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DraftExpress Extended 2014 Mock Draft #2

DraftExpress Extended 2014 Mock Draft #2
May 17, 2014, 05:42 pm
Our second detailed mock draft with pick-by-pick explanations using projected rosters and taking the individual needs of all 30 NBA teams into account, this time going 40 picks deep. The site mock draft currently reflects that.



1 Milwaukee Bucks
Andrew Wiggins SG/SF
19 years old; 6'8"; 197 lbs.
Kansas, Freshman

Wiggins declined to attend the NBA Combine, but Milwaukee will be looking to draft the best talent available here regardless, and it doesn't hurt that they have a fairly glaring hole at the swingman position. With Larry Sanders' situation looking unstable at the moment, they will certainly give Joel Embiid a hard look here as well, depending on the results of his medical examination, as they were forced to start Zaza Pachulia for much of the season. Either way they will need to somehow address their leaky defense, which ranked second worst in the NBA last season.



2 Philadelphia 76ers
Jabari Parker SF/PF
19 years old; 6'8"; 241 lbs.
Duke, Freshman

The Sixers certainly aren't in any position to lock themselves into drafting for need over talent at this stage of their rebuilding process, but until the situation around Joel Embiid's back becomes more clear, it's difficult to see them entering into another situation like they did last year in drafting Nerlens Noel. Parker is a huge offensive talent (important for a team that ranked last in offensive efficiency) and would fit very well into the up-tempo style Brett Brown preached last season. He also fits very nicely alongside Thaddeus Young. The 76ers will want to see how accurate the rumors of Parker's poor conditioning level are first, though.



3 Orlando Magic
Joel Embiid C
20 years old; 7'0"; 240 lbs.
Kansas, Freshman

The Magic will obviously need to feel comfortable about the state of Embiid's back long-term, but it's tough to see a talent like him falling any further than this. Barring the results of his physical, he'll be strongly in the mix at #1, and after adding all kinds of nice pieces to the puzzle the last few years, Orlando will certainly be looking to draft a player with star power. Point guards Marcus Smart and Dante Exum will also be studied closely here, especially if the Magic fall outside the top three.



4 Utah Jazz
Dante Exum PG
18 years old; 6'6"; 188 lbs.
Australian Institute of Sport, International

While Exum will want to get drafted by a team that will let him play his natural position of point guard, a backcourt of him and Trey Burke (a Top-10 pick last year) could absolutely work together depending on the coach Utah decides to hire. Most teams have seen very little of Exum over the years, but Utah's scouting department, headed by Nike Hoop Summit World Team architect Rich Sheubrooks, doesn't have that problem. Julius Randle can't be ruled out here, as playing him together with Derrick Favors could work and may be one way to help shore up what was the NBA's worst defense last season.



5 Boston Celtics
Marcus Smart PG
20 years old; 6'3"; 227 lbs.
Oklahoma State, Sophomore

With Rajon Rondo entering the final year of his contract, it's unknown exactly how the 28-year old point guard fits into Boston's long-term plans. Marcus Smart is big, strong and long enough to cover either guard spot, giving the team plenty of flexibility to play alongside incumbent point guard Rondo as well as instead of him at times next to Avery Bradley, who is a free agent and may or may not be back.



6 L.A. Lakers
Julius Randle PF
19 years old; 6'9"; 250 lbs.
Kentucky, Freshman

With Pau Gasol entering free agency, and seemingly unlikely to return the Lakers have a huge need to fill at the power forward position. Randle is talented enough to get picked much higher than this in a normal draft, and at some point will be very difficult to pass up. Noah Vonleh will also likely get a long look here.



7 Sacramento Kings
Noah Vonleh PF
18 years old; 6'9 ½"; 247 lbs.
Indiana, Freshman

While there are no shortage of players on Sacramento's roster who can play power forward, it's difficult to point to anyone who is clearly a long-term solution alongside DeMarcus Cousins. The Kings ranked as one of the worst outside shooting teams in the NBA last season, and Vonleh's ability to (potentially) space the floor is attractive alongside the ball-dominant trio of Cousins, Rudy Gay and Isaiah Thomas. The Kings will also likely explore moving down and adding an outside shooting small forward, possibly someone like Doug McDermott.



