Chad Ford Mock Draft 4.0

J.R. · Apr 22, 2014

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draf...ord-Mock-Draft&ex_cid=InsiderTwitter_fordmock

The NBA regular season is over. The college basketball season is done.

That means it's time to roll out Mock Draft 4.0.

However, this mock draft is far from set in stone. We still must take into consideration results that will come from the NBA draft combine in mid-May. That's followed shortly by the NBA draft lottery, which will determine the final draft order. Also individual and group workouts, as well as interviews, psychological evaluations and medical reports can all still shake up this mock a lot.

Still, our top eight really has held steady all year. The exact order isn't set yet, but it looks like, barring some last-minute revelation, they'll all be locks for a top-10 pick.

Remember our mock draft is not a ranking of who we think the top players are. Instead, it's a reporting tool to convey our latest intel from NBA scouts and GMs on what each team might do in the draft.

The order was based on our NBA Lottery Mock Draft tool.

1. Andrew Wiggins Milwaukee Bucks (15 - 67)
COLLEGE: Kansas HT: 6-8 WT: 200 POS: SG
Odds of winning lottery: 25 percent

Analysis: Now that the Bucks are for sale, everything about their future is a little up in the air. It's unclear whether the new owners will keep John Hammond and David Morway on. They have two years left on their contract and were actually fighting their owner Herb Kohl the past few years. They wanted to rebuild, but Kohl didn't. Injuries forced the issue this year; it would be ironic if they lost their jobs after delivering the Bucks their first real chance at landing a superstar. Either way, I don't think there's a clear-cut favorite right now. They were leaning toward Joel Embiid before his back injury and could still end up going that way if Embiid comes out with a clean bill of health at the combine. Jabari Parker is the choice if they want someone who can help them win now. But I think the spot is still Wiggins' to lose. He's not the most NBA-ready, and he doesn't have the size or appeal of Embiid. But he has the highest upside of any of the Bucks and could be a monster on the floor next to Giannis Antetokounmpo.

2. Jabari Parker Philadelphia 76ers (19 - 63)
COLLEGE: Duke HT: 6-8 WT: 241 POS: SF
Odds of winning lottery: 19.9 percent

Analysis: Ownership deemed this season a success after finishing with the second-worst record in the league. That should be all you need to know about whether they were really tanking. If they end up with the No. 2 overall pick, forgive them for being a little bummed if Wiggins is off the board. However, Parker would be a nice consolation prize. He'd give the Sixers a guy who could score 20 points a night right out of the gate. And the Sixers have the length and athleticism to protect Parker on defense with Michael Carter-Williams in the backcourt and Nerlens Noel in the middle. Embiid is a dark horse here, though. He's not a perfect fit up front with Noel -- they are different players, and both are pretty raw -- but it would be an intriguing teaming nonetheless.

3. Dante Exum Orlando Magic (23 - 59)
COLLEGE: Australia HT: 6-6 WT: 188 POS: PG
Odds of winning lottery: 15.6 percent

Analysis: The Magic will surely be tempted with Embiid on the board, but they really need a point guard, and there are many scouts who believe Exum might be the best prospect in the draft. We will never know for sure because Exum hasn't and won't be able to play against the other top talents in the draft. But his size, quickness, basketball IQ and ability to play both the one and the two should make him an excellent fit in the backcourt next to Victor Oladipo.

4. Joel Embiid Utah Jazz (25 - 57)
COLLEGE: Kansas HT: 7-0 WT: 250 POS: C
Odds of winning lottery: 10.4 percent

Analysis: Jazz fans want Parker in the worst way, but their team likely will have to win one of the top two spots in the lottery to get their hands on him. With the players left on the board, the Jazz face a quandry. They can go with the guy with the most upside (Embiid), or they can go with a player who can help them right away (Julius Randle). Assuming Embiid is healthy, I think he's the pick here. Pairing him on the floor every night with Derrick Favors would give the Jazz an unbelievable defensive front line. Landing him also might free up the team to explore Enes Kanter trades over the summer. While the Jazz love Kanter, if they have to pay big dollars to Gordon Hayward this summer in free agency, they might not be able to afford to pay him what he wants next summer.

5. Aaron Gordon Boston Celtics (25 - 57)
COLLEGE: Arizona HT: 6-8 WT: 210 POS: PF
Odds of winning lottery: 10.3 percent

Analysis: The Celtics could go a lot of different ways here, but most of those ways duplicate something they already have. The team would love to get their hands on Embiid, as he would help them with one of their biggest needs. But Gordon is intriguing here. He's a hybrid forward, but his athleticism and motor allow him to thrive at both the three and the four defensively. He adds toughness and does all the little things coaches love. I think he'd be a great fit on this Celtics squad.

