2014 Draft Thread: Picks 14, 18, 27, 50

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Thing is, McD likes high-ceiling players; he wants to draft a star. At 14, odds are low. I think Saric is the most likely player available at #14 to become a star. Of course, the reasons he'll be available there are precisely the reasons we may not draft him. I'm unsure, myself. I'd be upset if we won 52 games next year, and he didn't want to come over to help us push for a title.

I would say he's self-centered, but if you look at how he plays the game, it seems like he just loves to play in Europe. The freedom to be wacky, being the best player, that seems to satisfy him for now.

[DRK]

If we took Saric at 14, who should we target at 27? Thoughts?

If Capela is gone, I would definitely look into taking Patric Young.

He can come in and contribute immediately. Word is that he's been working out with Joakim Noah during the offseason, and Noah has been mentoring him.

Patric Young as a backup big when we need the physicality would be a great player to have off the bench

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

One other thing: Denver reportedly loves Saric, but now he's dropping. There were rumors of Denver being willing to trade the #11 for #16 and #19. But maybe we indicate a willingness to take Saric, and maybe Denver still wants him. Maybe now we can get #11 for #14 and #27. If Philly takes Exum, and Charlotte takes McDermott, Stauskas probably drops to #11. So maybe that happens.

[DRK]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVG6Ln1IZRc[/youtube]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdug9LNNKMI[/youtube]

The dude plays with so much heart. Hes like a Big-Man-Version of PJ Tucker.

[Sreister]

One other thing: Denver reportedly loves Saric, but now he's dropping. There were rumors of Denver being willing to trade the #11 for #16 and #19. But maybe we indicate a willingness to take Saric, and maybe Denver still wants him. Maybe now we can get #11 for #14 and #27. If Philly takes Exum, and Charlotte takes McDermott, Stauskas probably drops to #11. So maybe that happens.

Way too much to give up. We can get higher than 11.

[Djedefre]

If we can't go into top 8 I really don't see the purpose on going up just for few spots.

[MrTwister]

Saric is probably the most skilled player in this draft, and it says something on such deep draft as this one.If he is available at 14 you should probably take him.Plus story Chad Ford broke are not still confirmed by his agent so i'd rather wait and see how it will end up.Most of the players which are in his range are role players at best.You should also give a look to Bogdan Bogdanovic at 27, there are some rumors that Spurs like him enough to draft him in 1st round.

[Frank Lee]

I'm not sure which is more nauseating to read.... Lebron free agency hopes or trade dragic posts.

Draft fever has clearly set in on a few. At least it's only a 3 -4 day bug

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

If we can't go into top 8 I really don't see the purpose on going up just for few spots.

It's all about who you want. If we want Stauskas, we'll move up to get him. He won't be around at 14.

bwgood (or any other "insiders"), can we get a copy of Chad Ford's 9.0 posted here? Can't get it myself. Thanks!

[Kerrsed]

We shouldn't have considered Saric at #14 before, him staying MINIMUM 2 more years does not make it more attractive to pick him.

He might never come over to the NBA unless the team fully accomodates his wishes.

Yeah, Saric might be too risky. IIRC he'd come over instantly if it were Boston/LA that would draft him but meh that'd too high for him

EXACTLY!

I hate when Euro players enter the draft and then try to dictate which teams they will go to by threatening to stay overseas. Rubio tried that and lucky for Minny it didnt work.

I also dont see why you sign a contract with a team in a foreign league less then a week before the draft. Thats just shady s**t. His deal makes it so where he HAS to stay a minimum of 2 years overseas, with a buyout option in the 3rd year.

Maybe its just that i hate the idea of using high picks on Euro stash players. How many of them actually come over? How many of them actually improve overseas more then their college counterparts that have been playing in the league for a few years? How many get injured and never make it over? How many actually play for the team that drafts them, seems like a lot just end up as random trade fodder.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

As of today I'm hearing for the right price the Cavs, Celtics, Lakers, Kings, Nuggets, Magic (12), & Suns willing to deal their lotto picks.

Also, the Knicks are reportedly targeting Ennis, and are working out Warren, in the draft. They're probably trading Shumpert. Would we deal the #18 or (gasp!) the #14 in such a deal? If we take Shump, you have to think we envision Archie as a 1. He can certainly defend the position, but he's such a scorer one has to wonder if he can handle the distributing duties.

