With the NBA Draft Lottery behind us and adequate time given to get over the fact that the Cavaliers somehow received the top pick for the third time in the last four years, questions begin to arise as to what player will go to Cleveland. After taking a year off, I couldn't stay away from researching the upcoming draft class which is arguably the best since 2003. Following a disappointing season and the sale of the team to new ownership, the Bucks face one of the most crucial summers in their franchise history. With the second pick in the draft and three second round selections, the Bucks will be active on draft night and could find three pieces that compete for playing time come next year. Below, I highlight my 40 top prospects entering the NBA Draft on June 26th. This is, by no means, the order in which I believe the draft will go. Every team has specific needs and will account for those on draft night. Let me know what you think!
(With the exception of Dante Exum and Dario Saric, two players in the top ten of almost any mock draft, I decided not to include international players due to their lack of film availability).
1. Andrew Wiggins 6'7" SG Kansas / Freshman
Analysis: Wiggins is still seen as the draft pick with the highest ceiling, which is why he won this edition of the Wiggins vs. Parker debate. His size and athleticism will allow him to play with some of the best in the league, the only question is when. He will obviously need to gain weight if he wants to compete on the defensive end against much stronger veteran players but his length will also allow him to make that transition easier. His shot selection was also spotty at many times throughout the year as he would force shots early in the shot clock. I was impressed with his ability to get to the line (4th in the Big12) and he gave us a glimpse of what to expect in years to come with showings against Iowa State (29 pts) West Virginia (41) and Oklahoma State (30).
2. Jabari Parker 6'8" SF Duke / Freshman
Analysis: I believe Parker is the most NBA-ready player in this draft class. He plays with more maturity than your average 18 year old and has the size to make an impact right away. He was an extremely consistent shooter, including from three where he shot 50% and showed the ability to score in a variety of ways. The one thing I love about Jabari is that he was the top freshman in college basketball this year, yet he was playing out of position (Duke needed him at PF with their lack of size) all season. His defense was very suspect most of the season and I am worried he may not be quick enough to guard his SF counterparts. However, if he can improve this part of his game, he will be able to hold his own against anyone.
3. Joel Embiid 7'0" C Kansas / Freshman
Analysis: Embiid is one of the most puzzling prospects in the draft. He, as well as Wiggins, has HUGE upside, and even after a productive first year, scouts are expecting even more to come. He hasn't played organized basketball for more than five years and has been able to pick up the game very quickly, shown through his shot selection (68.5% FG). He has shown flashes on offense but that remains one of the questions relating to his potential. It will never be easy living up to Hakeem comparisons and in addition to his lingering injuries that kept him out of the Big12 and NCAA tournament, teams will have to decide if the center is worth the risk.
4. Marcus Smart 6'4" PG Oklahoma State / Sophomore
Analysis: Smart is one of the more interesting prospects this year because he was rated higher last year than he will be this year. I gained a lot of respect for him by returning to school to gain maturity that we all noticed was something he needed following his notable temper tantrums last season. He plays with incredible passion that can go overboard sometimes but you hear throughout the league that executives would rather cool a guy down than try to "light the fire". He is the best defender at his position which will be essential at the next level and has the body to make an impact right away. These factors, in addition to his experience gave him the slight edge over Exum's size and potential.
5. Dante Exum 6'6" PG Australia Institute of Sport (18 yrs old)
Analysis: Exum has quickly become one of the more coveted players in the draft because of the mystery factor. He is only 18 and hasn't played in a competitive game since last July when he outplayed the likes of Julius Randle, Wiggins and the Harrison twins at the Nike Hoops Summit. He has a great frame at 6'6" for a PG and should be able to play SG as well. With minimal film against below average competition, he is a gamble but but may have the biggest upside outside of Wiggins. He posted some of the fastest agility scores at the combine and will most likely be a top-6 pick.
6. Julius Randle 6'9" PF Kentucky / Freshman
Analysis: Randle was an absolute workhorse throughout his freshman season at Kentucky. Physically he is the most NBA ready player in the draft and would be my first pick in any rebounding drill. Although he was able to overpower his competition in college, I am worried that he has one move (spin to the left) and can only finish on the left side, but I can only imagine he will get stronger on the right side. He prefers to face up and will have to adjust to scoring over length that he rarely faced at the college level. He shot 55% from the field, with many of that coming in the lane, but still needs to develop a consistent jump shot when teams sag off him. He will be a low-risk player in this draft and will make an impact right away.
