A Ridiculously Early Look at the 2014 Draft

Last night I got invited to a Waffle Party being thrown by a friend.  The party was going great- I had a fresh outfit (socks with flip flops), entered to the raucous cheers of all my peers/friends (a few people nodded in my direction), my teeth had never been better (Oreo Pop Tart residue), and the host gave me a waffle within 3 minutes of my arrival (this part is actually true).

Waffles are great because they are so versatile.  A plain waffle is OK- the same way an old Kia Sedona is an OK car.  But when you combine a waffle with some fruit, whipped cream, and/or syrup, it becomes the kind of Kia Blake Griffin would be proud to jump over.

The Worst Moment of the last 5 All-Star Weekends

Which is why I became a little despondent at this Waffle Party.  You see, I was given a waffle with syrup and a few strawberries.  Sounds decent, right?  But the key word here is few (link).  As in, maybe 5 or 6 strawberry slivers.  You will understand why I was saddened when I tell you that, after I was done eating my waffle (and was still mildly content while doing so), I noticed that my friend Devin had inexplicably received a waffle with a MOUNTAIN of strawberries.  At least 10 times the amount of strawberries that I had received!  Sadly I can tell you that this was not a joke! Strawberries had been unjustly withheld from me and divvied up among other Party attenders of equal standing!

As the "host" of this blog, I feel the responsibility to provide all my readers with all the strawberries they can stomach.  If you want to read a plain waffle, there are lots of good sites out there for you.  But here at Tayshaun's Muscles we have bottomless toppings.

Which brings me to my next point: Some of you read my last post about 8 Puzzling Positions, but were left with some questions, and I apologize for that.  One friend put it best:

"Hey Dan, I liked your blog but you left me wondering about why all these teams would be better off tanking.  I've heard about Wiggins and Parker, but what are the chances, really, of landing one of them?  It seems like every draft gets a lot of hype and then fizzles in the end."

WRONG.  The 2014 Draft is the Holy Grail, and not only because it is top heavy.  It is top heavy AND deep.  Said one NBA GM, "There are at least half a dozen players from the upcoming draft that would have gone #1 this year."  So take that, Anthony Bennett.  The purpose of this blog is to convince you how important it could be for your team, if they are not going to advance in the playoffs, to tank.

Do I think Frodo would have traveled to Mordor had he not understood the importance of his journey and future implications of destroying the ring?  No!  Similarly, it is ridiculous of me to assume that fans of tanking teams would approve of such a strategy without catching a glimpse of the possible rewards. I humbly rectify my past omissions and help you to better understand 8 Puzzling Positions by presenting you with... A Ridiculously Early Look at the 2014 Draft!  I withhold no more strawberries!

How it will go down:

• I will present ARELAT2014D in a mock draft fashion.  To make it more fun, I will predict the records of teams this year and have each pick associated with a current team.  Unfortunately, I will only provide a one sentence explanation as to why I predict the record that I predict (can't put everything in one post; sorry, guys).  Also unfortunately, I will not be so ridiculous as to take team needs into concern for draft picks(a lot of roster overhaul/changes can occur during a season that would affect this) and will simply have each team choose who I feel is the BPA (Best Player Available).  Please do not get angry if I have your team selecting a power forward when you need a shooting guard etc. 
• I will give detailed scouting reports of lottery picks and 2-3 sentence summaries of other players.
• We will not simulate a draft lottery.  This is because... there is not really any point in simulating a draft lottery. 
• Continuing the waffle theme, I will provide a strawberries (best case) and plain/no toppings (worst case) scenario for each player.  These will be formulated through my own scouting (Thank You, Youtube) and also the numerous assessments I have read regarding the prospects.  
• The NBA comparison thing is so hard that I might need to combine a couple of players for more accuracy.
• I will then post an estimated stat line of each draftee's career best year, if everything goes right and they reach their full potential.  These numbers will be complete shots in the dark and I plan on digging up this entry a few years from now and feeling like a complete idiot.  But it will be fun and we can debate about them in the Comments or in person.  
• We will assume that all prospects that should enter the draft will, indeed, enter. Every year, some potential draftees make interesting decisions (how are the accommodations in that dorm room, Marcus Smart?) but let's assume that all will opt for the money.  Jabari Parker and Dante Exum, for example, have been rumored to consider other paths than the NBA after this season (Parker: Mormon mission, Exum: college).
• OK! Here we go.  This might be long.  There are 30 picks. But I got 99 problems and Makin' This Blog Too Long ain't one.

It's going down

• With the 1^st pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers (16-66) select Andrew Wiggins, 6-8”, SF, Kansas (freshman). 

