Summer of 2014

Most people thought that this summer was a lot of fun in regards to the NBA. We saw a WILD NBA draft that was filled with trades, unpredictable picks, and puzzling moves. And that was in a "weak" year. Following that were blockbuster trades, signings, and an influx (and outflux) of free agent talent that will make the NBA race even more compelling this year.

NOTE: When some of the final big players pick a team (Jennings, Oden, etc.), we will grade every team's offseason performance.

But if you liked 2013, you will LOVE 2014. Let's break down the two big areas:

2014 NBA Draft

Analysts are calling the draft next year the best potential class since 2003, which was the class that brought us Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, David West, Mo Williams, Kaman, Hinrich, Collison, Perkins, etc... That's a nice list of superstars and impact players and there were more role players I didn't mention.

But the draft next year could be even better, for it will bring new superstars to the league (top picks), and a plethora of other impact role players (depth picks). The top prospects are being hyped up so much, and one such player (Andrew Wiggins), is being compared to Lebron. These top prospects include Wiggins, Jabari Parker, Julius Randle, Marcus Smart, Willie Cauley-Stein, Gary Harris, Glenn Robinson III, James Young, Semaj Christon, Aaron Gordon, Andrew Harrison, James McAdoo, Dario Saric, etc. Again the list could go on forever and that doesn't include potential prospects like Dante Exum and Noah Vonleh who we could see next year or they may stay in school.

Looking at some of the mocks, we see tremendous depth as well. The last half of the SECOND round include players like Cory Jefferson, Patric Young, Cleanthony Early, PJ Hairston, Russ Smith, Chane Behanan, etc. These are not only great college players, but they project as good pros too. So from top to bottom, the draft is loaded. Every team in the draft next year, no matter where they are drafting at, could be selecting an All-Star.

Free Agency

Remember the draft class a few years ago with Lebron leading the way? Well next year is like that again, but maybe better. It's going to be nuts. Here are the big names, listed by position:

Point Guards - John Wall, Eric Bledsoe, Mario Chalmers, Kirk Hinrich, Isaiah Thomas, Greivis Vasquez, Chauncey Billips, Rodney Stuckey, Kyle Lowry, Steve Blake, Luke Ridnour, Ramon Sessions, DJ Augustin

Shooting Guards - Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, Paul George, Ray Allen, Vince Carter, Lance Stephenson, Gordon Hayward, Avery Bradley, Thabo Sefolosha, Evan Turner, Jordan Crawford, Ben Gordon

Small Forwards - Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Paul Pierce, Luol Deng, Rudy Gay, Danny Granger, Andrei Kirilenko, Shawn Marion, Metta World-Peace, Trevor Ariza, Shane Battier, Anthony Morrow, Caron Butler, Richard Jefferson, Marvin Williams

Power Forwards - Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Bosh, Zach Randolph, Tim Duncan, Pau Gasol, Andrea Bargnani, Amar'e Stoudemire, Derrick Favors, Elton Brand, Kris Humphries, Andray Blatche, Udonis Haslem, Chris Anderson, Josh McRoberts, Darrell Arthur, Channing Frye, Charlie Villanueva

Centers - Demarcus Cousins, Greg Monroe, Larry Sanders, Andrew Bogut, Chris Kaman, Matt Bonner, Marcin Gortat, Spencer Hawes, Andris Biedrins, Emeka Okafor

See what I mean? There is a superstar available at every position, and many available at SG, SF, and PF. Every team in the NBA could potential add/bring back an All-Star caliber player just in free agency, but we said that about the draft as well. So now you know why to be excited right?

By: The Sports Guys