http://t.co/GI2FVjHJ5k If somebody could embed, that'd be cool. Obviously doesn't mean anything, but fun to look at because of how stacked the 2014 Draft is. He has the Rockets taking Tennessee PF Jarnell Stokes at #23.
[rquoter]A mock draft in September? I know. It seems a bit absurd to try to project players to teams when we haven't even played a game. But interest in this year's draft is historically high among NBA execs, scouts and fans. And thanks to ESPN.com's Summer Forecast, which gave us projected standings for both the Eastern and Western Conferences, we have a first glimpse at how we think the draft order might look like next June. Remember, in a mock draft we don't tell you where a player should go, but rather, what each team in the draft likely would do with its first-round pick. If you want a ranking of players, check out our first Big Board of the year. Obviously, at this point nothing is set in stone. Expect this mock draft to fluctuate greatly over the course of the next 10 months. Nevertheless, it's my best stab at a full first-round mock draft after taking into account team needs. (This assumes every non-senior in this mock draft who has yet to state his intentions eventually declares for the draft.) Also note that there were a flurry of trades on draft night and there are notes at the bottom regarding which picks go to which teams. So, without further ado, I present & Mock Draft 1.0 -- Summer Forecast edition. 1. Andrew Wiggins Philadelphia 76ers COLLEGE: Kansas AGE: 18 HT: 6-8 WT: 195 POS: SG Sixers' forecast record: 20-62 | 25 percent to win lottery Analysis: I've been very bullish on the 76ers this summer; having the best shot at Wiggins is why. Wiggins is one of the best prospects to come into the draft in a decade. He has NBA size, elite athletic ability and does just about everything well. With young anchors in the middle (Nerlens Noel) and at the point guard position (Michael Carter-Williams), the Sixers could add an uber-athletic wing to the mix. Combined with the No. 11 pick (see below), they suddenly have one of the most exciting young cores in the NBA. Even if the Sixers don't win the lottery, a player like Julius Randle, Dante Exum or Jabari Parker would add another potential star to the team. 2. Julius Randle Phoenix Suns COLLEGE: Kentucky AGE: 18 HT: 6-9 WT: 225 POS: PF Suns' forecast record: 22-60 | 19.9 percent to win lottery Analysis: Like the 76ers, the Suns feel they have their big man (Alex Len) and their point guard (Eric Bledsoe) of the future. Randle would be a perfect complement to Len on the front line. He's the type of versatile 4 that most teams covet. He possesses virtually every attribute scouts look for in a prospect. The Suns have two other first-round picks (Nos. 18, 25) to fill out the team and are also optimistic about the long-term future of Archie Goodwin. While I don't like the baseline talent quite as much as I like Philly's, the Suns could end up easily rivaling Philly as the best young team in the NBA in another year. 3. Marcus Smart Orlando Magic COLLEGE: Oklahoma St. AGE: 19 HT: 6-4 WT: 225 POS: PG Magic's forecast record: 24-58 | 15.6 percent to win lottery Analysis: This will be a tough call for the Magic. They'll likely grab a point guard if they're drafting here and will have their choice of Dante Exum, Marcus Smart or Andrew Harrison. Exum has been rocketing up boards this summer, and scouts are already beginning to peg him as a rival to Wiggins for the overall No. 1 pick. Harrison was ranked as the top high school point guard in 2013, and the Magic would have selected him with the No. 2 pick if Smart had declared for the draft last season. But the odds remain in Smart's favor; Orlando loves his combination of toughness, defense and energy. Imagine having to play against a Victor Oladipo-Smart backcourt? They'll terrorize the league. Obviously, if Smart doesn't improve his jump shot and handle this season, he'll move out of the picture. But for now, it's Smart's spot to lose. 4. Dante Exum Charlotte Bobcats COUNTRY: Australia AGE: 18 HT: 6-6 WT: 188 POS: PG Bobcats' forecasted record: 26-56 | 11.9 percent to win lottery Analysis: Draft after draft, Charlotte continues to miss their shot at a real franchise talent. That should change in 2014. I expect that they'll be praying for Exum should they miss out on Wiggins. They need an explosive scoring guard in the worst way and Exum's ability to play both the point and the two make him a perfect fit in Charlotte. With Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kemba Walker and Cody Zeller already in place, adding Exum finally gives the Bobcats a player worth getting excited about. 