Pass the Cheesesteak!  The Sixers, coming off a long and taxing season, eagerly scoop up their 1st #1 pick since 1996 (Allen Iverson) and snag the most remarkable combination of athleticism and skill in a draftee since 2003 (LeBron James).

Wiggins is not yet ready to dominate, and, in fact, I expect a modest season of 16-17 ppg from him this year at Kansas.  Still, even if we lowered at average another 5 ppg, he would still go #1.  Why?  Because of his insane horizontal and vertical athleticism and potential to dominate the league for years on both ends of the floor.  You just need to check it out yourself (I promise not to post each prospect's video), my favorite is the spin move at 0:31:

 Now think about this:  Wiggins was born in 1995.  He's still a kid. Just how much more impressive his athleticisim will be after a few years of professional training?  The key for Wiggins, as with most prospects, will be the continued improvement of his jumper.  He has already tinkered with it, and showed a higher and quicker release during Hoop Summit competition this summer. 

Strawberries: Tracy McGrady (offense)/Scottie Pippen (defense)
Plain: 2nd Year Paul George

Career Year: 29 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.5 STL, 2 BLK, 51% FG 

• With the 2nd pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic (18-64) select Julius Randle, 6-10”, PF, Kentucky (freshman)

Julius Randle dominates the competition without PEDs, unlike other people from Plano, TX

The Magic, despite encouraging seasons from their crew of youngsters, settle in with the 2nd pick.  After debating between Randle and Jabari Parker for a long time, they decide that Randle's unique combination of strength, quickness, and relentlessness from the interior is something they cannot pass up.

Randle missed some time his senior year due to a foot injury, but came back to dominate in postseason play and was the most impressive US player at the Nike Hoops Summit.  While Kentucky is stacked this year, Randle is far and away their best interior scorer and should lead the team in both scoring and rebounding. Kentucky's talent on the perimeter will also encourage him to hold it down inside, which will be good for his development (he has shown a bad habit of floating around the perimeter).  

On the NBA level, the main concern with Randle will be his defense.  He shows raw fundamentals on that end, and his modest standing reach and wingspan indicate that he will need to rely on positioning and strength to be effective.  Still, it is likely Randle has never focused completely on defense at this stage, and with his work ethic, it is not a huge issue.       

Strawberries: Zach Randolph (lefty craftiness around basket)/Chris Webber (face up game)/Josh Smith (athletic ability)
Plain: Terrence Jones 2.0 (yikes, big drop off)

Career Year: 26 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.0 STL, 1.0 BLK, 53% FG

• With the 3rd pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Phoenix Suns (19-65) select Jabari Parker, 6-8”, SF, Duke (freshman)

Jabari Parker won 4 state titles at Chicago Simeon Career Academy

The Phoenix Suns record almost half as many Dragic-to-Bledsoe alley oops (9) as wins (19).  Picking Parker here is a no brainer, as Ryan McDonough knew he was going to take whoever fell between the top 3, Tier A prospects.

It seems like Jabari Parker has been a household name forever now, but now that he is actually drawing near his NCAA debut, his hype is at an all time low.  I don't really understand why.  Parker is easily the most skilled of the 2013 graduating class.  He was slowed by a foot injury his senior season, but came on strong (like Randle) in postseason and All-Star play.  Parker's McDonald's All American coach Mike Flaherty said, "Jabari is the most complete player on my team,...You look at all the other kids and you see there is one area where they are going to have to improve."  Parker has extremely advanced scoring instincts; he can score driving left, right, pulling up from mid range, shooting from distance, catch and shoot, in the post, you name it.  He is also, by all accounts, easily coached and unselfish.  If you haven't checked seen Parker play, you need to check out a highlight video.  Some of his herky-jerky shoulder drives make you double check to see if he is wearing a #34 Celtics jersey.   

Duke will rely on Parker heavily this season in the frontcourt after the departure of Ryan Kelly and the Mason Plumlee.  While his NBA position is likely the 3, assuming he keeps his weight under control, Jabari will be able to develop his interior game at the 4 and post huge scoring and rebounding numbers this season. 

Strawberries: Paul Pierce (offensive repertoire)/Carmelo Anthony (size)
Plain: Boris Diaw with better jumpshot and less passing

Career Year: 25 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.2 STL, 1 BLK, 48% FG

• With the 4th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics (22-60) select Dante Exum, 6-6”, SG, Australia

The Celtics tanked several years ago and ended up with only the 5th pick.  This time they do one better after sitting Rajon Rondo half the season and starting a frontcourt of Jared Sullinger and Kelly Olynyk.

