NBA Season 2014-2015

[Jay]

Rondo, Gay, Smoove and Boogie? You know there's only 1 basketball right :P

I'm not sure Detroit take that offer. But I think Bostom should be interested in #8. Only thing is though that IT can't be traded until after draft night...

[valkorum]

J-Smoove will have to focus more on defense - even with all his shots he still gets about 2 blocks a game.  I also honestly think that Rondo can take less shots and play more of a distributing game.

The more I think about DMC, J-Smoove, Gay, Rondo as a core - it sounds a hell of a lot more appealing than DMC, Love, Gay

[Jay]

J-Smoove will have to focus more on defense - even with all his shots he still gets about 2 blocks a game.  I also honestly think that Rondo can take less shots and play more of a distributing game.

The more I think about DMC, J-Smoove, Gay, Rondo as a core - it sounds a hell of a lot more appealing than DMC, Love, Gay

I like the idea of Smoove playing the 4 next to Cousins, nice combo there of rim protection and scoring. Smoove when tuned in is a beast on D, it's just his showerty 3pt shooting that doesn't reflect his big ass contract.

Rondo doesn't take a lot of shots and wouldn't with Sacremento either, it's jus that he pounds the ball a lot and with Rudy/Smoove on the wings, that isn't exactly great perimeter shooting...

[valkorum]

Gay shot at just under 50% last season for Sacramento - so he can shoot.  I agree in that I wouldnt want Smith shooting from beyond the arc but that's why we drafted McLemore.

[Jay]

Gay shot at just under 50% last season for Sacramento - so he can shoot.  I agree in that I wouldnt want Smith shooting from beyond the arc but that's why we drafted McLemore.

You don't get Rondo and Smoove without giving up Mclemore. Who was actually poor from beyond the arc this season...

[Master Q]

I hate watching Smoove at #3.

Gun at 4 though. Athletically, absolute beast.

[Jay]

I hate watching Smoove at #3.

Gun at 4 though. Athletically, absolute beast.

Which is why Detroit will want more than just salary fillers...

[valkorum]

Gay shot at just under 50% last season for Sacramento - so he can shoot.  I agree in that I wouldnt want Smith shooting from beyond the arc but that's why we drafted McLemore.

You don't get Rondo and Smoove without giving up Mclemore. Who was actually poor from beyond the arc this season...

Probably true about having to give up McLemore.  He was really good at college level from range, just taking a bit to transition to the big leagues.

I hate watching Smoove at #3.

Gun at 4 though. Athletically, absolute beast.

He would be at the 4 at the Kings with DMC at the 5

[Noz]

Somehow Lebron will end up at the Sydney Swans.

[RiOtChEsS]

Somehow Lebron will end up at the Sydney Swans.

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[Jay]

Jayman's 2014 Official NBA Mock Draft - Top 20

*this is who I think teams should take, I'm not predicting what will happen. This is also on the assumption that no trades will occur*

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Andrew Wiggins SF
The Cavs were downright awful defensively last year so Wiggins is the sensible pick, he can contribute immediately on the defensive end of the floor and wont need the ball in his hands too often.. Which works well with Kyrie and Dion Waiters. Losing Deng in free agency also means that the SF is a spot of need for Cleveland. Comparison: Rudy Gay

2. Milwaukee Bucks: Jabari Parker SF
Milwaukee get a pure scoring forward to pair with Giannis locking up the teams frontcourt of the future. Those two make perfect sense with both being able to play the 3 or the 4. Jabari's defensive weaknesses will be hidden with Larry Sanders protecting the rim. Parkers is the surest all-star in this draft and is guaranteed to have multiple 20+ppg seasons. Comparison: Paul Pierce

3. Philadelphia 76ers: Dante Exum PG
AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE! I think Philly have to take Dante here, he is the best talent available and Philly GM is all about assets. Gives them the option to trade MCW when his value is at its highest (now) but also gives them a potential backcourt for the next 10 years in MCW/Dante. They can both take turns handling and guarding both guard positions. Comparison: Penny Hardaway

4. Orlando Magic: Noah Vonleh PF
Orlando would love to get their hands on Dante because an Exum/Oladipo backcourt will be crazy good, so don't be surprised if they trade up to get him. But if he's not available I see them just going best talent available, and I really like Vonleh. Also suits a need for Orlando needing a PF to play next to Vucevic, and I really like that duo with Vonleh being able to stretch the floor (hit 16/33 threes this season). Comparison: Chris Bosh

