Post by Jeremiah Hill on Jun 25, 2014 3:18:00 GMT
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Every year, The Bilastrator puts forth his earth-quaking, career-making, heartbreaking "Best Available List." The Bilastrator does not have a Big Board or a board of any kind. It seems that everybody who is anybody has a "Big Board" these days. No, The Bilastrator has an old-school, but incredibly cool, list. On a worn, well-traveled yellow legal pad, The Bilastrator keeps a list of the best players available, irrespective of team need or where they may be drafted. The list order is based upon The Bilastrator's own eyes and impeccable basketball judgment, gleaned from hours upon hours of attending practices, workouts, camps, games and film study, not to mention analytics and conversations with people he trusts.
The 2014 NBA draft is the best, deepest and most intriguing draft in almost a decade. There is real talent available, but also some real risk and question marks with regard to many of the available players. Before Thursday, June 26, we have already had two major injuries, to Kansas big man Joel Embiid and Baylor big man Isaiah Austin, which may change the draft. Embiid was expected to be the top overall selection (and still might be) before suffering a stress fracture in his foot, and Austin was expected to be a late first-round or second-round pick before a physical examination detected Marfan syndrome and effectively ended his NBA career on the spot. Our thoughts are with Austin and his family, and while it is heartbreaking news for his basketball career, the good news is the condition was discovered before there was a disastrous outcome that threatened Austin's life.
While there is risk with Embiid, the injury is not one that gives pause to any of the orthopedic surgeons I have spoken to about it. If properly corrected, the injury is not expected to be a big deal long-term. If Embiid's back and foot check out, there seems little reason not to take the Jayhawks big man who screams Hakeem Olajuwon potential. If he falls, it will be a windfall for any team that has the chance to draft him. This draft has good talent and capable players throughout the first round, and several players in the second round who can and will make rosters and have long and very good NBA careers. Thursday night should be a lot of fun, as long as everybody leaves all Big Boards at home.
1. Joel Embiid, C, Kansas
Embiid just oozes potential, and when compared to Hakeem Olajuwon as a freshman at Houston, Embiid compares favorably. Long, athletic and skilled, Embiid has great hands and feet, and is a solid rim protector and rebounder. Each time you see him, he has added something new to his game, and despite the evolution of the game, he is still valuable as a true center in the NBA. Unless a team of doctors tells me not to, I'd still take Embiid No. 1 overall. If healthy, he will be special.
2. Andrew Wiggins, SG, Kansas
You can get hung up on only four points on 2-of-7 shooting versus Stanford if you want to, or that he is not an assertive scorer who burns to take over a game, but you will miss a really fine prospect if you do. (And trying to blame Bill Self for not "adjusting" to a 2-3 zone is laughable. Self didn't stop Wiggins from rebounding, getting into gaps or attacking the zone to score more than four points.) Wiggins is a ridiculous athlete, can fly around on defense and in transition, and is a hard worker who can also score when it's required. Does he force things and force himself on the game? No. But he does strive to make the right play, and usually does. He is worth the selection here as a defender and finisher alone. Wiggins is ahead of Jabari Parker defensively, but is behind Parker on the offensive end.
3. Jabari Parker, SF, Duke
Parker is the best offensive player among the top prospects, and he has the ability to face up and shoot, post up or drive. Parker has very little impact on the defensive end, and needs to be more focused on stopping somebody. Parker is behind on defense, but ahead on offense.
4. Noah Vonleh, PF, Indiana
This young freshman big man from Indiana, just 18 years old and rapidly improving, is ahead of Kentucky's Julius Randle based on his age and rapid rise. Vonleh is freakishly long-armed with hands that would dwarf those of Kawhi Leonard. Vonleh can rebound and also step away and shoot it, and has the chance to be the best big guy in this draft.