5. Jabari Parker Boston Celtics COLLEGE: Duke AGE: 18 HT: 6-8 WT: 241 POS: SF Celtics' forecasted record: 29-53 | 8.8 percent to win lottery Analysis: Forget for a second that Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge and Parker are both Mormon and Ainge has been an informal advisor to Parker in the past. He's actually a great fit for the Celtics. With a super-skilled frontcourt of Jared Sullinger and Kelly Olynyk, and an athletic backcourt of Rajon Rondo and Avery Bradley, Parker fits great in between -- especially for Celtics fans who aren't sold on Jeff Green as the Celtics' future. Parker could be the second coming of Carmelo Anthony as a scorer, with an even better approach. 6. Aaron Gordon Sacramento Kings COLLEGE: Arizona AGE: 17 HT: 6-8 WT: 210 POS: F Kings' forecasted record: 30-52 | 6.3 percent to win lottery Analysis: The Kings' two building blocks right now are big man DeMarcus Cousins and athletic two guard Ben McLemore. Adding Gordon to the mix only makes the Kings more athletic up front, and also gives them a tough player who plays at a relentless pace, mostly above the rim. Gordon's skill set is a work in progress, but there are few players with his upside in this draft. 7. Andrew Harrison Milwaukee Bucks COLLEGE: Kentucky AGE: 18 HT: 6-5 WT: 207 POS: PG Bucks' forecasted record: 31-51 | 4.3 percent to win lottery Analysis: If the Bucks somehow can get their hands on one of those top three point guards, they'll do it. The team acquired Brandon Knight in a trade this summer, but he doesn't have the long-term potential of Exum, Smart or Harrison. Harrison has as much talent as Smart and Exum, but slides a bit because of questions about his attitude. If John Calipari can get him to mature (remember when John Wall had all the same questions surrounding him before he played for Calipari at Kentucky?) the Bucks could potentially land the best point guard prospect in the draft. 8. Chris Walker Utah Jazz COLLEGE: Florida AGE: 18 HT: 6-9 WT: 195 POS: SF Jazz's forecasted record: 32-50 | 2.8 percent to win lottery Analysis: The Jazz drafted their point guard of the future, Trey Burke, this June. They have great young anchors on the front line with Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter. And Gordon Hayward can play both the two and the three. Walker might be another great fit. He is yet another explosive player who excels in the open floor. He's trying to make the transition from the three to four this year at Florida (if the NCAA ever gets around to clearing him. Walker did not enroll in classes for fall semester and is hoping to become eligible in December). If he improves his handle and jump shot, he could be a lethal combo forward in the NBA and give the Jazz another young prospect to build around. 9.Dario Saric Toronto Raptors COUNTRY: Croatia AGE: 19 HT: 6-10 WT: 223 POS: SF Raptors' forecasted record: 33-49 | 1.7 percent to win lottery Analysis: The Raptors' biggest hole is at the four and Saric could be a very interesting fit. Once again he was dominant in summer tournament play and is widely regarded as the top young prospect in Europe. A point power forward, he shows off remarkable court vision and is a terrific rebounder. His so-so jump shot and lack of elite quickness keep him from being an elite prospect at the three, but he could complete a very big front line alongside Jonas Valanciunas and Rudy Gay. 10. Joel Embiid Los Angeles Lakers COLLEGE: Kansas AGE: 19 HT: 7-0 WT: 240 POS: C Lakers' forecasted record: 36-46 | 1.1 percent to win lottery Analysis: At some point the Lakers are going to have to start rebuilding, and if our Summer Forecast voters are correct, it's going to start this year. The team really needs help everywhere. There isn't a young building block for the team at any position. Embiid is the first true center of this group and impressed scouts at the McDonald's All-American, Nike Hoop Summit and Adidas Nations. Rick Pitino has said he believes Embiid will be the No. 2 pick. That might be a bit generous considering how raw Embiid is and the teams likely to be selecting at the top of the draft. However, if Embiid does blow up, he won't be around at No. 10. 