2013-2014 NBA Thread - IND @ WAS and OKC @ LAC on ESPN

[CHAOSE57]

Steven A blaming Spike Lee for the Knicks struggles for the last few decades this dude is a ******* trip.

Steven A?

 

[champcruthik]

I'm sincerely baffled Toronto is 7 games over .500. Ujiri effect.

Also surprised Atlanta is holding onto the 8 seed without Horford much of the season. Plus Charlotte with their struggle offense. Be great, Rich Cho.

 

[antidope]

1 week fling and you're sending him racy pics? Doesnt that make you look even worse? Unwise move to go with that story. "My phone was hacked" has worked so many times in the past, dont stray from it.

 

[awwsome]

I'm sincerely baffled Toronto is 7 games over .500. Ujiri effect.

Also surprised Atlanta is holding onto the 8 seed without Horford much of the season. Plus Charlotte with their struggle offense. Be great, Rich Cho.

Ujiri/Cho

They're both happy and sad at the same time, I know Ujiri wanted Wiggins

 

[Cashflow]

Dominique Wilkins hating on LeBron's 61. These old NBA stars have to to move on with their lives. All this "well back in my day we had to walk 50 miles barefoot in the snow just to get to the grocery store" stories have to stop. They say it so much, it's as though they are trying to convince themselves of these things at this point.

 

[awwsome]

Under is 9-2 in last 11 meetings. I think Clippers win something like 107-99

BHZ-Damus

 

[str8drop]

Lebron shooting 58.3% this season :x

 

[Peep Game]

1 week fling and you're sending him racy pics? Doesnt that make you look even worse? Unwise move to go with that story. "My phone was hacked" has worked so many times in the past, dont stray from it.

Pretty much. Even if he got down on one knee and begged for pics, the look on her face in that pic doesn't scream "sigh, fine, here"

 

[tomdiginson]

Dominique Wilkins hating on LeBron's 61. These old NBA stars have to to move on with their lives. All this "well back in my day we had to walk 50 miles barefoot in the snow just to get to the grocery store" stories have to stop. They say it so much, it's as though they are trying to convince themselves of these things at this point.

This. He is probably tight that he wasn't on Brons Mt Rushmore.

 

[champcruthik]

Ujiri/Cho

They're both happy and sad at the same time, I know Ujiri wanted Wiggins

What do they have in common?

Cho found a buyer for "Crash" Wallace and Ujiri finagled Sac-Town into taking Rudy Gay.

 

[rck3sactown]

Favorite--of many--anecdotes from @G_ante34 reporting. Early in the season, Giannis took a cab to Western Union to send money home...
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) March 5, 2014

…after sending all the money he could to Greece, he realized he didn't have enough left for cab fare. It was game day, so he started running
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) March 5, 2014

…he got about a mile before a couple stopped, asked if he was the Bucks rookie. He said yes. They picked him up and dropped him at the arena
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) March 5, 2014

This has been a miserable Bucks season. But every GM I talked to about Giannis agrees: John Hammond drafted a gem.
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) March 5, 2014

 

[kal-el-8]

What a good kid.

 

[jinkazama]

Considering what everyone was saying at the time, that was the least of his errors.

Y'all giving Joe D waaaaaaaay too much of a pass on Darko. He was a workout beast but the signs were there. If I remember correctly dude was averaging like 9-10 points per game on his team in Serbia or wherever he was from. Some would argue he was a 17 year old playing against men; but with Wade, Melo and Bosh in that draft how he played IN THE GAMES shoulda counted more than the workouts. Yeah every team loved the guy, but that was also the age when NBA teams thought any kid averaging 10pts overseas was better than that same guy here.

I'm not buying the Oden over Durant comparison as a similarity either...injuries robbed Oden of his game, Darko just couldn't play...

Plain and simple...you're the boss, buck stops with you. I can make a decision at work I thought was right at the time, I still pay the price when it doesn't pan out.