6. Julius Randle Los Angeles Lakers (27 - 55)
COLLEGE: Kentucky HT: 6-9 WT: 225 POS: PF
Odds of winning lottery: 6.3 percent

Analysis: The Lakers have been eyeing Dante Exum and would be thrilled if he fell here. If he doesn't, they will have a tough decision to make here between Randle and Noah Vonleh. Vonleh might be a better fit in Mike D'Antonio's system. His Chris Bosh-like ability to spread the floor fits well with D'Antoni's preference for bigs who can shoot. But he's raw and probably not ready right now, whereas Randle is ready to come in and be a beast from day one. With the Lakers' entire front line heading into free agency this summer (including Pau Gasol, Chris Kaman and Jordan Hill), the Lakers are going to have a lot of needs up front.

7. Marcus Smart Sacramento Kings (28 - 54)
COLLEGE: Oklahoma State HT: 6-4 WT: 225 POS: PG
Odds of winning lottery: 4.3 percent

Analysis: The Kings would ideally love a shot-blocker here, but after Embiid, the pickings are pretty slim this year. They also could use a big point guard. Isaiah Thomas was terrific for the Kings this year, but Smart's size, toughness and leadership at the position are all major upgrades. This team desperately needs team players who care first and foremost about winning. I can't think of a better fit for Smart than the Kings. Mike Malone will love him immediately.

8. Noah Vonleh Detroit Pistons (29 - 53)
COLLEGE: Indiana HT: 6-10 WT: 240 POS: PF
Odds of winning lottery: 2.8 percent

Analysis: This Pistons are another team up in the air as far as management goes. It's unclear exactly what they are going to do now that Joe Dumars has left. Yes, the Pistons are strong up front, but I think Vonleh makes sense for three reasons. One,Greg Monroe is a restricted free agent, and given the Pistons' salary structure going forward, they might not want to pay him. Two, the Pistons really need a big man who can stretch the floor. Josh Smith thinks he's that guy, but his 26 percent shooting from 3-point range this season tells a different story. Lastly, Vonleh is, in my opinion, clearly the best player left on the board. You take him and figure things out later.

9. Doug McDermott Cleveland Cavaliers (33 - 49)
COLLEGE: Creighton HT: 6-8 WT: 210 POS: SF
Odds of winning lottery: 1.7 percent

Analysis: If you thought owner Dan Gilbert was impatient last year, wait until this year. It's "Playoff or Bust, Part II," for the Cavs, and you can make sure after last year's draft debacle that the Cavs are going to try to bring in a high-quality player who can contribute right now. McDermott might not be the sexiest prospect in the draft, but he's a four-year senior who can really shoot the basketball. He'll be a great fit in Cleveland, especially if Luol Deng decides to bolt this summer.

10. Gary Harris Philadelphia 76ers (19 - 63)
COLLEGE: Michigan State HT: 6-4 WT: 210 POS: SG
(pick via New Orleans Pelicans)
Odds of winning lottery: 1.1 percent

Analysis: If the Sixers can land their forward of the future in Parker, they can turn to adding another piece in the backcourt to play alongside Carter-Williams. The biggest knock on Harris is that he's undersized for his position, but playing next to Carter-Williams, that shouldn't be an issue. Harris is a terrific defender who can guard both backcourt spots. Assuming he reverts back to his freshman-year form, Harris also provides shooting and character on a young team. Put him and Parker on the floor with MCW and Noel and you have a very bright future in Philly.

11. Tyler Ennis Denver Nuggets (36 - 46)
COLLEGE: Syracuse HT: 6-2 WT: 180 POS: PG
(pick via New York Knicks)
Odds of winning lottery: 0.8 percent

Analysis: With Andre Miller gone, the Nuggets could use a full-time backup for Ty Lawson. Ennis would be a terrific fit. He gives the Nuggets a completely different pace, plays, for the most part, mistake-free basketball and has terrific poise for a player his age.