5. Julius Randle, PF, Kentucky
Randle is the most physically imposing player in the draft, but he does not have the offensive game of Vonleh. The best offensive rebounder in the draft, the lefty has not taken a jump shot in competition for quite some time, and is primarily a driver (who loves to spin back to his left hand) and rebounder. Randle is a Zach Randolph-type player, but he must improve offensively to get to Randolph's level.
6. Marcus Smart, PG, Oklahoma State
Along with Wiggins, Smart is the best defender in this draft, and also one of the most complete players in the draft class. Smart does it all but shoot it; his shooting needs a good deal of improvement.
7. Dante Exum, PG, Australia
Very young and super talented, Exum is an excellent athlete, has terrific size for a point guard and shoots it far better than advertised. He could go as high as No. 3 overall, but I tend to like Smart a bit better overall.
8. Aaron Gordon, PF, Arizona
While I favor Wiggins and Smart as the best individual defenders, Gordon is not far off the pace. Gordon is a spectacular run-and-jump athlete who excels in transition and can really get to the glass. He has a great motor, and wants to work and get better. His jump shot and free throws need work, but he is willing to put that work in. This is one player who screams to be taken before No. 8.
9. Doug McDermott, SF, Creighton
McDermott is the best, most versatile scorer in this draft; he's a far better athlete than most realize. He can shoot it from deep, post a smaller matchup and is really strong. Plus, he can hold his own as a defender, and he rebounds well. I like McDermott to have a long and very good NBA career.
10. Zach LaVine, PG, UCLA
Sometimes freak athletes can overcome a lack of skill. I believe Zach LaVine is one of those players. He needs work on his handle and passing, but he can shoot the ball, and he is a crazy athlete who can run, jump out of the gym and finish plays. As he gets stronger and works to be a point guard, LaVine could prove to be more valuable than No. 10 on this list.
11. Gary Harris, PG, Michigan State
Harris, who is tough and is an excellent defender and a good shooter coming off screens and in the midrange game, has it all except NBA size for the guard position. Regardless, I still like Harris as a solid value in the lottery.
12. Nik Stauskas, SG, Michigan
The best shooter in the draft, Stauskas can hit from deep, put the ball on the deck and pull up and get to the basket and finish. He proved to be far more than a standstill shooter playing off of Trey Burke, and he has a confidence bordering on cockiness that I love.
13. Elfrid Payton, PG, Louisiana Lafayette
Payton first hit everyone's radar screen at USA Basketball trials after his coach, Bob Marlin, called Billy Donovan and recommended him. Marlin did the kid, and the game, a favor. Payton is long, athletic, quick off the bounce and excellent in transition. At 6-foot-4 with a 6-7 wingspan, he reminds me a bit of Rajon Rondo. He might not shoot it particularly well, but he does everything else well, especially defend on the ball, rebound at his position and pass the ball.
14. James Young, SF, Kentucky
A lefty shooter who was primarily a spot-up marksman at Kentucky, Young is an excellent athlete. He can drive the ball, finish with athleticism and can be a disruptive defender. One could argue that Young is undervalued at No. 14 on this list. (I won't listen, but one could still argue.)
15. Rodney Hood, SG/SF, Duke
Another lefty, Hood is a terrific shooter. And although his defense is criticized, he is a solid defender who typically guarded the best opposing perimeter player in college. He does need to be more aggressive on the glass. He is very good off of ball-screen action, and has good size for a wing. A good finisher with excellent athleticism, Hood is a good value in the middle of the first round.
16. Dario Saric, PF, Croatia
Saric is very skilled and can do it all at 6-foot-10. He was the MVP of the Adriatic League, is competitive and clearly is unafraid. He is not a great athlete, but he is as skilled as any big man in the draft.
17. Adreian Payne, PF, Michigan State
At 6-foot-10 and very athletic with a 7-4 wingspan, Payne can step away and shoot it from NBA range, is very good in ball-screen action as a pop guy, and has a bit of a post game (although that is not his strength). Also, he can rebound and block shots, and he continued to improve throughout his career at Michigan State.
