2014 NBA Mock Draft: Complete First Round

Apr 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Shabazz Napier (13) drives to the basket defended by Kentucky Wildcats guard Aaron Harrison (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: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

16. Chicago Bulls– Kyle Anderson, UCLA, Small Forward/Power Forward– Kyle Anderson is a 6-foot-9 small forward that passes (6.5 assists per game) and handles the ball like a guard. Anderson is also an improved shooter (48 percent on 3’s) and a good rebounder (8.8 rebounds per game). The only problem with Anderson is his speed. When your nickname is “slow-mo,” what can you expect? Despite lacking speed Anderson’s instincts helped him average 1.8 steals last season.

17. Boston Celtics– Elfrid Payton, Louisiana–Lafayette, Point Guard– Elfrid Payton has excellent size for a point guard, at 6-foot-4, and has excellent speed. Payton is a terrific defender (2.3 steals per game) and an excellent rebounder (6 rebounds per game). The problem with Payton is that he is a poor three-point shooter (26 percent) and must work on his free-throws (61 percent). Boston is a perfect fit for Payton as his game is reminiscent of Rajon Rondo.

18. Phoenix Suns- Adreian Payne, Michigan State, Power Forward– If NBA teams weren’t so hungry for young players and potential, Adreian Payne would be a lock for a top-10 selection. Payne is a terrific athlete and is a good three-point shooter (42 percent). The big questions with Payne is whether or not he will develop a true post game at the next level.

19. Chicago Bulls- Shabazz Napier, Connecticut, Point Guard– One word to describe Shabazz Napier: clutch. Napier can create his own shot effectively while making plays for others (4.9 assists per game). Napier was the main reason the Huskies won the NCAA Tournament as he averaged 21.2 points and 5.5 rebounds in the tourney. The concern with Napier is on the defensive end as he may struggle staying in front of NBA point guards. Despite being a below average defender, he is a good enough offensive player to produce in the NBA.

20. Toronto Raptors– TJ Warren, North Carolina State, Small Forward– TJ Warren is a true small forward with an excellent offensive game (24.9 points per game) inside the three-point line. Warren uses an array of floaters and mid-range jumpers to dominate offensively. Warren is a rare small forward that doesn’t necessarily use a three-point shot in his game. The concern with Warren is whether he can score at a high clip in the NBA without possessing a deadly three-point shot?