[Kerrsed]

Naw we need Plumlee, Embiid will probably miss the entire season to recover.

Joel Embiid to miss 4-6 months

http://espn.go.com/nba/draft2014/story/ ... ot-surgery

[King4Day]

As of today I'm hearing for the right price the Cavs, Celtics, Lakers, Kings, Nuggets, Magic (12), & Suns willing to deal their lotto picks.

Also, the Knicks are reportedly targeting Ennis, and are working out Warren, in the draft. They're probably trading Shumpert. Would we deal the #18 or (gasp!) the #14 in such a deal? If we take Shump, you have to think we envision Archie as a 1. He can certainly defend the position, but he's such a scorer one has to wonder if he can handle the distributing duties.

Would Shumpert be big enough to be able to replace Tucker should he walk?

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Naw we need Plumlee, Embiid will probably miss the entire season to recover.

Joel Embiid to miss 4-6 months

http://espn.go.com/nba/draft2014/story/ ... ot-surgery

Word is it will take 4-6 months before he is able to walk, and that he will probably miss the entire season, in part because any team that drafts him will want to be very, very careful with him.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Would Shumpert be big enough to be able to replace Tucker should he walk?

I don't think so. Shump's a 2. You couldn't stick him on Durant, Lebron, Marion, Terrence Jones, or Batum the way you can with PJ. Although, when I was coming up with that list I was surprised how few 3's in the west I'd be uncomfortable sticking Shump on. So maybe.

[gaspar]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/TheMattPetersen/status/481116811367170048[/tweet]

[bwgood77]

Thing is, McD likes high-ceiling players; he wants to draft a star. At 14, odds are low. I think Saric is the most likely player available at #14 to become a star. Of course, the reasons he'll be available there are precisely the reasons we may not draft him. I'm unsure, myself. I'd be upset if we won 52 games next year, and he didn't want to come over to help us push for a title.

I would say he's self-centered, but if you look at how he plays the game, it seems like he just loves to play in Europe. The freedom to be wacky, being the best player, that seems to satisfy him for now.

I'm not high on Saric at all. They say his best skill is passing, but he's not as good as passer as Anderson. He also was rated 7th on WARP translation just from the foreign guys. I know that is just a piece to look at but nothing about what I've read about him impresses me in the least bit.

[bwgood77]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/TheMattPetersen/status/481116811367170048[/tweet]

Preparing us for the Payton pick if he is there?

[bwgood77]

If we can't go into top 8 I really don't see the purpose on going up just for few spots.

It's all about who you want. If we want Stauskas, we'll move up to get him. He won't be around at 14.

bwgood (or any other "insiders"), can we get a copy of Chad Ford's 9.0 posted here? Can't get it myself. Thanks!

1
Jabari Parker
Cleveland Cavaliers (33 - 49)
COLLEGE: Duke
HT: 6-8
WT: 241
POS: SF

A week ago, Joel Embiid looked like a lock to be the No. 1 pick in the draft. News of a stress fracture in his right foot sent the Cavs spinning. Now the Cavs are wrestling between three options: draft Jabari Parker, draft Andrew Wiggins or trade the pick.

Sources close to the Cavs told ESPN.com this weekend that the team is now leaning toward taking Parker with the No. 1 pick. However, it's far from a lock. Parker came in to work out on Friday in front of the Cavs' front office and ownership. Parker wasn't great. He was a bit heavy (he weighed in at 255 pounds), didn't shoot the ball well and got winded at times. Furthermore, two different sources told ESPN.com that Parker seemed a bit indifferent. One source said he thought Parker "tanked" the workout.

Why? A source says he strongly prefers to play in Milwaukee. The Cavs appear to be aware of this. "Jabari wasn't himself," one source said. "It was clear we weren't his first option."

Meanwhile, Wiggins came in and nailed his workout on Wednesday. He shot the ball well, showed off tremendous athleticism and had a good interview. In fact, Wiggins was emphatic that he wants to be the No. 1 pick and wants to play for the Cavs.

So why is Parker ahead of Wiggins?

