Mar 28, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward
Glenn RobinsonIII (1) steals the ball from Tennessee Volunteers guard Josh Richardson (1) in the first half in the semifinals of the midwest regional of the 2014 NCAA Mens Basketball Championship tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
21. Oklahoma City Thunder — Clint Capela, PF/C, Switzerland
GM: Mark Bruty at Thunderous Intentions
Big athletic front court guy who can play a valuable role. Will likely be a draft and stash at least for a year while he develops. Is very raw but will give the Thunder some much needed depth (we all saw what happened when Serge went down) and plays both sides of the ball. Still quite raw, but all the tools to be a great NBA player. With the uncertain futures surrounding Perk and Collison moving forward – it’s a smart move.
22. Memphis Grizzlies — Cleanthony Early, F, Wichita State
GM: Xan Nikchevich at Beale Street Bears
Some might consider it a reach, but he could be a great fit in Memphis. His athleticism and ability to shoot the three while playing both small and power forward are things the Grizzlies would love to have. He will have to improve defensively a bit to defend star players at the NBA level, but all things considered Early is a really solid pickup.
23. Utah Jazz — Glenn Robinson III, SF, Michigan
GM: Cody Powers, Purple and Blues
The Jazz have a bit of a dilemma on their hands with the unknown status of restricted free agent, Gordon Hayward. From all the Jazz rumors thus far, it seems like the Jazz will do all they can to bring Hayward back. However, they need to be looking at a wing player here or in free agency. Robinson is a very athletic and explosive wing player who runs the court really well. He needs to improve his shot a little bit, but his chemistry with current Jazz point guard, and former Michigan standout, Trey Burke, could help elevate his game. Robinson could be a great role player off the bench for this young Jazz team.
24. New Orleans Hornets — P.J. Hairston, SG, North Carolina
GM: Reece Helms, Swarm and Sting
I didn’t think PJ would fall to 24th overall, but he did. Despite picking another guard with the 9th overall pick (Nik Stauskas) the Hornets are in need of some wing players who can shoot, and PJ fits the bill. Shabazz Napier would be another option for Charlotte if PJ is unavailable at 24.
25. Houston Rockets — Shabazz Napier, PG, Connecticut
GM: Brett Roberts at Space City Scoop
While Patrick Beverley has been impressive defensively, the Rockets still have Jeremy Lin under contract for one more season. Acquiring a third-string point like Shabazz Napier makes a lot of sense moving forward, especially since neither Beverley nor Lin have been overwhelmingly good. Both are serviceable as starters, but neither offer the hope of becoming All-Star caliber.
Napier may be lacking defensively, but that only makes him a better fit in Houston, where he will be able to flourish in the high octane offense. Adding a power forward makes a lot of sense, but there is a dearth of 4-men in this draft class, and none of the options available this late in the draft offer the hope of an immediate starter. Napier, meanwhile, could eventually evolve into a starting NBA point guard.
26. Miami Heat — DeAndre Daniels, SF, Connecticut
GM: Wes Goldberg at All U Can Heat
With Shane Battier retiring and Ray Allen possibly joining him, as well as the contracts of Rashard Lewis, Michael Beasley and James Jones coming off the books, the Miami Heat will be looking to improve their depth at the wing this offseason. Daniels came up big for the Huskies in the tournament and projects as a 3-and-D guy in the NBA. Daniels shot better than 41 percent from three last season. His 6’8” frame and 7’2” wingspan combined with his athleticism and shooting ability make for a good fit in Miami’s scheme.
27. Phoenix Suns — Jerami Grant, SF, Syracuse
GM: Eric Saar, Valley of the Suns
28. Los Angeles Clippers — Zach LaVine, SG/SF, UCLA
GM: Trisity Miller at Fully Clips
Didn’t think he’d be here, but the Clippers are taking Zach Lavine. Chris Paul would be the perfect target for the combo guard and he’d allow the Clips to save $$ by cutting Crawford. He’s super athletic and a proven shooter. The clippers can afford to wait for the rest of his game to fill in.
29. Oklahoma City Thunder — Jordan Adams, SG, UCLA
GM: Mark Bruty, Thunderous Intentions
It’s no secret that we need some scoring from the 2 spot and while there is very likelihood it comes in the off season via a trade there is no harm grabbing Adams.
He can take time to develop and by pushing Lamb a bit the Thunder could reap all sorts of rewards.
30. San Antonio Spurs — Mitch McGary, C, Michigan