Nearly one month ago we released our third 2014 NBA Mock Draft. It’s now time for our fourth and final mock. There have been a lot of “shake-ups” recently (Randle’s injury, Embiid’s injury, Saric’s new contract overseas, Porzingis pulling out of draft altogether, Isaiah Austin’s disease, current contract situations and free agency talk, etc.), so our outlook has changed since last time. With the NBA Draft on Thursday, you’d think things would be getting clearer and clearer, but that’s not the case. In fact, it’s more unpredictable than ever!
We will be predicting the first round again (plus ten), Trust me, that’s quite a task considering the uncertainty of things. So let us know your thoughts after you read… Enjoy!
2014 NBA Mock Draft 4
1. Philadelphia 76ers (via trade with Cleveland) select: Andrew Wiggins (G/F, Kansas)
2nd and 3rd Mock: Jabari Parker (SF, Duke)
1st Mock: Joel Embiid (C, Kansas)
Philly has upped their offer very could entice Cleveland to trade the pick to them. The 76ers really want Wiggins, and I think they end up with him. Not sure exactly what it will cost besides #3 and Thad Young, but I think they get it done and get their guy.
2. Milwaukee Bucks select: Jabari Parker (SF, Duke)
3rd Mock: Joel Embiid (C, Kansas)
2nd Mock: Andrew Wiggins (G/F, Kansas)
1st Mock: Jabari Parker (SF, Duke)
With the 76ers going #1 now, the Bucks would be thrilled as they covet Parker. This would be a no-brainer selection for them.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (via trade with Philadelphia) select: Joel Embiid (C, Kansas)
3rd Mock: Andrew Wiggins (G/F, Kansas)
2nd Mock: Dante Exum (G, Australia)
1st Mock: Julius Randle (PF, Kentucky)
The Cavs wanted Embiid at #1 before the injury, so here at #3 he is their top option. My guess is they take Embiid and the other assets from Philly, then try and entice Lebron to come home. Won’t happen with Kevin Love, so don’t count on it. Embiid will help them long-term though.
4. Orlando Magic select: Dante Exum (PG, Australia)
3rd Mock: Dante Exum (PG, Australia)
2nd Mock: Joel Embiid (C, Kansas)
1st Mock: Andrew Wiggins (G/F, Kansas)
The Magic are another team trying to move up, but with Afflalo traded earlier today, that won’t happen. With this pick though, they can address their point guard need with the best one in the draft. Exum and Oladipo will be a great backcourt.
5. Utah Jazz select: Noah Vonleh (PF, Indiana)
3rd Mock: Marcus Smart (G, Oklahoma State)
2nd Mock: Julius Randle (PF, Kentucky)
1st Mock: Dante Exum (G, Australia)
Utah could trade down at this point, but staying put will make the pick either Vonleh, Gordon, or Smart. With Favors reportedly on the trade block, Vonleh makes the most sense. His rebounding and ability to stretch the floor will come in handy immediately.
6. Boston Celtics select: Aaron Gordon (F, Arizona)
3rd Mock: Noah Vonleh (PF, Indiana)
2nd Mock: Doug McDermott (F, Creighton)
1st Mock: Marcus Smart (PG, Oklahoma State)
The Celtics have been high on Gordon for weeks, so unless they trade this pick or Embiid falls, I think Boston will take him at #6. He’ll help instantly on defense.
7. Los Angeles Lakers select: Julius Randle (PF, Kentucky)
3rd Mock: Julius Randle (PF, Kentucky)
2nd Mock: Noah Vonleh (PF, Indiana)
1st Mock: Dario Saric (F, Croatia)
The Lakers are in the running for a point guard, such as Kyle Lowry. That means that Randle gets the nod here over Smart. Randle is NBA ready due to his big body and finishing ability.
8. Chicago Bulls (via trade with Sacramento) select: Doug McDermott (F, Creighton)
3rd Mock: Aaron Gordon (F, Arizona)
2nd Mock: Marcus Smart (G, Oklahoma State)
1st Mock: James Young (G/F, Kentucky)
The Kings will not be selecting in this spot, and the Bulls continue to be rumored as a heavy favorite to land this pick. They want shooting, and have two picks to offer in exchange, along with some vets. McDermott is a player that Chicago loves, so he beats out Stauskas and Harris. The Bulls are all in.
9. Charlotte Hornets (from Detroit) select: Nik Stauskas (SG, Michigan)
3rd Mock: Nik Stauskas (SG, Michigan)
2nd Mock: Aaron Gordon (F, Arizona)
1st Mock: Doug McDermott (F, Creighton)
Charlotte is another team that covets shooting, so Stauskas is the clear selection with Dougie gone. He’d instantly become a factor off the bench for a suddenly emerging Hornets team. He’s also a great long-term replacement for Gerald Henderson down the road.
