a glove and bring some toughness.

[niffoc4]

I'd be stoked as a Suns fan to get Gary Harris at 14.

I think that one of the good shooting guards will be there for them. Anyone out of the Harris/Stauskas/Lavine/Young group would be a nice takeaway for them. Harris especially since he shares many aspects of his game with Eric Gordon (mainly ability to score at the rim).

As a Hawks fan, I really wish that wasn't the Suns top need. I want the Hawks to get Harris or Stauskas, but even if either fall to 14, it's unlikely they'll fall one more spot

[bwgood77]

I'd be stoked as a Suns fan to get Gary Harris at 14.

I think that one of the good shooting guards will be there for them. Anyone out of the Harris/Stauskas/Lavine/Young group would be a nice takeaway for them. Harris especially since he shares many aspects of his game with Eric Gordon (mainly ability to score at the rim).

As a Hawks fan, I really wish that wasn't the Suns top need. I want the Hawks to get Harris or Stauskas, but even if either fall to 14, it's unlikely they'll fall one more spot

Yeah, that happened to the Suns with Lamb a couple of years ago. But we thought we had him and that MIlwaukee (or whoever it was wouldn't take him) and then the pick got traded to Houston and they took him and we ended up with Kendall Marshall.

[babyjax13]

I'd be stoked as a Suns fan to get Gary Harris at 14.

I think that one of the good shooting guards will be there for them. Anyone out of the Harris/Stauskas/Lavine/Young group would be a nice takeaway for them. Harris especially since he shares many aspects of his game with Eric Gordon (mainly ability to score at the rim).

As a Hawks fan, I really wish that wasn't the Suns top need. I want the Hawks to get Harris or Stauskas, but even if either fall to 14, it's unlikely they'll fall one more spot

The Hawks could see one of those shooting guards as long as both Nurkic and McDermott are picked before 15. I think though, that they are looking at one of those two. I'm not sure what to think about Nurkic, but McDermott that late in the draft would be a good pick. By the way, whatever happened to John Jenkins? I liked him so much coming out of college and he had a nice rookie year...but it looks like he got hurt and fell of the face of the map. Any hope he and Korver can hold down the shooting guard position for the near future?

[niffoc4]

I think that one of the good shooting guards will be there for them. Anyone out of the Harris/Stauskas/Lavine/Young group would be a nice takeaway for them. Harris especially since he shares many aspects of his game with Eric Gordon (mainly ability to score at the rim).

As a Hawks fan, I really wish that wasn't the Suns top need. I want the Hawks to get Harris or Stauskas, but even if either fall to 14, it's unlikely they'll fall one more spot

The Hawks could see one of those shooting guards as long as both Nurkic and McDermott are picked before 15. I think though, that they are looking at one of those two. I'm not sure what to think about Nurkic, but McDermott that late in the draft would be a good pick. By the way, whatever happened to John Jenkins? I liked him so much coming out of college and he had a nice rookie year...but it looks like he got hurt and fell of the face of the map. Any hope he and Korver can hold down the shooting guard position for the near future?

Korver will be one of the starters or at least a super sub on the wing for the next few years. Not sure I like the idea of a Korver-Mcdermott pairing on the outside (defensively). Jenkins could end up getting minutese at SG if healthy, especially if Shelvin Mack signs elsewhere this offseason.

[babyjax13]

Updated.