8 Detroit Pistons
Doug McDermott SF
22 years old; 6'8”; 218 lbs.
Creighton, Senior

While this might feel somewhat high for McDermott, the skill-set he brings is highly in demand these days, and it's difficult to find someone who can (theoretically) so seamlessly be plugged in to a team and fill a gaping hole. The Pistons' spacing was horrible last year with so many non-shooters playing together. McDermott can help with that right away, and his defensive shortcomings can be masked somewhat playing alongside the likes of Josh Smith and Andre Drummond.

Head coach and top decision maker Stan Van Gundy values outside shooting greatly as part of his system, and found ways to mask the defensive shortcomings of players like J.J. Redick, Hedo Turkoglu, Rashard Lewis and Ryan Anderson in Orlando. McDermott is a major wildcard in this draft, as he could slide all the way to the end of the lottery if he doesn't get picked up by Sacramento, Detroit or Cleveland, three teams who could all seemingly use his services immediately.



9 Cleveland Cavaliers
Jusuf Nurkic C
19 years old; 6'11"; 280 lbs.
Cedevita, International

While this might feel like somewhat of a reach to some, Nurkic is the clear-cut second best center in the draft, with a skill-set that is highly desirable thanks to his ability to score with his back to the basket. He also fills a clear-cut need, as Anderson Varejao turns 32 this summer and will be entering the last year of his contract.



10 Philadelphia 76ers (From New Orleans Pelicans)
Dario Saric SF/PF
20 years old; 6'10"; 223 lbs.
Cibona Zagreb, International

With their second lottery pick, Philadelphia can afford to take a swing on a player who is unlikely to join them next season, which they may actually view as being somewhat of an advantage. Saric is hoping to play one or two more seasons in Europe before entering the NBA, but will be looking for assurances he'll be picked in the lottery prior to the withdrawal deadline of June 16th nevertheless.



11 Denver Nuggets
Aaron Gordon SF/PF
18 years old; 6'9"; 220 lbs.
Arizona, Freshman

Denver could go in a few different directions here, with their roster featuring some of the best depth in the league, but devoid clear-cut hierarchy. The Nuggets will be drafting the best talent available with this pick according to what we're told, and won't worry about positional overlap. With Kenneth Faried's long-term future being somewhat murky at the moment, though, it makes sense to think about potential replacement options at this stage, particularly if a player like Gordon, who could also be picked much higher, falls to them here. Trading down could also be an option.



12 Orlando Magic (From New York Knicks)
Tyler Ennis PG
19 years old; 6'2 ½"; 182 lbs.
Syracuse, Freshman

Orlando's Victor Oladipo at point guard experiment produced mixed results, and with 32-year old Jameer Nelson entering the final year of his contract, this is certainly a position the Magic will look to address either here or in free agency.



13 Minnesota Timberwolves
James Young SG/SF
18 years old; 6'7"; 213 lbs.
Kentucky, Freshman

The Timberwolves shot just 34% from beyond the arc last season as a team, and will need to continue to address this issue as long as the non-shooting Ricky Rubio is running the show. James Young has a long ways to go before becoming a consistent contributor, but as one of the youngest players in this draft class, time is on his side. He's big enough to spend time at small forward alongside Kevin Martin, and can play with all of Minnesota's other wings in Corey Brewer, Chase Budinger and Shabazz Muhammad as a bigger shooting guard.



14 Phoenix Suns
Nik Stauskas SG
20 years old; 6'6 ½"; 207 lbs.
Michigan, Sophomore

The Suns could look to add some depth to their wing rotation, which will be necessary considering P.J. Tucker is a free agent and Gerald Green is entering the last year of his contract. Stauskas is one of the best shooters in this draft, and his strong passing ability and basketball IQ will only add to what was one of the NBA's fastest and most efficient offenses.



15 Atlanta Hawks
Rodney Hood SF
21 years old; 6'8 ½"; 208 lbs.
Duke, Sophomore

DeMarre Carroll was surprisingly adequate as Atlanta's starting small forward for much of the season, but continuing to add depth on the wing is something the Hawks will look to address either in the draft or free agency. Rodney Hood should be ready to come in and compete for minutes right away, and might even be able to see some time at shooting guard or power forward in strechier and more dynamic lineups.