11. Montrezl Harrell Philadelphia 76ers COLLEGE: Louisville AGE: 19 HT: 6-8 WT: 235 POS: PF Sixers' forecasted record: 37-45* | 0.8 percent to win lottery Analysis: Putting Harrell on a team that already includes Noel, Carter-Williams and, if they win the lottery, Wiggins is just plain greedy. Harrell is a bouncy energizer who should be a great fit in Philly. He has a terrific motor, is an excellent rebounder and he proved this summer that his offensive game is coming along nicely. If he has a big sophomore year in Louisville, he might not be around at No. 11. But if he is, he'll be another great building block for the Sixers. 12. Willie Cauley-Stein Portland Trail Blazers COLLEGE: Kentucky AGE: 20 HT: 7-0 WT: 220 POS: PF Trail Blazers' forecasted record: 38-44** | 0.7 percent to win lottery) Analysis: The Blazers actually are trying to make the playoffs in a very crowded Western Conference. But if they don't make the playoffs, the draft is the upside. Cauley-Stein hasn't even begun to realize his potential. He was very raw at Kentucky last year, but when he got it going, everyone could easily see great things to come. The Blazers don't really need another center, but Cauley-Stein's versatility might allow him to backup LaMarcus Aldridge. 13. Gary Harris Charlotte Bobcats COLLEGE: Michigan St. AGE: 18 HT: 6-4 WT: 210 POS: SG Bobcats' forecasted record: 38-44# | 0.6 percent to win lottery Analysis: Harris isn't as sexy as some of the other prospects here, but he quietly put together one of the best freshman seasons in the country last season, and he did it with an injured shoulder. He can defend, is a great athlete and can shoot with range. In short, he's a long-term upgrade over Gerald Henderson. 14. Mario Hezonja Dallas Mavericks COUNTRY: Croatia AGE: 18 HT: 6-6 WT: 200 POS: SF Mavericks' forecasted record: 39-43 | 0.5 percent to win lottery Analysis: Mavericks GM Donnie Nelson has always loved international players and likely will be bummed if Saric is off the board. But not too bummed. Many scouts and fans in Croatia think Hezonja might actually be the better long-term prospect. A number of scouts I spoke with have Hezonja ranked as a top-10 player in this draft. Yes, the Mavs just signed Monta Ellis, but that won't stop them from grabbing Hezonja as a long-term solution at the two. 15. Glenn Robinson III Cleveland Cavaliers COLLEGE: Michigan AGE: 19 HT: 6-6 WT: 210 POS: SF Cavaliers' forecasted record: 39-43 Analysis: The Cavs' biggest need right now might be at the three, and adding Robinson would be a nice fit. He should be carrying a big part of the load for Michigan this year and will add valuable experience. If he can prove he's got a reliable jumper, he'll have a long pro career. 16. Mitch McGary Washington Wizards COLLEGE: Michigan AGE: 21 HT: 6-10 WT: 250 POS: C Wizards' forecasted record: 39-43 Analysis: McGary is so tough to place right now. If he plays like he did in the NCAA tournament last season, he'll be five to eight spots higher on the board. Assuming he comes down to Earth just a bit, this is likely his range. The Wizards' biggest hole is at center and McGary's defensive toughness and motor alone should make him valuable to Washington. 17. Sam Dekker Atlanta Hawks COLLEGE: Wisconsin AGE: 19 HT: 6-8 WT: 215 POS: SF Hawks' forecasted record: 40-42 Analysis: Stat heads are in love with Dekker. So are teams that value athletic wings that can shoot the basketball. After a very solid freshman season, teams are expecting a breakthrough season and a savvy, stat-centric team like the Hawks are sure to pounce on him -- especially with Kyle Korver as the only real three man on the roster at the moment. 18. Jerami Grant Phoenix Suns COLLEGE: Syracuse AGE: 19 HT: 6-8 WT: 203 POS: SF Suns' forecasted record: 40-42*** Analysis: If the Suns can grab a power forward with their first pick, they can move toward a small forward with their second pick. Marcus Morris and Gerald Green will be the only two threes left on the roster after this season, and Grant exudes much more potential. 