7. Noah Vonleh 6'10" PF/C Indiana / Freshman
Analysis: Vonleh, like many lottery picks in this draft, will be choosen on upside. He may have raised his stock more than anyone at the combine with his physical measurements and skill times. He got lost at times on a bad Indiana team but won Freshman of the Year honors in the Big Ten because of his instincts for the ball and rebounding ability (led the BigTen in almost every statistical rebounding category). He has a long frame and is still developing a jump shot that I believe could help him space the floor at the next level. Listed at 6'10" he possesses the ability to guard the PF and C spot, which may be his greatest attribute and selling point to NBA teams. A guy who you can't expect to make a lottery-type impact in his first year.
8. Aaron Gordon 6'9" PF Arizona / Freshman
Analysis: Teams will be flocking to Gordon because of his athleticism, which was on display all year at Arizona. I was impressed with his basketball IQ as he let the game come to him, even though he never posted eye popping scoring stats. He was an exceptional rebounder, leading the Pac-12 in offensive rebounds (102) and defensive rating (88.6). He will need to develop his offensive skill set if he wants to make a name for himself on that end of the floor but he will be always be an impact player in transition. With a 24-second shot clock, the youngest player in the draft should be able to emphasize this part of his game as he fills out his half court game.
9. Dario Saric 6'10" SF/PF Croatia (20 yrs old)
Analysis: Saric has been a highly scouted prospect since he was 15 years old and may finally be ready to make the jump to the NBA. He is an extremely versatile athlete who can handle the ball, run the floor in transition and score on the block. Although he is only 20 years old, he is also probably the most experienced player, competing in professional basketball overseas for over 4 years. The one red flag lies in the doubt that Saric will even come to the US and play next year. Although he has said he dreams of playing in the NBA, his father was recently quoted saying that he doesn't think his son is ready yet. I'm not sure a team is willing to risk a top-10 pick for someone they aren't sure would even play for them next year.
10. Gary Harris 6'5" SG Michigan State / Sophomore
Analysis: Gary Harris will be one of the safest picks in this years draft. At 6'5" he brings great size to his position with the ability to guard the point guard spot as well. He was well coached at Michigan State and has always played with great poise and maturity for someone who won't even be 20 years old by draft night. He has a relatively high ceiling because of his age, with the risk of being a rotational guy at worst which isn't what you are always looking for in the lottery but could fair better than a Saric or Embiid with all of their question marks. Ever since Harris got to Michigan State, I have seen comparisons with Bradley Beal in terms of their composure on the court. With the exception of Beal's rebounding ability, their stats were very comparable as well.
11. James Young 6'7" SG Kentucky / Freshman
Analysis: Young was the third ranked recruit coming to Lexington last summer but enter's the draft as the second best player on a national runner up Kentucky team that clicked at the right time. He helped his stock tremendously throughout the tournament as a consistent three point threat and attacking force. At 6'7" I love his size and feel he will have the ability to guard the SG and SF position at the next level. According to Synergy, Young shot more spot up jumpers than any college basketball player last year. Put in the right system, Young could be dangerous but his speed ability to beat his man in one-on-one situations are what will cause his stock to drop. I think the lefty will find himself on the border of the lottery, depending how workouts go in the next few weeks.
12. TJ Warren 6'8" SF NC State / Sophomore
Analysis: After much scrutiny during the season about his size, Warren measured out at a respectable 6'8" during the draft combine which has to make him happy. The sophomore put the Wolfpack on his back all season as he stole the conference POY honors in the ACC and led the conference in Usage Percentage (35.5) and Offensive Win Shares (4.8). After Parker, he may be the best scorer at the SF position in this draft. He carried a heavy load last season which may explain stretches of poor shot selection, turnovers and subpar three point percentages (27%) but he will be able to guard his position and still be a threat on the offensive end.