18. Tyler Ennis, PG, Syracuse
Ennis is not a great athlete, but he's as athletic as he needs to be to get the job done in almost any situation. Ennis changes speeds, is unflappable and does a very good job running a team and making decisions. He can score when called upon, but he also can distribute the ball. Defensively, Ennis has played in a zone, but has the smarts and physical ability to be a good man-to-man defender.
19. T.J. Warren, SF, NC State
Warren is a pure scorer who is unconventional and has a variety of shots that you just don't practice. He just has a knack and a feel for scoring. His body and conditioning have improved, and he is a pretty good rebounder. Warren is not a jump-shooter, but rather is more of a driver with runners, floaters and shot creativity against a variety of defensive looks. Nobody in this draft makes more contested, tough floaters, runners and push shots than Warren.
20. Shabazz Napier, PG, Connecticut
Tough, crafty and very skilled with the ball, Napier can change speeds, get past people and is a good shot creator. I would not classify him as a great defender, mostly because he doesn't do it every play, but he can be disruptive on the ball, which is a must for a small guard. While he might not be a star, I know one thing: Shabazz Napier will not fail.
21. Jusuf Nurkic, C, Bosnia
Big and strong, Nurkic is very good in screen-and-roll situations. He moves his feet well, covers ground, sets wide screens and rolls hard to the basket. He is not a great athlete, but he's very effective at both ends.
22. Cleanthony Early, SF, Wichita State
Early is the type of player who would thrive with the Spurs or Thunder. He is athletic, can step away and shoot it and is very good in transition and on the glass. Early does not have refined post moves and is not a great defender, but he competes hard and will be a nice piece for a good team.
23. P.J. Hairston, SG, North Carolina
Hairston can really shoot the ball, and shoot it from long range. He shoots with ease and has a strong body. He is not a focused defender and tends to get down and focus on the negative play that just happened, but as a specialist in the league, he can be very effective.
24. Kyle Anderson, SF/PF, UCLA
Anderson is a 6-foot-8 point forward who is very good in transition and may be the best passer in the draft, although this is not a draft of great passers. Anderson lacks athleticism, plays below the rim and is not a wizard handling the ball, but he rebounds well, passes well and knows how to play.
25. K.J. McDaniels, SF, Clemson
At 6-foot-6 with a 6-11 wingspan, McDaniels is a spectacular athlete who can defend multiple positions and is a perimeter shot-blocker. He also is a good rebounder and can make open shots, though he needs to refine his jump shot and become more consistent.
26. Glenn Robinson III, SF, Michigan
Robinson is super athletic and has a lot of natural gifts and ability. To this point in his career, he has shown flashes, but has not been consistent at the highest level. While you believe that he shoots it well, and it looks like his shots are going to go in, not enough of them do. Still, with his talent level, he could pay off big at the end of the first round.
27. Clint Capela, PF, Switzerland
At 6-foot-11 and just 20 years old, Capela has a good deal of potential. His game is all around the lane and the rim, but he is a long-armed, athletic finisher around the basket, and he doesn't mess with things he might not do well. He cuts hard, hits the offensive glass and runs the court well. In time, Capela could be very good.
28. Jerami Grant, SF, Syracuse
Long-armed and super athletic, Grant explodes above the rim whenever he is around the goal. He played the back line of Jim Boeheim's zone and competes on the glass. He does need to refine his offensive game because he is not a reliable shooter facing up from 18 feet and in. However, his athleticism leaves your jaw on the floor.
29. Mitch McGary, PF, Michigan
Out all but eight games last season because of a back injury that required surgery, McGary is a big body who can run, set brutal screens and rebound. His offensive game is raw, but if healthy, he can be a solid NBA big man.
30. Joe Harris, SG, Virginia
A senior guard who can really shoot it, Harris is a good value. He can work off screens, run all day and has a big, strong body. His size helps him fight off defenders, and he can rise up into a shot with quickness and strength. Harris is also a very good leader. He broke his nose before he could work out for the Spurs or the Thunder, but those are the types of teams he would fit best.