 

[proshares]

Steven A blaming Spike Lee for the Knicks struggles for the last few decades this dude is a ******* trip.

Steven A?

Yep. He was on the radio saying Spike is the common denominator every time they suck and it's his fault because he just sits there and doesn't take a stand to not show up when they suck

 

[champcruthik]

14 teams will regret passing on Giannis Alphabet. He'll end up being on par with Vic, Trey, and MCW as best in the class. Them feels when his parents watched him play at Bradley Center. Lil' bro, Thanasis, potential first-rounder in 2014. Greek Freak 2.

 

[rck3sactown]

^From what I've read, Thanasis is a long shot to be a first rounder, likely 2nd round pick though.

 

[awwsome]

That family has great genes

On the Giannis train since day 1

 

[champcruthik]

^From what I've read, Thanasis is a long shot to be a first rounder, likely 2nd round pick though.

Late first-rounder, for me.

 

[dt43]

Considering what everyone was saying at the time, that was the least of his errors.

Y'all giving Joe D waaaaaaaay too much of a pass on Darko. He was a workout beast but the signs were there. If I remember correctly dude was averaging like 9-10 points per game on his team in Serbia or wherever he was from. Some would argue he was a 17 year old playing against men; but with Wade, Melo and Bosh in that draft how he played IN THE GAMES shoulda counted more than the workouts. Yeah every team loved the guy, but that was also the age when NBA teams thought any kid averaging 10pts overseas was better than that same guy here.

I'm not buying the Oden over Durant comparison as a similarity either...injuries robbed Oden of his game, Darko just couldn't play...

Plain and simple...you're the boss, buck stops with you. I can make a decision at work I thought was right at the time, I still pay the price when it doesn't pan out.

You say all that now, but the fact of the matter is that multiple teams were prepared to draft Darko had he fell to them.

He was a mobile 7-footer with offensive game, he was widely perceived to have a higher ceiling than everyone else in the draft other than Lebron. I don't see how that's all on Dumars. Also, it wasn't like Darko had no skills.. like I said earlier, his main problem was his confidence and an 18 year old kid in a foreign country is gonna be emotionally fragile. The Pistons didn't handle him correctly. I guess you could blame Dumars for that.

 

[rck3sactown]

My man 

 

[grandtheftbike]

horrible money management on giannis' part

 

[coldcity]

[QUOTE url="[URL]https://twitter.com/G_ante34[/URL]"]
Favorite--of many--anecdotes from @G_ante34 reporting. Early in the season, Giannis took a cab to Western Union to send money home...
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) March 5, 2014

[QUOTE url="[MEDIA=twitter]441273309926133760[/MEDIA]"]
…after sending all the money he could to Greece, he realized he didn't have enough left for cab fare. It was game day, so he started running
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) March 5, 2014
[/QUOTE]



[QUOTE url="[MEDIA=twitter]441273486560882688[/MEDIA]"]
…he got about a mile before a couple stopped, asked if he was the Bucks rookie. He said yes. They picked him up and dropped him at the arena
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) March 5, 2014
[/QUOTE]


[QUOTE url="[MEDIA=twitter]441275676381814784[/MEDIA]"]
This has been a miserable Bucks season. But every GM I talked to about Giannis agrees: John Hammond drafted a gem.
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI)

March 5, 2014


[/QUOTE]

[/quote]

horrible money management on giannis' part

 

[rck3sactown]

horrible money management on giannis' part

A sign of things to come 

 

[proshares]

2014 NBA Mock Draft 3.0.

Spoiler

Our last Mock Draft, version 2.0, debuted a little more than a month ago.

Trying to project players (who had had played just half a season) to teams (which were still in the middle of the season) is challenging.

But as we move into the home stretch of both the college basketball and NBA seasons, the Big Board and the NBA standings are starting to give us a clearer picture of the draft.