12. Dario Saric Orlando Magic (23 - 59)
COLLEGE: Croatia HT: 6-10 WT: 223 POS: PF
(pick via Denver Nuggets)
Odds of winning lottery: 0.7 percent

Analysis: It looks unlikely that Saric will actually be able to come and play next year in the NBA. His father has been vocal that he doesn't believe Saric is ready, and they have, according to sources, a deal in principle with a team in Europe next year. But Saric's agent says that he's declaring for the draft, and if he decides to stay in, someone will grab him somewhere in the teens much like the Bulls did with Nikola Mirotic in 2011. He's one of the two or three most skilled forwards in the draft and represents great value here if a team is willing to be patient and wait a couple seasons before he comes. The Magic already have a top-3 pick and could afford to wait. The question is whether Saric will be happier going in the late-lottery or whether he'd like to pull out of the draft and try to be a top-10 pick in 2015.

13. Nik Stauskas Minnesota Timberwolves (40 - 42)
COLLEGE: Michigan HT: 6-6 WT: 190 POS: SG
Odds of winning lottery: 0.6 percent

Analysis: The Wolves' biggest need right now continues to be shooting. Stauskas is one of the true elite shooters in the draft. He has unlimited range, a super-quick release, and as a bonus, he can play point guard in a pinch.

14. Zach LaVine Phoenix Suns (48 - 34)
COLLEGE: UCLA HT: 6-5 WT: 180 POS: PG
Odds of winning lottery: 0.5 percent

Analysis: LaVine is a swing-for-the-fences pick. He has the chance to be a home run down the road. He's blessed with both elite athleticism and an awesome jump shot. His body and decision-making skills aren't ready for the NBA yet, but he has tremendous upside for a player drafted this late.

15. James Young Atlanta Hawks (38 - 44)
COLLEGE: Kentucky HT: 6-7 WT: 200 POS: SF

Analysis: The Hawks have been looking for another wing man, and Young has tremendous upside here. If he had shot the ball more consistently as a freshman, he would have been gone six to eight spots higher. Still, scouts are convinced there's nothing wrong with his stroke, and given a little more time, he could be very effective at stretching defenses.

16. P.J. Hairston Chicago Bulls (48 - 34)
COLLEGE: North Carolina HT: 6-5 WT: 220 POS: SG
(pick via Charlotte Bobcats)

Analysis: The Bulls continue to search for some perimeter shooting. Jimmy Butler shot just 28 percent from 3-point range this season, Tony Snell shot just 32 percent, andDerrick Rose, when he comes back, isn't going to light it up either. Mike Dunleavy made shots, but given his age, he's not a long-term solution. The good news is that Hairston can shoot, play either wing position and already has an NBA body.

17. Clint Capela Boston Celtics (25 - 57)
COLLEGE: Switzerland HT: 6-11 WT: 222 POS: PF
(pick via Brooklyn Nets)

Analysis: The Celtics could make a long-term move with their second pick. Capela has NBA length and athleticism (think Serge Ibaka), but he's pretty far away from being an NBA player right now. Whether he sticks in Europe for a year or two or comes over now and learns the hard way, getting someone with athletic tools at this point in the draft is worth the gamble.

18. Cleanthony Early Phoenix Suns (48 - 34)
COLLEGE: Wichita State HT: 6-8 WT: 215 POS: SF
(pick via Washington Wizards)

Analysis: If the Suns swing for the fences with their first pick, I could see them playing it safe with their second pick. Early is the second-oldest player in our mock, but his play at Wichita State this year opened eyes. He's a prototypical NBA small forward with size, athleticism and the ability to shoot the ball and could be a terrific backup for Gerald Green.

19. Adreian Payne Chicago Bulls (48 - 34)
COLLEGE: Michigan State HT: 6-10 WT: 225 POS: PF

Analysis: As I said before, the Bulls need shooting, and this pick is about that as well. Payne is one of the few stretch 4s in the draft. He has the size and strength to play in the interior, but shot a very impressive 42 percent from beyond the arc this year. His upside might be limited, but on a team that will try to compete for a title next year, Payne could be an excellent fit.

20. Jerami Grant Toronto Raptors (48 - 34)
COLLEGE: Syracuse HT: 6-8 WT: 203 POS: SF

Analysis: Grant is another upside pick. Blessed with elite length and athletic ability and a motor that always keeps him in plays, Grant was a jump shot away from being a lottery pick. The Raptors could use the help behind DeMar DeRozan at the 3.

21. Jusuf Nurkic Oklahoma City Thunder (59 - 23)
COLLEGE: Bosnia HT: 6-11 WT: 280 POS: C
(pick via Dallas Mavericks)

Analysis: Nurkic has NBA size and soft hands to play the center position, and let's face it, in a draft devoid of bigs, that's a commodity. His lack of elite athleticism and some conditioning issues probably keep him from going higher, but this is a nice draft-and-stash candidate for the Thunder.