Their prize is Dante Exum, a player who rocketed up draft boards after his showing at this summer's Hoops Summit.  Exum is a smooth player and feels so comfortable with the ball in his hands that some predict, even at 6'6", he will end up at point guard.  Scouts rave about his ability to get all the way to basket on dribble drives, and his effortless finishing ability around the basket, even in traffic.

The concern with Exum is his outside shot.  It is still a work in progress, but I have little doubt that he will be able to figure it out.  Check out the following video, and tell me Exum's jumper looks bad?

To me, it kind of resembles that of Nic Batum, and looks to be a motion that can be extended to range.  G'day mate!  I, for one, am excited to witness Exum's continued progress (Newsflash: he just turned 18 on July 13!).

Strawberries: Penny Hardaway
Plain: Young John Salmons /Shaun Livingston

Career Year: 22 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 5.5 APG, 2.0 STL, 0.5 BLK, 46% FG

• With the 5th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Utah Jazz (24-58) select Marcus Smart, 6-4”, PG, Oklahoma St (sophomore).

Marcus Smart and Doug McDermott were the only college players that participated in the Team USA Elite Minicamp

The Utah Jazz finish with their worst record since 1980 (largely because of their anemic offense), when they got the 2nd pick and passed on Kevin McHale to take Darrell Griffith.   Here, 34 years later, they are pleased to make Marcus Smart-the first player taken with more than a year of college experience.

I don't like to question people's decisions when I don't know all the details but... Smart honestly should have entered the draft last year.  He would have  gone to Orlando at #2.  But he's still here, and the Utah Jazz are the benefactors.  Smart won't wow you with his athleticism, but his competitive nature and motor are unparalleled in this draft.  If I didn't have to compare him to an NBA player, I would simply say "Pit Bull".

There are concerns about if Pit Bull (I'm rolling with this nickname) is better suited to the point guard or shooting guard, but I think he makes a positive impact from anywhere.  Even if Smart is not hitting his outside shot (a legitimate concern, considering his 29% mark from three last season), he is sure to contribute however he can; be it setting screens, hitting the offensive glass, locking up the opponent's best player, or getting to the foul line.  Smart is a joy to watch on the court, simply because it is apparent how much he enjoys the game.  You can be sure he got his sponge on in his time with Team USA.
 
Strawberries: Intelligent Tyreke Evans (powerful penetrator)/Joe Dumars (competitiveness and defense)
Plain: Young Andre Miller without the passing

Career Year: 21 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 7.5 APG, 2.0 STL, 0.5 BLK, 45% FG

• With the 6th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks (24-58) select Semaj Christon, 6-3”, PG, Xavier (sophomore)

Semaj Christon started his career off with a bang, winning A-10 Freshman of the Year

What?  OJ Mayo and Zaza Pachulia didn't save you from the lottery?  The Milwaukee Bucks realize that Brandon Knight is not a point guard (I know I said I wasn't taking team needs into account but I had to mention this again) and snag Semaj Christon, a physically intriguing youngster from Xavier.

Although Christon averaged 15 ppg last season and almost 5 assists, he also turned the ball over at an alarming rate (10 alone against VCU and 3.6 for the season) and shot it poorly (25% from 3 and 67% from the line).  The good news?  John Wall also shot poorly his freshman year at Kentucky while turning the ball over 4 times a game.  

Christon favors comparably to Wall, as he is tall (6-3") and also posseses elite speed, shiftiness, and ballhandling ability.  One thing  I would like to see him work on this upcoming season is developing a pullback jumper after driving left.  He has a tendency to drive left, but then always turn back to the left shoulder to attempt a difficult floater shot if he doesn't make it all the way to the hoop.  Still, this is a minor gripe, and I expect big things from Semaj this upcoming season as he becomes a more complete leader for new Big East conference member Xavier.  

Strawberries: John Wall (athleticism and recklessness)/Rajon Rondo (nifty shots around the basket)
Plain: Current Devin Harris
Career Year: 20 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 8.0 APG, 2.5 STL, 0.5 BLK, 46% FG

• With the 7th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Bobcats (27-55) select Gary Harris, 6-5”, SG, Michigan St (sophomore).

Gary Harris will be asked to "shoulder" more of the load in East Lansing this season.

Charlotte finish its final season as "Bobcats" without much fanfare.  Al Jefferson ends the season 5th in the NBA in scoring at 25 ppg but gets ridiculed when a Youtube video goes viral midseason of him hilariously guarding Kemba Walker off a switch instead of finding the opposing team's point guard. The team decides to take Gary Harris, who is coming off a 20 ppg season (extremely rare for a Tom Izzo coached player).  

