The 2014 NBA Mock Draft

What an interesting last couple of weeks to lead into the 2014 NBA Draft. Contract opt outs, prospects injured, prospects retiring, prospects signing with European teams. All of these things have added interesting components to a draft that is honestly just as wide open as last year's, when a seemingly unknown Anthony Bennett was the top overall pick.

Biggest difference? This year is more talented and talented deep.

But those changes have made the draft different. Joel Embiid's injury changed the top 3 and quite possibly the first overall pick. Dario Saric's new European contract changed the top 10. Isaiah Austin's retirement changed the first round. The contract opt outs of Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James will have effects on the league, and therefore the draft, that remain unknown. But what we do know is that they will have an impact on this draft.

So without further pause, after weeks of redrafts, here is the official In All Directions 2014 NBA Mock Draft:

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Jabari Parker - Duke
Why?: I think the exit of Embiid makes this one a no brainer. Parker fills far more of a need for Cleveland* (yes, that is an asterik) than Andrew Wiggins does. Should the Cavs keep this pick, Parker will slide nicely into the starting rotation. With Tristan Thompson in the middle and Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters at the guard sports, the implementation of Parker as a power forward allows Luol Deng to move down the the 3-spot and give Cleveland a dangerous starting five.

*And here is the asterik: Absolutely the best trade package I have seen rumored so far would be Cleveland sending this pick and Jarrett Jack to Utah for No. 5, Derrick Favors, Alec Burks and possibly the 23rd pick. If this trade is on the table, I absolutely see it being made. My choice for #1 overall stays, but I believe that this is Utah's pick or at least being made for Utah. Parker, a mormon, would be an amazing poster child with the Jazz where he and Trey Burke could be this era's answer to Stockton and Malone for the Jazz.

2. Milwaukee Bucks: Joel Embiid - Kansas
Why?: I do not think a team takes long to gamble. Wiggins is basically another OJ Mayo and Exum is not needed when you have Brandon Knight and Ramon Sessions at the point. In fact, while I have seen a lot of draft boards with Exum here, it would be a downright stupid choice unless they move one of the other two point guards, specifically Brandon Knight. They have talent inside, but it is still one of the areas with less talent overall, so they will take the gamble on Embiid and hope that he heals quickly and well. I think its a bad move for anyone to make this pick in the top 10 and potentially in the lottery. I, if I were a GM, wouldn't take him in the first round. Yes, he has talent. But we've seen this story end before (Greg Oden?) and I don't see it worth the pick. However, I think the Bucks will see it or at least try to.

3. Philadelphia 76ers: Andrew Wiggins - Kansas
Why?: Philly has coveted Wiggins all along and I absolutely think he falls to them here no matter who goes #2 overall (unless there are trades in the top 2). Philadelphia needs all of the help they can get and plenty of draft picks to make that happen. Taking Wiggins is the best option, even if they weren't in love with him. He can be a dynamic scorer and will play well off of Michael Carter-Williams.

4. Orlando Magic: Dante Exum - Australia
Why?: When Embiid went down, Orlando cried. All of them. But I still think they also get their guy here in Exum. Jameer Nelson's time has ended and Exum completes a solid starting lineup and will create insane mismatches because of his length. It also frees Victor Oladipo up to stay strong at a natural 2-guard spot.

5. Utah Jazz: Julius Randle - Kentucky*
Why?: Whether this pick is for Utah (or as I suspect for Cleveland) they both covet a small forward. Unfortunately there is a bit of a drop off between the top guys who can play that spot (Parker and Wiggins) and the next highest rated one (probably Doug McDermott). So instead, you have to take the next best option, which is Randle, who is also a guy who can play a little swing forward or play natural power forward to free up Luol Deng (Cleveland) or Marvin Williams (Utah) to play their natural small forward position.

6: Boston Celtics: Aaron Gordon - Arizona
Why?: I'd love for Boston to get Randle, but even if he is available, they seem to have a love affair with Gordon. They see him as a Kevin Garnett-like big man who can move and scorer off the dribble. They better hope they are right.

7. Los Angeles Lakers: Marcus Smart - Oklahoma State
Why?: The Lakers need to pull the trigger on rumored trade to sent Steve Nash to the 76ers for draft picks. It gets them options and prospects and frees up the point guard position where change is needed. Smart can feed the ball to Kobe when he's healthy and be a score-first guy when Kobe isn't.

8. Sacramento Kings: Noah Vonleh - Indiana
Why?: About the only hole in the Kings lineup is at power forward. If they get Vonleh and he pans out, they should be a playoff team out west with a bevvy of young talent. If they aren't, this pick will be the one that everyone comes back and looks at. After all, Vonleh couldn't help his college team even make the NCAA Tournament, so why wouldn't he be the one to blame?

9. Charlotte Hornets: Adreian Payne - Michigan State
Why?: Especially if Josh McRoberts blots, Charlotte should covet another big man more than anything in this draft and that could help Payne jump a lot because of Dario Saric's new contract which will keep him away from the NBA for at least two years, even if drafted. That loss to the draft could be Payne's gain with the new look Charlotte organization.

