2014 NBA Mock Draft - Kyle Baillargeon
Updated: June 24, 201416. Chicago Bulls - Adreian Payne, PF, Michigan State
Payne would bring a different dynamic to the Bulls' front court, as he's more of a stretch-four. He should also be able to help the Bulls right away, even if his ceiling isn't quite as high as those taken ahead of him. If Derrick Rose comes back at or near 100 percent, then the future is now for Chicago, and they'll need a pick that can contribute right away.
17. Boston Celtics - Dario Saric, SF, Croatia
The likelihood that Saric lasts this long is pretty slim. But there have been enough reports that his agent will try to steer him towards a certain direction, by threatening to keep him in Europe, that it's still a possibility. If that happens, Saric would be a steal for the Celtics. In this scenario, Boston will have already taken Aaron Gordon, but though he's also listed as a power forward, Brad Stevens would find a way to get these two to fit on the court. Danny Ainge would also probably need to move Kelly Olynyk and/or Jared Sullinger.
18. Phoenix Suns - P.J. Hairston, SG, D-League
The Suns could use some help in the backcourt off the bench. Hairston is a good shooter who can contribute to the Phoneix rotation right away. He's bigger than Goran Dragic or Eric Bledsoe, and can give the team a different look off the bench.
19. Chicago Bulls - Shabazz Napier, PG, UConn
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20. Toronto Raptors - Tyler Ennis, PG, Syracuse
Ennis has good upside and the skills to be a point guard in the league. But he may not be able to contribute right away. There is still a good chance that Kyle Lowry re-signs with Toronto, which would relegate Ennis to backup status. That's not exactly the worst spot for Ennis, as it would give him a chance to grow some more as a player before ultimately taking over the position in a few years.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder - Rodney Hood, SG/SF, Duke
We had Kristaps Porzingis here in the last mock draft, but he's since pulled out of the draft. This would lead to OKC going from a player they probably would have had no intention of bringing over to the States to a player who could enter the rotation right away. Hood is best known for his scoring ability, and OKC could use more scorers. It still wouldn't be surprising if the Thunder grab-and-stash an international prospect here.
22. Memphis Grizzlies - T.J. Warren, F, North Carolina State
Right now the Grizzlies have Tayshaun Prince at small forward, and he's in the last year of his contract. Warren is good enough to take the starting spot away from Prince at some point in his rookie season. He'll drop due to less than stellar measurables, but his knack for scoring should translate well to the NBA.
23. Utah Jazz - Jerami Grant, SF, Syracuse
Grant will probably spend most of the season out of the rotation, but with time he could develop into a solid contributer. He should become the team's best perimeter defender.
24. Charlotte Hornets - Clint Capela, PF, Switzerland
The Hornets are starting to look like a real team, and may want to roll the dice with a developmental player instead of trying to get a second rookie involed in the rotation early. Capela is big, and word is that he's gotten better defensively this past year in Switzerland. Charlotte may choose to just let him stay overseas for the time being as well, as he's still very young and will get more playing time there.
25. Houston Rockets - Vasilije Micic, PG, Serbia
The Rockets are trying to clear cap space to make a run at another top-tier star. In turn, they'll likely want to draft someone whom they can stash away for the time being. Micic is considered an elite point guard overseas at the age of 19, and in a few years he could come over and become the team's starting point guard right away.
26. Miami Heat - Cleanthony Early, SF, Wichita State
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27. Phoenix Suns - Mitch McGary, PF/C, Michigan
Phoenix could possibly shop this pick, their third in the first round. But if they keep it, expect them to add to the front court, having already addressed the backcourt and the wing. McGary is a bit of a wildcard, having missed most of last year due to a back injury. However, he was facing a one-year suspension at Michigan, and his hands were tied. He was great in the prior year, and if his back holds up, he could be the steal of the draft.
28. Los Angeles Clippers - Kyle Anderson, F, UCLA
The Clippers are pretty much devoid of front-court bench players. Anderson is a unique player, as he's 6'9" but played point guard at UCLA. His size would allow him to be more of a point forward in L.A. He won't be asked to do much, but Doc Rivers could always use another big guy on this team.
29. Oklahoma City Thunder - Jarnell Stokes, PF, Tennessee
Stokes could be a great pick here, and would help bolster the OKC front court.
30. San Antonio Spurs - Jordan Adams, SG, UCLA
Adams is a good scorer but lacks great athleticism. However, he's considered to be a very smart basketball player, which would fit with the San Antonio style of play. He's also a good defender, which is always welcome.
-> Back to picks 1-15
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