Chad Ford Mock Draft 6.0

J.R. · May 20, 2014

http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft...ck-Draft&ex_cid=InsiderTwitter_fordmockdraft6

The lottery results are in and the Cleveland Cavaliers are the big winners in this year's NBA draft lottery for the second year in a row. That means it's time for our Mock Draft 6.0. At this point very little is set in stone. Expect this mock draft to continue to fluctuate greatly over the course of the next four weeks. The NBA draft combine just finished last weekend and had a significant impact on our board.

The process of team workouts has just started. Over the next few weeks the adidas Eurocamp and hundreds of team workouts will dramatically alter the face of the draft. But for now, here's our best stab, after talking to numerous NBA team sources, about how the draft might play out on June 26. 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 time might do in the draft.

Here we go:

1. Andrew Wiggins Cleveland Cavaliers (33 - 49)
COLLEGE: Kansas HT: 6-8 WT: 200 POS: SG

The Cavs win the lottery for the third time in four years. That is pretty incredible. They hit a home run with Kyrie Irving and screwed it up with Anthony Bennett. ThereÃ??Ã?Â￠??s no guarantee that Luol Deng is going to sign with them this summer and Parker brings high character and a versatile scoring threat. Joel Embiid is another guy to watch here. Anderson Varejao is 32 years old. They need a long-term replacement. But will Dan Gilbert have the patience to wait? I thought they'd to go safe and bring in Jabari Parker. However, sources in Cleveland say that Wiggins is the likely choice. The team feels he has the most long-term potential, helps them defensively right out of the gate, can replace Dion Waiters in the starting lineup while adding character to the team.

2. Joel Embiid Milwaukee Bucks (15 - 67)
COLLEGE: Kansas HT: 7-0 WT: 250 POS: C

The Bucks really liked Embiid before his back injury. But there are questions about whether they will actually be able to get him in for a physical before the draft. If they can, he is likely the No. 1 pick with Wiggins off the board. If they cannot, Parker or Dante Exum could move into this spot. Parker is the safe pick, but there are concerns that he plays the same position as Giannis Antetokounmpo. Exum could be their point guard of the future, as they would like to move Brandon Knight to the 2.

3. Jabari Parker Philadelphia 76ers (19 - 63)
COLLEGE: Duke HT: 6-8 WT: 241 POS: SF

Not an ideal set-up for the Sixers who were after Wiggins. But Parker gives the a terrific scoring option to pair with their young athletes in Michael Carter-Williams and Nerlens Noel. Parker could average 20 PPG as a rookie in Philly. Look for Dante Exum to be a real possibility here, too. They could end up shopping Carter-Williams or just pairing the two together in the backcourt.

4. Dante Exum Orlando Magic (23 - 59)
COLLEGE: Australia HT: 6-6 WT: 196 POS: PG

The Magic want a point guard and I think Exum would be a good long-term fit next to Victor Oladipo. Neither is a pure point guard and neither is a great shooter, but they offer length and the ability to get to the basket. Both still have a lot of room to improve. Marcus Smart is also a possibility here, though it might be a bit high.

5. Noah Vonleh Utah Jazz (25 - 57)
COLLEGE: Indiana HT: 6-10 WT: 247 POS: PF

Jazz fans have to be devastated. They have zero shot of landing Jabari Parker here. And their other targets are all gone as well. They donÃ￠??t really need another power forward, but at this point, thatÃ￠??s the value left on the board. VonlehÃ￠??s ability to stretch the floor should be intriguing to the Jazz.

6. Aaron Gordon Boston Celtics (25 - 57)
COLLEGE: Arizona HT: 6-9 WT: 220 POS: PF

The Celtics will likely shop this pick, though at No. 6 I am not sure exactly what they can get for it. They have been high on Gordon for a while, and I think this would be a very good fit for them. Offensively he is a bit raw, but I think his intangibles as a defender and energy guy will make up for a lot of that. He changes the game with his athleticism in ways that are hard to quantify.

