Liberty Ballers - The Liberty Ballers 2014 NBA Mock DraftHonestly have no idea what we’re arguing about anymore.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50717/lb-fav.png2014-06-25T12:00:04-04:00http://www.libertyballers.com/rss/stream/55175832014-06-25T12:00:04-04:002014-06-25T12:00:04-04:00LB Mock Draft: Spurs Grab Micic at #30
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<img alt="Nobody's more shocked there's pictures of him in the database than me." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NwdM9GOmld_WEn6DMGxT6gshBWA=/0x240:2667x2018/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/34770697/450260458.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nobody's more shocked there's pictures of him in the database than me. | Roberto Serra/Iguana Press</figcaption>
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<p>What do you get for a team that has everything? </p> <p>About a month ago, when we started this mock (yes, it was only a month ago), I found out I the architect of the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Antonio Spurs</a>. I got to be fake Sam Hinkie and fake RC Buford in the same exercise. What a coup!</p>
<p>However, with as much trouble as I had figuring out <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/5/5781648/nba-mock-draft-philadelphia-76ers-gary-harris" target="_blank">who the Sixers were going to pick</a>, with the Spurs, that one would be easy. In fact, I even wrote out the e-mail and saved it in drafts.</p>
<p>"With the 30th pick, the San Antonio Spurs select BOGDAN BOGDANOVIC." It was a no-brainer. The most Spurs pick of all time. A draft-and-stash shooter!</p>
<p>What I failed to realize was that <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/22/5831910/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-the-phoenix-suns-bag-bogdan-bogdanovic-no-27" target="_blank">three spots ahead of me sat Michael Baumann</a>, President of the Bogdan Bogdanovic Fan Club (also known as Baumann and the Bogdans), and also, a client.</p>
<p>When that happened, Spurs draft headquarters went into a frenzy. We weren't ready for this. We used up most of our international scouting budget on Bogdan. We started trying to talk ourselves into American players. "Would Jarnell Stokes fit on this team?" we pondered.</p>
<p>Not to mention, we're already pretty shorthanded. After all, most of the Spurs staff is still hungover from the parade. Most of them don't even know where the draft is located right now, or care, for that matter. JUST COUNT THE RINGZ.</p>
<p>Eventually, we settled down, because we're the San Antonio Spurs. The steady hand of the NBA. We do things a certain way here.</p>
<p>For the most part, the Spurs are constructed with international players, because it's a smart way to develop guys. Their backup point guard, Patty Mills, is about to pass Go and collect $20 million from a team desperate for shooters and winners. You could call that a hole, but they're the Spurs, and the next man up, <span>Cory Joseph</span>, will probably do a fine job in that role.</p>
<p>But for the Spurs, <span>Tony Parker</span> isn't getting any younger, and it's time for them to get another young point guard in the pipeline, which is what leads them to select 20-year old Serbian point guard Vasilije Micic with the 30th pick of the Comically Fake and Likely Woefully Inaccurate Liberty Ballers Mock Draft. (It's a working title!)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/11/5799276/2014-nba-draft-pimp-your-prospect-vasilije-micic-serbia-eurocamp-lefty-second-round-pick" target="_blank">Rich Hofmann wrote an excellent piece introducing Micic to Sixers fans two weeks ago</a>, and I'd encourage anyone who has yet to read it to do so, because he did a better job of explaining Micic as a prospect than I'm even capable of. Micic is an excellent passer who fits the Spurs way of doing things, except for the fact that he's not a particularly good shooter.</p>
<p>For more on the fit with the Spurs, I checked in with our friend Stephen Bagwell from<a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/" target="_blank"> Pounding The Rock</a>, who graciously took a break from a summer of just watching Game 5 on a constant loop to contribute his thoughts:</p>
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<p>He's 6'3, has excellent court vision, massive amounts of experience running the pick and roll (by far more than any other point guard, international or otherwise, in the draft). Average defender but could be a good team defender in the right system, and with his length has room to improve. Struggles with elite athletes, but at age 19 he's worth gambling on even if you don't want to bring him over right away. Put up 14 and 10 against the US select team, looking like a pretty well polished player. He's a great passer, but needs to work on his shooting- though in spite of his lack of top level athleticism has learned how to finish around the rim. He could come over right away and take <span>Cory Joseph's</span> minutes if Patty leaves and Cory becomes the backup, or he could wait a couple years and come in once Patty and Cory are possibly gone. While the backup forward position may be a more pressing need, there aren't any available at number 30 that won't be available at the end of the second round. Micic is probably both the best available and the most logical choice for the future.</p>
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<p>So, that does it for the first round of the our mock draft. In just a few minutes, deputy commissioner Mark Tatum will be out here to kick off ROUND TWO!</p>
<p>...</p>
<p>Just kidding, we're not doing two rounds of this. We hope you enjoyed the first round though. Here's the final mock one through thirty, Embiid to Micic.</p>
<h3 style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 32px; margin-top: 0.75em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; line-height: 36px; font-family: 'Sentinel SSm A', 'Sentinel SSm B', Georgia, serif; color: #292929;">1. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/27/5752996/2014-nba-draft-mock-draft-cleveland-cavaliers-joel-embiid/in/5517583">Cleveland Cavaliers - Joel Embiid<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>2. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/28/5756388/2014-nba-mock-draft-milwaukee-bucks-andrew-wiggins/in/5517583">Milwaukee Bucks - Andrew Wiggins<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>3. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/5/29/5760038/nba-mock-draft-philadelphia-76ers--jabari-parker-no-3-2014/in/5517583">Philadelphia 76ers - Jabari Parker<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>4. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/30/5762972/nba-mock-draft-2014-orlando-magic-dante-exum/in/5517583">Orlando Magic - Dante Exum<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>5. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/31/5767466/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-utah-jazz-select-noah-vonleh-no-5-overall/in/5517583">Utah Jazz - Noah Vonleh<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>6. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/1/5768312/2014-nba-draft-prospects-mock-draft-celtics-aaron-gordon-julius-randle-noah-vonleh-marcus-smart/in/5517583">Boston Celtics - Aaron Gordon<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>7. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/2/5769652/nba-mock-draft-2014-los-angeles-lakers-julius-randle/in/5517583">Los Angeles Lakers - Julius Randle<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>8. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/3/5773656/2014-nba-mock-draft-sacramento-kings-pick-marcus-smart/in/5517583">Sacramento Kings - Marcus Smart<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>9. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/4/5777332/nba-mock-draft-prospects-charlotte-hornets-nik-stauskas/in/5517583">Charlotte Hornets - Nik Stauskas<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>10. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/5/5781648/nba-mock-draft-philadelphia-76ers-gary-harris">Philadelphia 76ers - Gary Harris<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>11. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/6/5779536/sixers-nba-mock-draft-denver-nuggets-pick-zach-lavine/in/5517583">Denver Nuggets - Zach LaVine<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>12. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/7/5788686/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-magic-select-dario-saric-number-12/in/5517583">Orlando Magic - Dario Saric<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>13. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/8/5790946/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-timberwolves-select-kyle-anderson-no-13-overall/in/5517583">Minnesota Timberwolves - Kyle Anderson<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>14. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/9/5791998/nba-mock-draft-2014-phoenix-suns-doug-mcdermott/in/5517583">Phoenix Suns - Doug McDermott<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>15. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/10/5796530/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-atlanta-hawks-select-james-young-no-15-overall">Atlanta Hawks - James Young<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>16. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/11/5799754/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-chicago-bulls-select-elfrid-payton-no-16-overall-2014-playoffs">Chicago Bulls - Elfrid Payton<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>17. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Boston Celtics - Clint Capela<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>18. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/13/5805236/liberty-ballers-nba-mock-draft-phoenix-suns-adreian-payne-18-overall-michigan-state">Phoenix Suns - Adreian Payne<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>19. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/14/5808556/2014-nba-draft-bulls-rodney-hood" target="_blank">Chicago Bulls - Rodney Hood<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>20. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="https://www.raptorshq.com/">Toronto Raptors</a> - <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/15/5810516/nba-mock-draft-tyler-ennis-toronto-raptors">Tyler Ennis<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>21. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/16/5814200/the-lb-mock-draft-thunder-pick-pj-hairston-21st-overall" target="_blank">Oklahoma City Thunder - P.J. Hairston<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>22. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/" target="_blank">Memphis Grizzlies </a>- <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/17/5813514/2014-nba-mock-draft-memphis-grizzlies-pick-tj-warren" target="_blank">T.J. Warren<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>23. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a> - <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/18/5820182/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-utah-jazz-pick-k-j-mcdaniels-23rd-overall">K.J. McDaniels<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>24. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/19/5824262/lb-mock-draft-hornets-jusuf-nurkic-nba-draft">Charlotte Hornets - Jusuf Nurkic<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>25. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a> - <span>Jordan Adams</span><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">26. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/21/5829420/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-miami-heat-cleanthony-early-26-overall">Miami Heat - Cleanthony Early</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">27. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/22/5831910/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-the-phoenix-suns-bag-bogdan-bogdanovic-no-27">Phoenix Suns - Bogdan Bogdanovic</a> <br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">28. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/23/5831082/nba-mock-draft-los-angeles-clippers-mitch-mcgary" target="_blank">Los Angeles Clippers - Mitch McGary</a> <br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">29. <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> - <span>Spencer Dinwiddie</span><br>30. San Antonio Spurs - Vasilije Micic</h3>
