It has been a very interesting last few months of college basketball, but it's helped to paint a great picture of the potential NBA draft landscape. Several of the potential top picks have performed at a high level and remained pretty consistent through out the first half of the season. Usually at this point in the season we can weed out the hype over the golden guarantee. The other good thing about being this far in to the year is having a pretty good idea of what NBA teams will go on to become lottery teams. The season is far from over and some of the teams can still make a push for the playoffs, but the picture is much easier to predict based off of what has happened thus far. I will attempt to paint a picture of what could happen based off of need, want and the performances of the top players in the nation.
Keep in mind, many of the players on this list would have to declare for the NBA draft because they have several years eligibility remaining. This list assumes that they will all declare and go on to become lottery picks. Also this list will reflect teams in the NBA, not just as they currently stand but with the trades that they have made so some teams (Knicks, Pistons) have made deals that may place them outside of the lottery if they fall within a certain range.
MOCK DRAFT 2.O
1. Milwaukee Bucks: Andrew Wiggins, 15.6 ppg/6.0 rebounds: I believe the Bucks came in to the season believing they may be able to compete, but things have not turned out the way they wanted. Wiggins has had a really good freshman year at Kansas. He hasn't always lived up to the tremendous hype he came in with, but he delivers when necessary. Wiggins along with Giannis (The Greek Freak) Antetokounmpo would form a Durant/Westbrook style duo within the next few years, hearkening to the days of Glen Robinson and Ray Allen.
3. Philadelphia 76ers: Julius Randle, 16 ppg/9.9 rebounds: Randle has had a superb year. When he gets going he can be a hand full. He has proven quite capable of able to operate out of the both the pick and roll as well as in an isolation set. Teamed with both Michael Carter-Williams and Nerlens Noel, the 76ers would have an excellent foundation for the future.
4. Sacramento Kings: Joel Embiid, 11 ppg/7.6 rebounds/2.6 blks: Embiid is far from a lock to leave school because of developmental concerns, but if he does and he falls to four the Kings will snatch him up. He has the potential to be a Hall of Famer and would be perfect next to Cousins as the defensive cornerstone. I almost went with a point guard here, but the Kings love Isaiah Thomas and he has the respect of the team. If Gay re-signs that eliminates the need for a SF, so Embiid is the logical choice.
5. Boston Celtics: Jabari Parker, 18.8 ppg/8 rebounds: The Celtics need a franchise player that will replace the void left by Paul Pierce. Parker has that Carmelo Anthony ability to get buckets in bunches. He can rebound, defend and has a great natural feel for the game. Its no secret that Danny Ainge loves the kid and that he would fit well in any environment.
6. Los Angeles Lakers: Dante Exum, 18 ppg at FIBA U-19: The hyper athletic Australian wing declared for the NBA draft and now has the world focused on him. Exum has elite athleticism, the ability to play the PG/SG positions and All Star potential. He hired Rob Pelinka, who also represents Kobe Bryant and has hinted that he wouldn't mind learning from the future Hall of Famer. The Lakers may even try to move up to secure this, he may have the most upside of any player in the draft.
7. Cleveland Cavaliers: Gary Harris, 18.8 ppg/4.5 rebounds: Harris has maintained his high value through his sophomore season. He has managed to remain healthy and lead a veteran Michigan State team to a great season. The Cavaliers on the other hand are in trouble. They have already fired their GM and several players are available via trade including former top pick Dion Waiters. Harris doesn't have an ego, is very coachable and would fit well alongside All Star Kyrie Irving.
8. Utah Jazz: Nik Stauskas, 18.5 ppg/3 assists/ 3 rebounds: The Jazz have played much better during the last two months since lottery pick Trey Burke made his debut. The Jazz may lose starting small forward Gordon Hayward during the off season, so drafting a player with a similar game for cheap is a good idea. It's a really good idea considering that same player is someone Burke has established chemistry with during college. Stauskas can both create and shoot the ball with great range.
9. Denver Nuggets (From Knicks): Zach LaVine, 12 ppg: LaVine would fit in well up there in the high altitude run and gun environment. He oozes potential and can play both guard spots. He is also a human highlight reel waiting to happen.
10. Charlotte Bobcats (From Pistons): Rodney Hood, 17.4 ppg/4.6 rebounds: The Bobcats (Hornets) may move this pick before the trade deadline, but if they manage to keep this pick and the Pistons finish don't reclaim the pick (Top 8 protected) they need a guard. Kemba Walker and Al Jefferson shoulder almost all the scoring burden, Rodney Hood would ease that burden. The silky smooth wing can put up points and doesn't need a system to accomplish that. He would play well hovering around the wing while Jefferson dominates the post and Walker creates opportunities.
11. Philadelphia 76ers (From Bobcats) Doug McDermott, 24 ppg/7 rebounds: Mr. McDermott is the likely player of the year. He has been on a tear and continues to put up big time numbers for his mid major school. McDermott would add maturity and poise to a young team.
12. Orlando Magic (From Nuggets): Noah Vonleh, 12 ppg/9.6 rebounds: Vonleh has had a solid season and would add some quality depth to a good young team. He has a great shooting touch and is a quality rebounder. Some scouts think he has more upside than Julius Randle, if so this would be a steal.
13. Minnesota Timberwolves: Aaron Gordon, 12.3 PPG/7.8 rebounds: Gordon has top 5 potential and in a real world scenario depending on the team may not even make it this far. He has Blake Griffin 2.0 ability, but he has also hinted that he may not leave early. Gordon would be perfect in the event Kevin Love decides to depart in 2015.
14. Dallas Mavericks: Dario Saric, 15.5 ppg/8.4 rebounds: The Mavericks planned to draft Saric last season before he withdrew his name. Saric can play four positions and would be a great apprentice to Dirk Nowitzki. Saric has been a star in Europe for a few years now, so the transition to the NBA wouldn't be quite as difficult for his as it usually is for the young college players.
The Draft Fanatic.
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