10. Philadelphia 76ers (from New Orleans) select: Gary Harris (SG, Michigan State)
3rd Mock: Gary Harris (SG, Michigan State)
2nd Mock: James Young (G/F, Kentucky)
1st Mock: Tyler Ennis (PG, Syracuse)
The 76ers would target a wing here (if they don’t give this pick up in their move to #1), likely Harris or Young based on who’s available. Harris is a better defender and a more consistent performer between those two. Harris lacks size to some degree, but playing alongside Exum would negate that, plus he’s got arm length and great athleticism.
11. Denver Nuggets (from New York) select: Marcus Smart (G, Oklahoma State)
3rd Mock: Zach LaVine (G, UCLA)
2nd Mock: Gary Harris (SG, Michigan State)
1st Mock: Willie Cauley-Stein (C, Kentucky)
Nobody knows for sure what Denver will do. I’ve heard many players rumored here, but if Smart is on the board they would surely take him right?
12. Orlando Magic (from Denver) select: Dario Saric (F, Croatia)
3rd Mock: Doug McDermott (F, Creighton)
2nd Mock: Cleanthony Early (F, Wichita State)
1st Mock: Jordan Clarkson (PG, Missouri)
If they don’t take Exum at #4, this will be a point guard. In this mock, Exum was taken earlier. That means they this pick is unknown. They need a big, and Saric is the best available. But he’s not going to play in the league for another couple years. Will that matter to them?
13. Minnesota Timberwolves select: Rodney Hood (SF, Duke)
3rd Mock: Dario Saric (F, Croatia)
2nd Mock: Nik Stauskas (SG, Michigan)
1st Mock: Nick Johnson (SG, Arizona)
Minnesota’s first round may end up including a lot more than this pick if they deal Kevin Love and get picks back in return. Chicago and Boston have multiple picks, and the Nuggets are offering #11. My guess is that a deal doesn’t get done on or before the draft, which means Minnesota would use this pick on shooting. With McDermott, Stauskas, and Harris gone, the choice is between Hood and Young. Hood gets the nod due to his tremendous shooting at the combine, and the fact they may end up adding a valuable 2-guard in the eventual Kevin Love deal.
14. Phoenix Suns select: James Young (G/F, Kentucky)
3rd Mock: Rodney Hood (SF, Duke)
2nd Mock: Dario Saric (F, Croatia)
1st Mock: T.J. Warren (G/F, NC State)
The Suns may look to address the wing with multiple picks in the first round, and Young is one they are high on. He brings shooting and athleticism, and could be a more consistent Gerald Green down the road. Saric and LaVine are other options here, as is the point guard Payton.
15. Atlanta Hawks select: Jusuf Nurkic (C, Bosnia)
3rd Mock: James Young (G/F, Kentucky)
2nd Mock: Rodney Hood (SF, Duke)
1st Mock: P.J. Hairston (SG, NBDL)
The Hawks like international players and they could use another option inside with the future being cloudy with many of their current big men. Nurkic could be gone (at #11 to Denver), so other options would be Saric (if he falls) and Kyle Anderson (whom they love). In this mock, Nurkic makes the most sense.
16. Sacramento Kings (via trade with Chicago) select: Elfrid Payton (PG, Louisiana Lafayette)
3rd Mock: Cleanthony Early (F, Wichita State)
2nd Mock: Tyler Ennis (PG, Syracuse)
1st Mock: Jerami Grant (F, Syracuse)
What a dream scenario for Sacramento. If they keep the #8 pick, Payton is a possibility there. But in this case, they picked up #19, a veteran to be named later, and still got their electric point guard. This would mean they will let Isaiah Thomas walk in free agency, unless they flip him in a sign and trade deal.
17. Boston Celtics (from Brooklyn) select: Zach LaVine (G, UCLA)
3rd Mock: Adreian Payne (PF, Michigan State)
2nd Mock: Zach LaVine (G, UCLA)
1st Mock: Isaiah Austin (F/C, Baylor)
This draft is all about upside and the future. After taking a chance on Embiid at 6, they take a chance here on LaVine, who has incredible athleticism and upside. With the Celtics in a rebuilding mode, this pick makes a lot of sense.
18. Phoenix Suns (from Washington) select: T.J. Warren (G/F, NC State)
3rd Mock: Jusuf Nurkic (C, Bosnia)
2nd Mock: Kyle Anderson (G/F, UCLA)
1st Mock: Wayne Selden Jr. (SG, Kansas)
Like I said at 14, the Suns will target some wing players in the first round. Warren is a great scorer, despite not being able to shoot consistently from the outside. He and Young (chosen at #14) could actually compliment each other nicely. Warren is a player that the Suns are high on, especially if LaVine is off the board.