22. K.J. McDaniels Memphis Grizzlies (50 - 32)
COLLEGE: Clemson HT: 6-6 WT: 200 POS: SF

Analysis: McDaniels brings crazy athleticism, defense and a good motor to the table. Several GMs feel he's one of the more underrated players in the draft. Like Grant, his lack of a real jump shot keeps him from going higher, but the defensive toughness he brings to the table should really help the Grizzlies.

23. Elfrid Payton Utah Jazz (25 - 57)
COLLEGE: Louisiana Lafayette HT: 6-3 WT: 170 POS: PG
(pick via Golden State Warriors)

Analysis: The Jazz drafted a pretty small point guard in Trey Burke last year. Now they add a player who has size and length and the explosive athletic ability that Burke lacks to back him up. Payton isn't a great shooter and needs to add strength, but he's my sleeper of the draft and a great get for the Jazz at No. 23.

24. T.J. Warren Charlotte Bobcats (43 - 39)
COLLEGE: NC State HT: 6-8 WT: 233 POS: SF
(pick via Portland Trail Blazers)

Analysis: The Bobcats rely an awful lot on Al Jefferson and Kemba Walker to do the bulk of their scoring. As such, they ranked 24th in the league in offensive efficiency.Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Josh McRoberts and to a lesser extent, Gerald Henderson, just aren't great at putting the ball in the basket. Enter Warren, one of the best scorers in college basketball. While he lacks elite athletic ability and isn't really a shooter, Warren has a scorer's mentality and should be able to get some badly needed buckets for the Bobcats.

25. Rodney Hood Houston Rockets (54 - 28)
COLLEGE: Duke HT: 6-8 WT: 180 POS: SG

Analysis: This is a steal for the Rockets if Hood lasts this long. He has both size and the ability to shoot the ball from his position. At times he can be one-dimensional, but at No. 25, and on a team like the Rockets, all they'll ask him to do is shoot the ball.

26. Kyle Anderson Miami Heat (54 - 28)
COLLEGE: UCLA HT: 6-9 WT: 235 POS: PF

Analysis: Anderson is the hardest player to place in this mock. Teams tend to either love him or hate him. He has a very unique skill set for a player his size as a point power forward and is best when the ball is in his hands. I think he's a great fit for the Heat because he's unselfish, makes others around him better and has drastically improved his jump shot this year. Just don't expect him to defend anyone.

27. Mario Hezonja Phoenix Suns (48 - 34)
COLLEGE: Croatia HT: 6-7 WT: 200 POS: SF
(pick via Indiana Pacers)

Analysis: It's unclear whether Hezonja will even be in the draft. He's a terrific prospect who is sliding because he just doesn't get significant minutes right now in Europe. If he stays in the draft, someone will try to steal him in the first round. And with three first-round picks, the Suns are in prime position to do it.

28. Shabazz Napier Los Angeles Clippers (57 - 25)
COLLEGE: Connecticut HT: 6-0 WT: 170 POS: PG

Analysis: Darren Collison has been great as Chris Paul's backup this year, but given the pittance he's making in L.A., it's likely he's going to opt out and try to find a more lucrative deal elsewhere. Enter Napier. He's coming off an NCAA championship, can be a terrific defender and can hit big shots. It would be great for him to mentor under Paul and Doc Rivers. I think this would be a good fit for both team and player.

29. C.J. Wilcox Oklahoma City Thunder (59 - 23)
COLLEGE: Washington HT: 6-5 WT: 180 POS: SG

Analysis: The Thunder could always use more shooting, and Wilcox is another lights-out shooter. He has the size and athleticism to play the 2, but his age causes him to fall. I think this would be a nice late pickup for the Thunder.

30. Jarnell Stokes San Antonio Spurs (62 - 20)
COLLEGE: Tennessee HT: 6-8 WT: 250 POS: PF

Analyisis: Stokes might be undersized, but he's a great rebounder and has the strength to create space. The Spurs have found places for players such as him in the past. And don't forget, though he might be a junior, he's still just 20 years old.
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lionaire · Apr 22, 2014

WOW Hood @ 26 would be amazing!!!

CertifiedTroll · Apr 22, 2014

I must be dreamin', oh lawd.

rockets2012 · Apr 22, 2014

Warren or Anderson would be great.

what · Apr 22, 2014

Julius Randle at 6 is WAY too low. In my mind, if I was drafting #1, I'd probably take Julius Randle. It would be close between him and Wiggins. At the very least Randle would be the #2 pick on my draft board.