Gary Harris was a 5 star recruit out of Fishers, Indiana, but not a lot of people expected to him to burst on the scene the way he did.  In his 2nd collegiate game, Harris dropped 18 points on Kansas in an upset victory, and he never slowed down, despite nursing a shoulder injury the entire season and being a year younger than most of his freshman peers.  

Harris is a knockdown shooter from long range and also a shifty penetrator off the bounce, although he lacks elite athletic ability.  He also projects as a plus defender with good lateral movement and consistent effort.  I expect a jump in Harris's numbers this season as he becomes the leader of the Spartans' offense.   

Strawberries: Eric Gordon/OJ Mayo
Plain: Wes Matthews

Career Year: 22 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.5 STL, 46% FG

• With the 8th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings (28-54) select Montrezl Harrell, 6-10”, PF/C, Louisville (sophomore).

The beat goes on for the Sacramento Kings in the 2013-2014 season.  Tyreke Evans averages 29 ppg against them in the regular season (all Pelican victories) while Carl Landry spends most team practices counting dollar bills.  The team hopes that the pickup of Montrezl Harrell will help their horrific defense.

Harrell learned behind Gorgui Dieng last season and is now ready to take the reins as defensive anchor for the always defensive-minded Louisville Cardinal.  He possesses all the right tools-a strong 6-10" frame with massive 7-4" wingspan and tireless motor.  It doesn't look like Harrell will ever be more than a garbage man on offense, but there is a lot of value in a guy that doesn't require his own shot attempts.  He really turned heads with his play for Team USA over the summer...

Just check out plays # 2 and #3 from this video from the U19 World Championships:

Strawberries: JJ Hickson (strength and physicality)/Dennis Rodman (relentless ball pursuer and defense)
Plain: Reggie Evans

Career Year: 12 PPG, 13 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.1 STL, 2.5 BLK, 55% FG

• With the 9th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers (28-54) select Wayne Selden, 6-5” SG, Kansas (freshman).

The Lakers begin the season on a tear, winning 12 of their first 15 games.  Then Pau Gasol and Steve Nash get injured in the same game and the team is never the same.  Crazy stat: Kobe 30 ppg in Laker losses, 20 ppg in Laker wins.  The team decides it needs a future go-to player on the wing and takes a guy with star potential in Wayne Selden.

Selden may have taken a backseat to Andrew Wiggins as best Kansas recruit, but he was still quite the get for Bill Self, who will have the pleasure of coaching the best dunking duo in the NCAA next season.  Selden is more than just hops, though.  He has great form and accuracy on his jumpshot from deep, and good finishing ability on the inside.  It's the in between that will be the challenge.  Selden needs to tighten his handle in order to create for himself, as his first step is not as elite as his vertical leap.  

The more I think about it, the more I am loving this pick for the Lakers as Kobe's heir (Blast, I forgot we weren't focusing on team needs again).  In the meantime, here are some very impressive highlights that you should probably see:

Strawberries: Brandon Roy (demeanor and finishing ability)/JR Smith (shooting from range off the dribble)
Plain: Josh Selby

Career Year: 23 PPG, 5 RPG, 5 APG, 1.5 STL, 46% FG

• With the 10th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Utah Jazz (from the Golden State Warriors (35-47))  select Willie Cauley-Stein, 7-0”, C, Kentucky (sophomore).

Willie Cauley-Stein will get plenty of chances to work on his woeful free throw shooting this season.

The Warriors feel the loss of Jarret Jack, as Steph Curry misses 40 of the last 50 games of the season due to ankle issues and Andrew Bogut is never able to play back-to-backs.  David Lee suffers greatly from Curry's absence and gets kicked out of 2 of 4 games against the Clippers for yelling "No Flopping!" in Blake Griffin's face.  The Jazz gladly accept the Warriors pick and select Willie Cauley-Stein, the second (and not last) Kentucky player taken in the lottery.

Cauley-Stein was a 7-0" wide receiver in high school, so you know he can move his feet a little bit.  Unfortunately, he is still relatively new to basketball, and it showed his freshman year as he struggled initially to fit in offensively or pick up defensive concepts.  As the season wound down, however, WCS showed great improvement and almost a Nerlens Noel-like feel for shotblocking (or is it Anthony-Davis like?)  