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<script src="http://player.ooyala.com/iframe.js#ec=JteWZzbTqDRTc6ilnNluySH9rhGytHFS&pbid=23b69841d9454479a6f4fcf4a8514588" width="644px" height="362px"></script>
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https://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/25/5840520/nba-mock-draft-san-antonio-spurs-vasilije-micic-newsMatt Carey2014-06-24T12:00:05-04:002014-06-24T12:00:05-04:00LB Mock Draft: Thunder selects Spencer Dinwiddie
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<figcaption>Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Spor</figcaption>
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<p>After bouncing back from a torn ACL, could Michael Levin's man crush be the missing piece for OKC?</p> <p>Michael Levin isn't the only writer at Liberty Ballers swooning over Spencer Dinwiddie's potential at the next level.</p>
<p>Watch this highlight video from his 17 games during his junior 2013-14 season before he tore his ACL:</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/KYnbNkl3t1s" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>Take note of the silky jumper, how he glides through the air to the rim, his effortlessly beautiful dimes to cutting big men.</p>
<p>Not only is he as long as a line at the DMV, he's nicknamed "The Mayor," has a sweet stash and owns one of, if not the, best names in this draft.</p>
<p>He averaged 15, 4 and 3 while shooting 41.3 percent from distance before getting nicked up. So, what's not to love? Why is he projected as a second rounder?</p>
<p>Teams just simply haven't seen Dinwiddie at 100% since his injury. If you checked with our friends at Draft Express back in November, Dinwiddie was projected to be drafted in the first round. Considering Dario Saric fell to 17 in DX's latest mock draft after signing a new contract overseas, you can't blame them for keeping Dinwiddie in the second until we actually see him play some full-court five-on-five.</p>
<p>Still, he's pretty much the best point guard prospect after <span>Tyler Ennis</span>, but he's more than just a point guard. Dinwiddie personifies the concept of all-purpose guards, the <span>Russell Westbrook</span>, <span>Goran Dragic</span>, <span>Eric Bledsoe</span> types that many are saying are taking over NBA back courts. He's got the ability to stretch the floor with his jumper and create for himself and his teammates off the dribble. Meanwhile, he's frankly a large enough human to dabble at guarding three positions at 6-6 with a 6-9 wingspan.</p>
<p>That's why he's a perfect fit for the Thunder at 29.</p>
<p>Everyone who watched OKC fall to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">Spurs</a> in the Western Conference could see the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Thunder's</a> offense grow stagnant when the going got rough. It's funny, many claim San Antonio is boring to watch. But as the Spurs picked apart the Thunder in Games 5 and 6, OKC was the team that became grueling to watch.</p>
<p>Too many of their possessions' outcomes were simply predetermined by whoever of Westrbook or <span>Kevin Durant</span> brought the ball up the court. Many cried that this was Scott Brook's fault, but can you really blame him? He didn't have many other options. <span>Reggie Jackson</span> is a nice piece and <span>Serge Ibaka</span> has turned into a solid scoring threat. But nobody on that team is going to be able to consistently create over the course of a seven-game series outside of Durant and Westbrook.</p>
<p>If you put Dinwiddie into the fold, it changes things. Suddenly, teams can't key in on stopping <span>Reggie Jackson</span> in the second unit because he can swing the ball over to the other wing and watch Dinwiddie attack the paint before dumping it off to <span>Steven Adams</span> for an easy jam. Defensively, he's another key cog in a well-oiled machine that gets by on athleticism and length.</p>
<p>You may think this selection was made solely to appease Levin, but Dinwiddie to OKC makes a lot of sense. Hell, if you're rooting for the kid to have a seamless comeback to the hardwood, playing for the Thunder might be the best thing for him.</p>
<h3 style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 32px; margin-top: 0.75em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; line-height: 36px; font-family: 'Sentinel SSm A', 'Sentinel SSm B', Georgia, serif; color: #292929;">1. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/27/5752996/2014-nba-draft-mock-draft-cleveland-cavaliers-joel-embiid/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Cleveland Cavaliers - Joel Embiid<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>2. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/28/5756388/2014-nba-mock-draft-milwaukee-bucks-andrew-wiggins/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Milwaukee Bucks - Andrew Wiggins<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>3. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/5/29/5760038/nba-mock-draft-philadelphia-76ers--jabari-parker-no-3-2014/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Philadelphia 76ers - Jabari Parker<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>4. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/30/5762972/nba-mock-draft-2014-orlando-magic-dante-exum/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Orlando Magic - Dante Exum<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>5. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/31/5767466/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-utah-jazz-select-noah-vonleh-no-5-overall/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Utah Jazz - Noah Vonleh<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>6. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/1/5768312/2014-nba-draft-prospects-mock-draft-celtics-aaron-gordon-julius-randle-noah-vonleh-marcus-smart/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Boston Celtics - Aaron Gordon<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>7. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/2/5769652/nba-mock-draft-2014-los-angeles-lakers-julius-randle/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Los Angeles Lakers - Julius Randle<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>8. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/3/5773656/2014-nba-mock-draft-sacramento-kings-pick-marcus-smart/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Sacramento Kings - Marcus Smart<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>9. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/4/5777332/nba-mock-draft-prospects-charlotte-hornets-nik-stauskas/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Charlotte Hornets - Nik Stauskas<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>10. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/5/5781648/nba-mock-draft-philadelphia-76ers-gary-harris" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Philadelphia 76ers - Gary Harris<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>11. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/6/5779536/sixers-nba-mock-draft-denver-nuggets-pick-zach-lavine/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Denver Nuggets - Zach LaVine<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>12. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/7/5788686/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-magic-select-dario-saric-number-12/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Orlando Magic - Dario Saric<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>13. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/8/5790946/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-timberwolves-select-kyle-anderson-no-13-overall/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Minnesota Timberwolves - Kyle Anderson<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>14. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/9/5791998/nba-mock-draft-2014-phoenix-suns-doug-mcdermott/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Phoenix Suns - Doug McDermott<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>15. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/10/5796530/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-atlanta-hawks-select-james-young-no-15-overall" target="_blank" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Atlanta Hawks - James Young<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>16. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/11/5799754/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-chicago-bulls-select-elfrid-payton-no-16-overall-2014-playoffs" target="_blank" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Chicago Bulls - Elfrid Payton<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>17. <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Boston Celtics - Clint Capela<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>18. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/13/5805236/liberty-ballers-nba-mock-draft-phoenix-suns-adreian-payne-18-overall-michigan-state" target="_blank" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Phoenix Suns - Adreian Payne<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>19. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/14/5808556/2014-nba-draft-bulls-rodney-hood" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Chicago Bulls - Rodney Hood<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>20. <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Toronto Raptors</a> - <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/15/5810516/nba-mock-draft-tyler-ennis-toronto-raptors" target="_blank" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Tyler Ennis<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>21. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/16/5814200/the-lb-mock-draft-thunder-pick-pj-hairston-21st-overall" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Oklahoma City Thunder - P.J. Hairston<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>22. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Memphis Grizzlies </a>- <a target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/17/5813514/2014-nba-mock-draft-memphis-grizzlies-pick-tj-warren" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">T.J. Warren<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>23. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/18/5820182/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-utah-jazz-pick-k-j-mcdaniels-23rd-overall" target="_blank" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;"></a><a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Utah Jazz</a> - <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/18/5820182/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-utah-jazz-pick-k-j-mcdaniels-23rd-overall" target="_blank" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">K.J. McDaniels<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>24. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/19/5824262/lb-mock-draft-hornets-jusuf-nurkic-nba-draft" target="_blank" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Charlotte Hornets - Jusuf Nurkic<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></a>25. <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Houston Rockets</a> - <span>Jordan Adams</span><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">26. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/21/5829420/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-miami-heat-cleanthony-early-26-overall" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Miami Heat - Cleanthony Early</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">27. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/22/5831910/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-the-phoenix-suns-bag-bogdan-bogdanovic-no-27" target="_blank" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Phoenix Suns - Bogdan Bogdanovic</a> <br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">28. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/23/5831082/nba-mock-draft-los-angeles-clippers-mitch-mcgary">Los Angeles Clippers - Mitch McGary</a> <br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">29. Oklahoma City - Spencer Dinwiddie</h3>