JayGoogle · Apr 22, 2014

Adjust the draft so that the Lakers and Celtics get the #1 and #2 picks.

what · Apr 22, 2014

I also think some team is going to be really ecstatic with Marcus Smart. I like him more than just about anybody on the board.

1. Wiggins
2. Randle
3. Smart

The freaks of nature are tempting, namely: Exum, Parker, Ebiid, but I'd rather have those guys as my top 3.

I think Smart is going to be beast. He is going to be a GREAT pg in this league.

Croatian Sensation · Apr 22, 2014

Šarić and Hezonja are huge steals at #12 and #27, respectively. Šarić has been flirting with a triple-double in almost every game he's played in for the past three months. Hezonja hasn't been playing much for Barcelona, but he only turned 19 recently and this is what he does when he gets the opportunity:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LzlNc2PkxqU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

26 points in 21 minutes. I think he'll opt out of the draft and go in the lottery next season after he proves himself in Barcelona.

Btw, Nurkić is a scam (#21 pick), a big body, but not very intelligent and his conditioning is pretty bad. I'm also surprised to see that Bogdan Bogdanović isn't on this mock, he's a keeper.

Pokito1120 · Apr 22, 2014

I see Smart being a bust in the league.

Willard Decker · Apr 23, 2014

adeelionaire said: ↑

WOW Hood @ 26 would be amazing!!!
Click to expand...

I agree, as the Rockets are slated to pick at twenty five.

what said: ↑

Julius Randle at 6 is WAY too low. In my mind, if I was drafting #1, I'd probably take Julius Randle. It would be close between him and Wiggins. At the very least Randle would be the #2 pick on my draft board.
Click to expand...

Randle's offensive game is extremely limited. He has almost no use of his right hand and repeatedly tries to force his way into the paint, a strategy that won't work in the NBA because Randle won't have the advantage of being bigger than most of the players defending him. Additionally, his lack of explosiveness and below-average wingspan will make it difficult for him to get his shot off against athletic power forwards.

Randle's ball-handling ability is advanced for a player of his size and build, and his rebounding at both ends is excellent. But maybe more than any other player in the draft, his success or failure will hinge on his being drafted by the team and having players around him who compliment his strengths and compensate for his weaknesses.

what said: ↑

The freaks of nature are tempting, namely: Exum, Parker, Ebiid, but I'd rather have those guys as my top 3.
Click to expand...

Parker doesn't belong in that group, as his athleticism is limited compared to other players expected to be drafted high. What separates Parker from his peers is his maturity and his knowledge of the game, which surpasses most nineteen-year-old men. Although I believe he's more athletic than most people realize, he's most certainly not a freak of nature and shouldn't be compared to either Embiid or Exum.

lionaire · Apr 24, 2014

Willard Decker said: ↑

I agree, as the Rockets are slated to pick at twenty five.
Click to expand...

that's what i meant no need to try to be clever youngin

Willard Decker · Apr 25, 2014

adeelionaire said: ↑

that's what i meant no need to try to be clever youngin
Click to expand...

Excuse me? I'm probably much older than you.

rockets13champs · May 5, 2014

Could we some how trade up and draft exum?

BigBenito · May 5, 2014

Not without trading Harden or Dwight. A ton of future firsts would do it, but I don't see Morey handicapping himself like that.

REEKO_HTOWN · May 5, 2014

rockets13champs said: ↑

Could we some how trade up and draft exum?
Click to expand...

Just what we need, more young inexperienced players starting.

The_Yoyo · May 5, 2014

I am biased but I would love to see the Rockets snag Jordan Adams out of UCLA with the 25th pick

Voice of Aus · May 5, 2014

rockets13champs said: ↑

Could we some how trade up and draft exum?
Click to expand...

I promise to give up my first born to make this happen

Yung-T · May 5, 2014

Voice of Aus said: ↑

I promise to give up my first born to make this happen
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Damn breh, Mrs. Voice of Aus will kick your butt.

Ming The King · May 20, 2014

Mock Draft 6.0 is here. Andrew Wiggins is No. 1. http://es.pn/1jpRYLp (insider)

Can an insider help me please

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Chad Ford Mock Draft 4.0

J.R. Member

lionaire Member

CertifiedTroll Member

rockets2012 Member

what Member

JayGoogle Member

what Member

Croatian Sensation I'd rather be a forest than a street

Pokito1120 Member

Willard Decker Member

lionaire Member

Willard Decker Member

rockets13champs Member

BigBenito Member

REEKO_HTOWN I'm Rich Biiiiaaatch!

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Voice of Aus Member

Yung-T Member

Ming The King Member

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