This year, Cauley-Stein will not be asked to much on offense besides catch the ball and go up strong.  This is great, because he will be able to focus on improving on the side of the ball where he will really be able to stand out in the NBA: defense.  Cauley-Stein has the length, lateral quickness, leaping ability, and motor to be a KG or Tyson Chandler captain on the defensive end.  I think it's a matter of time; he just needs more reps.  

Strawberries: Tyson Chandler
Plain: Chris Andersen

Career Year: 12 PPG, 12 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.5 STL, 2.5 BLK, 55% FG

• With the 11th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves (36-46) select Andrew Harrison, 6-5” PG/SG, Kentucky (freshman).

So I'm posting the same picture for both Harrison brothers because I can't tell them apart.  Just kidding, Andrew is the one on the right.

The T-Wolves lose Kevin Love (hurt performing ab crunches) for a good portion of the season, but Ricky Rubio leading the league in assists eases the pain. The team decides to  pick up Andrew Harrison, the point guard half of the exciting twin duo from Texas via Kentucky.

Andrew Harrison has been on the national radar for quite some time, and for good reason.  He and his brother have a very similar skill set; strong, good shooters, above average athletes, but Andrew is much more adept at creating for others and raising the level of the entire team.  Besides Marcus Smart, he is the strongest leader in the draft.

One concern with Andrew is that he often wears his emotions on his sleeve, complaining to officials or even to coaches and teammates.  Still, he is still only 18, and I tend to view problems like these as signs of competitiveness and a healthy desire to win.

Strawberries: Jason Kidd (court vision and size at point guard)/ Dion Waiters (scoring skill set)
Plain: More exciting Eric Snow

Career Year: 18 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 9.5 APG, 2.0 STL, 0.5 BLK, 47% FG

• With the 12th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors (36-46) select Mario Hezonja, 6-7”, SG/SF, Croatia.

Toronto's first full non-Jose Calderon season ends nicely, as Jonas Valanciunas records double doubles in his last 15 games.  The Raptors keep it international by picking up Mario Hezonja, the most highly touted European guard prospect since Ricky Rubio.

Hezonja looks and stands out as an NBA talent.  He has a nice, athletic frame at 6-7", and moves fluidly around the court.  All the skills are there to be an above average swingman in the NBA; vertical leap, creativity with the basketball, and a beautiful shooting stroke.  Just watch how easy it looks for him:

But lately it hasn't come easy for Hezonja.  He has suffered from recurring ankle problems and, when he does play, he has seemed detached and moody on the court.  Perhaps he is getting bored of the European competition?  Whatever the reason, it is not a good sign, and Hezonja will need to snap out of it to convince NBA GMs that he will not be a problem teammate in the future.

Strawberries: Rich Man's Gordon Hayward
Plain: Landry Fields with attitude problems (I think we should give some credit to Fields' good-natured disposition despite his total career collapse, although $20 million helps).

Career Year: 21 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.3 STL, 0.8 BLK, 46% FG

• With the 13th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons (40-42) select Glenn Robinson, Jr., 6-7”, SF, Michigan (sophomore).

GR3 gained valuable experience during Michigan's run to the title game.

 The Pistons adapt to their new floor leader Brandon Jennings and become the new Milwaukee Bucks by finishing right around .500.  Too bad that doesn't get them into the playoffs, but oh well.  As a consolation prize they get Glenn Robinson, the dirty-work-man turned star of the Michigan Wolverines.  

Glenn Robinson III is a better athlete than his father, and also possesses a great feel for the game.  In the 2013 postseason, Robinson showed he could help Michigan win in a number of ways.  Although he didn't shoot much, he was effective when he did (>60% from the field during the Tournament).  He also showed great versatility in manning both the 3 and 4 positions while playing solid defense at both. 

But would Robinson be on the Draft radar had Michigan not made a deep run in the postseason?  Only time will tell.  With Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway both gone, Robinson will see his shot attempts rise greatly.  He has the skill to take over games, but there are those that question if he has the mentality to be The Guy for stretches, rather than just a role player.  I think that Robinson, last year, did not want to step on the toes of his more-seasoned teammates, but will be fine accepting more responsibility this season.  I expect 16 ppg on good percentages, which, with his all around game, will be good enough to sneak in the lottery.

Strawberries: Nets Richard Jefferson with better shooting
Plain: Poor Man's Caron Butler

Career Year: 20 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 48% FG

• With the 14th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the New Orleans Pelicans (41-41) select Jahii Carson, 5-11”, PG, Arizona State (sophomore).

Jahii totes two rocks with his hand. 

The Pelicans have a respectable season while New Orleanians attend games more than ever.  This is due to the high risk aerial dives performed by the Pelicans' mascot during every timeout.  