There is still plenty of basketball to be played, both in college and the pros. This mock will continue to shift as players and teams evolve or regress. Our Lottery Mock Draft machine allows you to play out different scenarios with odds updated nightly.

But our third full Mock Draft of the year gives you a fuller view of the draft.

Remember, our Mock Draft is not a ranking of who we think the top players are. Instead, it's a reporting tool to convey our latest intel from NBA scouts and GMs on what each team might do in the draft.

Editor's note: The draft order for this mock was formulated based on games played through March 4.

MORE DRAFT CONTENT:
2014 Top 30 Big Board | Ford's Top 100
1Joel EmbiidMilwaukee Bucks
COLLEGE: KansasAGE: 19HT: 7-0WT: 250POS: C
Milwaukee Bucks | 25 percent to win lottery

Analysis: The Bucks are the odds-on favorite to end up with the top pick in the draft. They have so many needs that they could really go in any direction here. However, it continues to appear that Embiid would be the top choice if the draft were held today. Embiid, who is sitting out the last two games of the regular season with a minor back injury, not only has the most upside of anyone in the draft with the possible exception of Andrew Wiggins, but he'd give the Bucks a true low-post scorer.

PLAYER CARD
2Andrew WigginsPhiladelphia 76ers
COLLEGE: KansasAGE: 18HT: 6-8WT: 200POS: SG

Philadelphia 76ers | 19.9 percent to win lottery

Analysis: The 76ers are making an impressive push to get the No. 1 overall pick. But if they land Wiggins at No. 2, they'll be thrilled. He's currently the No. 1 player on their board. While Wiggins has had a bit of an up-and-down season, he has all the physical tools to be a big-time NBA player. Put him with Michael Carter-Williams and Nerlens Noel and the Sixers would be loaded with one of the most athletic teams in the league.

PLAYER CARD
3Dante ExumOrlando Magic
COUNTRY: AustraliaAGE: 18HT: 6-6WT: 188POS: PG

Orlando Magic | 15.6 percent to win lottery

Analysis: The Magic are in the market for a point guard, and Exum would be the perfect complement to Victor Oladipo. Both players can handle either backcourt position and both bring great athletic ability to the table. If Exum can become a lights-out shooter, he has the chance to be a superstar.

PLAYER CARD

4Jabari ParkerBoston Celtics
COLLEGE: DukeAGE: 18HT: 6-8WT: 241POS: SF

Boston Celtics | 11.9 percent to win lottery

Analysis: GM Danny Ainge isn't as in love with this draft as much as the rest of the league, but he'll still be stoked to land Parker here. Parker's abilities as a scorer and rebounder could make him an immediate upgrade at the 3 while giving the Celtics more incentive to move Jeff Green this summer.

PLAYER CARD
5Marcus SmartDenver Nuggets
COLLEGE: Oklahoma St.AGE: 19HT: 6-4WT: 225POS: PG

Denver Nuggets | 7.6 percent to win lottery

Analysis: The Nuggets are benefiting here from the Knicks' woes. Julius Randle might be tempting, but they are loaded at the 4. Smart, on the other hand, gives them a guard who can play both backcourt positions and provides a defensive toughness the team has lacked since losing Andre Iguodala.

PLAYER CARD
6Julius RandleLos Angeles Lakers
COLLEGE: KentuckyAGE: 19HT: 6-9WT: 225POS: PF

Los Angeles Lakers | 7.5 percent to win lottery

Analysis: Randle was considered one of the sure things in the draft at the beginning of the season but has struggled with consistency and constant double-teams. He'd be a great addition to the Lakers and perhaps the most NBA ready big man in the draft.

PLAYER CARD
7Aaron GordonUtah Jazz
COLLEGE: ArizonaAGE: 17HT: 6-8WT: 210POS: F

Utah Jazz | 3.6 percent to win lottery

Analysis: Gordon isn't the most gifted scorer in the draft, but he makes up for it with elite athletic abilities, a motor that doesn't quit and a disruptive defensive game. The Jazz need a player like him who's willing to do all the little things to help his team win.

