2014 Draft Prospects:

[Darth Divac]

I'm surprised people aren't talking more about Kyle Anderson. 6'9 point guards are extremely unique, and he just does it all-defense, rebounding, assists, scoring. He's even found his jumper since shooting .211 from 3 last year. He's already recorded a triple double, and I expect a couple more before the season ends. If he keeps stuffing the stat sheet to this extent and people start to notice him, he'll fly into top five convo real quick.

 

[Capt. Factorial]

I'm surprised people aren't talking more about Kyle Anderson. 6'9 point guards are extremely unique, and he just does it all-defense, rebounding, assists, scoring. He's even found his jumper since shooting .211 from 3 last year. He's already recorded a triple double, and I expect a couple more before the season ends. If he keeps stuffing the stat sheet to this extent and people start to notice him, he'll fly into top five convo real quick.

He's probably far too athletically limited to ever get top-5 conversation. He's got a unique skillset, but I know people worry about how to put together a defense with him in it. He's just somewhat of a strange fit. You could build a team around him to make it work, but he's probably not good enough to build a team around. Which means you have to find a way to plug him in. If his three-point shooting holds up this year, that job of plugging him in will get a lot easier.

Right now DraftExpress has him going at the end of the second round. I think that's way pessimistic and that he'd be a steal at any point in the second. I'd take him over, say, T.J. Warren (SF slotted in the late first round) without hesitation. But top-5 is out of reach, especially in this draft class.

 

[bajaden]

I'm surprised people aren't talking more about Kyle Anderson. 6'9 point guards are extremely unique, and he just does it all-defense, rebounding, assists, scoring. He's even found his jumper since shooting .211 from 3 last year. He's already recorded a triple double, and I expect a couple more before the season ends. If he keeps stuffing the stat sheet to this extent and people start to notice him, he'll fly into top five convo real quick.

First, Anderson has about as much chance of getting into the top five as I do. Which is none! Right now, he's struggling to get into the first round, and if he does, he'll be at the bottom of the first round. I really like Anderson, but there isn't any way on gods earth that he could guard an NBA PG. Right now, I can see him as a point forward, sort of the same role Scotty Pippin played for the Bulls. I think on the right team, he could be a good fit. He's a very good passer, and has excellent BBIQ. He's also improved his shot, and has proved to be good rebounder, at least at the college level. To be honest, he could struggle to defend at the SF position as well, but at least he has a fighting chance there. For him to be out there guarding the Chris Pauls of the world would be a nightmare.

Two of his teammates, Lavine, and Adams have a much better chance of breaking into the lottery, especially Lavine.

 

[Kingster]

I like Anderson. He obviously acquitted himself very well against Duke, which is a very athletic team. Not a top 5 pick, but top 15, I could easily see that. My question is his ability to defend. UCLA went zone in this game. I'd like to see his one on one defense.

As far as Lavine is concerned, he's a young kid who has superhuman powers. He just doesn't know what all these powers are or how to control them. He needs to stay in school another year. I'd like to see him with the ball in his hands as a point guard. He did a dribble drive drop off pass that you had to rewind to appreciate. I also saw him stick like glue to Hood, which is no mean feat. This kid has major offensive and defensive potential, but he's a risk because he's so raw. He has the ability to be a top 5 next year if he refines his game.

 

[bajaden]

I like Anderson. He obviously acquitted himself very well against Duke, which is a very athletic team. Not a top 5 pick, but top 15, I could easily see that. My question is his ability to defend. UCLA went zone in this game. I'd like to see his one on one defense.

As far as Lavine is concerned, he's a young kid who has superhuman powers. He just doesn't know what all these powers are or how to control them. He needs to stay in school another year. I'd like to see him with the ball in his hands as a point guard. He did a dribble drive drop off pass that you had to rewind to appreciate. I also saw him stick like glue to Hood, which is no mean feat. This kid has major offensive and defensive potential, but he's a risk because he's so raw. He has the ability to be a top 5 next year if he refines his game.