Jahii Carson is an undersized guard with an uncanny knack for scoring the ball (19 PPG as a freshman), especially in the paint.  You can't doubt his toughness, but his ability to lead a team (AKA pass) will be the question.

Strawberries: (Slightly Worse) Allen Iverson
Plain: Ish Smith

Career Year: 24 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 6.0 APG, 2.0 STL, 45% FG.

• With the 15th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks (42-40) select Jerami Grant, 6-8”, SF, Syracuse (sophomore). 

Jerami Grant's dad, Harvey, and uncle, Horace, both had successful NBA careers

The Mavericks finish above .500 despite nagging injuries to Dirk Nowitzki, Vince Carter, and fits from Monta Ellis after he finds out this video (link) was made for Dwight Howard, not him.

Jerami Grant is a nice athlete that came on strong at the end of Syracuse's season.  He will have to continue to develop his mid range jump shot if he wants to be a starter in the league.

Strawberries: Luol Deng
Plain: Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
Career Year: 17 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.3 STL, 1.1 BLK, 49% FG

• With the 16th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks (44-38) select Noah Vonleh, 6-9”, PF, Indiana (freshman).

Hawks GM Danny Ferry writes 10 separate "Missing You" postcards to Josh Smith during the season, but all of them end up tear-stained, ripped apart, and thrown in the garbage.

Noah Vonleh has great size and athletic ability, but depended too much on his physical advantages to score in high school.  But with all the pieces that have moved on from Indiana, he will be relied on to contribute right away and could have a decent season.  He has All-Star potential, just check the vid:

Strawberries: Jeff Green/Al Harrington (combining their strengths)
Plain: Poor Man's Earl Clark

Career Year: 20 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.2 STL, 1.2 BLK, 48% FG

• With the 17th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers (44-38) select Aaron Harrison, 6-5”, SG, Kentucky (freshman).

Left Dude

Andrew Bynum is finally healthy for the last 25 games of the season, and the Cavaliers go 19-6 in that stretch.  Kyrie Irving averages 26 PPG on the year but receives death threats for the too-long-of- waits in between Uncle Drew videos.

We talked about Aaron Harrison a little bit when we discussed Andrew.  Some say he reminds them of Ray Allen, I'm not really buying.  I'll settle on the comparisons listed below:

Strawberries: OJ Mayo (off ball shooter)/Rodney Stuckey (attacking and getting to the line)
Plain: Terrence Williams

Career Year: 19 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.5 STL, 45% FG

• With the 18th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards (44-38) select James Young, 6-6”, SG, Kentucky (freshman).

The Wizards are the surprise team of 2013-2014, led by an All NBA 3rd Team season from John Wall and Sam Cassell's constant assistant coach yapping.  

James Young is a smooth lefty that can shoot/score the ball with the best and also has a 7-0" wingspan.  He won't get the touches he deserves on a loaded UK squad, but his talent will shine through enough to be drafted here.

James Young decided to announce his college decision in a room with black walls.

Strawberries: Prime Michael Redd
Plain: Utah Jazz CJ Miles

Career Year: 21 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.0 STL, 46% FG

• With the 19th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Denver Nuggets (from the New York Knicks (48-34)) select Dario Saric, 6-10”, SF, Croatia

Carmelo Anthony has a massive year for the Knicks, who just don't have enough to win the Atlantic without their star bench player from the past couple of seasons (Steve Novak dang it errrr.... JR Smith).  

A typical European, Dario Saric is most comfortable facing the basket and creating plays with the ball in his hands.  His handles are excellent for his size, and he is crafty in eluding his defender and creating for teammates.  Saric is not a great athlete, but not a stiff, either.  He will likely play the 4 on offense in the NBA but there are concerns of whether he can defend that position.

Dario Saric considered entering the 2013 Draft. He also considered running away screaming from his own image when he saw this picture.

Strawberries: Toni Kukoc
Plain: Current (Broke Man's) Hedo Turkoglu

Career Year: 17 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.0 STL, 47% FG

• With the 20th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers (48-34) select Aaron Gordon, 6-8”, PF, Arizona

The Blazers have a better-than-expected season, although the front office has a heck of a time during the first half of the season trying to reeducate fans as to what a "bench" is.

Aaron Gordon is a highlight reel waiting to happen at any moment.  He loves dunking and has a great motor/aggressive playing style.  I think he falls this far because, as of now, he is an athlete and not a basketball player (has very poor footwork and ball skills) and will struggle to find a position.  Also, the way Arizona's heralded 3 man frontcourt recruiting class of last year struggled (Brandon Ashley, Grant Jerrett, Kaleb Tarczewski) leads me to believe there is a development problem under coach Sean Miller.  I project Gordon as a bench player in the NBA but he could definitely prove me wrong.