PLAYER CARD
8Tyler EnnisSacramento Kings
COLLEGE: SyracuseAGE: 19HT: 6-2WT: 180POS: PG

Sacramento Kings | 3.5 percent to win lottery

Analysis: The Kings love Isaiah Thomas, but he isn't a true point guard and his lack of size can hurt them. Ennis isn't flashy, but he's the sort of player you can trust to run the Kings' offense immediately. He doesn't have the upside of the other freshmen in this class, but he might be the most NBA-ready from day one.

PLAYER CARD
9James YoungCleveland Cavaliers
COLLEGE: KentuckyAGE: 18HT: 6-7WT: 200POS: SF

Cleveland Cavaliers | 1.7 percent to win lottery

Analysis: The Cavs are in serious danger of losing Luol Deng this summer and will be in need of a starting small forward. While Young has struggled at times with his jump shot this season, many NBA scouts believe he has the chance to be a star.

PLAYER CARD
10Noah VonlehPhiladelphia 76ers
COLLEGE: IndianaAGE: 18HT: 6-10WT: 240POS: PF

Philadelphia 76ers* | 1.1 percent to win lottery

Analysis: The Pelicans send this pick to the 76ers if it falls out of the top five as part of the deal that sent Jrue Holiday to New Orleans on draft night. If the Sixers grab a small forward with their first pick, an athletic, versatile power forward paired next to him seems like a great fit as well. Vonleh is brimming with talent. He can do a little of everything.

PLAYER CARD
11Gary HarrisCharlotte Bobcats
COLLEGE: Michigan St.AGE: 19HT: 6-4WT: 210POS: SG

Charlotte Bobcats# | 0.8 percent to win lottery

Analysis: The Bobcats love Gerald Henderson, but Harris may be a long-term upgrade on both ends of the floor. He too has struggled a bit with his jumper this season, but he's a rare two-way player and can give the Bobcats both scoring and defensive toughness.

PLAYER CARD
12Dario SaricOrlando Magic
COUNTRY: CroatiaAGE: 19HT: 6-10WT: 223POS: SF

Orlando Magic## | 0.7 percent to win lottery

Analysis: Many scouts think that Saric is one of the best talents in this draft. But his mercurial personality and questions about whether he'll really come to the NBA have hurt his draft stock a bit. Regardless, few players his size see the floor as well as he does.

PLAYER CARD
13Rodney Hood Minnesota Timberwolves
COLLEGE: DukeAGE: 21HT: 6-8WT: 180POS: SG

Minnesota Timberwolves | 0.6 percent to win lottery

Analysis: The Timberwolves continue to need shooters, and Hood is one of the best in the draft. He can play multiple positions and has deep range. If he had a better in-between game, he'd be even higher.

PLAYER CARD
14Doug McDermott Memphis Grizzlies
SCHOOL: CreightonAGE: 22HT: 6-7WT: 210POS: SF

Memphis Grizzlies | 0.5 percent to win lottery

Analysis: McDermott is an elite scorer at the college level, but NBA GMs like him at the next level because of his highly accurate shooting. It's unlikely he'll be a star in the NBA, but it would be hard to pass on a guy who can shoot the rock as well as he can.

PLAYER CARD
15 Nik StauskasBoston Celtics
COLLEGE: MichiganAGE: 20HT: 6-6WT: 205POS: G

Analysis: Stauskas has proved to be one of the most lethal shooters in college basketball. He has a lightning-quick release and has also shown an ability to handle the ball and play point on occasion. With Rajon Rondo being a non-shooter and Avery Bradley being just an average one, adding Stauskas to the lineup gives the Celtics a serious floor-spacer.