There's a reason teams play a zone. Especially teams that don't usually play a zone. Enough said. As for Lavine, the Kings are in a position to take some risks if that's their only choice. Lavine is growing on me. Certainly not my first choice, but he's going to be a talent. Just a matter of time. Right now, contrary to some impressions on the forum, we have time.

 

[Kingster]

There's a reason teams play a zone. Especially teams that don't usually play a zone. Enough said. As for Lavine, the Kings are in a position to take some risks if that's their only choice. Lavine is growing on me. Certainly not my first choice, but he's going to be a talent. Just a matter of time. Right now, contrary to some impressions on the forum, we have time.

I hope Lavine stays in school another year. His athletic ability far surpasses his basketball mind at this point of his development. He could easily be sitting on the bench for long stints in his early years of the NBA, whereas in college he can probably play a lot more and develop his skills. Still, if he decides to come out, and the Kings are around the 10th slot, they have to at least consider him. It would probably take balls of steel to take him because he's so raw and looking at him now is like looking through a very opaque windshield into the future, but the potential is great.

 

[Hallama]

I came here to ask about Anderson but you guys already had it covered. Thanks! I could see a team like the Spurs fitting Anderson into their system, it will be all about fit for him it sounds like.

As for Duke/UCLA - Parker reminds me most of Paul Pierce at this point. Love his talent/bbiq/intangibles too.

 

[hrdboild]

With Kentucky and Kansas playing at the same time, it was a tough choice to decide which game to watch but I went with Kansas and I know this has already been said again and again, but Embiid just continues to get better. He was unquestionably the best player on the floor today and he showed improvement in two key areas -- at the free throw line (where he made a respectable 9 of 12) and limiting his fouls (3 in 21 min, one of which was probably a bad call). He made quick decisive moves in the post looking like an NBA veteran at times. At this point I think you need a top 3 pick to have a chance at drafting him and he could quite likely go #1.

I don't think Wiggins gets enough credit for how good he is on the defensive end. Parker has completely overshadowed him as a scorer but if you watch a little more closely, Wiggins is impacting games too by working hard off the ball and doing a lot of little things which don't show up in highlight reels or boxscores. It was a bit of a rough game for him, particularly early on, with some dumb turnovers and missed shots. He wasn't a big factor offensively but he did make a couple of threes and a nice drive and dish (over the defender) play which has become one of his signature moves so far this season. He's unquestionably still a top 3 pick for me, though he's probably going to have a rough adjustment period as a rookie like McLemore has.

 

[Gilles]

At this point I feel that Wiggins is destined for a Paul George path of starting as impactful defensive role player, who would gradually expand his offensive game. Difference, of course, is that George was an excellent shooter entering the League, and Wiggins looks pretty average shooting from outside.

 

[bajaden]

At this point I feel that Wiggins is destined for a Paul George path of starting as impactful defensive role player, who would gradually expand his offensive game. Difference, of course, is that George was an excellent shooter entering the League, and Wiggins looks pretty average shooting from outside.

Well, to be honest, there isn't a lot of difference between them stat wise. Of course we only have a small sampling of Wiggins. But in George's last year, these are his stats.

Paul George: 42.4% FGP - 35.3% 3PP - 7.2 RPG - 2.2 SPG

Andrew Wiggins: 46.6% FGP - 35.1% 3PP - 5.5 RPG - 1.1 SPG

If anything, Wiggins has a better overall shooting percentage, and is almost identical from behind the arc. However, as I said, its a very small sampling for Wiggins, and so in my opinion, not really fair to compare at this point. Your right about one thing though. Both were, and are very good defensive players.

 

[Gilles]

As a freshman, when he still had a decent PG on his team, George shot .447 from beyond the arc.

 

[bajaden]

I thought I would post some stats from yesterday's games. Of course I've picked out only significant players.

Adreian Payne: Michigan St., 34 minutes, he scored 33 points on 10 of 13 shooting, hitting 2 of 5 from beyond the arc. He also went 11 for 12 from the freethrow line. He added 9 rebounds and 2 assists. What makes Payne so interesting, is that not only is he a good post player, he's turned himself into a good 3 point shooter. He's also a ruggedly built 6'10" player that likes to bang in the post.

