The O.C.: 2014 NBA Draft – Big Board Pt.1
It’s simple; the 2014 NBA Draft is going to be epic.
My first 2014 big board is one of the most talented I’ve ever seen. There could up to double digit future All-Stars in this group. A number of teams have deliberately gutted their roster in preparation for the lottery; see Boston and Phoenix for details.
What excites me as an international fan the most is the number of quality players outside of the US. Talent from Europe, Asia & Oceania are all present within my big board. So here’s part one looking at the top 10 prospects thus far.
1 – Andrew Wiggins – SG – Kansas
Wiggins begins the year as the consensus No.1 player. He’s the best young prospect to come into the draft since Kevin Durant. Want a full lowdown on just what type of a player Wiggins is? Then check out my detailed scouting report from a couple of months back.
2 – Julius Randle – PF – Kentucky
In a normal year, Randle would be the consensus No.1 player in the draft. He’s simply that good. He has size, strength, athleticism and a well-rounded game; Power Forwards like Randle don’t come along very often, so when you find them, jump on them. Kentucky Head Coach John Calipari might have to convince Randle to stay in the paint and take fewer 3-pointers. Still, he’s expected to anchor a ridiculously talented Kentucky squad this season all the way to the National Title. As much as I love Wiggins, I expect Randle to dominant at Kentucky and provide a serious challenge for the No.1 pick in the draft.
3 – Marcus Smart – PG – Oklahoma State
Smart shocked everyone in April when he decided to forgo a likely No.1 pick in the 2013 Draft and return to Oklahoma State for his sophomore season. Some saw Smart’s decision as bizarre, but many NBA scouts see Smart’s decision as a testament to Smart’s character. He wanted to improve his jump shot, cut down on his turnovers and most importantly, he wanted to lead the Cowboys to a national championship. If Smart fixes his weaknesses, namely his jump shot and handling, he will make a compelling case for the top overall pick especially if the team that lands the No.1 pick needs a PG.
4 – Jabari Parker – SF – Duke
Parker, not Wiggins, is the one who graced sports illustrated cover. Two years ago, he would’ve been the No.1 guy on my board. But Parker’s growth levelled out, scouts began to question his athleticism and upside and that combination has caused him to slide a few slots. Make no mistake, Parker can play. In fact he might be the most well rounded pro-ready player in this class – like a better Otto Porter.
5 – Dante Exum – PG – Australia
Exum had the biggest summer of any player on the big board. Put simply, he was awesome. At the FIBA U-19 Championships he averaged 18ppg and nearly 4apg. He seems to have the perfect blend of size, athleticism and skill to play either the point or the 2. Add in his rangy defense, and he’s a true two-way player. He actually graduates from High School in December and if he wanted too could enrol in an NCAA team for the second half of the season. However he really doesn’t have too. He seems likely to be a top-5 pick if he declares for the draft. He too could be a dark horse for the No.1 pick.
6 – Aaron Gordon – PF – Arizona
The hardest player to leave out of the top five was Gordon. He’s a carbon copy of Los Angeles Clipper forward Blake Griffin. After Wiggins, Gordon might be the most athletic player in the draft, he plays with a huge motor and is very scrappy. Gordon was, arguably the best player on team USA’s U-19 squad, leading the team in both points per game (12) and rebounds (6). Gordon falls down with his lack of size and a shaky perimeter game. Arizona plan to move him to Small Forward. If he can make the transition, he’s going very, very high.
7 – Andrew Harrison – PG – Kentucky
Harrison for me is the last sure fire All-Star. Blessed with the Size, athleticism and terrific court vision, Harrison is the prototypical point guard of the future. The only things pushing his ranking down is his questionable work ethic and attitude. If Exum moves to the 2 he should be Smart’s top competitor for the No.1 point guard taken.
8 – Dario Saric – SF – Croatia
Saric pulled out of the 2013 draft at the withdrawal deadline and opted to return to Croatia for another season despite a promise from an NBA team that he’d be drafted in the lottery. The early thinking is due to the weaker nature of the 2013 class that Saric should have come out. However many scouts believe another year in Croatia will allow Saric to show he’s the best young international player in the world.
9 – Joel Embiid – C – Kansas
Louisville head coach Rick Pitino is on record as saying Embiid has a chance to be the No.2 pick in the draft. The scouts insist he isn’t ready for that yet. But they are all very, very intrigued. Embiid wowed scouts at the McDonald’s all-American game. He might be the riskiest pick inside the top 10 – but next to Wiggins he may have the most upside.
10 – Chris Walker – SF – Florida
Walker from my own University of Florida. Like Embiid, Walker is an upside player. Blessed with rare, elite athletic abilities and length, the question for him will be whether he can transition from the 4 to the 3. If he can get his jump shot falling with regularity (and he can get cleared academically by the NCAA), he’ll be a very attractive pick for teams looking for a Paul George-esque wing.