19. Miami Heat (via trade with Sacramento/Chicago) select: Shabazz Napier (PG, UCONN)
3rd Mock: Tyler Ennis (PG, Syracuse)
2nd Mock: Adreian Payne (PF, Michigan State)
1st Mock: Markel Brown (SG, Oklahoma State)
They Heat want to make Lebron happy, and he really wants Napier. Sacramento (active as can be) would take Norris Cole and #26 for this pick, one they acquired from Chicago. Napier would help fill the void at point guard that Chalmers struggling play created.
20. Toronto Raptors select: Tyler Ennis (PG, Syracuse)
2nd Mock: Shabazz Napier (PG, UCONN)
1st and 3rd Mock: Kyle Anderson (G/F, UCLA)
The Raptors want a point guard, and I’m sure fans would love bringing in the local Canadian one at that. Ennis could replace Lowry if they lose him in free agency. Maybe the team would do a sign-and-trade with Lowry after making this pick...
21. New York Knicks (via trade with Oklahoma City) select: P.J. Hairston (SG, NBDL)
3rd Mock: Mitch McGary (PF, Michigan)
2nd Mock: P.J. Hairston (SG, NBDL)
1st Mock: Adreian Payne (PF, Michigan State)
The Knicks are shopping Shumpert to try and sneak into the first round. OKC is said to be interested, especially since they may be losing Thabo in free agency and could use a wing defender. OKC would rather trade #29, but the Knicks won’t let them get away with that and will acquire #21 instead. Phil Jackson could use another shooter/scorer, especially since they’ll likely lose Carmelo.
22. Toronto Raptors (via trade with Memphis) select: Clint Capela (PF, Switzerland)
3rd Mock: P.J. Hairston (SG, NBDL)
2nd Mock: T.J. Warren (G/F, NC State)
1st Mock: Clint Capela (PF, Switzerland)
Toronto is trying to acquire this pick because they love both Ennis and Capela. Ennis was chosen at #20, so Capela is the easy choice here.
23. Utah Jazz (from Golden State) select: Jordan Clarkson (G, Missouri)
3rd Mock: T.J. Warren (G/F, NC State)
2nd Mock: K.J. McDaniels (SF, Clemson)
1st Mock: Mario Hezonja (SF, Croatia)
The Jazz would really like to add a point guard with size to offset Trey Burke, who is small. Clarkson is long, plus he’s got the versatility to play off the ball as well. His ability to score is another attractive feature for Utah.
24. Charlotte Hornets (from Portland) select: Mitch McGary (PF, Michigan)
3rd Mock: Elfrid Payton (PG, Louisiana Lafayette)
2nd Mock: James McAdoo (PF, North Carolina)
1st Mock: Montrezl Harrell (PF, Louisville)
Sources say that McGary has a promise from Charlotte that they will select him with this pick. That could change depending on who is on the board, or if they trade the pick, but it works out in this mock. McGary and Zeller offer different things, so that rotation is intriguing when paired with Al Jefferson. Payne is another clear option since he is surprisingly on the board.
25. Milwaukee Bucks (via trade with Houston) select: C.J. Wilcox (SG, Washington)
3rd Mock: K.J. McDaniels (SF, Clemson)
2nd Mock: Jerami Grant (F, Syracuse)
1st Mock: Jabari Brown (SG, Missouri)
Houston has fielded offers for this pick, and they have shown interested in Ersan Ilyasova from the Bucks, who could be a nice stretch-4 for them. Other players may end up being involved, but the deal makes sense from both sides. Milwaukee would consider a number of different players here, but the key factor for me is that the player must be able to shoot. With Wiggins (#2) and Antetokounpo already on the wing, they can’t afford to take another non-shooter. Wilcox is the best shooter remaining.
26. Sacramento Kings (via trade with Miami) select: Adreian Payne (PF, Michigan State)
3rd Mock: Glenn Robinson III (SF, Michigan)
2nd Mock: Mitch McGary (PF, Michigan)
1st Mock: James McAdoo (PF, UNC)
Payne is shockingly on the board (don’t expect that tonight), so this selection becomes easy. He’d stretch the floor nicely for them next to Cousins off the bench.
27. Phoenix Suns (from Indiana) select: Kyle Anderson (G/F, UCLA)
3rd Mock: Jordan Adams (SG, UCLA)
2nd Mock: Clint Capela (PF, Switzerland)
1st Mock: Elfrid Payton (PG, Louisiana-Lafayette)
Anderson is another guy I could see going earlier, and I doubt the Suns use all 3 first round picks on non-foreigners, but that’s just how it worked out. Anderson will bring excellent passing and versatility to whatever team he goes to.
28. Los Angeles Clippers select: Jarnell Stokes (PF, Tennessee)
3rd Mock: Shabazz Napier (PG, Connecticut)
2nd Mock: Russ Smith (G, Louisville)
1st Mock: A.J. Hammons (C, Purdue)
The Clippers need depth inside and Stokes can provide that. He’s a big body that would bring toughness and physicality. He’s still raw in a lot of areas, but he could help immediately as a defender and rebounder.