5. Utah Jazz: Aaron Gordon SF
Love this kids attitude, he is a winner and can contribute straight away. Utah are looking to start winning games and I think Gordon makes sense. Gives them the option to not match a big offer for Hayward too in restricted free agency. Aaron Gordon is a beast on defense, I haven't seen many better defensive prospects in a long time. If he can fix his shot (42% from the line this past season) then I think he can become a star. Comparison: Shawn Marion/Andrei Kirilenko

6. Boston Celtics: Joel Embiid C
The only team in the top 6 is in the position to be able to take a chance on him. Embiid with back problems and now a stress fracture in his foot has red flags all over him. But you can't deny his huge upside as a dominant 2-way centre in this league. Talents like him rarely come around so if I'm the Celtics you can't let this guy slip despite the risk of being forever injury prone. Comparison: Hakeem Olaijuwon

7. Los Angeles Lakers: Julius Randle PF
Really not the biggest Randle fan due to his T-Rex arms but he makes sense to the Lakers here. He should impress Kobe with his attitude and competitiveness. Lakers struggled on the boards last year and Randle averaged 10.4 per game in College so he obviously addresses that need. But I still wonder about his ability to translate his college game to the NBA - not just going to be able to use his strength to bully guys in this league. Comparison: Zach Randolph

8. Sacramento Kings: Marcus Smart PG
Steal here getting Smart at 8, based on his talent he should be going higher but I can see him slipping to the Kings and if he does, they'd be crazy to pass him up. Smart wants to win more than anyone in this draft, he's a maniac, but he has a competitive fire that the Kings haven't had for a decade. Attacks the rim with speed and strength, can also defend both guard positions. Gotta improve his 3pt shooting to be able to fit with this Kings roster though. Comparison: Eric Bledsoe/Dwyane Wade

9. Charlotte Hornets: Doug McDermott SF
Charlotte have just come off a winning season and I'd imagine they want an NBA ready guy who can contribute right away. Doug McDermott being a 22 year old senior provides more experience than usual for a top 10 draftee and will be ready to continue on 'Dougie McBuckets' from day one. Charlotte were an awful 3pt shooting team with Henderson and MKG (hit three 3s in his career) providing little space for Big Al to go to work in the post. McDermott has shot 40% in all 4 college years so would fill a huge need for Charlotte. Comparison: Ryan Anderson

10. Philadelphia 76ers: Dario Saric PF
Saric has just signed a 2 year deal in Europe but this wouldn't bother the 76ers who are still looking at being awful and acquiring assets - they have the patience to take Saric here. He is a really skilled big guy who when he comes over will be a great contributor for Philly. Giving them a core of MCW/Exum/Saric/Noel to build around which is looking impressive. Saric can handle, shoot, rebound, pass.. He really is a 'do it all' new age big man. Comparison: Toni Kukoc/Hedo Turkoglu

11. Denver Nuggets: Nik Stauskas SG
Denver has a need at the 2 with Randy Foye currently being one of the worst starters in the league. Really like Stauskas here, he can fill a role for them from day 1. Probably the best pure 3pt shooter in this draft averaging 44% from 3pt range this season. Can also handle the ball and create plays for team-mates. Comparison: Klay Thompson

12. Orlando Magic: Elfrid Payton PG
Has been the big riser in recent mock drafts with teams really liking him in the workouts and interviews. He's the guy from a small school that turns out to be one of the steals of the draft (See: Damian Lillard). At 6'4 putting up 19 6 and 6 in this college season, he really seems like a great prospect. He has great athleticism, can attack the rim well, but his major strength is his defense. Gotta improve his shooting but should benefit from playing with a stretch 4 like Vonleh. Comparison: Gary Payton

13. Minnesota Timberwolves: Gary Harris SG
Another 'sure thing' to become a nice NBA player. Really good all-around player which should help the Wolves achieve their goal of reaching the playoffs. Is a solid scorer with a nice 3pt shot and also in between game. Like Payton, his greatest strength is his defense which was obviously a problem for the Wolves. Pairing him with Rubio, although small, provides the peskiest backcourt in the NBA. Comparison: Avery Bradley

14. Phoenix Suns: Zach Lavine PG
This kid is crazy athletic, his vertical is huge. At 6'6 he's got the size and athleticism not seen in many PGs. He does have the risk of having all the potential and physical tools in the world and to not live up to it but I feel with Phoenix having 3 first round picks, they can afford to take that risk. Neither of Dragic and Bledsoe are over 6'4 so having some size in the backcourt off the bench represents a good fit for them. Comparison: Russel Westbrook