13. Kyle Anderson 6'8" SF UCLA / Freshman
Analysis: It has taken me a while to get used to "slo-mo" but I think he offers one of the most unique packages in the draft. He has the size of a SF with the passing abilities, and basketball IQ of a point guard. Given his nickname, saying he lacks speed is an understatement but this is where his instincts and experience as a PG have helped him succeed at the college level. He was the closest thing to a walking triple double as he was able to pull down 8.8 RPG to go with just over 6 APG and 12 points. As much of a mismatch problem as he was at the college level, he will still cause opposing NBA coaches to adjust their lineups when he is in the game. He was easily able to see over smaller defenders and drive past taller opponents but it will be interesting to see how he adjusts to the speed at the next level, as that is his greatest deficiency.
14. Doug McDermott 6'8" SF Creighton / Senior
Analysis: McDermott was the consensus national player of the year and 5th all-time scorer in NCAA history during his time at Creighton, yet he may not make be selected in the lottery. The hardest part about McDermott is figuring out how his game will translate at the next level. In college, he had the best inside-out game in the country with exceptional fundamentals in the post and around the arc. He is a ready-made player to play in the league...with the right team. The first name that always comes to mind to support this argument is Jimmer Freddette who wasn't chosen in the right system to compliment his skill set. If this can happen with McDermott, he could have a very successful career as a role player. He also raises many questions on the defensive end, dealing with the speed at his position.
15. Tyler Ennis 6'2" PG Syracuse / Freshman
Analysis: Ennis is in the conversation as one of the top PG's in the draft and could easily find himself in the lottery after draft workouts. He won over the Syracuse starting PG spot from the minute he walked on campus with his demeanor and poise as a freshman. He showed the ability to lead and hit the last shot late in games, just look up his game-winner at Pitt last season. Two early criticisms about Ennis are his athleticism and how he will be able to defend after playing zone for a year at Syracuse. He lacks the speed and quickness needed at the next level but may be able to make up for it with his ball handling skills and vision at the point. He also had a difficult time beating his defender in one-on-one situations which is something he will need to improve on to become a difference-maker at the next level.
16. Adreian Payne 6'9" PF Michigan State / Senior
Analysis: Payne will be a hot commodity in this year's draft because of his ability to space the floor as a big. This is an increasing trend in the NBA and Payne fills that role better than anyone in the draft. After shooting 3 three's during his first two seasons, the big man shot over 140 in the next two, connecting on 42% of those his senior year. He has the mental toughness and experience to compete right away and most likely come off the bench. He is another safe Michigan State pick that should be chosen in the mid-late first round.
17. Jerami Grant 6'8" SF Syracuse / Sophomore
Analysis: Grant is coming off a sophomore season in which he was able to display his superior athleticism against top competition throughout the college season. After only averaging 3 PPG as a Freshman, Grant made the jump last season to 12 PPG and almost 7 RPG. He will be drafted based more on his potential than numbers he produced in college, and although they were above average, someone with his size and length can be dangerous in this league in a few years. He will have to get a lot stronger before he will be able to make an impact but once he does, he should be able to guard multiple positions and offer some highlight reel plays on the offensive end at the same time. He doesn't have a polished offensive game yet, but that will be something a team in the late first round will be willing to work with.
18. Rodney Hood 6'8" SF Duke / Sophomore
Analysis: The first word that came to mind after watching Hood for the first time was "smooth". He has that fluid athleticism of a player who lets that game come to him and makes it look easy. He has a great body for an NBA wing at 6'8", 210 lbs and was able to run the offense very effectively at Duke, shown through his conference-leading Effective Field Goal Percentage (.550). There are questions about his intensity on the defensive end of the floor which led to dismal stats in steals (0.7), blocks (0.3) and rebounds (3.9) but I have a hard time believing he won't try when facing the likes of LeBron, Joe Johnson and other stars in the NBA.
19. Nik Stauskas 6'6" SG Michigan / Sophomore
Analysis: No one made a bigger jump from last year than Stauskas who went from being a spot shooter to Big Ten player of the year. He transformed his body and improved his ball handling to score in multiple ways at Michigan. Comparisons to JJ Redick and Klay Thompson have been thrown out there but I like him more than Redick because of his size (6'6") and ability to put the ball on the floor better than the Duke guard was ever able to. He will have a difficult time guarding his position but if a team is able to hide him enough on that end of the floor, he will be able an intriguing pick.
