The NBA Draft is tonight, with coverage beginning at 6 p.m. on ESPN live from the Barclays Center in New York. This draft is the most hyped draft since 2003, and there is a lot of excitement in store. Here is my full mock draft, and a description of the top 14 lottery picks:
No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers
Andrew Wiggins – shooting guard, University of Kansas
The Cavaliers are in search of a defensive stopper with a lot of potential. Andrew Wiggins fits the bill and has all the tools to become a future superstar. Cleveland could go with Jabari Parker here, but you can’t go wrong with him or Wiggins. Also, don’t be surprised if the Cavs trade this pick to help lure LeBron James back home.
No. 2 Milwaukee Bucks
Jabari Parker – small forward, Duke University
The Bucks finished with the league’s worst record last season and are in desperate need of some offense. The no-brainer pick is Jabari Parker. He’s a kid who grew up in Chicago, which is just about an hour away from Milwaukee. Parker has been compared to NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony, and that’s a good sign. If Parker goes #1 to Cleveland, then expect Wiggins to be the pick here.
No. 3 Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid – center, University of Kansas
The 76ers were the most affected by the Joel Embiid injury, as they believed Andrew Wiggins could have slipped to them at No. 3. Many draft experts argued that Joel Embiid could have been the No. 1 overall pick in the draft before the news broke that he suffered a fractured foot earlier in the month. Embiid has potential to have the biggest upside in the draft, but is a risk considering his back injury at Kansas and now his foot injury. The 76ers could form a dominant defensive unit with Embiid and Nerlens Noel for many years to come as long as they both can stay healthy. Embiid could go anywhere from 3-7 in this draft.
No. 4 Orlando Magic
Dante Exum – point guard, Australia
The Magic are in search for a point guard and a power forward. At No. 4, the upside of Dante Exum is too much to pass up. Standing at 6-foot-6, the 18-year-old Aussie has potential to blossom in the NBA. The Magic desperately need a guard to go along with shooting guard Victor Oladipo. Don’t be surprised if Orlando goes with a power forward like Noah Vonleh or Julius Randle with this pick as that position is another hole for Orlando.
No. 5 Utah Jazz
Noah Vonleh – power forward, Indiana University
The Jazz are looking for another stretch forward to go along side Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter. Vonleh has the ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim for a young Jazz team. There have been rumors that say Utah may trade up to No. 1 in a package that includes Derrick Favors and future assets.
No. 6 Boston Celtics
Aaron Gordon – power forward, University of Arizona
The Celtics are weak up front, and need some explosiveness. Gordon fits their need perfectly. He’s versatile, athletic and energetic. The Celtics could also go with Marcus Smart here, or select Joel Embiid if he slips to them.
No. 7 Los Angeles Lakers
Julius Randle – power forward, University of Kentucky
The Lakers could literally use anybody as they only have three players under contract for next season. LA also needs a guy who can come in and contribute right away, and Randle is that guy. He is a dominant low-post scorer with a comparison to Zach Randolph. Marcus Smart could also be the pick here if the Lakers choose to go with a guard.
No. 8 Sacramento Kings
Marcus Smart – point guard, Oklahoma State University
The Kings received good point guard play last season from Isaiah Thomas, who hits the free agent market this summer. If the Kings choose not to re-sign him, then they will need a point guard. Marcus Smart would add another scorer to the Kings roster who already have two good pieces in Rudy Gay and Demarcus Cousins. Power forward is also another need for Sacramento, and they may go that route if Gordon, Vonleh or Randle slips to them.
No. 9 Charlotte Hornets
Gary Harris – shooting guard, Michigan State University
The Hornets need 3-point shooting, as they ranked towards the bottom in that category last season. Gary Harris would be a good fit here. Charlotte could also go with the popular Doug McDermott, but they also need athleticism, which is what Harris has.
No. 10 Philadelphia 76ers
Doug McDermott – small forward, Creighton University
The 76ers need leadership, scoring and shooting. Doug McDermott can provide all three of these characteristics. Zach LaVine or Nik Stauskas could also be the pick here, but McDermott is arguably the most proven prospect in this draft, which would be hard to pass up on.
No. 11 Denver Nuggets
Zach LaVine – point guard, University of California, Los Angeles
The Nuggets could use just about anything for next season. With a 46-inch vertical, Zach LaVine is a freak of nature. LaVine can play both guard positions, and he would be a great sidekick to Ty Lawson.
No. 12 Orlando Magic
Adreian Payne – power forward, Michigan State University
The Magic are back on the clock, and need a Power Forward. Adreian Payne may be a reach at No. 12, but his ability to shoot the ball gives Orlando a nice stretch forward to pair along side starting center Nikola Vucevic. The Magic could go with a guard here like Elfrid Payton if Orlando goes with a big guy at No. 4.
No. 13 Minnesota Timberwolves
Nik Stauskas – shooting guard, University of Michigan
The Timberwolves are preparing for life after Kevin Love, as they may trade the All-Star power forward this summer. Minnesota also lacks shooters. Nik Stauskas was extremely consistent for Michigan in college, and he would be a great choice here. Also, Minnesota could go with Doug McDermott if he slips to this slot.
No. 14 Phoenix Suns
Rodney Hood – small forward, Duke University
The Phoenix Suns have three first round picks in this draft. They’re not expected to keep all of the picks, but one of their biggest needs is the small forward slot. Rodney Hood projects to be a powerful shooter, and can play both wing positions. Prospects such as James Young and T.J. Warren could be the pick here as well.
Here are the rest of my first round picks:
No. 15 Atlanta Hawks
Kyle Anderson – small forward, University of California, Los Angeles
No. 16 Chicago Bulls
Elfrid Payton – point guard, University of Louisiana-Lafayette
No. 17 Boston Celtics
Dario Saric – small forward, Croatia
No. 18 Phoenix Suns
James Young – Shooting Guard, University of Kentucky
No. 19 Chicago Bulls
Kyle Anderson – power forward, University of California, Los Angeles
No. 20 Toronto Raptors
Shabazz Napier – point guard, University of Connecticut
No. 21 Oklahoma City Thunder
P.J. Hairston – shooting guard, University of North Carolina
No. 22 Memphis Grizzlies
T.J. Warren – small forward, North Carolina State University
No. 23 Utah Jazz
Jordan Clarkson – point guard, University of Missouri
No. 24 Charlotte Hornets
Tyler Ennis – point guard, Syracuse University
No. 25 Houston Rockets
Clint Capela – power forward, Switzerland
No. 26 Miami Heat
Jarnell Stokes – power forward, University of Tennessee
No. 27 Phoenix Suns
Jordan Adams – shooting guard, University of California, Los Angeles
No. 28 Los Angeles Clippers
Patric Young – center, University of Florida
No. 29 Oklahoma City Thunder
Glenn Robinson III – small forward, University of Michigan
No. 30 San Antonio Spurs
Cleanthony Early – small forward, Wichita State University