https://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/24/5836620/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-the-oklahoma-city-thunder-select-spencerJake Fischer2014-06-23T12:00:09-04:002014-06-23T12:00:09-04:00LB Mock Draft: Clippers Select Mitch McGary
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<img alt="Mitch McGary: Tall. Athletic. Future Clipper." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8sDjGmE_SxjTNguAR62BiIuvhI8=/0x131:4000x2798/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/34644599/453377413.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mitch McGary: Tall. Athletic. Future Clipper. | Grant Halverson</figcaption>
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<p>A year-long suspension for a player's first failed drug test is overly excessive, but rules are rules... and thanks to the NCAA's decree, the Los Angeles Clippers could strike gold at No. 28 with Michigan's Mitch McGary.</p> <p><span>As many 30-somethings can openly attest to, there's little in the "real world" that remotely approximates the fun that can be had on and around a college campus.</span></p>
<p>So, on some level, it was easy to comprehend why Michigan center <span>Mitch McGary</span> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/story/22097882/mcgary-robinson-iii-returning-to-michigan-instead-of-leaving-for-nba">chose to stay in Ann Arbor</a> for another year mere weeks after his debutante-like showing during the 2013 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/march-madness" class="sbn-auto-link">NCAA Tournament</a> (14.3 PPG, 10.7 RPG). Returning to school fresh off of a Final Four appearance as (literally) the BMOC is a pretty big feather in one's cap, even if that cap could be sitting on the head of a man who is actually getting paid to ply his trade.</p>
<p>Then again, there is something to be said for striking while the iron is hot. The 20-year-old big man virtually played himself into the lottery last year during the Wolverines' run to the national title game, and it was highly unlikely that McGary was going to improve on his soaring draft stock as a sophomore.</p>
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<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css" rel="stylesheet">
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<p>One year later, McGary and Oklahoma State guard <span>Marcus Smart</span> became the latest cautionary tales in a system that all but penalizes players who decide to stay in school longer than others think that they should. McGary's decision gave scouts and personnel directors that much more time to critique his game, and given the advanced age of the former Parade All-American (he turned 22 earlier this month), it's fair to question how much space there is between his current talent level and his potential ceiling.</p>
<p>Unfortunately for McGary, he wasn't able to make much of a case for himself over the past 12 months. Several injuries - most notably, a bad back that required surgery in January - limited McGary to just eight games this season. All signs were pointing to him returning to Michigan for his junior year, but a <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/draft2014/story/_/id/10837290/sophomore-mitch-mcgary-michigan-wolverines-opts-nba-draft-failing-drug-test">positive test for marijuana</a> brought with it a one-year suspension, all but ending McGary's collegiate career.</p>
<p>While the NCAA saw fit to bring the hammer down on McGary, the incident will likely be seen as a minor transgression in NBA circles. Basketball ability often negates all but the reddest of flags, and the 6'10", 250-pound McGary has been firmly entrenched on the radar of many talent evaluators for quite some time.</p>
<p>As a top-30 recruit coming out of high school, <a target="_blank" href="https://rivals.yahoo.com/basketballrecruiting/basketball/recruiting/player-Mitch-McGary-86150;_ylt=AuCcR4YGu6Q3GW5EaU1TAS_SO5B4">the book on McGary</a> read that he was "a high energy player who loves contact" who also happened to be "a good ball handler and passer." Not much has changed in the nearly three years since he signed his letter of intent: McGary's biggest asset is his high motor, and that - combined with his willingness to bang in the paint - should be enough to slot him on most teams' draft boards somewhere around the end of the first round. Classic big men who can pass the ball just as well as they can hit the glass (12.5 rebounds per 40 minutes as a freshman) are rare and intriguing, and McGary's skills are perfect for a <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Clippers</a> team that likes to get up and down the court.</p>
<p>McGary shined during the 2013 NCAA Tournament thanks to his rapport with <span>Trey Burke</span>, and the Clippers just happen to have one of the best playmakers in the game in point guard Chris Paul. More importantly, Clipper Darrell's favorite team has exactly one center under contract for the 2014-15 season (<span>DeAndre Jordan</span>), and the cupboard behind <span>Blake Griffin</span> at the 4 spot is relatively bare as well.</p>
<p>McGary's back is a question mark, and the fact that he <a target="_blank" href="http://journaltimes.com/sports/basketball/bucks-beat-mcgary-to-work-out-with-bucks/article_0b2bbee6-f819-11e3-bc61-0019bb2963f4.html">just began working out</a> for NBA teams after five months on the shelf is a bit concerning. Even so, there are few team/player/selection fits in Thursday's draft as ideal as Mitch McGary joining Lob City with the No. 28 pick.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9nFs2PeWw0" target="_blank">But you don't have to take my word for it</a>: Steve Perrin of <a href="http://www.clipsnation.com/" target="_blank">Clips Nation</a> is also a big fan of McGary late in the first round:</p>
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<p>As it happens, I picked McGary for the Clippers in a mock draft myself, so I guess I can say I think it's a good pick. The problem with 28 of course is that you don't know who is going to be available, but the Clippers need a big, and McGary seems likely to be there, while others probably will not be. With [Walter] Tavares signing an extension in the ACB, that's one fewer big who's likely to be available to help soon.</p>
<p>The Clippers return all five starters from their 57-win team and several key reserves. However, the team made do with the likes of <span>Ryan Hollins</span> and <span>Byron Mullens</span> and mid-season acquisitions like <span>Glen Davis</span> and <span>Hedo Turkoglu</span> for front court depth last season, and the front court remains their most significant area of need (starters Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan are the only players over 6'8" currently under contract). McGary could have been a lottery pick after his break out performance in the 2013 NCAA tournament as a freshman at Michigan, but a back injury along with a failed drug test cut his sophomore season short, and his draft stock took a big hit in the process. He's got legitimate NBA size, good skills, a great motor and a high basketball IQ. He's not a Griffin/Jordan type athlete, but he'll fit right into the Clippers attack nonetheless. He'll run hard to fill a lane on the fast break and he's solid in the pick and roll, plus he's an above average passer for a big. He's also a very good rebounder, and the glass was a problem for the Clippers last season. If he can add a bit of range to his face up jumper he could be a very good fit in <span>Doc Rivers</span>' system.</p>
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<p>Make it happen, Clippers.</p>
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</p>
<h3>1. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/27/5752996/2014-nba-draft-mock-draft-cleveland-cavaliers-joel-embiid/in/5517583">Cleveland Cavaliers - Joel Embiid<br></a>2. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/28/5756388/2014-nba-mock-draft-milwaukee-bucks-andrew-wiggins/in/5517583">Milwaukee Bucks - Andrew Wiggins<br></a>3. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/5/29/5760038/nba-mock-draft-philadelphia-76ers--jabari-parker-no-3-2014/in/5517583">Philadelphia 76ers - Jabari Parker<br></a>4. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/30/5762972/nba-mock-draft-2014-orlando-magic-dante-exum/in/5517583">Orlando Magic - Dante Exum<br></a>5. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/31/5767466/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-utah-jazz-select-noah-vonleh-no-5-overall/in/5517583">Utah Jazz - Noah Vonleh<br></a>6. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/1/5768312/2014-nba-draft-prospects-mock-draft-celtics-aaron-gordon-julius-randle-noah-vonleh-marcus-smart/in/5517583">Boston Celtics - Aaron Gordon<br></a>7. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/2/5769652/nba-mock-draft-2014-los-angeles-lakers-julius-randle/in/5517583">Los Angeles Lakers - Julius Randle<br></a>8. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/3/5773656/2014-nba-mock-draft-sacramento-kings-pick-marcus-smart/in/5517583">Sacramento Kings - Marcus Smart<br></a>9. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/4/5777332/nba-mock-draft-prospects-charlotte-hornets-nik-stauskas/in/5517583">Charlotte Hornets - Nik Stauskas<br></a>10. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/5/5781648/nba-mock-draft-philadelphia-76ers-gary-harris">Philadelphia 76ers - Gary Harris<br></a>11. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/6/5779536/sixers-nba-mock-draft-denver-nuggets-pick-zach-lavine/in/5517583">Denver Nuggets - Zach LaVine<br></a>12. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/7/5788686/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-magic-select-dario-saric-number-12/in/5517583">Orlando Magic - Dario Saric<br></a>13. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/8/5790946/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-timberwolves-select-kyle-anderson-no-13-overall/in/5517583">Minnesota Timberwolves - Kyle Anderson<br></a>14. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/9/5791998/nba-mock-draft-2014-phoenix-suns-doug-mcdermott/in/5517583">Phoenix Suns - Doug McDermott<br></a>15. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/10/5796530/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-atlanta-hawks-select-james-young-no-15-overall" target="_blank">Atlanta Hawks - James Young<br></a>16. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/11/5799754/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-chicago-bulls-select-elfrid-payton-no-16-overall-2014-playoffs" target="_blank">Chicago Bulls - Elfrid Payton<br></a>17. <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Boston Celtics - Clint Capela<br></a>18. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/13/5805236/liberty-ballers-nba-mock-draft-phoenix-suns-adreian-payne-18-overall-michigan-state" target="_blank">Phoenix Suns - Adreian Payne<br></a>19. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/14/5808556/2014-nba-draft-bulls-rodney-hood">Chicago Bulls - Rodney Hood<br></a>20. <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/">Toronto Raptors</a> - <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/15/5810516/nba-mock-draft-tyler-ennis-toronto-raptors" target="_blank">Tyler Ennis<br></a>21. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/16/5814200/the-lb-mock-draft-thunder-pick-pj-hairston-21st-overall">Oklahoma City Thunder - P.J. Hairston<br></a>22. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/">Memphis Grizzlies </a>- <a target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/17/5813514/2014-nba-mock-draft-memphis-grizzlies-pick-tj-warren">T.J. Warren<br></a>23. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/18/5820182/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-utah-jazz-pick-k-j-mcdaniels-23rd-overall" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a> - <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/18/5820182/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-utah-jazz-pick-k-j-mcdaniels-23rd-overall" target="_blank">K.J. McDaniels<br></a>24. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/19/5824262/lb-mock-draft-hornets-jusuf-nurkic-nba-draft" target="_blank">Charlotte Hornets - Jusuf Nurkic<br></a>25. <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a> - <span>Jordan Adams</span><br>26. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/21/5829420/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-miami-heat-cleanthony-early-26-overall">Miami Heat - Cleanthony Early</a><br>27. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/22/5831910/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-the-phoenix-suns-bag-bogdan-bogdanovic-no-27" target="_blank">Phoenix Suns - Bogdan Bogdanovic</a> <br>28. Los Angeles Clippers - Mitch McGary <br>29. Oklahoma City -</h3>