Go USA:

Strawberries: Shawn Marion/Kenneth Faried
Plain: Julian Wright

Career Year: 18 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.5 STL, 1.0 BLK, 50% FG

• With the 21th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Denver Nuggets (48-34) select Isaiah Austin, 7-1”, PF, Baylor (sophomore).
  

  

  "Are you gonna lift weights for me?  No?  I gotta do it myself?

Brian Shaw has a solid first season as head coach of the Nuggets while NBA Youtubers everywhere freak out because of the overload of Javale McGee lowlights that have become available after a full season with starters' minutes.

Isaiah Austin is one of, if not the, most skilled big man in the draft.  He shoots the college 3 comfortably and has good offensive instincts around the basket.  It is only a question of durability.  He is listed at 7-1", 210 lbs and doesn't play any stronger than this.  This is a high risk/high reward kind of pick.

Strawberries: Chris Bosh (slenderness and perimeter oriented style)/ Arvydas Sabonis (height and shooting range) (This one was hard)
Plain: Skinnier, taller Charlie Villanueva

Career Year: 21 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.8 STL, 2 BLK, 49% FG

• With the 22nd pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Indiana Pacers (51-31) select Kaleb Tarczewski, 7-0”, C, Arizona (sophomore) 

The Indiana Pacers have a strong season and Luis Scola shaves his hair into a mohawk because he "is replacing el hombre Psycho T". 

Kaleb Tarczewski is your classic, endangered list, back to the basket center.  He wasn't quite ready for the college game directly out of high school, but after a year of transforming his body, he should post solid numbers with his skill set.   

Kaleb Tarzxjxzcewski (spel) struggled in his freshman year at Arizona.

Strawberries: Andrew Bogut/Jonas Valanciunas
Plain: Kwame Brown

Career Year: 15 PPG, 12 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.7 STL, 2.0 BLK, 52% FG

• With the 23rd pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets (51-31) select Adreian Payne, 6-10”, PF, Michigan St. (senior).

The Rockets have a nice season; boasting 2 of the top 3 free throw attempters in the NBA (Dwight Howard and James Harden).  They also have 2 in the top 10 for 3 point attempts (James Harden and Chandler Parsons).  

It seems like Adreian Payne should have graduated 2 seasons ago, but he is still here.  Payne plays with great physical presence; strong and athletic, but can also really stroke it from the perimeter.  He does have a lung condition that will limit the amount of minutes he can play each night.

It has taken a while in East Lansing, but Adreian Payne is now a legitimate force.

Strawberries: Amare Stoudemire (Not nearly as dominant on offense, better on defense)
Plain: Poor Man's Darrell Arthur

Career Year: 16 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.7 STL, 0.6 BLK, 52% FG

• With the 24th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Clippers (55-27) select Joel Embiid, 7-0”, C, Kansas (freshman).   

The Clippers finish one game worse than last season, despite a horribly slow start.  This start occurs because JJ Redick and Jared Dudley, instead of practicing, spend most of their time receiving alley oop celebration training from teammate Deandre Jordan.

Joel Embiid has only been playing basketball for 2 years (comes from Cameroon) but does not play like it. He has already developed a lethal mid range jump shot and shows great court awareness, especially with his passing.  The concerns with Embiid are his lack of quickness and unimpressive vertical leap.  

Joel Embiid is excited about the open looks he'll get playing with Andrew Wiggins and Wayne Selden.

Strawberries: Shorter Roy Hibbert with more range
Plain: Hasheem Thabeet with worse shot blocking

Career Year: 18 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.7 STL, 1.5 BLK, 51% FG

• With the 25th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies (56-26) select TJ Warren, 6-8”, SF, NC State (sophomore).

The Grizzlies survive a complete front office overall (John Hollinger convinces Chris Wallace, through numbers, to let him take over the team) to finish 2nd in what is easily the toughest division in the NBA.

TJ Warren simply knows how to put the ball in the basket.  He shot 62% last year from the field, despite not possessing elite athleticism or height.  With CJ Leslie and Richard Howell now departed, I expect Warren to average at least 18 PPG this season.  He projects as a fringe starter/super sub type of prospect.

TJ Warren is ready to lead the Wolfpack in scoring this year

Strawberries: Prime Al Harrington
Plain: Less athletic Marvin Williams
Career Year: 18 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.8 STL, 49% FG

• With the 26th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics (for the Brooklyn Nets (58-24)) select Alex Poythress, 6-9”, SF/PF, Kentucky (sophomore).

