Andrew Wiggins (photo. Nike)
Now that we closed the book on what turned out to be one of the strangest draft nights in recent memory, it’s time to turn our attention to more pressing matters, like our predictions for the 2014 NBA Draft! True, the dust has barely settled on the Barclays Center, yet here we are, already looking ahead to next year. That’s because it’s shaping up to be arguably the deepest collection of talent since the landmark 2003 Draft that featured future All-Stars, Olympic Gold Medalists, MVPs and NBA Champions like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh, as well as one of the most tragicomical draft busts of our collective lifetimes, the surly, frosty-quaffed Serbian himself, Darko Milicic.
Ten years from now, who among these 15 youngsters will be left carrying the torch of a new generation, and who among them will fade away into obscurity and mediocrity? We have absolutely no idea, and that’s partially what’s so exciting about it. If we learned anything last night, it’s that you have to expect the unexpected. Like everything else in life, the draft is unpredictable, and for some, it can be a bitterly disappointing experience, but it can also be thrilling and cathartic. A lot can happen between now and next year, so this list will undoubtedly look dramatically different after another whirlwind college basketball season. But for now, these 15 players (and a handful of others on the bubble) represent one of the most exciting collection of prospects since the turn of the new millennium.
[RELATED: Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker & The Top 15 Incoming Freshmen Next Season]
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15. MITCH McGARY – Michigan
6-10, PF,
NBA Doppelganger(s): Poor-Man’s David Lee, Poor-Man’s Kevin Love
Last season at Michigan, McGrary averaged 7.5 points and 6.3 rebounds and showed flashes of brilliance during the NCAA Tournament (25 points, 14 rebounds against Kansas in the Sweet 16). Like Lee, he has a solid midrange jumper, and like Love, he’s a beast on the boards, and like both of those players, he has great court vision and passing ability for a big man. His size, strength and intensity make up for what he’s currently lacking in terms of an all-around post-game. Another year at Michigan will be good for him.
14. MONTREZL HARRELL – Louisville
6-8, PF
NBA Doppelganger: DeJuan Blair
As the video indicates, Harrell is a beast, or at least he has the potential to be. There’s no better way to describe him. Last season at Louisville, he only averaged 5.7 points and 3.6 rebounds in limited minutes, but his intensity and explosiveness make him an intriguing prospect. During his sophomore season, he’ll need to continue developing his post moves, keep working on his midrange game, and improve his defense to make himself more attractive as an NBA prospect. He has the size and athleticism to be an elite shotblocker as well as a force on the offensive end.
13. WAYNE SELDEN – Kansas
6-5, SG
NBA Doppelganger: Poor-Man’s D-Wade
For my money, Selden passes all the eye tests as an NBA-level talent. At 6-5, he’s a strong, athletic, high-energy guard who can create his own shot, get into the lane, and finish around the rim while drawing contact. However, he’ll have to improve his jump shot and get better defensively if he wants to be an elite guard in the league.