https://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/23/5831082/nba-mock-draft-los-angeles-clippers-mitch-mcgaryRoy Burton2014-06-22T13:09:26-04:002014-06-22T13:09:26-04:00LB Mock Draft: Suns Bag Bogdan at #27
<figure>
<img alt="We don't have a photo of Bogdan Bogdanovic, but if the Suns do take him, he'll likely wear shoes." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HFO7vwehgPnolqnf7KBm4WeTa8M=/0x122:4000x2789/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/34656019/20140416_mje_bm1_685.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>We don't have a photo of Bogdan Bogdanovic, but if the Suns do take him, he'll likely wear shoes. | Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Bogdan: More than just a planet in the Star Wars Extended Universe</p> <p>The Suns meant to tank this season. They shuttled off a bunch of assets, nabbed additional first-rounders and prepared to ride out a rough year, then come back rejuvenated with young draftees. Then Goran Dragic turned into an All-Star, Jeff Hornacek turned out to be a decent coach and they won 48 games and just barely missed making the playoffs. If the Suns were in the East, they probably would have risen.</p>
<p>(disappears in a puff of smoke, amazed at the cleverness of his own wordplay)</p>
<p>Sorry, guys. It's been a long draft season.</p>
<p>Anyway, we won't really know what the Suns' needs are until the Eric Bledsoe situation is resolved--does he stay? If so, for how much? If not, what might come back in a sign-and-trade? But let's assume that he's back, and let's also look at the roster as it's constituted with the Suns' first two first-rounders, Adriean Payne and Doug McDermott.</p>
<p>I see two areas of need: guard depth and size. The Suns are pretty well squared away at forward, particularly with the addition of Payne and MacDo, but apart from Alex Len, there's no real tentpole, no second big body, no real motherfucker, if you will, at the five. I wanted to go that way at first, but didn't, for several reasons:</p>
<p> </p>
<ol>
<li><span>They might only have one beast center, but they've got about a million skilled power forwards in Channing Frye, <i>los Morris hermanos</i> and now Payne. </span></li>
<li><span>They didn't exactly get killed on the boards last year, despite being a little small on the front line.</span></li>
<li><span>The NBA is heading away from the Greg Ostertag model of backup center, so the Suns can, and have, play smallish and still compete. </span></li>
<li><span>With Jusuf Nurkic and Clint Capela off the board, I'm not in love with any of the bigs that are still around. </span></li>
<li><span>You can get a big body for peanuts on the free agent market or for a protected second-rounder. Not literally Jamaal Magloire, but someone like him.</span></li>
</ol>
<p>Which brings us to Bogdanovic. I do worry that my obsession with the 2009 Orlando Magic has made me unable to conceive of an offense constructed around anything but an immobile point forward with tremendous ball skills, but Bogdan has the potential to be a serious offensive contributor. Good size for a two-guard, good length, good shooting stroke, handle and court vision. With most of your core returning and two other first-rounders coming in, the Suns can live with Bogdan staying in Europe for another year or two, if that's how it shakes out, and instead of taking a stopgap, they could take a chance on a player who has real skills now and the potential to turn into a starter. And even if you're worried about Bogdan's game translating to the NBA, consider this: two-guard in the NBA right now is such a colossal waste that the Sixers are talking themselves into James Anderson as a starter. Are we really abolishing positions to a certain extent because the game's getting faster and more fluid, or are we abolishing positions because we can't fill out an All-NBA ballot anymore? Bogdan could be an above-average shooting guard right now, for all we know.</p>
<p>But most of all, I like Bogdan to the Suns because it's been a long draft process, the three guys I was eyeing for this spot all got taken and I figured I'd take the guy I liked and figure out how he fits later.</p>
<h3>1. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/27/5752996/2014-nba-draft-mock-draft-cleveland-cavaliers-joel-embiid/in/5517583">Cleveland Cavaliers - Joel Embiid<br></a>2. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/28/5756388/2014-nba-mock-draft-milwaukee-bucks-andrew-wiggins/in/5517583">Milwaukee Bucks - Andrew Wiggins<br></a>3. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/5/29/5760038/nba-mock-draft-philadelphia-76ers--jabari-parker-no-3-2014/in/5517583">Philadelphia 76ers - Jabari Parker<br></a>4. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/30/5762972/nba-mock-draft-2014-orlando-magic-dante-exum/in/5517583">Orlando Magic - Dante Exum<br></a>5. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/31/5767466/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-utah-jazz-select-noah-vonleh-no-5-overall/in/5517583">Utah Jazz - Noah Vonleh<br></a>6. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/1/5768312/2014-nba-draft-prospects-mock-draft-celtics-aaron-gordon-julius-randle-noah-vonleh-marcus-smart/in/5517583">Boston Celtics - Aaron Gordon<br></a>7. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/2/5769652/nba-mock-draft-2014-los-angeles-lakers-julius-randle/in/5517583">Los Angeles Lakers - Julius Randle<br></a>8. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/3/5773656/2014-nba-mock-draft-sacramento-kings-pick-marcus-smart/in/5517583">Sacramento Kings - Marcus Smart<br></a>9. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/4/5777332/nba-mock-draft-prospects-charlotte-hornets-nik-stauskas/in/5517583">Charlotte Hornets - Nik Stauskas<br></a>10. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/5/5781648/nba-mock-draft-philadelphia-76ers-gary-harris">Philadelphia 76ers - Gary Harris<br></a>11. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/6/5779536/sixers-nba-mock-draft-denver-nuggets-pick-zach-lavine/in/5517583">Denver Nuggets - Zach LaVine<br></a>12. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/7/5788686/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-magic-select-dario-saric-number-12/in/5517583">Orlando Magic - Dario Saric<br></a>13. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/8/5790946/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-timberwolves-select-kyle-anderson-no-13-overall/in/5517583">Minnesota Timberwolves - Kyle Anderson<br></a>14. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/9/5791998/nba-mock-draft-2014-phoenix-suns-doug-mcdermott/in/5517583">Phoenix Suns - Doug McDermott<br></a>15. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/10/5796530/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-atlanta-hawks-select-james-young-no-15-overall">Atlanta Hawks - James Young<br></a>16. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/11/5799754/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-chicago-bulls-select-elfrid-payton-no-16-overall-2014-playoffs">Chicago Bulls - Elfrid Payton<br></a>17. <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Boston Celtics - Clint Capela<br></a>18. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/13/5805236/liberty-ballers-nba-mock-draft-phoenix-suns-adreian-payne-18-overall-michigan-state">Phoenix Suns - Adreian Payne<br></a>19. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/14/5808556/2014-nba-draft-bulls-rodney-hood" target="_blank">Chicago Bulls - Rodney Hood<br></a>20. <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/">Toronto Raptors</a> - <a target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/15/5810516/nba-mock-draft-tyler-ennis-toronto-raptors">Tyler Ennis<br></a>21. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/16/5814200/the-lb-mock-draft-thunder-pick-pj-hairston-21st-overall" target="_blank">Oklahoma City Thunder - P.J. Hairston<br></a>22. <a href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/" target="_blank">Memphis Grizzlies </a>- <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/17/5813514/2014-nba-mock-draft-memphis-grizzlies-pick-tj-warren" target="_blank">T.J. Warren<br></a>23. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/18/5820182/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-utah-jazz-pick-k-j-mcdaniels-23rd-overall"></a><a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a> - <a target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/18/5820182/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-utah-jazz-pick-k-j-mcdaniels-23rd-overall">K.J. McDaniels<br></a>24. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/19/5824262/lb-mock-draft-hornets-jusuf-nurkic-nba-draft">Charlotte Hornets - Jusuf Nurkic<br></a>25. <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a> - <span>Jordan Adams</span><br>26. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/21/5829420/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-miami-heat-cleanthony-early-26-overall">Miami Heat - Cleanthony Early</a><br>27. Phoenix Suns - Bogdan Bogdanovic</h3>
https://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/22/5831910/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-the-phoenix-suns-bag-bogdan-bogdanovic-no-27Michael Baumann2014-06-21T12:00:04-04:002014-06-21T12:00:04-04:00LB Mock Draft: Heat Select Cleanthony Early at #26
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HvqLbpOoz4KRC9ZWOM0mldsLxQ4=/0x54:4000x2721/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/34629387/20140323_rvr_bv1_319.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Miami needs some help now. Cleanthony Early can fill one of their biggest holes.</p> <p>Since the Big Three era started four years ago, the only first round pick the <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Heat</a> have made and kept for themselves has been <span>Norris Cole</span>, at 29th overall. While it has since been proven that <span>Norris Cole</span> does not make the Heat unstoppable (RIP), his selection was both a strong one given the draft slot and, to me, represents what Miami wants out of a draft pick - if the team keeps the selection, that is.</p>
<p>I don't think that will happen, as the Heat have every incentive to trade out of the slot. There will be demand for the pick late in the round, as this is the most likely to be available in a deal. The Heat won't have the patience to draft-and-stash an international player, as their window for contention is now (and they do need help). And the Heat need cap space that won't be there when they make the selection here to open as much money for a potential Big Four scenario.</p>
<p>So given these factors, this is the most likely late first rounder that the Sixers (or any other team itching to move from round 2 into the late first) will make a move for. Want the 7'3" potential shot blocking mammoth Walter Tavares, who's quite clearly a draft-and-stash prospect? The Heat will oblige, probably for a second rounder or two. 32 and 54 probably gets this deal done. Second round picks contain no cap holds, and the Heat could easily select a role player at 32 that could have been the selection at 26. That looks like a win-win for both teams.</p>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css">