10. Philadelphia 76ers: Zach LaVine - UCLA

11. Denver Nuggets: Dario Saric - Croatia
Why?: This is the first team that probably can gamble on Saric. He fills a need when (and if) he comes, but they have a lot of talent still without him. They may not make the gamble, but honestly they are the first team to come up with a pick that could have that option.

12. Orlando Magic: Tyler Ennis - Syracuse

13. Minnesota Timberwolves: Rodney Hood - Duke
Why?: With the likelihood of Love's loss, you really need to fill his shoes as best possible with this pick, even if you get a good return for him. Hood can't fill Love's shoes, but he can put on his socks. He is a long swing forward who can rebound well and shoot the ball with good consistency.

14: Phoenix Suns: Doug McDermott - Creighton

15. Atlanta Hawks: Gary Harris - Michigan State

16. Chicago Bulls: Jusuf Nurkic - Bosnia

17. Boston Celtics: James Young - Kentucky

18. Phoenix Suns: Nik Stauskas - Michigan

19. Chicago Bulls: Glenn Robinson III - Michigan

20. Toronto Raptors: Shabazz Napier - UCONN

21. Oklahoma City Thunder: TJ Warren - North Carolina State

22. Memphis Grizzlies: Kyle Anderson - UCLA

23. Utah Jazz: Bogdan Bogdanovic - Serbia

24. Charlotte Hornets: Elfrid Payton - UL-Lafayette

25. Houston Rockets: KJ McDaniels - Clemson

26. Miami Heat: PJ Hairston - Texas Legends (D-League)

27. Phoenix Suns: Jordan Adams - UCLA

28. Los Angeles Clippers: Jerami Grant - Syracuse

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Cleanthony Early - Witchita State

30. San Antonio Spurs: Mitch McGary - Michigan

College Basketball Preview Part 4: Power Conferences

So with the fringe conferences out of the way, Cinderellas potentially appointed, it is time to look at the top 10 power conferences, the ones we will see on TV and the ones that really have the best chance to do the most damage this year.

So here are those conferences in order from weakest to strongest:

ATLANTIC 10

This conference suffered more than any with the realignment at the top of the college sports heap. That said, Juvonte Reddic is going to the NBA, but not before he leads VCU to another NCAA Tournament with Coach Shaka Smart. While there will be some strong teams in this conference, I don't see anybody here contending with VCU. Saint Louis will also be tournament bound again, but have to replace a lot of production from Kwamain Mitchell. Behind these two teams, anyone could finish anywhere in my opinion.

Is there any more respected coach these
days than VCU's Shaka Smart?

WEST COAST

Hmmm....let me see....Gonzaga. Gonzaga wins, they always win, they always will win. They sandwich the rest of the league with the best point guard and the best big man with Kevin Pangos and Sam Dower. Gerard Coleman has the potential to be the best freshman and really help the Zags dominate. Behind him, Tyler Haws at BYU could throw a wrench into things as he really is a versatile scorer, and Saint Mary's will continue to be a thorn in Gonzaga's side.

MOUNTAIN WEST

With UNLV raided for talent (two top players transferred, the best player went number one in the NBA Draft), this is clearly New Mexico's league. Kendall Williams will win the Player of the Year again and has a fringe chance at being an All-American, possibly depending on the Lobos' run come March. Behind him, New Mexico also has the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in Alex Kirk to help their dominance. UNLV may still be strong with Khem Birch, and Boise State is going to put up a lot of points as well.

PAC-12

There is every chance in the world that Aaron Gordon at Arizona could surpass all of the other super freshmen in the country and that alone makes the Wildcats the top contender in this league. Brandon Ashley is phenomenal too and their 1-2 punch makes Arizona the easy favorite. Spencer Dinwiddle could have Colorado as a tournament team too, maybe their best team ever. And, UCLA's revival doesn't end with the exit of Shabazz Muhammed, because Kyle Anderson is explosive and Jordan Adams could just be insanely dominant if he can get and stay healthy for the entire season.

SEC

OK, so I have to give in to the Kentucky hype to a degree here because no team should be close to the Wildcats with Julius Randle leading the way. As much as the freshmen are hyped, Alex Poythress and Willie Cauley-Stein are huge returners for Kentucky. Florida, LSU, Tennessee and Missouri are also tournament bound teams, with the Gator's Patric Young, a 6'9''-240 pound senior center as a dominant inside presence.

BIG 12

Kansas will lead the way for one reason and one reason only: Andrew Wiggins. More hype, just like the SEC and Pac-12 favorites. Wiggins' biggest issue is that he doesn't have the help that Gordon and Randle have. Without that help, there is a good chance that Oklahoma State's Marcus Smart leads his Cowboys past Kansas to the top of the conference. Smart is fantastic and one of the toughest guys in all of college basketball to guard. Baylor is also continuing a big surge as a program and need a good year to bring in some key recruits that they are after.

Marcus Smart is such a dynamic scorer, there is a chance
that highly touted Andrew Wiggins at Kansas will
have nothing for him.