16 Chicago Bulls (From Charlotte Hornets)
Zach LaVine SG
19 years old; 6'6"; 181 lbs.
UCLA, Freshman

At this stage in the draft, the Bulls can afford to take a swing on a project like Lavine, who is many years away from contributing, but has significant upside with his intriguing combination of athleticism and perimeter shooting ability. 33-year old incumbent shooting guard Kirk Hinrich is a free agent, which could make this a position the Bulls look to address.



17 Boston Celtics (From Brooklyn Nets)
Gary Harris SG
19 years old; 6'4"; 205 lbs.
Michigan State, Sophomore

Gary Harris is a two-way player who will need some time to adapt to the NBA style of play, but could be an excellent long-term solution for Boston. Brad Stevens recruited the Indianapolis product heavily in his time in college, as Harris grew up not far from Butler's campus. Harris and Marcus Smart (projected to be picked with Boston's first selection) would be a very dynamic backcourt duo moving forward.



18 Phoenix Suns (From Washington Wizards)
T.J. Warren SF/PF
20 years old; 6'8"; 220 lbs.
N.C. State, Sophomore

Small forward could be one position Phoenix looks to address in this draft, as P.J. Tucker is a free agent and there isn't much depth here behind him. T.J. Warren could be an option here if the front office deems him to be the best talent available. He's reportedly in play for teams drafting much higher than this, and should be off the board somewhere around this pick. Phoenix could also be looking to package their two mid first rounders and move up, or out of the draft, as it will be difficult to add so many rookies to what is already a young roster.



19 Chicago Bulls
Clint Capela PF/C
19 years old; 6'11"; 211 lbs.
Chalon, International

With their second first rounder, Chicago can afford to swing for the fences a bit on a talented physical specimen with upside like Capela who needs a few years of seasoning (and work in the weight room) to be ready to play in the NBA.



20 Toronto Raptors
Adreian Payne PF
23 years old; 6'9"; 215 lbs.
Michigan State, Senior

If the Raptors think they might have a tough time bringing back Patrick Patterson at an affordable price, Adreian Payne could be a nice backup plan. The Michigan State product brings great length and versatility to the table with his ability to stretch defenses at 6-9, and comes with the added benefit of being able to contribute immediately as a 23-year old senior.



21 Oklahoma City Thunder (From Dallas Mavericks)
Kristaps Porzingis PF/C
18 years old; 7'0"; 220 lbs.
Sevilla, International

The Thunder have long been searching for an athletic stretch power forward, and with two first rounders, can afford to swing for the fences a bit on a talented physical specimen with upside like Porzingis who needs a few years of seasoning (and work in the weight room) to be ready to play in the NBA. Porzingis comes from the same Spanish agency as former #24 pick Serge Ibaka, so both sides should be very comfortable with this arrangement, even if the Latvian teenager needs to stay in Europe for another year, like Ibaka did. There are no guarantees that Porzingis will decide to stay in the draft, though, as he could easily be a top-10 prospect in next year's draft.



22 Memphis Grizzlies
K.J. McDaniels SG/SF
21 years old; 6'6"; 196 lbs.
Clemson, Junior

Incumbent small forwards Tayshaun Price and Mike Miller are both in their mid-30's, and Memphis could be looking to add depth on the wing alongside Tony Allen, Courtney Lee and Quincy Pondexter. McDaniels is big enough to defend either wing position, and his style of play will fit right into the Grizzlies' "grit and grind" culture. If they can find a way to help him become a more consistent outside shooter, he could be a real steal.



23 Utah Jazz (From Golden State Warriors)
Kyle Anderson PG/SF/PF
20 years old; 6'8 ½"; 230 lbs.
UCLA, Sophomore

A player without a position, Kyle Anderson will need an inventive coach who is willing to be creative in utilizing his unique versatility. Utah has some positional flexibility with the way their roster is currently set up, and probably won't be looking to play Richard Jefferson 27 minutes per game at small forward again next season.



24 Charlotte Hornets (From Portland Trailblazers)
P.J. Hairston SG
21 years old; 6'5"; 227 lbs.
Texas Legends, Junior

Outside shooting has long been a concern for Charlotte, one of the least prolific 3-point shooting teams in the NBA this season. Enter Hairston, who is a dynamite floor spacer with terrific range, who Charlotte is undoubtedly intimately familiar with already, having grown up in the area and playing at UNC.