</p>
<p>But in this mock, we're not projecting trades. Instead, I'm taking the Norris Cole approach for the Heat, where the team looks for what appears to be an NBA-ready role player that fills a need and hopes that player can do it successfully. <a target="_blank" href="http://grantland.com/features/thoughts-from-miami-indiana-conference-finals/">As Zach Lowe mentioned during his ECF coverage</a>, the Heat drafted Cole knowing he filled a hole as a defensive-minded backup point guard after they struggled defending <span>J.J. Barea</span> in the Dallas finals series. If the Heat could not find a trade partner, or if the team chooses to keep the selection, the same approach will likely be employed.</p>
<p>The Heat could use a young, mobile rim-protector, some shooting at the wing positions for a potential <span>Ray Allen</span> retirement, possibly a point guard to replace <span>Mario Chalmers</span>, and a hybrid forward who can space the floor to replace the retiring <span>Shane Battier</span> and the free-agent-to-be <span>Rashard Lewis</span>.</p>
<p>Of those holes, the easiest to fill at this point is probably the hybrid forward role. The Heat received very little production out of Battier and Lewis until the ECF began, and even then Indiana and San Antonio openly welcomed possessions where Rashard Lewis shot the ball. The Heat could use a better athlete in that spot as well. Two candidates left on the board fill that role quite nicely given their current profiles: <span>Glenn Robinson III</span> and <span>Cleanthony Early</span>.</p>
<p>Of the two, Early is the better fit for the Heat. He played a stretch-four role at Wichita State, so what he will be doing isn't all that different than what he did in college. He shot 37% from three at the college level, and the Heat would hope he can do that with the deeper line and the greater competition. He's more developed from a physical standpoint than Robinson and roughly three years older.</p>
<p>Early is undersized for a power forward, but the Heat don't need him to be that big. They need him to be athletic and rangy, and competitive and strong enough to at least make post match ups a wash. He's done that at the college level, and if he can do it in the pros, he would be a solid pick for Miami. Robinson is probably a year or two away from contributing, and that's too long for the Heat's window of title contention.</p>
<p>Tomorrow, Michael Baumann will make (yet another) <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Suns</a> selection.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.libertyballers.com/videos/iframe?id=45097" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="45097-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe></p>
<h3 style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 25px; margin-top: 0.75em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; line-height: 28px; font-family: 'Sentinel SSm A', 'Sentinel SSm B', Georgia, serif; color: #292929;">
<span>1. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/27/5752996/2014-nba-draft-mock-draft-cleveland-cavaliers-joel-embiid/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;"><font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Cleveland Cavaliers</font> - <font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Joel Embiid<br></font></a><span>2. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/28/5756388/2014-nba-mock-draft-milwaukee-bucks-andrew-wiggins/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;"><font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Milwaukee Bucks</font> - <font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Andrew Wiggins<br></font></a><span>3. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/5/29/5760038/nba-mock-draft-philadelphia-76ers--jabari-parker-no-3-2014/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21; text-decoration: underline;"><font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Philadelphia 76ers</font> - <font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Jabari Parker<br></font></a><span>4. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/30/5762972/nba-mock-draft-2014-orlando-magic-dante-exum/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;"><font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Orlando Magic</font> - <font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Dante Exum<br></font></a><span>5. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/31/5767466/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-utah-jazz-select-noah-vonleh-no-5-overall/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21; outline: 0px;"><font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Utah Jazz</font> - <font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Noah Vonleh<br></font></a><span>6. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/1/5768312/2014-nba-draft-prospects-mock-draft-celtics-aaron-gordon-julius-randle-noah-vonleh-marcus-smart/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;"><font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Boston Celtics</font> - <font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Aaron Gordon<br></font></a><span>7. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/2/5769652/nba-mock-draft-2014-los-angeles-lakers-julius-randle/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;"><font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Los Angeles Lakers</font> - <font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Julius Randle<br></font></a><span>8. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/3/5773656/2014-nba-mock-draft-sacramento-kings-pick-marcus-smart/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;"><font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Sacramento Kings</font> - <font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Marcus Smart<br></font></a><span>9. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/4/5777332/nba-mock-draft-prospects-charlotte-hornets-nik-stauskas/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21; outline: 0px;"><font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Charlotte Hornets</font> - <font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Nik Stauskas<br></font></a><span>10. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/5/5781648/nba-mock-draft-philadelphia-76ers-gary-harris" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Philadelphia 76ers - Gary Harris<br></a><span>11. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/6/5779536/sixers-nba-mock-draft-denver-nuggets-pick-zach-lavine/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;"><font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Denver Nuggets</font> - <font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Zach LaVine<br></font></a><span>12. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/7/5788686/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-magic-select-dario-saric-number-12/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Orlando Magic - Dario Saric<br></a><span>13. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/8/5790946/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-timberwolves-select-kyle-anderson-no-13-overall/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;"><font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Minnesota Timberwolves</font> - <font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Kyle Anderson<br></font></a><span>14. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/9/5791998/nba-mock-draft-2014-phoenix-suns-doug-mcdermott/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Phoenix Suns - Doug McDermott<br></a><span>15. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/10/5796530/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-atlanta-hawks-select-james-young-no-15-overall" target="_blank" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Atlanta Hawks - James Young<br></a><span>16. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/11/5799754/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-chicago-bulls-select-elfrid-payton-no-16-overall-2014-playoffs" target="_blank" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Chicago Bulls - Elfrid Payton<br></a><span>17. </span><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Boston Celtics - Clint Capela<br></a><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>18. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/13/5805236/liberty-ballers-nba-mock-draft-phoenix-suns-adreian-payne-18-overall-michigan-state" target="_blank" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Phoenix Suns - Adreian Payne<br></a></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>19. </span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/14/5808556/2014-nba-draft-bulls-rodney-hood" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Chicago Bulls - Rodney Hood<br></a></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>20. <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/" class="sbn-auto-link" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Toronto Raptors</a> - <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/15/5810516/nba-mock-draft-tyler-ennis-toronto-raptors" target="_blank" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Tyler Ennis<br></a></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>21. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/16/5814200/the-lb-mock-draft-thunder-pick-pj-hairston-21st-overall" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Oklahoma City Thunder - P.J. Hairston<br></a></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>22. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Memphis Grizzlies </a>- <a target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/17/5813514/2014-nba-mock-draft-memphis-grizzlies-pick-tj-warren" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">T.J. Warren<br></a></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>23. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/18/5820182/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-utah-jazz-pick-k-j-mcdaniels-23rd-overall" target="_blank" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;"></a><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Utah Jazz</a> - <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/18/5820182/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-utah-jazz-pick-k-j-mcdaniels-23rd-overall" target="_blank" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">K.J. McDaniels<br></a></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>24. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/19/5824262/lb-mock-draft-hornets-jusuf-nurkic-nba-draft" target="_blank" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Charlotte Hornets - Jusuf Nurkic<br></a></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>25. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a> - <span>Jordan Adams</span><br></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>26. Miami Heat - Cleanthony Early<br></span></span>27. Phoenix Suns</h3>
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https://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/21/5829420/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-miami-heat-cleanthony-early-26-overallSean O'Connor2014-06-20T12:00:05-04:002014-06-20T12:00:05-04:00LB Mock Draft: Rockets Select Jordan Adams at #25
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<img alt="Strokin'. " src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uMOdvpAWt_wY_jlRNxZpy7MZaeA=/0x160:2667x1938/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/34558527/20140327_ajl_ad8_198.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Strokin'. | Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Houston Rockets select Jordan Adams, efficiency mastermind at No. 25. Morey and the by-the-numbers phenom are a match made in heaven. </p> <p>When I found out I would be picking at the back of the first round, I was pretty excited. The latter stages of the draft are awesome from a managerial standpoint, because the expectations are muted and any bit of talent you can dig up is treated like the Ark of the Covenant. Anything that makes me feel smarter than I actually am is fine by me.</p>
