2014 NBA Picks and Predictions: NBA Draft Recap – Top 5 Biggest Winners

2014 NBA Picks and Predictions: NBA Draft Recap – Top 5 Biggest Winners: The 2014 NBA Draft is in the books, and while there were a few surprises, the draft as a whole proved to be a lot tamer than many expected as no established stars swapped homes and no teams inside the top 9 traded their picks. Despite the draft being quieter than expected, it doesn’t mean that teams didn’t make major impacts to their rosters. In fact, a few teams came away from the draft with a solid addition of talent to their rosters. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the teams that were the biggest winners of the 2014 NBA Draft.

1. Utah Jazz

After getting dealt a rough hand on lottery night, the draft fell into Utah’s hands. Guard Dante Exum slid to the Jazz at No. 5, giving them the size and speed and the guard spot that they needed. Meanwhile, Rodney Hood was still available at No. 23, allowing Utah to upgrade its athleticism and perimeter shooting at the small forward spot. The bottom line is that the Jazz landed the third-rated and 15th-rated players on their draft board with the fifth and 23rd picks so it’s tough to imagine a better scenario. Overall, Utah was able to achieve the major upgrade to its backcourt and perimeter firepower that it was hoping for. The Western Conference is still loaded, but the Jazz are building a core that could challenge for a playoff spot in a couple of years. For a team that struggles to attract free agents, this draft was a big win. The Jazz ended up with two players that should start immediately.

2. Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis began its draft by picking shooting guard Jordan Adams with the No. 22 pick, and while his lack of athleticism has been criticized, his natural scoring ability is exactly what an offensive-challenged team like Memphis could use. In terms of pure scoring talent, Adams is one of the best in this draft. The Grizzlies then added big man Jarnell Stokes with the No. 35 pick, and he has an NBA-ready body and loves to rebound and finish around the basket. In other words, he is a perfect fit for Memphis’ defensive-minded approach that revolves around pounding opponents inside on both ends of the court. Stokes will be able to step in and spell Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph immediately. Memphis is a team that has already been contending in the Western Conference, and grabbing two players that can play right away makes a ton of sense.

3. Los Angeles Lakers 

Los Angeles landed power forward Julius Randle with the No. 7 pick, and while he may not be the best pick player in this draft, he might just be the best player for the Lakers. After all, Pau Gasol is on his last leg and may be on the way out of town anyway, and Kobe Bryant only has a good few years left. Meanwhile, Randle has an NBA-ready body and an NBA-ready low-post scoring arsenal so he will contribute from Day 1 at a position of need. Randle is going to be a nightly double-double machine right away, and his ceiling is even higher. This pick was a win for the Lakers in both the short run and the long run. Depending on what other moves they make in the offseason, the Lakers could sneak back into the playoffs next year,

4. Charlotte Hornets 

The Hornets got an absolute steal when power forward Noah Vonleh slid to them at No. 9, and while he may not address the team’s biggest need, his size, length and ability to stretch the floor should make him a great complement to Al Jefferson in the post. Meanwhile, his physical tools had many projecting him as a top-five pick. Charlotte then snagged the 3-point weapon it desperately needed at a discount price by landing shooting guard P.J. Hairston with the No. 24 pick in a trade with the Miami Heat. The Hornets rounded out their draft by taking forward Dwight Powell and guard Semaj Christon in the second round. Powell is a bit of a project, but Christon has special athleticism that had some calling him a lottery pick at one point. His lack of an offensive game eventually hurt his stock, but he could be a strong perimeter defender off the bench. Overall, Charlotte got quality and quantity with this draft. The Hornets should easily make the playoffs again in the Eastern Conference.

5. Boston Celtics

Although the Celtics ended up being quiet on draft night as far as trades are concerned, they did land two players that project to be solid starters down the road. Boston took guard Marcus Smart with the No. 6 pick, and in addition to having great strength for his position, he has the all-around tools to play alongside Rajon Rondo or run the point if Rondo ends up jumping ship. With the No. 17 pick, the Celtics took James Young. The smooth-shooting lefty slid a bit because he missed some workouts, but he has a ridiculous wingspan for his position and has a chance to be a great scorer. At worst, he will be a solid perimeter weapon. Boston is in full-blown rebuilding mode, and the Celtics landed two decent building blocks in this draft.

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