20. K.J. McDaniels 6'6" SF Clemson / Junior
Analysis: McDaniels flew relatively under the radar most of the college basketball season playing in a conference dominated by the likes of Duke, Syracuse and Virginia but could be one of the most athletic players in the draft. Measuring at 6'6", he is relatively small for the SF position but will also be able to guard many SG's in the NBA. After weighing in at 196 lbs., he has been compared to a Gerald Green-type player who measures out at 6'6", 192 lbs. He was on one of the worst offensive teams last year but was still able to thrive off fast break points, offensive rebounds, and getting to the free throw line which is exactly what NBA teams look for in a rotational player to bring spark to the second unit. His athleticism alone should make him a surefire first round pick.
21. P.J. Hairston 6'5" SG Texas Legends (UNC)
Analysis: Hairston certainly hasn't had the easiest road to the draft over the past year. After getting kicked off the UNC team last December, Hairston joined the D-League's Texas Legends and continued to compete in hopes of the upcoming draft. His thick build (230 lbs) and shooting ability allowed him to come in right away and succeed for the Legends as he averaged 27 points per-40 minutes. NBA teams have and always will need shooters and Hairston is possibly the most NBA-ready SG to throw on a team and hit crucial threes in a game. With that said, there will always be worries about his character issues which may cause him to slide to the late first round.
22. Cleanthony Early 6'7" SF Witchita State / Senior
Analysis: After a final four run two years ago, Early put himself on the radar of most NBA scouts entering his senior season. Although he played PF during his college career, Early will be better suited for the SF position after measuring just over 6'7" at the combine. He also surprised many with a 40" vertical and various top skill times compared to other SF prospects. He impressed me with his ability to score in transition, post up situations and even from the three point line as his season stats proved it wasn't a fluke (58% 2fg, 38% 3fg, 84% ft). He is one of the oldest players in the draft but his unconventional path to the NBA should prove his maturity and may help him when compared to the likes of Hairston, who clearly have off-court issues. His best game was also against Julius Randle when he went for 31 pts on 12-17
shooting.
23. Deonte Burton 6'1" PG Nevada / Senior
Analysis: Deonte Burton is the first in a group of underrated PG's (Payton, Carson) who could surprise the average fan and make an impact in the NBA. Thanks to Damien Lillard, scouts are on the lookout for the next stud and Burton could catch their eye. I can guarantee he won't be the next Lillard but he has more than enough athleticism and length (6'6" wingspan) to play at the next level. He has the exact skills you look for at the PG spot in the NBA, the ability to create off the pick and roll or isolation and can get to the line at will with his 190 lb frame (top-4 in FT attempts in WAC/MWC all four years). He has a scary good first step which gets me excited to see what he can do at the next level.
24. Elfrid Payton 6'4" PG La Fayette / Senior
Analysis: Another player who has flown under the radar at a mid-major until this season, Payton brings size and length (6'8" wingspan) to the PG spot that only Exum can compare to in this draft. He will be drafted in the first round largely because of his defensive dominance. Although he led the conference in turnovers, he also recorded the most points, steals, and assists last season, leading the ULL to the NCAA Tournament before losing to Creighton. As much as you talk about his NBA-ready defensive ability, he also is an exceptional ball handler and was able to display his aggressiveness through his 302 ft attempts (2nd in NCAA). I'm not sure how his offensive game will translate right away but he's one of the few you can throw on defense right now and make an impact.
25. Shabazz Napier 6'1" PG UCONN / Senior
Analysis: Shabazz has proven during his four-year career at UCONN that he is a straight up winner. After helping a Kemba-led Huskies team to the 2011 National Championship, he took his 7-seed team to the title this past year. He isn't the strongest or quickest player, let alone PG in the draft but his leadership and experience handling pressure and playing in the big games will make him a successful player in the NBA. He's one of those players that affected games in more ways than stats were able to portray, even though he led his team in points, rebounds and assists most of the season. I think he will still have a harder time adjusting to the NBA than the likes of a Marcus Smart, but I would feel comfortable with him as a back-up PG next season.
26. Spencer Dinwiddie 6'6" SG Colorado / Junior
Analysis: I was really looking forward to watching Dinwiddie this season but unfortunately it was cut short by a torn ACL injury mid-season. After an encouraging sophomore season that put his name on the map, he offers scouts a small sample size and concerns about how quickly his knee will heal. If his stock were to drop to the late-second round, I would assume it would be because of his physical as he works out with teams. At Colorado, Dinwiddie proved capable of scoring in a variety of ways, creating his own shot and being able to knock down the open shot. He has excellent size for his position and although he will need to gain weight, his length will make him a commodity come the late first-early second round.