<p>Getting to represent the franchise that bequeathed Sam Hinkie unto the Sixers is just an added bonus. In honor of the mastermind behind the Sixers rebuild, I'm going with the player who grades out tremendously according to the numbers: UCLA's <span>Jordan Adams</span>.</p>
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<p>In most mock drafts centered around traditional scouting, Adams is being projected somewhere in the second half of the first round. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2014/">Draft Express</a> has him going to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a> at 23, <a target="_blank" href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft/mock/?season=2014&version=8&sourceId=1">Chad Ford slates him</a> to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> at 29, and <a target="_blank" href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft/mock/?season=2014&version=3&sourceId=3">Jeff Goodman</a> has the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">Spurs</a> scooping him with the 30th selection. That's about fair given a few of Adams' traits -- he's a below-average athlete and mostly a straight-line dribbler who won't be much of a creator for others professionally.</p>
<p>But statistically, Adams grades out at the top of the class. He <a target="_blank" href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft2014/story/_/id/11102133/nba-draft-marcus-smart-tops-kevin-pelton-prospect-projection-rankings?refresh=true">ranks behind</a> only <span>Marcus Smart</span> among domestic prospects in Kevin Pelton's projection system, grabbing a spot in the top five overall. That's due to several factors, chief among them his disruptive play on the defensive end (3.5 steals per 40) and his ability to get to the free-throw line. While athletically he's not where you want him to be, his 6'10" wingspan helps make up for his other physical limitations.</p>
<p>Daryl Morey is a well-known proponent of advanced statistics, so he's certainly well aware of Adams' grade in that regard. More importantly, Adams' excellent finishing and ability to score off-ball (particularly on cuts) would be a boon for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Rockets</a>, who already have several high-usage stars in place. Having a high efficiency scorer (and willing defender) who can play without the ball is of massive importance for Houston.</p>
<p>I reached out to Allen Ojeda of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thedreamshake.com/">The Dream Shake</a> and asked for his thoughts on selecting Adams. Here's what he had to say:</p>
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<p>I was hoping KJ McDaniels or Jusuf Nurkic would fall to us at #25, but Jordan Adams is the right pick here with them off the board. He will come in and immediately compete with Troy Daniels for minutes as the backup shooting guard. His versatility and play-style will fit in great with the Rockets' philosophy.</p>
<p>He drives the ball great, shooting 64% at the rim, he demands respect on his jumper (36.5% 3P%), and got to the line 7 times per-40 minutes. Those stats are music to Morey's ears. As well, he has a high IQ for cuts and angles on offense, playing in the free-lance Rockets offense will allow for him to make his own cuts and score off of them. 29% of his offense came in transition with UCLA last year, the Rockets will urge him to leak out get easy points in transition.</p>
<p>Lastly, he has great defensive potential, he gathered 3.5 steals per-40 in college, once he learns defensive discipline and the Rockets' scheme, he can be a disruptive force on that end.</p>
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<p>Looks like we were totally on the same page. I really wanted K.J. at this spot, but Sohil had to come along and muck it all up.</p>
<p>Adams feels like one of those guys whose numbers we're going to look back at in retrospect and think, "Wow, what the hell were people thinking passing on him <a target="_blank" href="http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Zach-LaVine-7153/">for his teammate</a> that isn't actually good at basketball?" With the 25th selection in the draft, he's a no-brainer, particularly so for the Rockets.</p>
<p>Next up: the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a>, led by <strike>evil mastermind</strike> gentile accountant Sean O'Connor. Time's yours.</p>
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<h4 style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 25px; margin-top: 0.75em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; line-height: 28px; font-family: 'Sentinel SSm A', 'Sentinel SSm B', Georgia, serif; color: #292929;">
<span>1. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/27/5752996/2014-nba-draft-mock-draft-cleveland-cavaliers-joel-embiid/in/5517583"><font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Cleveland Cavaliers</font> - <font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Joel Embiid</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>2. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/28/5756388/2014-nba-mock-draft-milwaukee-bucks-andrew-wiggins/in/5517583"><font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Milwaukee Bucks</font> - <font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Andrew Wiggins</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>3. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/5/29/5760038/nba-mock-draft-philadelphia-76ers--jabari-parker-no-3-2014/in/5517583"><font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Philadelphia 76ers</font> - <font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Jabari Parker</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>4. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/30/5762972/nba-mock-draft-2014-orlando-magic-dante-exum/in/5517583"><font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Orlando Magic</font> - <font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Dante Exum</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>5. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21; outline: 0px;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/31/5767466/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-utah-jazz-select-noah-vonleh-no-5-overall/in/5517583"><font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Utah Jazz</font> - <font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Noah Vonleh</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>6. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/1/5768312/2014-nba-draft-prospects-mock-draft-celtics-aaron-gordon-julius-randle-noah-vonleh-marcus-smart/in/5517583"><font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Boston Celtics</font> - <font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Aaron Gordon</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>7. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/2/5769652/nba-mock-draft-2014-los-angeles-lakers-julius-randle/in/5517583"><font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Los Angeles Lakers</font> - <font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Julius Randle</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>8. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/3/5773656/2014-nba-mock-draft-sacramento-kings-pick-marcus-smart/in/5517583"><font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Sacramento Kings</font> - <font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Marcus Smart</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>9. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21; outline: 0px;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/4/5777332/nba-mock-draft-prospects-charlotte-hornets-nik-stauskas/in/5517583"><font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Charlotte Hornets</font> - <font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Nik Stauskas</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>10. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/5/5781648/nba-mock-draft-philadelphia-76ers-gary-harris">Philadelphia 76ers - Gary Harris</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>11. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/6/5779536/sixers-nba-mock-draft-denver-nuggets-pick-zach-lavine/in/5517583"><font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Denver Nuggets</font> - <font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Zach LaVine</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>12. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/7/5788686/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-magic-select-dario-saric-number-12/in/5517583">Orlando Magic - Dario Saric</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>13. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/8/5790946/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-timberwolves-select-kyle-anderson-no-13-overall/in/5517583"><font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Minnesota Timberwolves</font> - <font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Kyle Anderson</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>14. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/9/5791998/nba-mock-draft-2014-phoenix-suns-doug-mcdermott/in/5517583">Phoenix Suns - Doug McDermott</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>15. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/10/5796530/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-atlanta-hawks-select-james-young-no-15-overall" target="_blank">Atlanta Hawks - James Young</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>16. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/11/5799754/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-chicago-bulls-select-elfrid-payton-no-16-overall-2014-playoffs" target="_blank">Chicago Bulls - Elfrid Payton</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>17. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Boston Celtics - Clint Capela</a><span class="sbn-auto-link"><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>18. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/13/5805236/liberty-ballers-nba-mock-draft-phoenix-suns-adreian-payne-18-overall-michigan-state" target="_blank">Phoenix Suns - Adreian Payne</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>19. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/14/5808556/2014-nba-draft-bulls-rodney-hood">Chicago Bulls - Rodney Hood</a><span><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">20. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="https://www.raptorshq.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto Raptors</a> - <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/15/5810516/nba-mock-draft-tyler-ennis-toronto-raptors" target="_blank">Tyler Ennis</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></span><span>21. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/16/5814200/the-lb-mock-draft-thunder-pick-pj-hairston-21st-overall">Oklahoma City Thunder - P.J. Hairston</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></span><span>22. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" target="_blank" href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/">Memphis Grizzlies </a>- <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/17/5813514/2014-nba-mock-draft-memphis-grizzlies-pick-tj-warren">T.J. Warren</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">23. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/18/5820182/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-utah-jazz-pick-k-j-mcdaniels-23rd-overall" target="_blank"></a><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Utah Jazz</a> - <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/18/5820182/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-utah-jazz-pick-k-j-mcdaniels-23rd-overall" target="_blank">K.J. McDaniels</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">24. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/19/5824262/lb-mock-draft-hornets-jusuf-nurkic-nba-draft" target="_blank">Charlotte Hornets - Jusuf Nurkic</a><br>25. Houston Rockets - Jordan Adams<br>26. Miami Heat</span></span>