Every year, The Bilastrator puts forth his earth-quaking, career-making, heartbreaking "Best Available List." The Bilastrator does not have a Big Board or a board of any kind. It seems that everybody who is anybody has a "Big Board" these days. No, The Bilastrator has an old-school, but incredibly cool, list. On a worn, well-traveled yellow legal pad, The Bilastrator keeps a list of the best players available, irrespective of team need or where they may be drafted. The list order is based upon The Bilastrator's own eyes and impeccable basketball judgment, gleaned from hours upon hours of attending practices, workouts, camps, games and film study, not to mention analytics and conversations with people he trusts.
The 2014 NBA draft is the best, deepest and most intriguing draft in almost a decade. There is real talent available, but also some real risk and question marks with regard to many of the available players. Before Thursday, June 26, we have already had two major injuries, to Kansas big man Joel Embiid and Baylor big man Isaiah Austin, which may change the draft. Embiid was expected to be the top overall selection (and still might be) before suffering a stress fracture in his foot, and Austin was expected to be a late first-round or second-round pick before a physical examination detected Marfan syndrome and effectively ended his NBA career on the spot. Our thoughts are with Austin and his family, and while it is heartbreaking news for his basketball career, the good news is the condition was discovered before there was a disastrous outcome that threatened Austin's life.
While there is risk with Embiid, the injury is not one that gives pause to any of the orthopedic surgeons I have spoken to about it. If properly corrected, the injury is not expected to be a big deal long-term. If Embiid's back and foot check out, there seems little reason not to take the Jayhawks big man who screams Hakeem Olajuwon potential. If he falls, it will be a windfall for any team that has the chance to draft him. This draft has good talent and capable players throughout the first round, and several players in the second round who can and will make rosters and have long and very good NBA careers. Thursday night should be a lot of fun, as long as everybody leaves all Big Boards at home.
1. Joel Embiid, C, Kansas
Embiid just oozes potential, and when compared to Hakeem Olajuwon as a freshman at Houston, Embiid compares favorably. Long, athletic and skilled, Embiid has great hands and feet, and is a solid rim protector and rebounder. Each time you see him, he has added something new to his game, and despite the evolution of the game, he is still valuable as a true center in the NBA. Unless a team of doctors tells me not to, I'd still take Embiid No. 1 overall. If healthy, he will be special.
2. Andrew Wiggins, SG, Kansas
You can get hung up on only four points on 2-of-7 shooting versus Stanford if you want to, or that he is not an assertive scorer who burns to take over a game, but you will miss a really fine prospect if you do. (And trying to blame Bill Self for not "adjusting" to a 2-3 zone is laughable. Self didn't stop Wiggins from rebounding, getting into gaps or attacking the zone to score more than four points.) Wiggins is a ridiculous athlete, can fly around on defense and in transition, and is a hard worker who can also score when it's required. Does he force things and force himself on the game? No. But he does strive to make the right play, and usually does. He is worth the selection here as a defender and finisher alone. Wiggins is ahead of Jabari Parker defensively, but is behind Parker on the offensive end.
3. Jabari Parker, SF, Duke
Parker is the best offensive player among the top prospects, and he has the ability to face up and shoot, post up or drive. Parker has very little impact on the defensive end, and needs to be more focused on stopping somebody. Parker is behind on defense, but ahead on offense.
4. Noah Vonleh, PF, Indiana
This young freshman big man from Indiana, just 18 years old and rapidly improving, is ahead of Kentucky's Julius Randle based on his age and rapid rise. Vonleh is freakishly long-armed with hands that would dwarf those of Kawhi Leonard. Vonleh can rebound and also step away and shoot it, and has the chance to be the best big guy in this draft.
5. Julius Randle, PF, Kentucky
Randle is the most physically imposing player in the draft, but he does not have the offensive game of Vonleh. The best offensive rebounder in the draft, the lefty has not taken a jump shot in competition for quite some time, and is primarily a driver (who loves to spin back to his left hand) and rebounder. Randle is a Zach Randolph-type player, but he must improve offensively to get to Randolph's level.
