Apr 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Julius Randle (30) shoots against Connecticut Huskies forward DeAndre Daniels (2) in the second half during the championship game of the Final Four in the 2014 NCAA Mens Division I Championship tournament at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
4. Orlando Magic- Dante Exum, Australia, Point Guard/Shooting Guard– After selecting Victor Oladipo, who was a runner up for the Rookie of The Year award last season, the Magic will take Dante Exum, who is a 6-foot-6 point guard. Exum’s strength is his quickness and has the ability to fill the stat sheet. Exum and Oladipo will form one of the better young backcourts in the league.
5. Utah Jazz– Noah Vonleh, Indiana, Power Forward– With Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter already in town, the Jazz will likely select Noah Vonleh over Julius Randle as they will go with potential over a player in which you likely know what you will get. Vonleh is a terrific rebounder (9 rebounds per game last season) and has a solid touch for a power forward. Vonleh’s red flag might be that he is not aggressive on offense (11.3 points per game) at times.
6. Boston Celtics– Julius Randle, Kentucky, Power Forward– Julius Randle is a good rebounder (10.4 rebounds per game), has a nice handle, and is incredibly strong. The problem is his shooting range and he won’t be able to bully through multiple defenders like he did in college and high school. Randle should be a double-double guy once he settles into the NBA, but will he be an All-Star?
7. Los Angeles Lakers– Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State, Point Guard– The Lakers are in need of a point guard and a lock-down defender — Marcus Smart might be both. The only reason I use “might” is due to a concern that he will be able to handle the ball and create for others in the NBA. Smart will give the Lakers a player that goes all-out every night.
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Swarm and Sting
8. Sacramento Kings- Aaron Gordon, Arizona, Power Forward– The Sacramento Kings are in need of a power forward who isn’t focused on scoring, but grabs rebounds and most importantly plays defense, Aaron Gordon is that guy in this year’s draft. Gordon has the speed of some guards and can jump out of the gym — when seeing him you can’t help but think Blake Griffin. Gordon is also an underrated passer and ball-handler for his size. A big problem with Gordon is that he was a 42 percent free throw shooter, kind of strange for a player that hit 36 percent of his 3’s on limited attempts. Could just be an anomaly, but still a concern.
9. Charlotte Hornets– Zach LaVine, UCLA, Shooting Guard/Point Guard– The Hornets didn’t even expect to get a draft pick, but they did and should take a chance with Zach LaVine. LaVine is arguably the best athlete in the draft as he recorded the fastest agility time, to go along with a 41.5-inch vertical at the combine. What makes LaVine an intriguing prospect is the fact that he is not only a great athlete but is 6-foot-6 and can shoot from beyond the NBA three-point line. If LaVine gains weight (180 lbs) and improves his play-making ability, he will not only be a steal but has the potential to be the best guard in the draft.
10. Philadelphia 76ers– Nik Stauskas, Michigan, Shooting Guard– Nik Stauskas is the best shooter (44 percent from 3) among guards in the draft, but is a better ball-handler than most shooting guards. Stauskas has great size (6-foot-6) and can be a slightly better version of J.J. Redick as he is more athletic, has a better handle, and is taller. Stauskas is a nice fit for the 76ers who will need to pair a knock-down shooter with their talented point guard (Michael Carter-Williams).