</h4>
https://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/20/5824726/nba-mock-draft-houston-rockets-jordan-adamsKyle Neubeck2014-06-18T12:00:07-04:002014-06-18T12:00:07-04:00LB Mock Draft #23: Jazz Pick K.J. McDaniels
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XDXqJkQVpSkWEn5ttGjowNArWHg=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/34484991/20131117_mta_ak7_172.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Utah Jazz are not posers. With the 23rd pick, they select K.J. McDaniels</p> <p>Frankly, I don't know much about the state of Utah. Honestly, the most I know is strictly from the movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0133189/?ref_=ttqt_qt_tt" target="_blank">SLC Punk</a>, a movie that's not really about the state of Utah. And yet, here I am picking for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a> at 23.</p>
<p>Sticking to my strengths, I think SLC Punk's Stevo put it best: "What do you do when your foundation falls apart? I don't know. They don't teach you that in school."</p>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css" rel="stylesheet">
</p>
<p>As Sixers fans, it's easy to understand what Stevo is talking about. If a decade of mediocrity has taught us anything, it's that building on an unsteady base isn't conducive to championship contention.</p>
<p>Furthermore, by the way the Sixers organization attempted to recover Post-Iverson, I'm pretty sure they didn't know what they were doing at times <a href="http://hoopshype.com/general_managers/billy_king.htm" target="_blank">(at least Billy King didn't).</a> Thankfully, the Sixers are at a point where there is a clear direction and a foundation being made.</p>
<p>While tanking was our anarchy, Sam Hinkie was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-r5yc8G8OiY" target="_blank">our Brandy</a>.</p>
<p>Our brethren of the Great Salt Lake have their own rebuild in the works. Earlier in this draft,<a target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/31/5767466/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-utah-jazz-select-noah-vonleh-no-5-overall/in/5517583"> my alter-ego Tanner channeled his inner Dennis Lindsey</a> and took more steps in restocking what has been left of the Utah Jazz since shedding some household names like <span>Deron Williams</span>, <span>Al Jefferson</span> and Paul Millsap. As a fellow rebuilding team, they too need a foundation to build upon and adding a guy like <span>Noah Vonleh</span> to some interesting pieces like <span>Trey Burke</span> and <span>Derrick Favors</span> can only help with their process.</p>
<p>Utah has some questions going into this off season including what they want to do with <span>Gordon Hayward</span> and if they want to re-up an expiring contract like Marvin Williams. But for a team that's almost as wide open as the Sixers, these decisions shouldn't impact who they should draft that much.<span>While a tempting, potential Marc Gasol-esque Jusuf Nurkic is still on the board, going big with Vonleh early meant it'd make more sense to target a wing player at this spot. With that said, the Jazz grab KJ McDaniels at #23.</span></p>
<p>McDaniels should fit well into the Jazz providing some scoring pop and defensive help facilitated by his athleticism. While his offensive game isn't that refined, relying a lot on his athleticism to get to the basket and FT line, his defensive prowess has been noted.</p>
<p>In a league that's trending more towards "small ball", McDaniels has the ability to guard multiple positions and has the potential to become a lock-down defender. As mentioned, there are knocks on his offensive game. His shot isn't really there yet nor is he well versed in a lot of basketball nuances (e.g. team facilitating, spacing, general BBIQ). However, he has the physical gifts to succeed and it's just a matter of both developing them and his understanding of the game.</p>
<p>I got into contact with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/AllThatAmar">AllThatAmar</a> from the aptly named <a href="http://www.slcdunk.com/" target="_blank">SLC Dunk</a>. Of course, as we are of similar ethnic backgrounds, our first exchange went like this:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span>We need to start our own blog. (Brown balls?)</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>It's a working title. We'll get back to you on that. Now, his thoughts on the selection of KJ McDaniels:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span>The sensible thing here is for the Jazz to pick <span>K.J. McDaniels</span>. He's not the guy I'd want, but it would be a reach to pick some of the other wings behind him. You're right about the Jusuf would be pointless, especially with the Jazz in talks to bring over <span>Ante Tomic</span> right now. McDaniels is an athlete who has trouble hitting the three, but is active on the glass. That sounds like a Utah Jazz wing player to me. What I really like is that he's able to get to the line and when he's there, he usually makes the free throw. The Jazz need a lot of everything, and a guy like K.J. could be a rotation player right off the bat.</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Next on the clock is Dave picking for <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.atthehive.com/">Hornets</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.libertyballers.com/videos/iframe?id=45467" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="45467-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<h4 style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 25px; margin-top: 0.75em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; line-height: 28px; font-family: 'Sentinel SSm A', 'Sentinel SSm B', Georgia, serif; color: #292929;">
<span>1. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/27/5752996/2014-nba-draft-mock-draft-cleveland-cavaliers-joel-embiid/in/5517583"><font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Cleveland Cavaliers</font> - <font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Joel Embiid</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>2. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/28/5756388/2014-nba-mock-draft-milwaukee-bucks-andrew-wiggins/in/5517583"><font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Milwaukee Bucks</font> - <font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Andrew Wiggins</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>3. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/5/29/5760038/nba-mock-draft-philadelphia-76ers--jabari-parker-no-3-2014/in/5517583"><font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Philadelphia 76ers</font> - <font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Jabari Parker</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>4. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/30/5762972/nba-mock-draft-2014-orlando-magic-dante-exum/in/5517583"><font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Orlando Magic</font> - <font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Dante Exum</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>5. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/31/5767466/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-utah-jazz-select-noah-vonleh-no-5-overall/in/5517583"><font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Utah Jazz</font> - <font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Noah Vonleh</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>6. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/1/5768312/2014-nba-draft-prospects-mock-draft-celtics-aaron-gordon-julius-randle-noah-vonleh-marcus-smart/in/5517583"><font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Boston Celtics</font> - <font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Aaron Gordon</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>7. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/2/5769652/nba-mock-draft-2014-los-angeles-lakers-julius-randle/in/5517583"><font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Los Angeles Lakers</font> - <font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Julius Randle</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>8. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/3/5773656/2014-nba-mock-draft-sacramento-kings-pick-marcus-smart/in/5517583"><font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Sacramento Kings</font> - <font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Marcus Smart</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>9. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21; outline: 0px;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/4/5777332/nba-mock-draft-prospects-charlotte-hornets-nik-stauskas/in/5517583"><font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Charlotte Hornets</font> - <font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Nik Stauskas</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>10. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/5/5781648/nba-mock-draft-philadelphia-76ers-gary-harris">Philadelphia 76ers - Gary Harris</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>11. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/6/5779536/sixers-nba-mock-draft-denver-nuggets-pick-zach-lavine/in/5517583"><font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Denver Nuggets</font> - <font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Zach LaVine</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>12. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/7/5788686/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-magic-select-dario-saric-number-12/in/5517583">Orlando Magic - Dario Saric</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>13. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/8/5790946/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-timberwolves-select-kyle-anderson-no-13-overall/in/5517583"><font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Minnesota Timberwolves</font> - <font style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;" color="#c11b21">Kyle Anderson</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>14. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/9/5791998/nba-mock-draft-2014-phoenix-suns-doug-mcdermott/in/5517583">Phoenix Suns - Doug McDermott</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>15. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/10/5796530/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-atlanta-hawks-select-james-young-no-15-overall">Atlanta Hawks - James Young</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>16. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/11/5799754/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-chicago-bulls-select-elfrid-payton-no-16-overall-2014-playoffs">Chicago Bulls - Elfrid Payton</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>17. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Boston Celtics - Clint Capela</a><span class="sbn-auto-link"><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>18. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/13/5805236/liberty-ballers-nba-mock-draft-phoenix-suns-adreian-payne-18-overall-michigan-state">Phoenix Suns - Adreian Payne</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>19. </span><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/14/5808556/2014-nba-draft-bulls-rodney-hood" target="_blank">Chicago Bulls - Rodney Hood</a><span><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">20. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.raptorshq.com/">Toronto Raptors</a> - <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/15/5810516/nba-mock-draft-tyler-ennis-toronto-raptors">Tyler Ennis</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></span><span>21. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/16/5814200/the-lb-mock-draft-thunder-pick-pj-hairston-21st-overall" target="_blank">Oklahoma City Thunder - P.J. Hairston</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></span><span>22. <a href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/" target="_blank">Memphis Grizzlies </a>- <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/17/5813514/2014-nba-mock-draft-memphis-grizzlies-pick-tj-warren" target="_blank">T.J. Warren</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">23. <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;" class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a> - K.J. McDaniels<br>24. Charlotte Hornets</span></span>
