NBA Mock Draft 2014: Much is expected from this year's prospects as critics believe that this will be one of the strongest rookie batch the NBA will have since the 2003 NBA Draft class which included 4x NBA MVP and 2x NBA Champ LeBron James, his teammates Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade, and offensive juggernaut Carmelo Anthony. Teams are even being criticized for tanking and intentionally losing ball games just to get the chance to pick in the Top 5.
The big names that are expected to join this year's draft are Kansas' Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid, who people compare to LeBron James and Hakeem Olajuwon, respectively. There's also Duke's Jabari Parker, who is often compared to Carmelo Anthony for his NBA-ready offensive repertoire. Another would be Kentucky's Julius Randle, which people say will be the next Zach Randolph, only more agile and athletic. Finally, there's France' Dante Exum, who is being compared to Dwyane Wade for his athleticism, versatility, and acrobatic moves.
Looking at the NBA standings right now, it seems the Milwaukee Bucks are poised to pick first, followed by the, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. If the draft will happen today and goes accordingly, below will be the probable choices of the aforementioned teams.
Milwaukee Bucks - Andrew Wiggins
The Milwaukee Bucks will take all the help they can get right now, as the team is miserable right now. They need a franchise star, much like LeBron James was for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Andrew Wiggins have the potential to be one.
Philadelphia 76ers - Joel Embiid
After trading Evan Turner and Spencer Hawes, the Philadelphia 76ers have suffered immensely from lack of roster depth, thus, they are now losers of 25 straight games as of writing. Although they have prospect Nerlens Noel playing next season, it is possible that they would trade or let go of Thaddeus Young after this season, and Noel would probably play the power forward position. That would give Embiid the chance to man the lane for the 76ers and be their new centerpiece alongside Michael Carter-Williams.
Orlando Magic - Jabari Parker
Jabari Parker would be the perfect choice for the Magic as they are lacking for a point forward and depth at the 3-position. A starting five of Nicola Vucevic, Tobias Harris, Jabari Parker, Aaron Afflalo, and Victor Oladipo could be pretty scary.
Boston Celtics - Julius Randle
The Boston Celtics have Jared Sullinger as their power forward right now. However, he is a bit undersized for a PF.and Kelly Olynyk is more fit to be their Center. Julius Randle will definitely fit in alongside Rajon Rondo as he run the floor really well and have good hands for his size.
Los Angeles Lakers - Dante Exum
Since Steve Nash is nearing the twilight of his career, it is time for the Lakers to find their floor general of the future. It could either be Dante Exum or Marcus Smart. Dante Exum is more appealing as he presents more upside and versatility.
With the current trend in the NBA where superstars are teaming up to win a championship, do not be surprised if you see a Wiggins, Randle, and Exum partnership or Parker, Embiid, and Smart trio.