PLAYER CARD
16Jerami GrantChicago Bulls
COLLEGE: SyracuseAGE: 19HT: 6-8WT: 203POS: SF


Analysis: Grant has similar tools and intangibles to Arizona's Aaron Gordon. He's an elite athlete who doesn't exactly have a position and isn't particularly polished offensively. However, his length and athletic abilities allow him to impact the game on both ends of the floor. For a defensive-minded coach like Tom Thibodeau, that matters.

PLAYER CARD
17 K.J. McDanielsAtlanta Hawks
COLLEGE: ClemsonAGE: 21HT: 6-6WT: 200POS: F

Analysis: McDaniels has been steadily rising on draft boards all year. He's a super-athletic wing who finishes above the rim, rebounds at a high rate and is a fantastic shot-blocker. He's a bit of a "tweener" and his jump shot is inconsistent, but his athletic abilities alone are causing some NBA scouts to claim he could end up in the lottery by draft night. Sounds like he could be the Hawks' replacement for Josh Smith.

PLAYER CARD
18Clint CapellaPhoenix Suns
COUNTRY: SwitzerlandAGE: 19HT: 6-10WT: 215POS: PF

Analysis: Capella has been steadily rising on draft boards as some NBA scouts begin to make comparisons between him and Serge Ibaka. Capella rebounds, defends, blocks shots and is slowly becoming a better offensive player as well. The Suns could use an extra athletic body down low.

PLAYER CARD
19Zach LaVineChicago Bulls
COLLEGE: UCLAAGE: 18HT: 6-5WT: 180POS: PG

Analysis: LaVine has been pretty quiet since getting off to a hot start for UCLA. He could've been a potential lottery pick if he were given more shots as a freshman. He's got unlimited range on his jumper and is a super-explosive athlete. While LaVine has the potential to be a point guard in the NBA, the Bulls' primary interest in him will come as a lethal shooter to bring off the bench.

PLAYER CARD
20Chris Walker Toronto Raptors
COLLEGE: FloridaAGE: 18HT: 6-9WT: 195POS: SF

Analysis: Walker is another player who could've been a lottery pick had he played a full season with Florida. He's getting limited minutes on the No. 1 team in the country, but the potential is there, and Toronto GM Masai Ujiri has never shied away from grabbing a player based on what he can become. If Walker puts in the work, the Raptors could have a steal this late in the draft.

PLAYER CARD
21Willie Cauley-Stein Phoenix Suns
COLLEGE: KentuckyAGE: 20HT: 7-0WT: 220POS: C

Analysis: Cauley-Stein hasn't necessarily been lighting it up, but his size, shot-blocking ability and upside still make him an intriguing prospect for a team like the Suns. He's not yet ready for the NBA, but the basic building blocks are there, and he's worth a gamble to the Suns at this draft spot.

PLAYER CARD
22P.J. Hairston Oklahoma City Thunder
TEAM: Texas LegendsAGE: 21HT: 6-5WT: 220POS: SG

Analysis: Hairston is yet another player who could've been in contention as a lottery pick had he stayed out of trouble over the summer. Getting kicked out of North Carolina didn't help his draft stock, but his play with the Texas Legends in the D-League has. While Hairston considerably cooled off from his hot start in February, his 36 points off the bench on Saturday is a reminder of what he's capable of. For a team like the Thunder, adding someone who can play right away at a position of need is a must.

PLAYER CARD
23Mario Hezonja Utah Jazz++
COUNTRY: CroatiaAGE: 18HT: 6-6WT: 200POS: SF

Analysis: Hezonja doesn't get a lot of playing time right now in Spain, but he's widely regarded by many scouts to be an elite prospect. He's a versatile scorer with excellent athletic abilities. Those don't come along every day. It's unclear whether he'll enter the draft, but if he does, the Jazz can afford to gamble on him with their second first-round pick.

PLAYER CARD
24Sam Dekker Charlotte Bobcats
COLLEGE: WisconsinAGE: 19HT: 6-8WT: 215POS: SF

Analysis: Dekker was a darling of the NBA scouting crowd last year, but he has had an up-and-down sophomore season. When his jump shot is falling, he can be one of the more versatile players in the draft. With Michael Kidd-Gilchrist still figuring things out, Dekker could provide the Bobcats with another look at small forward.

