2014 NBA Draft Grades

#
Team
Player
Pos
Ht
FromPlayer Analysis
Gr
1
Cavs
Andrew Wiggins
SF
6-8
KansasWiggins has been mentioned in this spot for a few years. Now it’s become reality. He has a lot of work to do but at 19 years old with a good head on his shoulders and breath-taking athleticism the sky is the limit. The Cavs want to win now but might have to be patient with Wiggins.
A
2
Bucks
Jabari Parker
SF
6-8
DukeParker might not have the upside of Wiggins or Embiid but he’s as close as it gets to a sure thing. Could be an All Star for the next decade. The Bucks franchise deserves to have a star who really wants to play there. Fits well next to the Greek Freak and that tandem should be fun to watch.
B+
3
76ers
Joel Embiid
C
7-0
KansasWhen healthy he’s the best player in the draft. The Sixers continue to stockpile talent. Embiid has ELITE potential and if he’s healthy he could be an all time great. If they stay together, Embiid and Noel could form a scary front court in Philly.
A+
4
Magic
Aaron Gordon
PF
6-8
ArizonaGordon can jump out of the gym and is a top level defender. High character guy who will only continue to improve. I think the Magic did the right thing here. Gordon is a game changer on D. and can bring the house down with his dunking ability.
B+
5
Jazz
Dante Exum
SG
6-6
AustraliaThe Jazz load up in the backcourt with Exum joining Burke and Burks. Exum could/should be a special player in the League. He’s very young and will have a big adjustment but in time he should be great.
A
6
Celtics
Marcus Smart
PG
6-3
Oklahoma StateA true warrior and intense competitor, Smart brings a ton of talent, leadership, defensive passion and heart to the Celtics. Does this spell the end for Rondo in Boston?
B+
7
Lakers
Julius Randle
PF
6-9
KentuckyGreat fit for the Lakers. He can take some of the pressure off of Kobe and brings a lot of energy to the post game. They could be a big Free Agent away from contending.
B-
8
Kings
Nik Stauskas
SG
6-6
MichiganI think this is a stretch for a good but not great scorer. He’ll hit shots in the League but the big time athletes drafted after him could become better pros. I’d like this pick in the mid teens but #8 is too high.
C-
9
Hornets
Noah Vonleh
PF
6-9
IndianaLoaded with talent and very young at 18 years old. Has a chance to be a really special player. Has great form on his jumper and should be able to fill it up from mid range and three point land.
A-
10
Magic
Elfrid Payton
PG
6-3
LA. LafayetteCould be the steal of the draft. Very young with great talent and tenacity. Has perfect size for the position and his upside is through the roof.
A+
11
Bulls
Doug McDermott
 SF
 6-8
 CreightonBulls get a player who can contribute right away. McDermott can flat out score the ball and has a nice situation with the Bulls.
B-
12
76ers
Dario Saric
PF
6-10
CroatiaSixers fans will have to wait for two years but the wait should be worth it. Saric is a great talent who will only get better over the years. The closest thing to Chandler Parsons I’ve seen.
B+
13
T-Wolves
Zach LaVine
SG
6-5
UCLABoom or bust player with one of the highest upsides in the draft. If he can put it all together he could be special. Even with the risks, at pick #13 it pays to swing for the fences.
A
14
Suns
T.J. Warren
SF
6-8
N.C. StateOne of the best scorers in the draft who seems like a near sure thing. He’ll have to improve his energy on defense but the scoring should be there.
B
15
Hawks
Adreian Payne
PF
6-10
Michigan StateReally nice pick here. Exceptional outside shooter with perfect form. Can really play above the rim. Should be able to score in bunches for the Hawks.
A
16
Nuggets
Jusuf Nurkic
C
6-11
BosniaStrong as a bull with the size to match up against NBA centers. A boom or bust player who will have a big adjustment to make, whenever he comes over.
B
17
Celtics
James Young
SF
6-7
KentuckySmooth shooting lefty with in-the-gym range. Can flat out shoot the ball. He can be streaky from outside. Has enough athleticism to hold is own.
B-
18
Suns
Tyler Ennis
PG
6-2
SyracuseMy sleeper. One of the craftiest players to come out in years. Has sneaky speed and is a true gamer. His basketball IQ is off the charts.
A
19
Nuggets
Gary Harris
SG
6-4
Michigan StateTalented player but underwhelming athlete. Should be a solid pro but the upside seems to be limited.
B
20
Raptors
Bruno Caboclo
SF6-9BrazilWhat can I say? Go hard or go home…
C+
21
Thunder
Mitch McGary
PF
6-10
MichiganI like this pick. McGary is the type of hustle player who can help win big games. He has a great feel for the game, brings tons of energy and can step in and contribute right away. Maybe a steal here.
A
22
Grizzlies
Jordan Adams
SG
6-5
UCLAA pure scorer with a great touch but really lacking athleticism. Makes up for being slow by having a good feel for the game and a very nice shot.
C-
23
Jazz
Rodney Hood
SF
6-7
DukeA good value pick here. Has lottery talent and even though he doesn’t project as a star, could be a good starter for many years. Hood has great leaping ability and should throw down some nasty dunks for the Jazz.
A-
24
Heat
Shabazz Napier
 PG
 6-1
UConnIf this is what it takes to get LeBron to stay they should have traded up much higher. Napier brings much needed energy, excitment and scoring to the Heat backcourt.
A-
25
Rockets
Clint Capela
 PF
 6-10
Switzer-
land
Another good value pick. Capela might be a few years away from having a major impact but his upside is very high. Draft and stash to keep salary space.
B
26
Hornets
P.J. Hairston
 SG
 6-5
USAStrong and talented wing who can get hot from downtown and has unlimited range. Goes to a good situation with Jordan hopefully keeping him in line.
B+
27
Suns
Bogdan Bogdanovic
SG
6-6
SerbiaI think he’ll surprise. He’s longer and more athletic than he’s given credit for and can light it up from downtown.
B+
28
Clippers
C.J. Wilcox
 SG
 6-5
 WashingtonSilky smooth shooter who might have trouble getting on the floor for the Clips, with all of the shooting guards already on the roster. A one dimensional player.
C-
29
Thunder
Josh Huestis
SF6-7StanfordSeems like a guy you could have drafted mid-second round. A stretch here, but given the Thunder’s recent history, ok.
C
30
Spurs
Kyle Anderson
 SF
 6-9
 UCLAPerfecte fit for the Spurs. A passing team gets the best passer in the draft. His lack of athleticism won’t be as obvious in the Spurs system as it would be on some other teams. Excellent pick.
A
by NBA Draft Room