From what I can gather, while there are disagreements in the front office, Cavs GM David Griffin feels that Parker fits a more immediate need at the 3. Parker also is the most NBA-ready. They feel that whether he wants to play there or not, those hesitations will disappear when he arrives. They have a new front office and a new coach, who the Cavs believe can actually help them build the sort of culture they want. Parker's workout on Friday did create doubt, especially among ownership, but so far it looks like they are still leaning toward Parker.

The third option, a trade, is also on the table. The Cavs received intriguing offers from the Sixers, Magic and Jazz late last week. Each is offering its own high lottery pick plus a veteran. The Cavs could theoretically get either of Thaddeus Young, Arron Afflalo or Derrick Favors and still have a top-5 pick in the draft. It would make it much easier to draft Embiid if you knew you got additional value in the form of a veteran who can help now.
PLAYER CARD
2
Andrew Wiggins
Milwaukee Bucks (15 - 67)
COLLEGE: Kansas
HT: 6-8
WT: 200
POS: SG

Embiid's injury made this pretty easy for the Bucks. With Embiid out of the picture for Milwaukee (sources say they won't select him at No. 2) they take Parker or Wiggins -- whoever the Cavs pass on.

The Bucks always have had a slight preference for Parker. They need the scoring, the maturity in the locker room, and frankly, they just need to get this pick right, and Parker is the surest thing in the draft. They haven't been as high on Wiggins. However, Wiggins' strong workouts in Santa Barbara last week and in Milwaukee this week have cemented their resolve to take Wiggins if the Cavs take Parker.

The Bucks also have a strong affinity for Dante Exum, and he's still in the picture at No. 2. However after Wiggins' workout on Friday, the chances of Exum going No. 2 seem to have decreased quite a bit. The Bucks believe in him, but they think Wiggins has an even higher ceiling.

The Bucks also are getting their fair share of trade offers. The Sixers, Magic and Jazz all called them as well, offering similar packages. But it looks unlikely the Bucks are going to trade this pick. They need a franchise player and don't feel they'll get one later in the draft.

Look for the Bucks to be very active, however, in acquiring a second first-round pick -- preferably a lottery pick. There is serious interest from teams in Brandon Knight, John Henson and even Larry Sanders. They'd love to acquire another pick in the Nos. 7-10 range to land either a young point guard or a shooter.
PLAYER CARD
3
Dante Exum
Philadelphia 76ers (19 - 63)
COLLEGE: Australia
HT: 6-6
WT: 196
POS: PG

The Sixers are doing what they can to move up in the draft. The news of Embiid's injury hurt them more than anyone. Philly had become convinced that the Cavs would take Embiid and the Bucks would take Parker, giving them their No. 1 target: Wiggins.

The Sixers have zeroed in on Exum and Noah Vonleh here. They are very high on Exum as a prospect. He obviously plays the same position as Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams. However, the Sixers feel the two can play together and they continue to explore Carter-Williams trades that would land them a third pick in the top 10. The Lakers have strong interest in a package of Carter-Williams and Thaddeus Young for the No. 7 pick and Steve Nash. But so far there hasn't been any traction on that deal, according to sources. Even if they don't move Carter-Williams, they might still lean toward Exum. They have him ranked as a stronger pro.

Vonleh would give them a big who could spread the floor and help Noel on the defensive end. He's especially appealing as there aren't great bigs available to them at the No. 10 pick. If the Sixers can't get another pick in the Nos. 5-8 range, they could decide to go ahead and take Vonleh here.

There also is a chance that the Sixers would take Embiid here. They are trying to get as much medical information as they can on Embiid (as are the rest of the teams in the NBA). They had Embiid ranked very high on their board and showed last year that they aren't afraid to take an injured player and wait for him to get better. I think ultimately it's Exum or Vonleh, but Embiid is definitely in play here.
PLAYER CARD
4
Noah Vonleh
Orlando Magic (23 - 59)
COLLEGE: Indiana
HT: 6-10
WT: 247
POS: PF

The Magic have also been trying to both move up and get another lottery pick. They've offered Nos. 4 and 12 and Afflalo to the Cavs and Bucks, but so far, no takers. They've also used Afflalo as bait to get a pick from the Kings at No. 8 and the Nuggets at 11, but so far, no deal.