19. Wayne Selden Denver Nuggets COLLEGE: Kansas AGE: 18 HT: 6-5 WT: 220 POS: SF Nuggets' forecasted record: 43-39 Analysis: With the loss of Andre Iguodala, the Nuggets are eventually going to need an upgrade at the wing (unless you are sold on Evan Fournier). Enter Selden, one of the two or three best pure scorers in the freshman class. Selden might be the most interesting player in this mock. A month ago, he wasn't on our initial Big Board. That prompted a number of calls from NBA scouts who had fallen in love with him this summer based on reports coming out of Lawrence, Kan., and his play at the Adidas Nations camp. He wasn't carrying this buzz out of high school, the mood has definitely changed. A small number of them are convinced he might be a top-10 pick. Others are equally convinced he'll be a lethal scorer in college, but he'll struggle to translate his game to the next level. He could end up being one of the most polarizing players of this draft. It's rare to see scouts so divided so early in the process. 20. Isaiah Austin Orlando Magic COLLEGE: Baylor AGE: 19 HT: 7-0 WT: 215 POS: PF Magic's forecasted record: 48-34$ Analysis: If the Magic go with a point guard with their first pick, adding another big man to the roster would make sense at No. 20. Austin is another player who can't garner much consensus at this point. Some see him as a lottery pick. Others see him in the second round. Given his size and emerging skill set, he might be worth the gamble here. 21. Doug McDermott Utah Jazz SCHOOL: Creighton AGE: 21 HT: 6-7 WT: 210 POS: SF Jazz's forecasted record: 50-32++ Analysis: The Jazz always could use more shooting, and McDermott made a name for himself this summer with the shooting display during the Team USA national team minicamp. He could become a solid role player in Utah. 22. Alex Poythress Memphis Grizzlies COLLEGE: Kentucky AGE: 20 HT: 6-7 WT: 215 POS: SF Grizzlies' forecasted record: 51-31 Analysis: Tayshaun Prince obviously isn't the long-term solution in Memphis, but Poythress has the potential to be. He struggled as a freshman at Kentucky, but the natural athletic abilities and talent are undeniable. If he can earn a starting spot on this Kentucky team and assert himself, he could be a steal this late in the draft. 23. Jarnell Stokes Houston Rockets COLLEGE: Tennessee AGE: 19 HT: 6-8 WT: 250 POS: PF Rockets' forecasted record: 53-29 Analysis: The Rockets are set at virtually every position, but Stokes could be a good fit at power forward for them. He's very efficient, has a soft touch around the basket and will be one of the more NBA-ready players in this draft. 24. James Young Boston Celtics COLLEGE: KentuckyAGE: 18 HT: 6-7 WT: 200 POS: SF Celtics' forecasted record: 53-29^ Analysis: The Celtics aren't really loaded with scorers at the moment. If they land Parker, they'll still need a real scoring threat on the perimeter. Young is the true wild card of the draft. If he ends up earning a starting position over Poythress and gets big minutes, he'll like move another 10 spots up the board. If he plays more of a supporting role, he lands here. 25. Aaron Harrison Phoenix Suns COLLEGE: Kentucky AGE: 18 HT: 6-5 WT: 210 POS: SG Suns' forecasted record: 54-28+ Analysis: The Suns drafted one Kentucky shooting guard, Archie Goodwin, this summer. Will they make it two in a row next year? His brother Andrew often overshadows Aaron, but it's mostly because Andrew is considered a point while Aaron plays a less-pivotal position. He has talent and could add another big scoring threat to the Suns' backcourt. 26. James McAdoo San Antonio Spurs COLLEGE: North CarolinaAGE: 20HT: 6-9WT: 223POS: PF Spurs' forecasted record: 55-27 Analysis: The Spurs have a way of reclaiming lost prospects and turning them into something special. I could see McAdoo having that sort of turnaround if he lands on a team like the Spurs. He's blessed with a number of physical tools but looked overwhelmed as a sophomore. If he really gets it going this year, he won't be around when the Spurs are drafting. But if he continues to struggle, I could see Gregg Popovich helping him turn the corner. 