2014 NBA Draft Gambling?
The 2014 NBA draft will be a big day for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers. The big names on most big boards are Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker and Joel Embiid, but with the recent injury to Embiid, players such as Dante Exum are looking to hear their names called in the top three. [ad-4468020]
Nobody knows where each player will be selected when June 26 comes around, but we have a good idea of where each prospect is supposed to land.
The player order is far from a guarantee at this juncture, but the odds tell the story, as each future rookie has a projected spot at this point in the process.
Who Will Be The No. 1 Pick?
- Andrew Wiggins 1/2
- Jabari Parker 7/5
- Joel Embiid 12/1
Odds provided by Sportsbook.ag
First Overall
Once upon a time, the Cavaliers were considering Joel Embiid with the No. 1 pick—like, seriously considering the big man with the first-overall selection. Those times have changed, however, as the center is reportedly out four-to-five months with a stress fracture in his foot that worries teams not only about the upcoming season, but his likelihood as a franchise piece.
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While Jabari Parker is looked at as the safest pick in the upcoming draft, Wiggins is the one with the highest upside. Parker’s comparison is widely considered Paul Pierce, but Wiggins’ ceiling is looked at as LeBron James.
That’s fitting considering the city he could go to, and for a franchise looking to make up for “The King’s” departure, Wiggins to the Cavs just makes too much sense to ignore.
NBA Draft Over/Under:
Dante Exum: 3.5
If Joel Embiid weren’t hurt, this would be a different story. Embiid, Wiggins and Parker were supposed to make up the Big Three of the 2014 draft, but since the big man’s injury, it only makes sense that Exum falls into the top trio.
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At this point, both the Sixers and Bucks are prime candidates to select him at two or three, respectively. Both have the need for talent acquisition, and both could use a true franchise player; although Philadelphia would have to swing a deal to send Michael Carter-Williams if it didn’t want to play the two guards side by side. Pick: Under 3.5
Marcus Smart 5.5
When you look at the first five picks in the draft, the Orlando Magic and Utah Jazz could legitimately pick up a point guard. Unfortunately for Smart, with Embiid falling in mock drafts all over the board, his position is dropping with the upcoming of player such as Aaron Gordon and Noah Vonleh.
Smart is a player with a bright future, but with many question marks. Is he a true point guard? Can he keep his head on a swivel?
These things will test scouts leading up to the draft, and will likely keep him out of the top five once draft day finally rolls around. Pick: Over 5.5
Julius Randle: 6.5
Julius Randle seems destined to land with the Los Angeles Lakers. L.A. has been ready to part ways with Pau Gasol since the All-Star break—or longer, if we’re being honest—and bringing in an athletic 4 to soften the blow of letting go of a fan favorite simply makes sense.
The former Kentucky Wildcat is slated to go somewhere in the top five-to-10 picks, but if he’s available when Mitch Kupchack makes his selection, he’ll be a solid fit for a Lakers organization looking to rebuild toward the future as soon as the 2014-15 season. Pick: Over 6.5
Doug McDermott: 9.5
If anybody is going to beat their draft odds, Doug McDermott is the guy.
At 6’8”, the small forward from Creighton knows how the spread the floor. His workouts haven’t been the best but his high basketball IQ and ability to play smart basketball has some thinking he’ll be a glue guy for years to come on any NBA roster.
Shabazz Napier: 25.5
Shabazz Napier at the 25th-and-a-half pick is one of the easiest props in the draft. He will not last that long. There is no way.
Sure, you’ll find people who say his ceiling is lower than projected. You’ll even find people who don’t think he’ll be drafted in the first round.
Don’t listen to them. This kid is explosive, and in a draft where stars are prevalent, his strong workouts at pre-draft showcases will do his highlight reel from Miami good.