27. Jordan Adams 6'5" SG UCLA / Sophomore
Analysis: Adams is another puzzling player to scout because although he was very successful at UCLA, but doesn't possess the athleticism and physique that you look for in a prospect. He is not very explosive and is a below average jump shooter for his position but was still able to get over these obstacles to carry the Bruins with two other likely-first round draft picks. After watching a few of his games, I was impressed with his ability to score in multiple ways, mostly moving without the ball, but also in transition and creating in pick and roll situations. I am worried how he will guard his position at the next level as well as get by his defender with his lack of quickness but a legit scorer will be hard to pass up this late in the draft.
28. Deandre Daniels 6'8" SF UCONN / Junior
Analysis: No one raised their stock more in March than Daniels who had been the underrated x-factor for the Huskies all year long. Measuring at 6'8.5" at the combine, he has outstanding size for his position as his physical tools will be his biggest selling point entering the draft. Teams will also be very intrigued by his perimeter shooting ability as he was able to improve his three point percentage from a mere 28% his first two years to 42% last year. I do question why he wasn't as productive during his freshman and sophomore seasons and he will need to get a lot stronger to improve his already average defense.
29. Zach LaVine 6'5" SG UCLA / Freshman
Analysis: LaVine's stock shot up following the combine as he worked out with the PG's and began to raise eyes after his vertical and agility drills. He had an up and down freshman year, which is always expected, but showed flashes of brilliance in the open court. Arguably the most athletic player at the combine, LaVine provides that size and defensive ability that intrigues teams. Critics will note the small sample size after playing only one year at UCLA where he was the third option most nights and must continue to get stronger.
30. Glenn Robinson III 6'7" SF Michigan / Sophomore
Analysis: After an encouraging freshman season in which Robinson helped Michigan to the national championship game, he experienced somewhat of a sophomore slump. Obviously, a lot has to do with the departure of Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway but I was still expecting him to take a larger role in the offense. At 6'7", Robinson brings great physical tools that should be able to translate to the NBA on both the offensive and defensive ends. He has a great feel for the game as he was able to move without the ball and create scoring opportunities without creating for himself. The one stat that may hurt his stock is his 3-point shooting percentage as he shot only 31% during his two years at Michigan. Would have been a first rounder last year, probably a second round pick this year.
31. Jahii Carson 5'11" PG ASU / Sophomore
Analysis: Carson is one of my favorite players in this years draft and could be a sleeper, along with Deonte Burton. Although he is only 5'11", he posted a 43.5" vertical and has shown the ability to play above the rim during his two years at ASU. His size will always be a detriment to his stock but I believe he could find a role on a team as a spark plug and instant scorer because of his sky high confidence. He took more shots than anyone in the Pac-12 (487) but also was in the top-3 in free throw attempts so he has shown the ability to attack and get to the line.
32. Isaiah Austin 7'1" C Baylor / Sophomore
Analysis: Austin enters the draft after a mediocre sophomore season that hurt his draft stock. However, he measured over 7'0" at the combine and was a constant defensive presence during his two seasons. As shown in the all-star ballot, the center position is a fading one and Austin represents a new trend of a more agile big man who still presents a threat on the defensive end. He is a capable shooter which will help space the floor and is still young with room to improve. Unfortunately, Austin somehow weighed in at 200 pounds at the combine which is a shock to me. He will certainly need to gain weight before he can contribute to a team as a reserve.
33. Jordan Bachynski 7'2" C Arizona State / Senior
Analysis: What Austin lacks, Bachynski is able to make up for. He is a legit 7'2" and weighed in at 254 pounds. I believe if he is drafted into the right situation, he will be able to contribute right away. No, he isn't anywhere near the most talented player in the draft but he brings a skill set that is needed on almost every team. He is a low-risk player who was one of the best shot blockers in the country last season and was able to compliment one of the best playmakers in Jahii Carson. His quickness will be critiqued and he needs to continue getting stronger but Bachynski should find himself competing for a roster spot come August.