27. Dakari Johnson Chicago Bulls COLLEGE: Kentucky AGE: 17 HT: 610 WT: 223 POS: C Bulls' forecasted record: 55-27 Analysis: Johnson isn't even likely to start on Kentucky this year, but that won't stop him from getting mentioned as a possible first-round pick in 2014. He's big, has an NBA body and likes to mix it up in the paint. If he shows any real promise, someone will take the gamble. The Bulls lack real depth in the middle and might be willing to take a shot on him. 28. Jahii Carson Los Angeles Clippers COLLEGE: Arizona St. AGE: 21 HT: 5-10 WT: 223 POS: PG Clippers' forecasted record: 57-25 Analysis: Darren Collison will take Eric Bledsoe's place of in the Clippers' offense this season, but given the tiny deal he signed, he's likely to opt out next summer. Carson seems like a perfect fit -- a small, super-quick guard who can light it up from anywhere on the floor. If he were a few inches taller, he'd be a lottery pick. 29. Vasilije Micic Oklahoma City Thunder COUNTRY: Serbia AGE: 19 HT: 6-4 WT: 185 POS: PG Thunder's forecasted record: 58-24 Analysis: Oklahoma City is the rare team loaded with both veteran talent and interesting young players at virtually every position. They don't really need anything right now, making Micic an attractive option. Micic was terrific in the U-19s this summer and proved he could hang with some of the top collegians on Team USA. He might be the headiest point guard in the draft and could be a nice long-term fit in OKC. 30. LaQuinton Ross Miami Heat SCHOOL: Ohio State AGE: 20 HT: 6-8 WT: 225 POS: SF Heat's forecasted record: 60-22 Analysis: Ross is a bit of an enigma. He was largely disappointing his first two years with Ohio State before a breakout performance in the NCAA tournament. The Heat always can use athletic wings who can shoot the ball, and Ross' ceiling is higher than most. *The Pelicans will send their first-round pick to the Sixers if it falls somewhere from 6-30. **The Blazers will send their pick to the Bobcats if it falls somewhere from 13-30. #The Pistons will send their first-round pick to Charlotte if it falls somewhere from 9-30. ***The Timberwolves will send their first-round pick to Phoenix if it falls somewhere from 14-30. $The Nuggets own the Knicks' first-round pick. They have agreed to send the lesser of their own pick or the Knicks' pick to the Magic. ++The Golden State Warriors will send their pick to the Utah Jazz. ^The Nets owe Boston a first-round pick. However, this could be either the Nets' or the Hawks' pick. The Hawks have the right to swap picks. Given our forecast, it's unlikely the Hawks will swap picks with the Nets. +The Pacers will send their first-round pick to Phoenix if it falls somewhere from 15-30.[/rquoter]
Reading gone out the window! [rquoter]Suns' forecasted record: 54-28+[/rquoter] ...goes down to the +... [rquoter]+The Pacers will send their first-round pick to Phoenix if it falls somewhere from 15-30.[/rquoter]
We might never see a draft this top heavy with so much like this one ever again. 2Nd rd you still have a abundance of talent available.
My guess is that Houston selects nobody in the first round. The pick is an asset most likely to be traded for someone who can actually help the team.
The 23rd pick is less likely to get someone who can help the team right away,instead of a higher pick.
i would rather us try to move up to the lottery ot move down to get multiple 2nd rounders. i hate late 1st rounders cause their guareenteed money.
23. Some random Power Forward Houston Rockets COLLEGE: PF University AGE: 19 HT: 6-8 WT: Avg. PF WT POS: PF *Will be traded for a future draft pick
I agree that is why Morey won't aquire more picks in 2014. If anything he can package both and a role player to move into the teens where a James Young or Walker from Florida might be available for Rockets.
Saying that though I expect Rockets to draft lower than 23. Maybe around 25 or higher with Rockets they have too much talent and depth not to.
Wiggins will end up in one of the following places: Phoenix, Orlando, Sacramento, Philadelphia, or *cough* Los Angeles (if they finish in the bottom 7 of the league). I see LA having more potential at being a bottom five team than Boston who I think will be somewhere around the 8th seed, not necessarily in the playoffs ... definitely around the 8-11th range.