AMERICAN

A fun new conference (kind of?) will be dominated by Louisville. Losing two key players doesn't change their depth. Russ Smith is the best player in the league and Wayne Blackshear is also back. How Kevin Ware plays, back so quickly from that gruesome leg injury, could help the Cardinals to a second straight National Title. UCONN will be the secondary team with Shabazz Napier at the helm, but the undersized senior will need some help behind him. If Cincinnati can avoid punching people, they can also make a deep run.

BIG EAST

This is an interesting conference where any of the top 5-6 teams could be king. I give Creighton the nod because Doug McDermott is one of the best scorers and players in the entire country. Nobody in this league, possibly in college basketball will stop him. He gets great help in Grant Gibbs as well. Behind them, flip some coins to see where Marquette, Butler, Georgetown, Villanova and St. Johns finish.

BIG TEN

Indiana is the name that pops up in everyone's mind again when talking about the Big Ten, and that is great. But Coach Tom Crean has so much to replace in top-5 pics Victor Oladipo and Cody Zeller. Can anyone fill those shoes? Yogi Ferrell is a dynamic scorer, but what about his consistency? Can Evan Gordon really do anything to help the Hoosiers? My guess is, Indiana falls dramatically. Part of that is because Michigan State, behind Gary Harris and Keith Appling, is potentially the best team in the conference. Michigan is a good team behind them, who like National Title game co-stars Louisville, lost a lot but bring a lot back. Mitch McGary is so strong inside for the Wolverines. Ohio State could thrive if they can find the scoring to replace Deshaun Thomas.

Behind Gary Harris, this may be coach Tom Izzo's
best chance at another National Title for Michigan State.

ACC

Three of the better teams in the league are brand new in Syracuse, Notre Dame and Pittsburgh. But it is some of those old-faithful ACC teams that dominate. Duke should run away at the top behind freshman Jabari Parker and a lot of returners from a strong team of 2012-2013. Behind them, North Carolina has a lot of pressure on them to win without PJ Hairston, who could be gone for any amount of time. The expansion doesn't slow down Virginia either, who have Joe Harris and Akil Mitchell to make this perhaps the best Cavalier squad ever. Of the newbies, look for Syracuse to have enough depth to stay as a contender, especially with CJ Fair scoring almost at will.

College Basketball Preview Day 1: The Hype Train is to Much

So this is how it goes in college basketball today.

1)      Have an over hyped and under talented recruiting class.

2)      Lost top player to injury.

3)      Miss the NCAA Tournament.

4)      Lose in the first round of the NIT to Robert Morris.

5)      Have previously mentioned top player go pro. (Why? We are still trying to figure that out.)

6)      Bring in new, possibly equally over hyped recruiting class.

7)      Be ranked #1 in the preseason.

Moral of the story: yesterday’s Anthony Davis and Nerlens Noel is today’s Julius Randle. Welcome to the wonderful world of Kentucky Wildcat basketball.

Nerlens Noel's plight last season is part of a sad trend of over hyping freshmen

.

 John Calipari is a talented coach and a solid recruiter. But why is it that we continue to kid ourselves with thinking that these freshman talents, or super teams, are going to actually be so dominant when all evidence is to the contrary. No, the 2013-2014 Kentucky Wildcats are not going to be the next (or better) Fab Five. And no, Julius Randle is not going to be the next Michael Jordan (or Lebron, or Kobe, or whatever today’s skewed standard of “greatest player” is.)

We have been doing this to ourselves for years. The last three “stud” freshmen have all been riddled by unrealistic standards. I swear, I am not just picking on Kentucky. But, for the last four seasons (including the upcoming one), Kentucky has supposedly had “that guy” for three of them.

Kyrie Irving. Duke. 2010-2011. Injured. Missed most of college career. Left School. All-Star caliber NBA career.

Anthony Davis. Kentucky. 2011-2012. Great college career. Left School. Injured. Mediocre/Underachieving rookie season.

Nerlens Noel. Kentucky. 2012-2013. Injured. Left School.

Julius Randle. Kentucky. 2013-2014. TBD.

Let’s just say, that immediate history does not bode well for Mr. Randle. Injuries? Missing most of his season? Going pro because…well why not? Maybe missing some time in that rookie year? A bench spot next to Darko Milicic?

And I know, we can all say it, Andrew Wiggins is supposed to the best player in this class (or is it Jabari Parker? I get lost in the whipping and winding crazy hype train.) But it has been recently that people (including ESPN) have been comparing Randle to Lebron. I assume they mean it as a good thing. If I said it, I would mean it as he is a crybaby underachiever who can’t win on his own and is afraid of pressure.

The fact of the matter is this: I cannot honestly see Kentucky being that good. Six All-Americans? Great. Your real “veteran” players are both sophomores. There is this thing called growing pains and I expect a lot for a team who couldn’t get by Robert Morris last season with arguably comparable talent.

So who is, in my humble opinion, the team with the best shot to win it all in March (slash April)? Stay tuned this week to find out!