15. Atlanta Hawks: T.J Warren SF
6'8 forward that can really score the basketball, averaging 25ppg this past season. Gives Atlanta some more offensive firepower and fills the need of an athletic forward for them. I think his offensive game will really translate to the NBA having the ability to knock down a jumper from range. Also a solid rebounder for a SF averaging 7.1 per game. Comparison: Jeff Green

16. Chicago Bulls: Tyler Ennis PG
This was a tough one for me, I'm really banking on Chicago to be able to grab one of Melo or Kevin Love so this pick 16 doesn't need to be a scorer but rather a playmaker for their no.1 option. Ennis is the best 'pass-first' guard in this draft and would work well next to Rose and Melo/Love. Good decision-maker which would help with Chicago's crunch time offense struggles. Comparison: Andre Miller/Mike Conley

17. Boston Celtics: Rodney Hood SF
Our offense was a mess last year and Hood is one of the good pure scorers in the draft, averaging 16ppg in college. We need some offensive punch off the bench and the team just looked lethargic with Jeff Green as our only scoring option. Hood is a great shot-maker with a range of weapons. Got a 3pt game and can also finish inside, I like picking him up at 17. Comparison: Rashard Lewis/Rudy Gay

18. Phoenix Suns: Kyle Anderson SF
Anderson is a weird one, but I like him. At 6'9 he has a good frame and can play a lot of PG. Has great passing ability and basketball IQ. Did it all for UCLA last year averaging 15 9 and 7. He is not a great athlete so would have trouble defending guards but Phoenix could hide him defending opposition 3s with Bledsoe/Dragic/Lavine focussing on the guards. Comparison: Shaun Livingston

19. Chicago Bulls: Cleanthony Early SF
Taking a risk here, and its probably a reach but I really like Early. Had a PER of 26.7 with 16 points and 6 rebounds and should be able to contribute for Chicago off the bench. He's an excellent athlete at 6'7 and has a nice shooting touch from deep. This combination of athleticism and 3pt shooting usually translates well to NBA. Didn't even average 1 assists per game so needs to improve his facilitating but all the Bulls need him for is to score. Comparison: DeMarre Carrol

20. Toronto Raptors: Shabazz Napier PG
Everyone loves this kid and fair enough, recently leading Conneticut to the NCAA title. He is nearly 23 though and is barely 6'1. His mental game is unmatched though and a team looking for a 'winner' with a good attitude won't be disappointed. He's the type of kid that wouldn't be afraid of a playoff moment even at his age. He gives Toronto insurance for if they lose Lowry to free agency and pairing next to Derozan seems like a good fit. He is quick off the dribble and has good passing ability. Comparison: Mike Bibby



Thanks for reading guys  8) Might do the next 10 picks tomorrow to round out the first round if I get bored :P

[Master Q]

Nice Jay! Not finished but will read the most tomorrow!

Like the comparisons, I think Exum is a complete mix of Rose/Penny.

The Randle/Zbo one is good too.

Not 100% sure about Dougie McBuckets though, obviously not as good but to me he is a complete replica of Larry Bird!

[Jay]

Nice Jay! Not finished but will read the most tomorrow!

Like the comparisons, I think Exum is a complete mix of Rose/Penny.

The Randle/Zbo one is good too.

Not 100% sure about Dougie McBuckets though, obviously not as good but to me he is a complete replica of Larry Bird!

Cheers man, been working on this for a while!

I like McDermott but I couldn't even dream of comparing him with The Legend :P

[RiOtChEsS]

solid evaluations here YB, rekn Exum falls to Orlando, even with the foot problems big men r too few, someone gets Embiid at 3

[valkorum]

8. Sacramento Kings: Marcus Smart PG
Steal here getting Smart at 8, based on his talent he should be going higher but I can see him slipping to the Kings and if he does, they'd be crazy to pass him up. Smart wants to win more than anyone in this draft, he's a maniac, but he has a competitive fire that the Kings haven't had for a decade. Attacks the rim with speed and strength, can also defend both guard positions. Gotta improve his 3pt shooting to be able to fit with this Kings roster though. Comparison: Eric Bledsoe/Dwyane Wade

I don't see Sacramento keeping the pick if the option is Smart.  I see a draft day deal getting done.  If its Vonleh, Gordon, Randle or Embid then they will use the pick