7. Julius Randle Los Angeles Lakers (27 - 55)
COLLEGE: Kentucky HT: 6-9 WT: 234 POS: PF

Look for the Lakers to start shopping this pick. If they had stayed in the top 3, they might have hung onto it, but at No. 6 the interest will be in trying to turn this pick and other assets into a veteran such as Kevin Love. If they keep the pick, they'll want a player who can come in and contribute from the start. Randle, along with Parker, might be the most NBA-ready freshman in the draft. With the Lakers' entire front line heading into free agency this summer (including Pau Gasol, Chris Kaman and Jordan Hill), L.A. is going to have a lot of needs up front.

8. Marcus Smart Sacramento Kings (28 - 54)
COLLEGE: Oklahoma State HT: 6-3 WT: 227 POS: PG

The Kings are obsessed with analytics, and by just about every metric out there, Smart is one of the top three players in this draft. Smart fits a need on multiple levels for the Kings. Isaiah Thomas was good for the Kings this year, but ultimately they think he's a backup. Smart's size and basketball IQ are major upgrades at the position. But it's Smart's toughness, leadership, competitiveness and a desire to win at any cost that could transform the culture in Sacramento.

9. Doug McDermott Charlotte Hornets (43 - 39)
COLLEGE: Creighton HT: 6-8 WT: 218 POS: SF

A very tough outcome for the Pistons who have to send this pick to the Hornets as part of the deal that shipped out Ben Gordon. Could McBuckets really go this high? Consider the situation. The Hornets desperately need shooting and scoring out of their small forward position. This might be a little high for McDermott, but his athletic numbers at the combine gave teams a little more leeway to take him this high and he is a good fit in Charlotte. The team is already loaded with athletes, they just need shooters with great basketball IQs. I think McDermott or Stauskas, either one, could end up here.

10. Nik Stauskas Philadelphia 76ers (19 - 63)
COLLEGE: Michigan HT: 6-7 WT: 207 POS: SG

The Sixers addressed their frontcourt needs with their first pick, but they still need shooting. Stauskas is not only, arguably, the best shooter in the draft, but he has the ability to play both the one and the two, giving the Sixers a great 2 guard plus depth behind Carter-Williams.

11. Gary Harris Denver Nuggets (36 - 46)
COLLEGE: Michigan State HT: 6-5 WT: 205 POS: SG

Randy Foye is coming off a career year, and they have Evan Fournier as a backup, but Harris is a potential upgrade over both players. Not only can he score from anywhere on the floor and play both the 1 and the 2, but he's one of the few lockdown defenders in the draft.

12. Dario Saric Orlando Magic (23 - 59)
COLLEGE: Croatia HT: 6-10 WT: 223 POS: PF

This is Orlando's second lottery pick, so they can afford to gamble a little bit here. Saric's situation remains cloudy. Will he be coming to the NBA next season or is he staying in Europe for a few more years? If he can assure teams he is coming to the NBA next season, he could go this high or higher.He is an amazing talent and with so many athletes on the roster already, getting someone as skilled as Saric to help facilitate things would be a terrific fit in Orlando.

13. Adreian Payne Minnesota Timberwolves (40 - 42)
COLLEGE: Michigan State HT: 6-10 WT: 239 POS: PF

The Wolves are going to have to trade Kevin Love. He won't re-sign in Minnesota next season, which means they have to get something for him now or risk losing him for nothing next summer. So while perimeter shooting remains a must, they also will need help replacing Love in the frontcourt. The good news is that Payne offers something of both. Not only is he ready to step in and play in the paint from day one, but he's also a terrific shooter with NBA 3-point range who can really stretch the floor.

14. Zach LaVine Phoenix Suns (48 - 34)
COLLEGE: UCLA HT: 6-6 WT: 181 POS: PG

The Suns already have two combo guards in their starting line with Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe, but I don't think they'll hesitate to pull the trigger on LaVine if he's on the board. He has as much upside as anyone in the draft. He gives them another lethal shooter and should find minutes given that the Suns' backcourt lacks any real depth at either the 1 or the 2.