29. Oklahoma City Thunder select: Jordan Adams (G, UCLA)
3rd Mock: Jerami Grant (F, Syracuse)
2nd Mock: Jusuf Nurkic (C, Bosnia)
1st Mock: C.J. Wilcox (SG, Washington)
Since OKC traded #21 for a defender (Shumpert), they may target a scorer here to be another spark plug off the bench. Outside of Reggie Jackson, they haven’t found another guy to do that consistently. Adams isn’t a pure shooter, but he gets buckets. The other option is that this pick also gets traded, although it’s unclear where and for what.
30. San Antonio Spurs select: Vasilije Micic (PG, Serbia)
3rd Mock: Clint Capela (PF, Switzerland)
1st and 2nd Mock: Vasilje Micic (PG, Serbia)
The Spurs seem to be bringing most the team back for another championship run. That means they don’t need a player to contribute right now, but need a guy that could help down the road (a stash). The Spurs value passing, and Micic is the best pure passer in the draft. Coach Pop has had success with passers and international players, so this is a match made in heaven.
Ten More...
31. Milwaukee Bucks select: Spencer Dinwiddie (PG, Colorado)
3rd Mock: C.J. Wilcox (SG, Washington)
The Bucks said they like guards that create a mismatch, and Dinwiddie’s 6’6 stature would therefore be appealing. This was a potential lottery pick before his injury, so I like the reward vs. risk in the second round.
32. Cleveland Cavaliers (via trade with Philadelphia) select: Cleanthony Early (F, Wichita State)
3rd Mock: Kristaps Porzingas (F, Latvia)
It’s unclear what will be included in Philly’s move to #1, but I think this pick could be involved. If so, Early is a guy that can help them win now with his maturity and skillset. He reminds me of Kawhi Leonard in many ways, although I don’t expect quite the same impact.
33. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Orlando) select: Walter Tavares (C, Spain)
3rd Mock: DeAndre Daniels (F, Connecticut)
Consider this Embiid back-up (chosen at #3), as Tavares would be a stash overseas. They don’t need another player though to take a roster spot, so this makes sense. Tavares is rising up draft boards, so this would be a wise selection.
34. New York Knicks (via trade with Dallas) select: Patric Young (C, Florida)
3rd Mock: Nick Johnson (SG, Arizona)
The Knicks got this pick from Dallas in the Tyson Chandler deal. They need more depth inside and Young can provide that. He’s a guy that won’t blow you away, but he’ll do a lot of things well to help you win.
35. Utah Jazz select: K.J. McDaniels (SF, Clemson)
3rd Mock: Jarnell Stokes (PF, Tennessee)
McDaniels can add depth at the small forward spot, and give them a very athletic and versatile player. It’s surprising he’s still on the board, as he’ll contribute immediately on defense.
36. Milwaukee Bucks (from LAL) select: Nikola Jokic (PF, Serbia)
3rd Mock: Thanassis Antetokounpo (G/F, NBDL)
Milwaukee has already made three selections in the draft, so stashing a player with this pick is a great option. Jokic is young (19) and made a splash at the Nike Hoop Summit making him suddenly attractive in the early second round. His size and position is another reason Milwaukee could use him.
37. Memphis Grizzlies (via trade with Toronto) select: Joe Harris (SG, Virginia)
3rd Mock: DeAndre Kane (SG, Iowa State)
Memphis needs shooting and Harris is the best shooter left. Think of him as Mike Miller, except slightly shorter. That’s the type of impact they’d hope for.
38. Detroit Pistons select: Glenn Robinson III (SF, Michigan)
3rd Mock: Spencer Dinwiddie (PG, Colorado)
With Josh Smith potentially moving on, the Pistons need better depth at the 3. Robinson is a first round talent that would help them out big time.
39. Philadelphia 76ers (from Cleveland) select: Damien Inglis (SF, France)
3rd Mock: Bogdan Bogdanovic (SG, Serbia)
This is another guy that was helped by the Nike Hoop Summit. The 76ers love athletes (hence Wiggins at #1), and this is another one that could help down the road. With no rush on winning, this would be a great upside pick.
40. Minnesota Timberwolves (from New Orleans) select: Jerami Grant (F, Syracuse)
3rd Mock: Jordan Clarkson (G, Missouri)
Once considered a first round lock (and even a lottery pick), this fall is depressing for Grant. His athleticism is worthy of the NBA, but his offense isn’t. If he can improve his jump shot, look out!
The rest of the draft will be very unpredictable. Second round picks change hands quite frequently, and many of the players selected don’t make rosters. We’ll still pay attention though. Enjoy!
By: The Sports Guys
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