Let’s Re-Draft the 2014 NBA Draft
SteemSports Presenter:@dwin0603
SteemSports Editor:@scottybuckets
Scouting is a very hard task to do because every year we doesn’t know if a player will live up to the expectations or will they become a mere bust. Sometimes a player looks like a star in the making but doesn’t thrive when they step into the big stage and play with the pros and the veterans. Scouting is one of the hardest task because they can be blamed by general managers if they failed to choose the right prospect. Projections are not always correct as everybody expected it and sometimes a lower draft pick shines even more than the top prospects.
The 2014 NBA Draft is underrated and there are plenty of top tier players in that draft and today I am going to give you a redrafting list of the top 15 players in the 2014 NBA Draft.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers originally select Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins is a great prospect and was projected number 1 but the Cavs immediately traded him to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for all-star power forward Kevin Love. Cleveland is desperate for a championship run because of LeBron’s arrival that’s why they made that trade. But Cleveland should’ve taken Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers. Joel Embiid’s draft stock fell down because of his injury but it’s worth the wait until he recovers as he became one of the most dominant big men early in his career.
2. Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee originally selected Jabari Parker. Jabari was clearly projected the number 2 pick because of his comparison to Carmelo Anthony but Jabari’s durability is a major issue. He cannot stay healthy for a full season and Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes better and better every year. Milwaukee should’ve drafted Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. Jokic is the second best player in that draft but he surprisingly falls to the second round and drafted 41st overall. Jokic is a triple-double threat and one of the best passer we’ve ever seen. He’s arguably the best passing big man in the league today. The duo of Giannis and Jokic could’ve put Milwaukee on top of the East.
3. Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers drafted Joel Embiid even though he’s injured. The Sixers took the risk but look at them now. They are in the top of the Eastern Conference and one of the teams to beat. They are very lucky drafting one of the most promising big men and maybe one of the greatest in the NBA history. If I am going to redraft this, Embiid will not be available in the third pick and they will have to choose Andrew Wiggins.
4. Orlando Magic
This is the most accurate draft in the 2014 NBA draft. Aaron Gordon was drafted 4th overall by the Orlando Magic and that was a correct choice. Gordon has a potential to be a Blake Griffin type of player with his athleticism and style of play. He’s a power forward with the size to dominate in the paint and speed that can match the wings. He also has a decent perimeter and outside shooting. The Magic did the right selection.
5. Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz selected Dante Exum who looks to be a promising guard with a nice height and length. Injuries stopped Exum from developing his game and becoming the supposed to be starting guard of the Utah Jazz. Utah should’ve selected Zach LaVine, an athletic guard who thrives early in his career with Minnesota. LaVine has been a legit shooter and playmaker. Utah could have made him their starting point guard if they drafted him that year.
6. Boston Celtics
Boston drafted Marcus Smart who quickly fits in with Coach Brad Stevens system. Smart provided elite defense for Boston and has been one of the best defenders in the league today. Smart is a great player but his lack of offensive skillset affected the team sometimes. Garry Harris of the Denver Nuggets should have been their pick and he can also fit with Boston’s system. Garry Harris has established himself as a great lockdown defender and a great scorer who is improving every year.
7. Los Angeles Lakers
Julius Randle was the Lakers’ selection in the 2014 NBA draft and I think its fine. Randle is a Zach Randolph type of player you can bully his way to the rim and score in the paint. Although Randle lacks defensive ability in his early years, he has now improving at the defensive end and getting even better n offense. I think the Lakers picked the right player.
8. Sacramento Kings
Sacramento selected Nik Stauskas who eventually end up being a bust. Stauskas attracts scouts because of his shooting but he cannot thrive at the NBA level. The Kings could have gotten their hands to one of the best bigs in the league today named Clint Capela. Capela is a formidable force in the paint and a defensive anchor. Nobody thought that Capela would turn out to be that good but he works hard to be what he is today.
9. Charlotte Hornets
Hornets drafted Noah Vonleh who they thought would have become a Chris Bosh type of player but he’s nowhere near Chris. He’s now traded from team to teams and has been a clear bust. Hornets should’ve drafted the defensive monster Marcus Smart who can guard multiple position. Hornets are still in their rebuilding process and always fails to get the right prospect for their team. Maybe there’s something wrong with their scouting team.
10. Philadelphia 76ers
Sixers selected Elfrid Payton but immediately traded him in exchange for Dario Saric. Saric is a perfect fit for the Sixers and if I would redraft this, I would also put Saric as their draft selection. Saric is a stretch big who is also perfect in today’s NBA. He has a lot of offensive skill sets and can provide great numbers every night.
11. Denver Nuggets
Nuggets originally selected Doug McDermott but was traded to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Jusuf Nurkic and Harris. This will be one of the worst trade in NBA history. McDermott looks like a scorer because of his shooting ability and his three-pointer can be compared to Kyle Korver. The Nuggets could’ve been selected Jabari Parker who is a superstar in the making if healthy. Parker is can become a stud if he lessen his proneness to injuries and the Nuggets could’ve gotten a legit scorer.
12. Orlando Magic
Magic selected Dario Saric of the Philadelphia 76ers but in my redrafting, Saric would not be available in the 12th pick. But Magic could’ve landed another legit big man in Jusuf Nurkic. Jusuf’s physique was not quite good to be a great defender but he established himself as a good rebounder and scorer in the post. Jusuf is now working hard and improving his defense and I think he has a potential to be a good rim protector.
13. Minnesota Timberwolves
TJ Warren is a great pick at the 13th spot for the Wolves as Zach LaVine would not be available now. TJ is a silent scorer who is not getting a lot of attention in the league. But despite his low profile, he’s a guy who can score 20 a night and a great rebounder who’s also very hardworking inside. He can be a great role player for the Wolves behind Andrew Wiggins.
14. Phoenix Suns
The Suns was lucky getting TJ Warren at the 14th pick. But the Suns could only pick Dante Exum in this redraft. Dante Exum can be the guard the Suns are looking for a long time. Exum is quick and athletic and he has the skills to be a good play maker with his high basketball IQ. Exum can also be a great perimeter defender with his length and the Suns would love to put him as their starting point guard.
15. Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta originally selected Adreian Payne who they thought would be a dominant low post presence but Atlanta should’ve selected Elfrid Payton in this draft. Payton is a great pick at number 15 and is a way better defender than Dennis Schroeder. Even though he’s not that good offensively, he can be a great play maker for them.
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