15. James Young Atlanta Hawks (38 - 44)
COLLEGE: Kentucky HT: 6-8 WT: 213 POS: SF

The Hawks have been looking for another wing, and Young has tremendous upside here. If he had shot the ball more consistently as a freshman, he would have been selected 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 a very effective defense stretcher.

16. Tyler Ennis Chicago Bulls (48 - 34)
COLLEGE: Syracuse HT: 6-3 WT: 182 POS: PG

With Derrick Rose returning from his second ACL surgery and D.J. Augustin a free agent, the Bulls need a reliable point guard as Rose's backup. Ennis might be young, but he was among the steadiest point guards in the country and plays the sort of mistake free basketball the Bulls will want in a backup.

17. P.J. Hairston Boston Celtics (25 - 57)
COLLEGE: North Carolina HT: 6-5 WT: 229 POS: SG

The Celtics need shooting. After shipping off Courtney Lee to Memphis, Avery Bradley remains the Grizzlies' only reliable 3-point shooter. Not only can Hairston stroke it from deep, he has an NBA body and should be more NBA ready than the average prospect selected at No. 17 -- a big plus for the Celtics.

18. Cleanthony Early Phoenix Suns (48 - 34)
COLLEGE: Wichita State HT: 6-7 WT: 210 POS: SF

If the Suns address backcourt depth with their first pick, I could see them trying to address their small forward issues with their second pick. Gerald Green gave them some good minutes last year, but with P.J. Tucker a free agent, they could use someone like Early. He can shoot, rebound and tested very well in the athletic drills at the NBA combine.

19. Rodney Hood Chicago Bulls (48 - 34)
COLLEGE: Duke HT: 6-9 WT: 208 POS: SG

The Bulls need shooting in the worst way, and Hood shot a red-hot 42 percent from 3 this season. He has elite size for his position and has the maturity to step in and play meaningful minutes for the Bulls from day one. While the Bulls still have some front court issues to address, this draft really should shore up their backcourt challenges.

20. Elfrid Payton Toronto Raptors (48 - 34)
COLLEGE: Louisiana Lafayette HT: 6-4 WT: 185 POS: PG

Both Kyle Lowry and Greivis Vasquez are free agents this summer. While the Raptors would like to sign them both, Payton offers them some important insurance. In fact, even as a prospect he's probably a better than Vasquez from day one. Payton is the biggest sleeper in the draft. With his length, athleticism and defense I could see him going significantly higher than this, but I don't think he gets past Toronto if he's still on the board.

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

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. Jerami Grant Memphis Grizzlies (50 - 32)
COLLEGE: Syracuse HT: 6-8 WT: 214 POS: SF

The Grizzlies could use help at the 3, and Grant gives them a combo forward with elite athletic ability and length. 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. K.J. McDaniels Utah Jazz (25 - 57)
COLLEGE: Clemson HT: 6-6 WT: 195 POS: SF

McDaniels gives the Jazz an athletic forward who should bring defensive toughness right away. Many scouts feel he's one of the more underrated players in the draft -- someone who's a jump shot away from being a dominant wing.

24. T.J. Warren Charlotte Hornets (43 - 39)
COLLEGE: NC State HT: 6-8 WT: 220 POS: SF

There's a run on wings! Warren is the best scorer of the lot -- a player who looks for and can get his shot from anywhere on the floor. Given the Bobcats' scoring issues at the 3 (Michael Kidd-Gilchrist may be a great defender, but he's struggled to find his offense) Warren is a great fit here. His lack of a 3-point shot is the only thing holding him back from going higher.

25. Kristaps Porzingis Houston Rockets (54 - 28)
COLLEGE: Latvia HT: 6-11 WT: 220 POS: PF

I'm not sure if Porzingis will stay in the draft. He could go in the lottery if he waits until 2015. But if he stays in the draft the Rockets will be tempted. They donÃ￠??t need rookies right now and in a few years he could be a valuable piece on their front line.