6. Marcus Smart, PG, Oklahoma State
Along with Wiggins, Smart is the best defender in this draft, and also one of the most complete players in the draft class. Smart does it all but shoot it; his shooting needs a good deal of improvement.
7. Dante Exum, PG, Australia
Very young and super talented, Exum is an excellent athlete, has terrific size for a point guard and shoots it far better than advertised. He could go as high as No. 3 overall, but I tend to like Smart a bit better overall.
8. Aaron Gordon, PF, Arizona
While I favor Wiggins and Smart as the best individual defenders, Gordon is not far off the pace. Gordon is a spectacular run-and-jump athlete who excels in transition and can really get to the glass. He has a great motor, and wants to work and get better. His jump shot and free throws need work, but he is willing to put that work in. This is one player who screams to be taken before No. 8.
9. Doug McDermott, SF, Creighton
McDermott is the best, most versatile scorer in this draft; he's a far better athlete than most realize. He can shoot it from deep, post a smaller matchup and is really strong. Plus, he can hold his own as a defender, and he rebounds well. I like McDermott to have a long and very good NBA career.
10. Zach LaVine, PG, UCLA
Sometimes freak athletes can overcome a lack of skill. I believe Zach LaVine is one of those players. He needs work on his handle and passing, but he can shoot the ball, and he is a crazy athlete who can run, jump out of the gym and finish plays. As he gets stronger and works to be a point guard, LaVine could prove to be more valuable than No. 10 on this list.
11. Gary Harris, PG, Michigan State
Harris, who is tough and is an excellent defender and a good shooter coming off screens and in the midrange game, has it all except NBA size for the guard position. Regardless, I still like Harris as a solid value in the lottery.
12. Nik Stauskas, SG, Michigan
The best shooter in the draft, Stauskas can hit from deep, put the ball on the deck and pull up and get to the basket and finish. He proved to be far more than a standstill shooter playing off of Trey Burke, and he has a confidence bordering on cockiness that I love.
13. Elfrid Payton, PG, Louisiana Lafayette
Payton first hit everyone's radar screen at USA Basketball trials after his coach, Bob Marlin, called Billy Donovan and recommended him. Marlin did the kid, and the game, a favor. Payton is long, athletic, quick off the bounce and excellent in transition. At 6-foot-4 with a 6-7 wingspan, he reminds me a bit of Rajon Rondo. He might not shoot it particularly well, but he does everything else well, especially defend on the ball, rebound at his position and pass the ball.
14. James Young, SF, Kentucky
A lefty shooter who was primarily a spot-up marksman at Kentucky, Young is an excellent athlete. He can drive the ball, finish with athleticism and can be a disruptive defender. One could argue that Young is undervalued at No. 14 on this list. (I won't listen, but one could still argue.)
15. Rodney Hood, SG/SF, Duke
Another lefty, Hood is a terrific shooter. And although his defense is criticized, he is a solid defender who typically guarded the best opposing perimeter player in college. He does need to be more aggressive on the glass. He is very good off of ball-screen action, and has good size for a wing. A good finisher with excellent athleticism, Hood is a good value in the middle of the first round.
16. Dario Saric, PF, Croatia
Saric is very skilled and can do it all at 6-foot-10. He was the MVP of the Adriatic League, is competitive and clearly is unafraid. He is not a great athlete, but he is as skilled as any big man in the draft.
17. Adreian Payne, PF, Michigan State
At 6-foot-10 and very athletic with a 7-4 wingspan, Payne can step away and shoot it from NBA range, is very good in ball-screen action as a pop guy, and has a bit of a post game (although that is not his strength). Also, he can rebound and block shots, and he continued to improve throughout his career at Michigan State.
