Jeff Goodman (espn): 2014 NBA mock draft 1.0

Submitted by BeatOSU52 on

It's paywalled but interesting to see where some Michigan guys are here (link):  It is actually pretty interesting because , according to Goodman, this is based of the intel he's gathered from his connection with NBA executives, and not his opinion.

The draft order goes by where the standings would be today (in reverse order)

 

Notable players on list:  

1. Joel Embiid (Bucks)

2. Jabari Parker (76ers)

3. Andrew Wiggins (Magic)

6. Noah Vonleh (Celtics)

12. Nik Stauskas (T-Wolves)

16.  Gary Harris (Hawks)

24. Adreian Payne (Rockets)

27.  Glenn Robinson (Heat)

 

 

 

BleedBlue_Die-Hard

February 12th, 2014 at 2:24 PM ^

If GRIII opts to leave.. will be a huge mistake. The kid isn't ready for the next level just yet. He needs another year of grooming and continued development of his offensive skills. To be honest, I'm trying to remain un-biased here, every single kid on our roster needs to stay in school. I love Nik, but I just don't see him getting much PT in the league. He is no where near where Reddick was his senior year, and JJ has had an average NBA career at best. In my opinion, Levert might have the most NBA potential out of all of them. He creates more opportunities with the ball and can shoot the J with regularity. Just my two cents..

By the way.. I've read the blog for as long as I can remember, but finally joined the community. Cherry-poppin post.

T

February 12th, 2014 at 3:35 PM ^

Have to respectfully disagree with you about Stauskas vs. Reddick.  Nik has a better all-around offensive game and higher ceiling than Reddick, IMHE.  If he continues to put on muscle, his skilled footwork could lend itself well to developing more of a back-to-the-basket game.  

After seeing what Trey and THJ have done so far this year, I'm hesitant to doubt any of Beilein's players' chances for success in the league.

 

I Like Burgers

February 12th, 2014 at 3:54 PM ^

Time clouds the memory, but JJ Redick was on another level in college.  Especially his senior year.  Dude averaged almost 27 ppg with every team gunning for him.  So I respectfully disagree that Nik has a better offensive game.  And their NBA ceilings are pretty much the same -- designated 3pt guy.

And to the original point, Nik would be better served to spend another year in college working on his game.  He's disappeared at times when teams have turned up the defense.  Another year would do him good.  It worked for Redick.

Michigan4Life

February 12th, 2014 at 4:41 PM ^

if you're projected as a 1st round pick, you have to leave and get that money.  GRIII and McGary lost money by staying for this season.  Look at Marcus Smart. He went from top 5 pick to possibly at the tail end of 1st round.

You can work on development in the NBA and coaches will be there for you in the off-season and practices if you request it.

I Like Burgers

February 12th, 2014 at 5:21 PM ^

Its a tough choice.  Look at McGary.  Was probably a lottery pick last season, and this season he's maybe a second rounder.  Maybe.  Considering his age and back issues, its doubtful he returns to the lottery range.

But the thing people get wrong is that if you aren't 7 feet tall, the NBA is definitely not a development league.  And you have to have at least one skill to start with so that you can improve enough make it on the roster in year two.  There's only 390 active roster spots in the NBA, and every year at least 7% of the league is out of a job due to 30 new 1st rounders with their guaranteed contracts coming in.

So if you come in needing a lot of work, you'd better hope you can improve enough to avoid getting cut in year two or three.  Darius Morris is a good example of this.  Like GRIII he was projected as a fringe first rounder, a guy that needed some work, and a guy that should probably go back for another year.  Now he's in the "signed to a 10 day contract" limbo range of the NBA, and will probably be out of the league for good next season.

vbnautilus

February 12th, 2014 at 2:57 PM ^

Flip Saunders could use a lights-out shooter, and Stauskas is one of the best in the country. However, he's more than just a shooter, as he has proven this season. He has size, is athletic and is extremely adept at reading ball-screens.

cbs650

February 12th, 2014 at 3:38 PM ^

the NBA draft is more about fit for some prospects. if GR3 can go to an organization that can allow him to develop, it's a win win. Stauskas going in the lottery actually puts more pressure on him. So although he may not be ready, if they can get to a MIA or a SA late in first round that is beat for him and Stauskas.