26. Shabazz Napier Miami Heat (54 - 28)
COLLEGE: Connecticut HT: 6-1 WT: 175 POS: PG

Mario Chalmers is an unrestricted free agent and it's unclear whether the Heat will be able to afford to pay him. Norris Cole is also hitting free agency this summer and the Heat could use a veteran guard who knows how to play in big games. Napier could be a Chalmers-like player for them down the road.

27. Clint Capela Phoenix Suns (48 - 34)
COLLEGE: Switzerland HT: 6-11 WT: 222 POS: PF

Capela's stock has slipped a bit since a mediocre showing at the Nike Hoop Summit but he still has elite length and athletic ability and is another player who could be valuable in a few years as a draft-and-stash candidate. Given that the Suns have three first-round picks, it makes sense for at least one of them to be international player.

28. Kyle Anderson Los Angeles Clippers (57 - 25)
COLLEGE: UCLA HT: 6-9 WT: 230 POS: PF

Anderson plays like a point guard, but he has the body of a NBA power forward. The Clippers have the best point guard in the game in Chris Paul, but Paul could use some help with Darren Collison heading to free agency. I think Doc Rivers might be the perfect coach to get the most out of Anderson's talents.

29. C.J. Wilcox Oklahoma City Thunder (59 - 23)
COLLEGE: Washington HT: 6-5 WT: 200 POS: SG

The Thunder could always use more shooting and Wilcox is another lights out shooter. He's got the size and athleticism to play the 2, but his age has caused his stock to fall. I think this would be a nice late pickup for the Thunder.

30. Mitch McGary San Antonio Spurs (62 - 20)
COLLEGE: Michigan HT: 6-10 WT: 250 POS: PF

With the possibility of Tim Duncan retiring, the Spurs are going to need some help in the paint. Had McGary not hurt his back this fall, he would've been a like lottery pick. If everything checks out OK, this could be another DeJuan Blair type get for them.
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J Sizzle · May 20, 2014

I would be mildly upset if we passed up Shabazz Napier at 25.

Texanswin2013 · May 20, 2014

KJ McDaniels or bust.

Swishh · May 21, 2014

J Sizzle said: ↑

I would be mildly upset if we passed up Shabazz Napier at 25.
Click to expand...

You want 4 PGs on the roster? Not sure if Napier will even be a solid rotation player in the NBA.

J Sizzle · May 21, 2014

Swishh said: ↑

You want 4 PGs on the roster? Not sure if Napier will even be a solid rotation player in the NBA.
Click to expand...

Lin will most likely be gone and I don't think too highly of Canaan, to be honest. At 25, I think Napier is solid value.

Takeoff · May 21, 2014

would really love for hood to get to us. i think hes gonna be a really underrated pro

wouldnt mind cleanthony early possibly either

ironariza · May 21, 2014

Kristaps Porzingis Houston Rockets

very good

A+

arabrocket · May 21, 2014

ironariza said: ↑

Kristaps Porzingis Houston Rockets

very good

A+
Click to expand...

Based on what? that guy is Dmo V2 lil better defense and worse offense.

JMAD21 · May 21, 2014

I want either Adrian Payne or Rodney Hood...

FeaR · May 21, 2014

arabrocket said: ↑

Based on what? that guy is Dmo V2 lil better defense and worse offense.
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Yeah but who is faster ?

b2bizchina · May 21, 2014

ironariza said: ↑

Kristaps Porzingis Houston Rockets

very good

A+
Click to expand...

Kristaps Porzingis or Clint Capela is good choice, we can use them as trade asset anytime

tinman · May 21, 2014

J Sizzle said: ↑

I would be mildly upset if we passed up Shabazz Napier at 25.
Click to expand...

that would be awesome if we got Nappier.

Yung-T · May 21, 2014

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/0WOEG1k2eCw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

sydmill · May 21, 2014

Hate that payton is seeing his stock rise, i was hoping he would be available to us at 25 to replace Lin as a bigger Beverly to spell Pat. The way the lottery shook out assures me that love will be a laker next season, so theres that too. Damn you cleveland!