25 Houston Rockets
Jerami Grant SF
20 years old; 6'8"; 220 lbs.
Syracuse, Sophomore

A rangy forward with size and defensive versatility is something the Rockets could be looking for, as the team has had a difficult time getting stops this past season. Jerami Grant is a corner 3-point jump-shot away from being a very valuable contributor, and has plenty of upside to grow into with his tremendous physical tools. His 7-3 wingspan could come in handy in trying to slow down the many star players the Rockets encounter at the small forward and power forward positions in today's NBA.



26 Miami Heat
Jordan Adams SG
19 years old; 6'5"; 220 lbs.
UCLA, Sophomore

32 and 39 year old Dwyane Wade and Ray Allen are all Miami really has on the wing these days besides their one superstar small forward. Allen is a free agent this summer, and Wade has the option to become one too if he chooses. That could compel the Heat to seriously consider drafting a shooting guard to start grooming for the future. Adams is an interesting candidate as he has the outside shooting touch to complement the existing roster, but could potentially grow into a more dynamic player down the road thanks to his terrific length and scoring instincts, as well as the fact that he's still extremely young.



27 Phoenix Suns (From Indiana Pacers)
Elfrid Payton PG
20 years old; 6'4"; 185 lbs.
La Lafayette, Junior

While it seems unlikely that Phoenix will keep all three of their first round picks, Ryan McDonough is in a position to draft the best talent available here. Payton will have a significant transition to make from the Sun Belt conference to the NBA, but has considerable potential as a big, athletic point guard with terrific versatility defensively.



28 L.A. Clippers
Shabazz Napier PG
22 years old; 6'1"; 175 lbs.
Connecticut, Senior

Backup point guard Darren Collison possesses a player option on his contract this summer that would make him a free agent, and considering how well he's played this season relative to his salary (1.9 million), it would be surprising to see him not opt out. With that said, the Clippers could look to address what could become a position of need soon. Napier isn't afraid of big moments and can certainly space the floor adequately for the Clippers' ball-dominant stars, even potentially playing alongside Chris Paul some like Collison has this year.



29 Oklahoma City Thunder
Glenn Robinson III SF
20 years old; 6'7"; 211 lbs.
Michigan, Sophomore

Wing depth has long been an issue the Thunder have been looking to address, and a big athletic small forward like Robinson could be attractive late in the first round.



30 San Antonio Spurs
Mitch McGary C
21 years old; 6'10"; 263 lbs.
Michigan, Sophomore

The Spurs are always on the lookout for quality frontcourt depth, and pending the results of his physical, McGary could be an intriguing option for them. He would have been picked much higher a year ago, and is the type of player who is willing to do the dirty work and play a role next to the established scorers the Spurs already have on their roster.


31 Milwaukee Bucks
Jarnell Stokes PF
20 years old; 6'8"; 263 lbs.
Tennessee, Junior



32 Philadelphia 76ers
Walter Tavares C
22 years old; 7'3"; 265 lbs.
Gran Canaria, International



33 Cleveland Cavaliers (From Orlando Magic)
Cleanthony Early SF
23 years old; 6'7"; 209 lbs.
Wichita State, Senior



34 Dallas Mavericks (From Boston Celtics)
Bogdan Bogdanovic SG
21 years old; 6'6"; 200 lbs.
Partizan, International



35 Utah Jazz
Isaiah Austin C
20 years old; 7'0"; 220 lbs.
Baylor, Sophomore



36 Milwaukee Bucks (From LA Lakers)
Vasilije Micic PG
20 years old; 6'4"; 188 lbs.
Mega Vizura, International



37 Toronto Raptors (From Sacramento Kings)
Artem Klimenko C
20 years old; 7'1"; 228 lbs.
Saratov, International



38 Detroit Pistons
Spencer Dinwiddie SG
21 years old; 6'6"; 205 lbs.
Colorado, Junior



39 Philadelphia 76ers (From Cleveland Cavaliers)
Damien Inglis SF
18 years old; 6'8"; 240 lbs.
Roanne, International



40 Minnesota Timberwolves (From New Orleans Hornets)
Thanasis Antetokounmpo SF
21 years old; 6'6"; 205 lbs.
Delaware, International

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