34. Markel Brown 6'3" SG Oklahoma State / Senior
Analysis: Brown helped his stock during the combine last week when he posted a 43.5" max vertical. Although he doesn't provide the offensive weapons that you would hope for, his athleticism alone could land him a spot on a roster and compete for playing time. In a league that consists of filling unique roles, Brown could be that defensive swingman to bug opposing players for a second unit and continue to provide SportsCenter-like dunks in transition.
35. Jabari Brown 6'4" SG Missouri / Junior
Analysis: Brown came to Mizzou his sophomore season as a spot up shooter and did just that last season on a balanced Tiger team. This season his role expanded as he was given the responsibility as the lead scorer. He continued to shoot the three well (41%) but also began attacking the basket (first in his conference in free throw attempts) and creating off the dribble. By the end of the season, Brown could score in a plethora of ways and led the conference in scoring. He is a bit small for his position but may be able to make up for it with his strength. He could be a viable pick for his skill set as a guard coming off the bench for immediate scoring.
36. Jordan Clarkson 6'5" PG Missouri / Junior
Analysis: Another transfer from Mizzou, Clarkson only played one year for the Tigers before entering the draft. Along with Exum and Payton, Clarkson brings tremendous size to the point guard position which will make him a possible sleeper on draft night. After being responsible for most of the scoring at Tulsa his freshman and sophomore years, he was able to demonstrate his point guard capabilities with a more balanced Tigers team. Even with only shooting 28% from three, he was able to average 17.5 PPG which illustrates his ability to score in multiple ways. He started the season on fire but plateaued the rest of the year, which was a concern until we found out it may have been affected by his father's cancer diagnosis mid-season. If he is able to play like he did at the beginning of the year, Clarkson could find himself in the first round.
37. Patric Young 6'9" PF Florida / Senior
Analysis: All you have to do to notice Patric Young's strength as a basketball player is look at his build...or watch a workout in which he pushes pick up trucks. Although he has drastically improved in this area of his game since his freshman year, Young doesn't have the most diverse offensive game but his development since arriving at UF can be encouraging. He will have a very specific niche in the NBA; that being defending the post. He doesn't have the ideal length to guard the PF position but he definitely has the physical frame and will be able to come in as an energy guy and guard the post. Being a senior, I wouldn't count on much more from a developmental standpoint but he will be a safe pick if you are looking for his skill set.
38. CJ Wilcox 6'5" SG Washington / Senior
Analysis: Every team needs a shooter. It is one of the most viable skill sets in the game and even though some people may have forgotten about Wilcox, he will remind them in his workouts. He brings great size to his position and is one of the premier shooters in this year's draft class, finishing in the top-2 in his conference in three point attempts and makes his junior and senior year. I was expecting more production out of him this season in a down year for the Huskies but couldn't keep him off my top-40 for his shooting ability alone. In a league that is dominated by penetration and spacing, Wilcox could fill a need right away as a spot up shooter. He doesn't bring much more to the table but will find himself on a team if he is able to prove
39. Nick Johnson 6'3" SG Arizona / Junior
Analysis: Johnson was able to turn one of his long-talked about weaknesses into a potential strength last week at the combine when he measured at an expected 6'3" but surprised many with a 41.5" vertical. It has been a concern that Johnson will have a difficult time guarded the SG position, which is why some executives are talking about using him at PG as well but with his athleticism, he may be able to make up for it. The Pac-12 POY doesn't have a defined niche as he was used many ways at Arizona as the go-to scorer but he improved his PPG by 5 (11-16) between his sophomore and junior years and has athleticism that can't be overlooked. With most of these second-rounders, they will be chosen based on specific team needs as opposed to best available which could fluctuate his draft stock.
40. Mitch McGary 6'10" C Michigan / Sophomore
Analysis: An automatic first rounder last year, McGary decided to test his luck and return for another year at Michigan. Unfortunately, his risk came back to haunt him as he was dealt a season-ending injury eight games into the season and failed a drug test just before the NCAA Tournament. After a quiet regular season during his freshman year, McGary helped carry the Wolverines to the national championship during a tournament run that saw his production skyrocket. He doesn't posses a multidimensional offensive game but was very good at scoring off second chance points, in transition and off pick and roll's. Like other big men in this draft class, he will be looked at by many teams because of his size and ability to defend.