18. Tyler Ennis, PG, Syracuse
Ennis is not a great athlete, but he's as athletic as he needs to be to get the job done in almost any situation. Ennis changes speeds, is unflappable and does a very good job running a team and making decisions. He can score when called upon, but he also can distribute the ball. Defensively, Ennis has played in a zone, but has the smarts and physical ability to be a good man-to-man defender.
19. T.J. Warren, SF, NC State
Warren is a pure scorer who is unconventional and has a variety of shots that you just don't practice. He just has a knack and a feel for scoring. His body and conditioning have improved, and he is a pretty good rebounder. Warren is not a jump-shooter, but rather is more of a driver with runners, floaters and shot creativity against a variety of defensive looks. Nobody in this draft makes more contested, tough floaters, runners and push shots than Warren.
20. Shabazz Napier, PG, Connecticut
Tough, crafty and very skilled with the ball, Napier can change speeds, get past people and is a good shot creator. I would not classify him as a great defender, mostly because he doesn't do it every play, but he can be disruptive on the ball, which is a must for a small guard. While he might not be a star, I know one thing: Shabazz Napier will not fail.
21. Jusuf Nurkic, C, Bosnia
Big and strong, Nurkic is very good in screen-and-roll situations. He moves his feet well, covers ground, sets wide screens and rolls hard to the basket. He is not a great athlete, but he's very effective at both ends.
22. Cleanthony Early, SF, Wichita State
Early is the type of player who would thrive with the Spurs or Thunder. He is athletic, can step away and shoot it and is very good in transition and on the glass. Early does not have refined post moves and is not a great defender, but he competes hard and will be a nice piece for a good team.
23. P.J. Hairston, SG, North Carolina
Hairston can really shoot the ball, and shoot it from long range. He shoots with ease and has a strong body. He is not a focused defender and tends to get down and focus on the negative play that just happened, but as a specialist in the league, he can be very effective.
24. Kyle Anderson, SF/PF, UCLA
Anderson is a 6-foot-8 point forward who is very good in transition and may be the best passer in the draft, although this is not a draft of great passers. Anderson lacks athleticism, plays below the rim and is not a wizard handling the ball, but he rebounds well, passes well and knows how to play.
25. K.J. McDaniels, SF, Clemson
At 6-foot-6 with a 6-11 wingspan, McDaniels is a spectacular athlete who can defend multiple positions and is a perimeter shot-blocker. He also is a good rebounder and can make open shots, though he needs to refine his jump shot and become more consistent.
26. Glenn Robinson III, SF, Michigan
Robinson is super athletic and has a lot of natural gifts and ability. To this point in his career, he has shown flashes, but has not been consistent at the highest level. While you believe that he shoots it well, and it looks like his shots are going to go in, not enough of them do. Still, with his talent level, he could pay off big at the end of the first round.
27. Clint Capela, PF, Switzerland
At 6-foot-11 and just 20 years old, Capela has a good deal of potential. His game is all around the lane and the rim, but he is a long-armed, athletic finisher around the basket, and he doesn't mess with things he might not do well. He cuts hard, hits the offensive glass and runs the court well. In time, Capela could be very good.
28. Jerami Grant, SF, Syracuse
Long-armed and super athletic, Grant explodes above the rim whenever he is around the goal. He played the back line of Jim Boeheim's zone and competes on the glass. He does need to refine his offensive game because he is not a reliable shooter facing up from 18 feet and in. However, his athleticism leaves your jaw on the floor.
29. Mitch McGary, PF, Michigan
Out all but eight games last season because of a back injury that required surgery, McGary is a big body who can run, set brutal screens and rebound. His offensive game is raw, but if healthy, he can be a solid NBA big man.
30. Joe Harris, SG, Virginia
A senior guard who can really shoot it, Harris is a good value. He can work off screens, run all day and has a big, strong body. His size helps him fight off defenders, and he can rise up into a shot with quickness and strength. Harris is also a very good leader. He broke his nose before he could work out for the Spurs or the Thunder, but those are the types of teams he would fit best.