Haymitch · May 21, 2014

Don't know if it deserves its own thread, but Marc Spears of Yahoo has a new mock draft:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/2014-nba-mock-draft--lottery-edition-021401275.html

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Jabari Parker, Duke, SF, 6-8, 241 pounds, Fr. Scout's take: "He is ready to play right now. Assuming he does not have weight issues, he is a long-time starter and possibly an All-Star."

2. Milwaukee Bucks: Andrew Wiggins, Kansas, SG-SF, 6-8, 197, Fr. Scout's take: "He became more assertive, aggressive and confident as his freshman season went on. Has amazing athleticism and a huge upside."

3. Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid, Kansas, C, 7-0, 240, Fr. Scout's take: "Embiid is a game-changer, but [his] back is a concern. Improved in a short time. Has star and franchise player potential."

..........

25. Houston Rockets: Jordan Adams, UCLA, SG, 6-5, 209, So. Scout's take: "Crafty shooting guard who is a great offensive player. Has intriguing defensive potential. Rates extremely high analytically."
Click to expand...

haoafu · May 21, 2014

http://espn.go.com/nba/draft2014/st...-embiid-top-draft-board-no-1-pick-per-sources

Sources: Cavs target Joel Embiid

The Cleveland Cavaliers have 7-footer Joel Embiid at the top of their draft board, but it's still early in the process and the team needs to obtain medical information on the Cameroon native's back injury, sources told ESPN.com on Wednesday.

Sources also told ESPN.com that while Embiid is first on the organization's wish list, that doesn't mean that Cavs general manager David Griffin -- who had the interim tag lifted earlier this month -- isn't also considering Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker with the first pick.

Cleveland, which went into the draft lottery with a 2.4 percent chance of landing one of the top three picks, was far more focused in the process on players who were likely to go in the middle or back end of the lottery than having to decide between Embiid, Wiggins and Parker.

The Cavs most pressing needs are that of a skilled small forward who can shoot the ball with the likely departure of free agent Luol Deng. However, Cleveland -- which has Tristan Thompson and Anderson Varejao up front, could also sorely use a skilled big man who is able to score in the post and also step out and make shots from the perimeter.

The Cavaliers, who have yet to name a coach to replace Mike Brown, also can offer a five-year max extension in July to All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving, the team's best player. If he does decline the offer, the Cavs could put him on the trade market.

Embiid, who played at Kansas, is also an effective two-way player who can rebound and block and alter shots.

Sources told ESPN.com that Embiid is the early frontrunner for the top pick as long as his back is OK when the team's medical personnel is able to get an in-depth look at him in the coming weeks.

Embiid, who averaged 11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game this past season as a freshman, missed both the Big 12 and NCAA tournament due to what Kansas deemed a stress fracture in his lower back.

He did not attend last week's NBA combine in Chicago, fueling further speculation regarding his health status. However, his agent, Arn Tellem, did not send Parker as well.

The Milwaukee Bucks hold the No. 2 pick, and the Philadelphia 76ers will pick third in the NBA draft on June 26.
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Embiid is considered by many as the best prospect in advanced stats projection(if his back is fine). Yesterday Bill Simmons joked that every team will take him No.1 once everything is said and done.

Clutch · May 21, 2014

So in the last 14 hours, ESPN has reported that Cleveland's top target is Jabari Parker... err, Andrew Wiggins... no, wait -- Joel Embiid.

Ming The King · May 21, 2014

Kings shopping pick (8th)

The Kings put the No. 8 pick in the draft on the trade block immediately after the lottery Tuesday night, league sources told NBA.com, clearly looking to add at least one impact veteran in an attempt to push into the playoff conversation next season rather than wait for another rookie prospect to develop. NBA.com -

Asik for the 8th to get Marcus Smart?

FLASH21 · May 21, 2014

Would be cool to nab a scorer like Adams and the Patrick Young in the second.

BONIERO1576 · May 21, 2014

Yung-T said: ↑

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/0WOEG1k2eCw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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No way Moree takes this guy. He's too tall to be a power forward.

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