PLAYER CARD
25Montrezl HarrellLos Angeles Clippers
COLLEGE: LouisvilleAGE: 19HT: 6-8WT: 235POS: PF

Analysis: Harrell is a terrific athlete and can be a beast on the boards. He's offensively limited and a little undersized but should provide the Clippers with some toughness at the 4 off the bench.

PLAYER CARD
26Adreian Payne Houston Rockets
COLLEGE: Michigan StateAGE: 22HT: 6-10WT: 225POS: PF

Analysis: Payne may be the best stretch 4 in the draft. It's taken him a long time to develop at Michigan State, but this season he's proved that he can get his shot off from anywhere and still mix it up under the basket. For a team that sports a limited offensive player like Dwight Howard in the middle, Payne provides excellent floor spacing.

PLAYER CARD
27Jusuf NurkicSan Antonio Spurs
COUNTRY: BosniaAGE: 19HT: 6-11WT: 280POS: C

Analysis: Nurkic is huge at 6-foot-11 and 280 pounds, and has been putting up impressive numbers for his team in the Adriatic league. He has the size of an NBA center; his lack of athleticism is the only thing keeping him from being much higher on this mock. For a team like the Spurs that has a history of developing international prospects, he's a great get here.

PLAYER CARD
28Wayne Selden Miami Heat
COLLEGE: KansasAGE: 18HT: 6-5WT: 220POS: SF

Analysis: Selden has been overshadowed by his teammates Embiid and Wiggins, but many NBA scouts still think Selden will have a great pro career. He has the body, the athleticism and an improved jumper. If he played a bigger role in KU's offense, he'd go much higher. A very good get for a Heat team that needs younger impact players.

PLAYER CARD
29Vasilije MicicOklahoma City Thunder
COUNTRY: SerbiaAGE: 20HT: 6-4WT: 185POS: PG

Analysis: Micic impressed NBA scouts over the summer with his play against Team USA and is having a strong season in Serbia. He might be the best "pure" point guard prospect in the draft and a great player to stash in Europe for a year or two.

PLAYER CARD
30Bogdan BogdanovicPhoenix Suns
COUNTRY: SerbiaAGE: 21HT: 6-6WT: 200POS: SG

Analysis: At this point, the Suns have three first-round picks. It's doubtful all of them are comng over next year. Bogdanovic has been lighting things up in Serbia this year and looks to be one of the best scorers out of the international prospects in the draft.

PLAYER CARD
* The Pelicans will send their first-round pick to the Sixers if it falls somewhere from 6 to 30.

# The Pistons will send their first-round pick to Charlotte if it falls somewhere from 9 to 30.

## The Nuggets own the Knicks' first-round pick. They have agreed to send the lesser of their own pick and the Knicks' pick to the Magic.

++ The Golden State Warriors will send their pick to the Utah Jazz.

The Bobcats will send their first-round pick to the Bulls if it falls somewhere between 11 and 30

The Wizards will send their first-round pick to Phoenix if it falls somewhere between 13 and 30.

The Nets owe Boston a first-round pick. However, this could be either the Nets' or the Hawks' pick. The Hawks have the right to swap picks.

The Mavericks will send their first-round pick to the Thunder if it falls somewhere between 21 and 30.

The Warriors will send their first-round pick to the Jazz.

The Blazers will send their first-round pick to Charlotte if it falls somewhere between 13 and 30.

The Pacers will send their first-round pick to Phoenix if it falls somewhere between 15 and 30.

 

[pmatic]

Hammond does a pretty good job drafting (LRMM, Jennings, Meeks, Sanders, Harris, Leuer, Henson, Alphabet).

He is just incredibly irresponsible on the free agent market. And he missed big time with Alexander in his first draft.