Basketball is officially back in Brooklyn (!) although no one is really sure by listening in on team huddles if Jason Kidd or Kevin Garnett is the coach.  

Alex Poythress was a frustrating player to watch last season.  At times, he would look dominant, for instance: 

Other times, he would look completely lost and frustrated.  I think, this season, Poythress will feel much less pressure and more comfortable with his role as a complimentary player.  At the least, he projects as a plus defender on the next level that can guard both the 3 and 4.

 Strawberries: Better defensive Brandon Bass (power)/Marcus Morris (range)

Plain: Poor Man's Al Farouq Aminu

Career Year: 16 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.5 STL, 1 BLK, 51% FG

• With the 27th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls (58-24) select Spencer Dinwiddie, 6-5”, SG, Colorado (senior).

Derrick Rose reclaims his spot as 1st Team All NBA Guard for the Bulls, who finish a couple Marco Bellinelli buzzer beaters away from 60 wins.

Spencer Dinwiddie is an exciting guard with a tight handle and excellent jump shot.  It has taken him a while to completely develop, but his senior campaign could be something special (quietly averaged 15 PPG, 3 RPG, 3 APG last year).

Spencer Dinwiddie has been keeping it real in Boulder, not only with his 'stache, but also with his aesthetically pleasing game. 

Strawberries: Jamal Crawford (razzle dazzle and pull up jump shots)/Brian Shaw (you feel comfortable with the ball in his hands)
Plain: Poor Man's Alexey Shved

Career Year: 19 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.5 STL, 46% FG

• With the 28th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder (60-22) select Mitch McGary, 6-10”, C, Michigan (sophomore). 

The Thunder finish 2nd to the Spurs yet again.  Few to none in OKC miss Kevin Martin as the combination of Reggie Jackson and Jeremy Lamb off the bench make the Thunder fun to watch again.

No one will regret not entering the 2013 draft more than Mitch McGary.  A player who thrived off of the creativity of Trey Burke, McGary will now be asked to create more on his own, which could be a tough task.  Still, McGary does have a unique blend of agility and strength that many teams would like to take a chance on. Pair him up with the right team, and he could be a perfect complimentary piece.  

Mitch  McGary can only ponder about why the heck he didn't enter the draft last year.

Strawberries: Brad Miller/David Lee
Plain: Poor Man's Epke Udoh

Career Year: 18 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.0 STL, 1.5 BLK, 53% FG

• With the 29th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs (61-21) select Dominic Artis, 6-1”, PG, Oregon (sophomore).

Tim Duncan hints at a possible retirement upcoming but still posts All Star numbers en route to another conference title.

Dominic Artis does not belong in this spot just yet, but I am predicting a huge season from him in 2013-2014.  Artis can score in a variety of ways and plays with no fear.  He could be a solid 6th man on a contending team, despite his lack of size.

Strawberries: Steve Nash without the passing
Plain: Poor man's Eddie House

Career Year: 15 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.5 STL, 44% FG

• With the 30th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Miami Heat (68-14) select Doug McDermott, 6-8”, SF, Creighton (senior).

You read that record right.  The city of Miami has already booked the victory parade.  

The fact that a guy who has averaged 23+ PPG on ridiculous %s for the past two seasons can slip this far is a testament to the strength of this draft.  Sure, McDermott will never be a plus defender.  But I have no doubt that he will be passable in a strong team concept, and his ability to put the ball in the hoop is unquestioned.  

Doug McDermott was invited to the recent Team USA Minicamp

Strawberries: Shorter Ryan Anderson
Plain: Matt Bonner

Career Year: 14 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.5 STL, 50% FG

WHEEEEWWWWWWW!!!

Narrowly missing the cut: Rasheed Sulaimon (Duke), Sam Dekker (Wisconsin), AJ Hammons (Purdue), CJ Wilcox (Washington), CJ Fair (Syracuse), Chris Walker (Florida), Kyle Anderson (UCLA), DeAndre Daniels (UConn), LaQuinton Ross (Ohio State), Russ Smith (Louisville), Cory Jefferson (Baylor), Aaron Craft (Ohio State), PJ Hairston (North Carolina), Perry Ellis (Kansas), Juvonte Reddic (VCU), Rodney Hood (Duke), James McAdoo (North Carolina), Marcus Lee (Kentucky), Przemek Karnowski (Gonzaga), Markel Brown (Oklahoma State).

So pumped to look back at this in a year or so.