The Magic also are taking a long look at Embiid. They know they need an athletic rim protector. Nikola Vucevic has been great, but he doesn't provide the defense they seek in the middle. But there is concern in Orlando that Embiid's timetable won't work with what they are trying to build. If he misses the season and then essentially has his rookie year in 2015-16, they can't really expect him to start helping until 2016 at the earliest. The Magic have already had two brutal years of rebuilding. Two more sounds gut wrenching.

The Magic are also very keen on Exum, and I'm told they would likely select him if he's on the board. If he's gone and Embiid seems like too much of a risk, then it comes down to Vonleh and Marcus Smart to the Magic.

Vonleh has intrigued them ever since a stellar workout. His ability to stretch the floor and his ability to protect the rim make him a very good fit next to Vucevic. The team also needs a point guard badly and has been enamored with Smart for two seasons. Smart's workouts haven't been great in Orlando, however, and the Magic increasingly believe they can get a very good point guard at 12. I think Vonleh has the edge.
PLAYER CARD
5
Aaron Gordon
Utah Jazz (25 - 57)
COLLEGE: Arizona
HT: 6-9
WT: 220
POS: PF

The Jazz, like the Sixers and Magic, have been trying to get into the top two as well. The decision to include Favors in a deal shows just how highly they value the top pick. And no, Jazz fans, I think it's Wiggins that they're after (though obviously they'd be happy with Parker, too).

If they stay at No. 5, their top two targets -- Exum and Vonleh -- are off the board. From what I can gather, the next player on the list for the Jazz is Gordon. He had a stellar workout in Utah and the team is convinced that he could have an Andrei Kirilenko-like effect on the team. Because Gordon has never been a shooter; he's had to develop every other part of his game (ballhandling, passing, rebounding, defense) to justify putting him on the floor. But if he could ever learn how to shoot, he has everything else that you could want in an NBA star.
PLAYER CARD
6
Joel Embiid
Boston Celtics (25 - 57)
COLLEGE: Kansas
HT: 7-0
WT: 250
POS: C

Embiid could go No. 3 to the Sixers (or to the Cavs in a Sixers-Cavs swap) or to the Magic at No. 4. But if he slides past both of those teams (I don't see the Jazz taking the risk on Embiid) there's an increasing belief that GM Danny Ainge won't let him slide further. Ainge always has been a gambler and has always emphasized having great assets, and Embiid has the potential to be a franchise center, and there's no one else on the board that the Celtics are in love with.

There are a few caveats. The Celtics, like everyone else, are still gathering medical info. Sources say that the foot and back fractures aren't the only issues with Embiid's physical. There are several other issues that need to be addressed. Something they see in the next four days could scare them away. And second, the Celtics are engaged in a number of different trade scenarios that could alter this plan (by either trading the pick or getting an established star that would necessitate getting a player in the draft who could help them now.).

If the Celtics pass on Embiid, I believe Gordon is their top target. If he's gone, Marcus Smart seems to be the next guy up. The Celtics love his toughness and think he can play with Rondo as well as free them up to explore Rondo deals.
PLAYER CARD
7
Julius Randle
Los Angeles Lakers (27 - 55)
COLLEGE: Kentucky
HT: 6-9
WT: 234
POS: PF

Julius Randle went into the Lakers' workout and ferociously tried to end any doubt about where he belongs in the draft. After facing numerous questions about foot surgery this summer, Randle was dominant in the workout.

Yes, Randle will likely have to have a minor procedure to clean up a rogue screw in his foot. But the Lakers reportedly aren't as concerned as other teams. Marcus Smart seems to be the other strong contender for this pick. He came in for a second workout this weekend and had a strong one, but it looks like Randle has moved into the lead if the Lakers keep the pick.

"If" is key. The Lakers have been very active in looking for a veteran for their pick. Players like Klay Thompson, Michael Carter-Williams and Thaddeus Young are all interesting to them. This is a team that wants to win now. Randle or Smart could help, but a veteran will be even more ready.

Doug McDermott and Elfrid Payton also have been getting long looks from the Lakers, but it appears that both players are only in play if Randle and Smart are off the board.
PLAYER CARD
8
Marcus Smart
Sacramento Kings (28 - 54)
COLLEGE: Oklahoma State
HT: 6-3
WT: 227
POS: PG

The Kings are another team that will seriously consider Embiid if he's on the board.

