Tonight is the night! In a matter of hours, the most anticipated draft class in over 10 years will take their seats in the green room. The word of the night is DEPTH. This is not only a talented draft class, but it is also an unusually deep draft class. There is a great blend of youth, potential, experience and international flair within this class. The players expected to be drafted at the top of this draft will be expected to be either future superstars or key pieces for future playoff teams. Virtually every team should walk away with what they want or have the ability to make a deal to attain their goal.
There is no secret that the main attractions are Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker and Dante Exum. The elephant in the room is where recently injured big man Joel Embiid will go. Beyond that its pretty simple to fill the requisite need with what is available.
So take a gander and enjoy. Hopefully I get some of these right.
LOTTERY
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Andrew Wiggins - While the jury was out for a while on whether to pick Wiggins or Parker, I see the Cavs going with Wiggins. Yes they want to compete immediately but Wiggins will improve day by day and by the end of the season will be the perfect compliment to Kyrie Irving.
2. Milwaukee Bucks: Jabari Parker - Young Mr. Parker can flat out get it done. He scores at an elite level, has the size to play both the 3 and the 4. He is mature and willing to learn. Face of the Bucks going forward.
3. Philadelphia 76ers: Dante Exum - They will flirt with the idea of drafting Embiid, but I think they will go with something more certain. The funny thing is that Exum may not be that much of a sure deal. The combination of length, potential and athleticism gives him a great foundation for the future.
4. Orlando Magic: Noah Vonleh - He immediately starts next to Vucevic and provides a needed physical presence in the front court. He has great hands and the ability to step away and pull the trigger.
5. Utah Jazz: Aaron Gordon - He will be able to defend 4 positions on the floor and provide insane highlights in the open court. His motor is off the charts and he is a quality kid.
6. Boston Celtics: Joel Embiid - There is no way Embiid goes past the Celtics. The potential for him to bounce back from his foot injury would provide the Celtics with a cornerstone for the future. If he can overcome the injuries, he may develop in to the next great big man.
7. LA Lakers: Julius Randle - Randle is a Rhino with the feet of a ballerina. This kid knows his way to the basket and has great hands. He has a tremendous motor and soft touch.
8. Sacramento Kings: Marcus Smart - This just seems like a no brainer. A team that already has quality scoring options with Cousins and Gay, news someone who can guard on the perimeter and get them the ball. Smart does all of that and brings toughness to the table.
9. Charlotte Hornets: Doug McDermott - Mr. Dougie McBuckets will do just that, get buckets. The Hornets need shooters and McDermott is one of the best two shooters in the draft.
10. Philadelphia 76ers: Nik Stauskas - Shooter. Plain and Simple. He has great length, can handle the ball and can flat out shoot it.
11. Denver Nuggets: Dario Saric - He isn't coming over for 2 seasons, but thats fine. He has been dominating the Adriatic league and has a unique skill set for a player his height (6'10). He can shoot, rebound, pass and stands to get better while remaining overseas for a couple of years.
12. Orlando Magic: Elfrid Payton - Payton has great size for a point guard. He knows how to get to the bucket and likes to get out in transition. He will fit in perfectly with the young players like Oladipo and Harris in Orlando.
13. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jusuf Nurkic - If you are going to lose your prize big within the next year or so, then you might as well have another in the hopper ready to come over and play.
14. Phoenix Suns: James Young - Young had a pretty decent freshmen year, but had a better tournament. He can shoot, get to the goal and has the ability to defend 1-3.REST OF THE FIRST ROUND
15. Atlanta Hawks: Gary Harris
16. Chicago Bulls: Tyler Ennis
17. Boston Celtics: Rodney Hood
18. Phoenix Suns: Adreian Payne
19. Chicago Bulls: Zach LaVine
20. Toronto Raptors: Clint Capella
21. Oklahoma City Thunder: T.J. Warren
22. Memphis Grizzlies: K.J. McDaniels
23. Utah Jazz: Cleanthony Early
24. Charlotte Hornets: Shabazz Napier
25. Houston Rockets: Jarnell Stokes
26. Miami Heat: P.J. Hairston
27. Phoenix Suns: Jordan Clarkson
28. LA Clippers: Kyle Anderson
29. Oklahoma City Thunder: CJ Wilcox
30. San Antonio Spurs: Mitch McGary
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