</h4>
https://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/18/5820182/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-utah-jazz-pick-k-j-mcdaniels-23rd-overallSohil Doshi2014-06-17T11:39:07-04:002014-06-17T11:39:07-04:00LB Mock Draft #22: Grizzlies Grab TJ Warren
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-XwqAhCOeQ8G8pryQcX5eiI6mTk=/3x0:3996x2662/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/34437243/20140503_krj_ax3_0184.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Scoring, please.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Grizzlies</a> are sorta boned. They play in the West (strike one), they're aging and cap unfriendly (strike two), and their owner has decided <a href="http://www.grizzlybearblues.com/2014/5/19/5731876/trouble-in-memphis-lash-dismissed-levien-to-resign" target="_blank">this is the offseason for him to go crazy</a> (strike three, boned). But with <span>Marc Gasol</span> and <span>Mike Conley</span> Jr. still very good, <span>Zach Randolph</span> still alive and getting a mousepad's vert on his "jump"er, and a willing defensive system in place, they're going to be lingering around that 6-seed in the West, so we may as well go for it in this mock draft exercise.</p>
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<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css">
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<p>My goal with this pick can be described thusly: <span>Tayshaun Prince</span> started at the 3 last season. GOAL: Draft Someone So That Never Happens Again Ever.</p>
<p>Welcome to Memphis, <span>T.J. Warren</span>. I trust your 745 mile drive from Raleigh went smoothly.</p>
<p>Warren is one of the more interesting prospects in this part of the draft. He was as proficient as anybody at scoring at the college level -- 25ppg at NC State -- but he's got a funky shot, doesn't have much of an outside touch. Get him in that midrange though, and he's real hard to defend. Finishes at the rim at a stellar rate as well, 69% leads the class. Had almost no help at NC State, finding a true role for him as a non-star player will take some maneuvering at the next level.</p>
<p>Memphis desperately needs scoring, and Warren's strengths -- not being Tayshaun Prince the biggest one -- play to that. He's less inclined on the defensive end, but there's enough help on that side of things that he won't be a huge liability. He can also play some small ball 4 when Z-Bo needs a break, having originally projected as one before losing a whole bunch of weight before his sophomore season.</p>
<p>Warren essentially serves as the reverse <span>Quincy Pondexter</span>, which is as satisfying a sexual position as you'll find, along with creating matchup problems for opponents. He's a win-now player, ready to help make the Grizz less offensively boring as soon as next season.</p>
<p>Here's what <a target="_blank" href="http://grizzlybearblues.com">Grizzly Bear Blues</a>' editor <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/sbnGrizzlies">Chris Faulkner</a> said about the pick:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>T.J. Warren brings a much needed element to the Grizzlies, scoring. His superb mid-range game should be exciting to watch in the fold of the Grizzlies dominant post presence on offense. Mike Conley and <span>Nick Calathes</span> should love playing with Warren as he is an excellent finisher at the rim who doesn't need the ball in his hands to rack up points. Although Memphis would liked to have added some immediate perimeter shooting to their roster, Warren's offensive skills suggest that he can possibly develop his 3pt shooting at the NBA level with the right coaching.. Some worry about his defensive prowess, but being inserted into a culture like the Grizzlies' should shore up some of his intensity on that end of the court.</p>
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<p>So, cool. Good job me. We're on the last quarter of this thing as the draft inches ever closer, with Sohil picking for Utah tomorrow.</p>
<h4 style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 25px; margin-top: 0.75em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; line-height: 28px; font-family: 'Sentinel SSm A', 'Sentinel SSm B', Georgia, serif; color: #292929;">
<span>1. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/27/5752996/2014-nba-draft-mock-draft-cleveland-cavaliers-joel-embiid/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;"><font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Cleveland Cavaliers</font> - <font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Joel Embiid</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>2. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/28/5756388/2014-nba-mock-draft-milwaukee-bucks-andrew-wiggins/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;"><font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Milwaukee Bucks</font> - <font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Andrew Wiggins</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>3. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/5/29/5760038/nba-mock-draft-philadelphia-76ers--jabari-parker-no-3-2014/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21; text-decoration: underline;"><font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Philadelphia 76ers</font> - <font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Jabari Parker</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>4. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/30/5762972/nba-mock-draft-2014-orlando-magic-dante-exum/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;"><font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Orlando Magic</font> - <font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Dante Exum</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>5. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/5/31/5767466/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-utah-jazz-select-noah-vonleh-no-5-overall/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;"><font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Utah Jazz</font> - <font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Noah Vonleh</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>6. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/1/5768312/2014-nba-draft-prospects-mock-draft-celtics-aaron-gordon-julius-randle-noah-vonleh-marcus-smart/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;"><font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Boston Celtics</font> - <font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Aaron Gordon</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>7. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/2/5769652/nba-mock-draft-2014-los-angeles-lakers-julius-randle/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;"><font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Los Angeles Lakers</font> - <font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Julius Randle</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>8. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/3/5773656/2014-nba-mock-draft-sacramento-kings-pick-marcus-smart/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;"><font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Sacramento Kings</font> - <font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Marcus Smart</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>9. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/4/5777332/nba-mock-draft-prospects-charlotte-hornets-nik-stauskas/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;"><font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Charlotte Hornets</font> - <font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Nik Stauskas</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>10. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/5/5781648/nba-mock-draft-philadelphia-76ers-gary-harris" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Philadelphia 76ers - Gary Harris</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>11. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/6/5779536/sixers-nba-mock-draft-denver-nuggets-pick-zach-lavine/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;"><font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Denver Nuggets</font> - <font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Zach LaVine</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>12. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/7/5788686/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-magic-select-dario-saric-number-12/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Orlando Magic - Dario Saric</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>13. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/8/5790946/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-timberwolves-select-kyle-anderson-no-13-overall/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;"><font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Minnesota Timberwolves</font> - <font color="#c11b21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Kyle Anderson</font></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>14. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/9/5791998/nba-mock-draft-2014-phoenix-suns-doug-mcdermott/in/5517583" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Phoenix Suns - Doug McDermott</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>15. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/10/5796530/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-atlanta-hawks-select-james-young-no-15-overall" target="_blank" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Atlanta Hawks - James Young</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>16. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/11/5799754/the-lb-nba-mock-draft-chicago-bulls-select-elfrid-payton-no-16-overall-2014-playoffs" target="_blank" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Chicago Bulls - Elfrid Payton</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>17. </span><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Boston Celtics - Clint Capela</a><span class="sbn-auto-link"><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>18. </span><a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/13/5805236/liberty-ballers-nba-mock-draft-phoenix-suns-adreian-payne-18-overall-michigan-state" target="_blank" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Phoenix Suns - Adreian Payne</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span>19. </span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/14/5808556/2014-nba-draft-bulls-rodney-hood" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Chicago Bulls - Rodney Hood</a><span><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">20. <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/" class="sbn-auto-link" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Toronto Raptors</a> - <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/15/5810516/nba-mock-draft-tyler-ennis-toronto-raptors" target="_blank" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c11b21;">Tyler Ennis</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></span><span>21. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/6/16/5814200/the-lb-mock-draft-thunder-pick-pj-hairston-21st-overall">Oklahoma City Thunder - P.J. Hairston</a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></span><span>22. Memphis Grizzlies - T.J. Warren<br>23. <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Utah Jazz</a> - </span></span>
</h4>
https://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/17/5813514/2014-nba-mock-draft-memphis-grizzlies-pick-tj-warrenMichael Levin