The Kings continue to be active in trying to trade the pick with multiple sources saying that a trade is more likely than the Kings drafting where they are drafting.

Now that the team knows Rudy Gay will be back next season, the Kings are focusing on getting another point guard and an athletic big man to pair with DeMarcus Cousins.

But until a deal materializes, we have to take a look at what they are doing. Smart is the favorite if he's still there. He brings toughness, is NBA ready and allows the team to get much bigger at the point. McDermott, Nik Stauskas and Elfrid Payton are also interesting to the Kings.
PLAYER CARD
9
Doug McDermott
Charlotte Hornets (43 - 39)
COLLEGE: Creighton
HT: 6-8
WT: 218
POS: SF

The Hornets continue to focus on shooters. McDermott remains a favorite there, even after his workout was just so-so. Stauskas is another strong possibility, as are Gary Harris and James Young. Payton is the other sleeper here. The Hornets would like some depth at the point guard position behind Kemba Walker.
PLAYER CARD
10
Nik Stauskas
Philadelphia 76ers (19 - 63)
COLLEGE: Michigan
HT: 6-7
WT: 207
POS: SG

If Embiid falls to No. 10, I think this is his backstop. Can't imagine he slides past Philly.

One of the downsides of taking is there is a huge glut of wings on the board. Ideally, the 76ers need a forward here. But the draft board doesn't really support it right now. Of the shooters who are on the table, Stauskas, Harris and Young all seem to be in the mix here. Stauskas gets the slight nod here.

We've had Dario Saric here in the past and he's still a possibility. However, Saric is staying in Europe for the next two years. While it doesn't preclude the 76ers from taking him here (especially given all the picks they have) this team needs players.
PLAYER CARD
11
Jusuf Nurkic
Denver Nuggets (36 - 46)
COLLEGE: Bosnia
HT: 6-11
WT: 280
POS: C

The Nuggets are yet another wild card here. They've had talks with the Bulls, Magic, Warriors and Bucks that would move them out of this spot.

A rumor that they made a promise to Saric has also been floating around, though a source close to the Nuggets and Saric deny it.

Bosnian Jusuf Nurkic also is supposed to be a favorite here. He's got great size, a soft touch around the basket and is huge. NBA GMs are all over the place on him, but it's now possible that Nurkic is the second international player off the board.
PLAYER CARD
12
Elfrid Payton
Orlando Magic (23 - 59)
COLLEGE: Louisiana Lafayette
HT: 6-4
WT: 185
POS: PG

This pick remains highly contextual based on what the Magic do at No. 4. If Exum falls to them or if they take Smart, then they'll likely look at another big -- and Saric is the one guy left on the board who really makes some sense for them. His playmaking ability, rebounding and versatility make him a nice fit in Orlando. Exum and Saric would give them the two best young international prospects in the draft.

But if Exum is gone and they pass on Smart and take Vonleh, look for them to take a point guard. There are several intriguing point guards here -- the most exciting of which might be Payton. His athleticism, quickness, defensive toughness and ability to get to the rim make him a great fix in Orlando if they pass on Exum. Tyler Ennis, Zach LaVine and Shabazz Napier would all get looks here, too.
PLAYER CARD
13
Gary Harris
Minnesota Timberwolves (40 - 42)
COLLEGE: Michigan State
HT: 6-5
WT: 205
POS: SG

The Wolves continue talking trade now with a number of teams. The Warriors, Celtics, Nuggets and Bulls are getting the most play right now. The Warriors' deal was "near the finish line" according to one source before it stalled because of the other players involved in the deal. The Bulls, who are offering Taj Gibson, Tony Snell plus Nos. 16 and 19, are the latest suitors.

