2014 NBA Mock Draft: Projected Lottery Picks Following Joel Embiid’s Injury: With the 2014 NBA Draft less than 2 days away, there have been some major shakeups among the lottery teams. The biggest news is that potential top pick Joel Embiid will need surgery to repair a stress fracture in his foot and will be out at least six months. Stress fractures can have a tendency to reoccur so Embiid’s chances of going No. 1 overall have all but vanished in light of this news. Meanwhile, rumors continue to swirl that Boston and Golden State are pushing hard to land Minnesota’s Kevin Love in a trade, and with the Warriors currently looking like the frontrunners, the Celtics’ plans for the No. 6 pick are subject to change. On that note, here is my latest look at the potential lottery picks in the upcoming draft.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Andrew Wiggins, Small Forward, Kansas Jayhawks
Embiid’s broken foot will likely send Cleveland heading in another direction, and my guess is that direction is Wiggins. He is the best pure athlete in this draft, and his defensive impact will be an immediate impact. Meanwhile, Wiggins can afford to develop his all-around offensive game while playing next to a proven scorer like Kyrie Irving.
2. Milwaukee Bucks: Jabari Parker, Forward, Duke Blue Devils
With last year’s first-round pick Giannis Antetokounmpo looking like the team’s small forward of the future, adding Parker makes the most sense for a couple of reasons. For one, he is big enough and strong enough to play power forward. More importantly, he has an NBA-ready offensive arsenal that will be a perfect fit for a Milwaukee team that currently lacks a go-to scorer.
3. Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid, Center, Kansas Jayhawks
He has become the biggest risk in this draft, but Embiid also offers the biggest reward. Embiid has a chance to be a game-changer on both ends of the floor, and with Philadelphia firmly in rebuilding mode for the foreseeable future, the 76ers can afford to let Embiid take his time rehabbing his injury just as they did with Nerlens Noel and his knee last year.
4. Orlando Magic: Dante Axum, Point Guard, Australia
Although there is some mystery surrounding Axum because he plays overseas, the 6’6″ combo-guard continues to impress at every workout. Even if he needs a little seasoning to become a traditional point guard, his length and athleticism alone makes him a huge upgrade over Jameer Nelson. Plus, Axum and last year’s first-rounder Victor Oladipo could become the nastiest defensive backcourt in the league.
5. Utah Jazz: Victor Noah Vonleh, Power Forward, Indiana Hoosiers
Derrick Favors recently got an extension, and he has shown that his skills are better suited for playing around the basket. Vonleh on the other hand has the ability to stretch the floor with a reliable jumper, and the size and wingspan to provide solid defense at the power forward spot. He should be a great complement to Favors.
6. Boston Celtics: Marcus Smart, Point Guard Oklahoma State Cowboys
With Golden State looking like the frontrunners to land Kevin Love from Minnesota, the likelihood of Rajon Rondo sticking around seems slim. With that in mind, selecting Smart makes a lot of sense. He has an NBA-ready body, and while he will provide immediate help on defense, he also has the toughness and skills to be the team’s point guard of the future.
7. Los Angeles Lakers: Julius Randle, Power Forward, Kentucky Wildcats
Reports about a possible issue with his surgically repaired foot has his stock in limbo, but until something concrete is revealed, Randle offers too much value for Los Angeles to pass up. He has an NBA-ready body and a proven offensive arsenal in the post. Kobe Bryant doesn’t have a lot of time left, and a nightly double-double machine that is still improving would be a pretty nice addition for the Lakers.
8. Sacramento Kings: Aaron Gordon, Forward, Arizona Wildcats
Sacramento appears to be the team most likely to trade its lottery pick, but if the Kings stay put, Gordon should be the pick. For one, his elite athleticism gives him one of the highest ceilings in this draft. Meanwhile, his energy on the defensive end will be a big plus for a porous Kings’ defense.
9. Charlotte Hornets: Gary Harris, Shooting Guard, Michigan State Spartans
The Hornets’ became a playoff team last year in large part because of Al Jefferson, and with Jefferson’s window somewhat limited, drafting an NBA-ready prospect seems likely. Meanwhile, Charlotte needs to desperately upgrade its perimeter shooting, and Harris is a two-way guard that can provide some 3-point punch and defend well.
10. Philadelphia 76ers: James Young, Shooting Guard, Kentucky Wildcats
By being in full rebuilding mode, Philadelphia has the luxury of taking upside over immediate impact. Young comes armed with a great perimeter stroke, and his height and wingspan give him a chance to be a special weapon on both ends of the court. Young and last year’s Rookie of the Year, Michael Carter-Williams, could be a special duo in a few years.
11. Denver Nuggets: Nik Stauskas, Shooting Guard, Michigan Wolverines
Denver needs a running mate for Ty Lawson in its backcourt, and Stauskas has the all-around offensive game to fit the role. He is one of the best shooters in this draft, and in addition to being a great spot-up weapon, he can score by coming off screens and by taking defenders of the bounce.
12. Orlando Magic: Doug McDermott, Forward, Creighton Blue Jays
The Magic are blessed with several very athletic forwards, but none of those players is a particularly great shooter. McDermott on the other hand is an excellent perimeter shooter and the most efficient scorer in this draft. His polished scoring will be a great fit alongside Orlando’s other forwards.
13. Minnesota Timberwolves: Rodney Hood, Small Forward, Duke Blue Devils
Whether Minnesota does or doesn’t make a trade with Golden State, Hood is going to fit a major need for this team. The Timberwolves need some perimeter shooters to help spread the floor so Ricky Rubio has room to work his magic with the ball, and Hood has a great stroke. Hood also has great athleticism and can get to the rim so he will be a huge upgrade in scoring at the small forward spot.
14. Phoenix Suns: Elfrid Payton, Point Guard, Louisiana Lafayette
Phoenix was one of the biggest surprises in the NBA last year, and an up-tempo style driven by guards Eric Bledsoe and Goran Dragic was the main reason. However, the Suns like to play both guards together, and there was a drop-off in production when either Bledsoe or Dragic was on the bench. Payton is an explosive player that can play either guard spot, and he has the offensive arsenal to step in and spell either of Phoenix’s starters.
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