If they keep the pick, they'll look for a shooter. Stauskas is a favorite if he's here. If he's not, they choose between Harris, James Young, Rodney Hood and Adreian Payne. Of those four, Harris has the ability to make the biggest impact now. He's a player who can get it done on both ends of the court.
PLAYER CARD
14
James Young
Phoenix Suns (48 - 34)
COLLEGE: Kentucky
HT: 6-8
WT: 213
POS: SF

The Suns are talking trade with a number of teams, as well. Interestingly, they've spoken with several teams about point guards despite having both Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe. Could the Suns be thinking of trading Dragic or not matching an offer for Bledsoe? Their biggest need is probably at wing. Young has the ability to play both the two and three with his 7-foot wingspan. He's one of the youngest players in the draft and projects as a potent shooter down the road. I think this is a nice value pick for the Suns if he's still here. Rodney Hood are T.J. Warren are other players who will get long looks from Phoenix.
PLAYER CARD
15
Shabazz Napier
Atlanta Hawks (38 - 44)
COLLEGE: Connecticut
HT: 6-1
WT: 175
POS: PG

The Hawks like international players, and Nurkic would be a strong possibility if he's here. They'd also take a long look at Saric if he falls this far, though waiting two years might scare them away.

Kyle Anderson is another strong possibility here. Head coach Mike Budenholzer got to see firsthand how the Spurs used Boris Diaw. Anderson is the closest thing we've seen to him since Diaw entered the league, and the word is the Hawks are very high on him.

However, the Hawks are also not completely sold on Jeff Teague and could explore the market for him this summer. That's led them to take long looks at both Shabazz Napier and Payton at No. 15 if something materializes in the next few days. Napier, especially, seems to have gained momentum in workouts the past few weeks, and sources say he's moved into a strong possibility in Atlanta.
PLAYER CARD
16
Adreian Payne
Chicago Bulls (48 - 34)
COLLEGE: Michigan State
HT: 6-10
WT: 239
POS: PF

The Bulls are trying to either move up or make a deal that lands them a veteran. They need shooting and help in the paint. Payne is the rare player who can do both. He's a 3-point shooter, but has the size and athleticism to get it done in the paint as well.
PLAYER CARD
17
Dario Saric
Boston Celtics (25 - 57)
COLLEGE: Croatia
HT: 6-10
WT: 223
POS: PF

Saric might go as high as No. 10. He'll get looks at 11, 12, 14 and 15, as well. But with Saric staying in Europe for two more years, there seems to be more reluctance toward taking him that high. Again, I don't think the Celtics let him pass. Yes, I know that it means that Celtics fans would not see EITHER of their first-round picks play in Boston next season. But as far as talent goes, Ainge could walk away with the best player in the draft and a top-10 pick for Nos. 6 and 17. I'm not sure he could help himself.
PLAYER CARD
18
Zach LaVine
Phoenix Suns (48 - 34)
COLLEGE: UCLA
HT: 6-6
WT: 181
POS: PG

With the Suns shoring up the wing, they'll try to add another shooter and scorer here. LaVine is one of the best athletes in the draft and is getting looks as high as the Sixers at No. 10 and the Magic at 12. Here he's great value and the Suns just added some serious size and shooting to the roster with LaVine and Young.

Anderson and Warren going 21 and 22

27
Clint Capela
Phoenix Suns (48 - 34)
COLLEGE: Switzerland
HT: 6-11
WT: 222
POS: PF

Capela's stock is all over the place. He's getting looks in the late lottery all through the draft. He's so raw, but his length and shot-blocking abilities appeal to every team looking for a rim protector. If he's gone, other international players like Walter Tavares or Artem Klimenko could go in his place. The Suns have three first-round picks, but I don't think there's any way they're bringing three rookies to their roster next season.

I kind of think if there is one team on the board that will trade down to pick up 14 and 18 it's Philly. They have been wanting first round picks, and they might like the idea of getting Young and Lavine as opposed to Stauskas, where we would rather have Stauskas.

Especially if they took Vonleh at 3.

I probably would.

MCW
Lavine
Young
Vonleh
Noel

Damn athletic team...damn young too.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

I kind of think if there is one team on the board that will trade down to pick up 14 and 18 it's Philly.

Strangely, though - I've been keeping close tabs on the rumorsphere regarding the draft and trades, and the Suns just aren't coming up. There are talks about other teams trading their up into the lotto, but not us. Talk about us trading out or down, rather.

I take it all with a grain of salt, since we're a pretty disciplined club. But it makes me oh-so-curious. If this were a Blanks FO, I'd be terrified at the thought that we might trade the #14 for Afflalo or some stupid **** like that.