Gary Harris: Michigan St., 29 minutes, he scored 19 points on 4 of 8 shooting and was 1 of 3 from beyond the arc. He went 10 of 11 from the freethrow line. He only had one rebound, but he added 5 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block. Harris is probably the best known/unknown player. Although he's a SG, and a good one, he's a very good passer who is capable of playing lead guard if needed. He's also a good defender. He doesn't get much press, but don't be surprised if you see him picked in the top 14.

Cameron Ridley: Texas, 31 minutes, he scored 17 points on 5 of 10 shooting. He went 7 of 10 from the freethrow line. He added 9 rebounds, and 1 steal. Ridley is sort of the forgotten man from the class of 2012. He didn't get a lot of playing time last season even though he was a top 20 player coming out of highschool. Its starting to look like the 6'10" PF is finally making his mark.

Marcus Smart: Oklahoma St., 32 minutes, he scored 18 points on 6 or 13 shooting, but was only 1 of 5 from beyond the arc. He was 5 of 8 from the freethrow line. He had zero rebounds, only 3 assists, and 1 steal. It appears that Smart's 3 point shot is starting to look a lot like last years 3 point shot. I know a lot of people love Smart, but I'm still not sold on him.

Joel Embiid: Kansas, 21 minutes, he scored 17 points on 4 of 4 shooting, and was 9 of 12 from the freethrow line. He added 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 blocked shot. Embiid is starting to pick up more of the scoring load as the year progresses, and that's something no one expected. He had a very good game, and although he only blocked one shot, he certainly altered quite a few more. This kid just keeps getting better and better.

Andrew Wiggins: Kansas, 33 minutes, he scored 12 points on 3 of 10 shooting and was 2 of 5 from beyond the arc. He was 4 of 4 from the freethrow line. He also only had 1 rebound, but added 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 blocked shot. It wasn't one of Wiggins better shooting games, but he did at least help on the defensive side of the ball. He needs to rebound better though. I haven't changed my mind about Wiggins. I still think he's going to be a special player down the road.

Johnny O'Bryant: LSU, 26 minutes, he scored 17 points on 6 of 12 shooting while going 5 of 7 from the freethrow line. He added 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocked shots. The 6'9" senior PF is quietly having a very nice year. O'Bryant is a very solid player, and I can see him as a good journeyman in the NBA. I have him going in the second round.

Julius Randle: Kentucky, 28 minutes, he scored 29 points on 8 of 10 shooting, and missed his only 3 point attempt. He also went 13 for 19 from the freethrow line. He added 10 rebounds and 1 blocked shot. Just another day in the life of Randle. He has a knack for getting to the line. Something that will be very useful if it carries over to the NBA. He's definitely a rebound eater.

Willie Cauley-Stein: Kentucky, 31 minutes, he scored 16 points on 8 of 10 shooting. He added 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 blocked shots. I'm still amazed how well Stein runs the floor for a player of his size. He and Embiid are both rare in that they can both guard on the perimeter, and still get back to the basket to block a shot.

Aaron Harrison: Kentucky, 27 minutes, he scored 23 points on 7 or 16 shooting, but was 1 of 5 from beyond the arc. He went 8 for 11 from the freethrow line. He also added 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 1 blocked shot. Except for his three point shooting, Aaron had a very nice game. I think both the Harrison twins have been struggling a bit to find their games. Its always an adjustment coming from highschool, where a lot of these players were allowed to play the way they wanted, and now they have to adjust to disciplined style of offense and defense. It usually takes them a while to refind their mojo. Its particularly hard for PG's. Kentucky's record doesn't look as good as, lets say UCLA's, but when you compare schedules, there is no comparison. While UCLA was feasting on mid level schools early on, Kentucky was playing all the top ranked schools, as was Duke, Kansas, and Michigan. However, that tough schedule usually pays off once into the tourney.

 

[Bibby10AZ]

No love for aaron Gordon on here?

 

[Gilles]

Kings already have Derrick Williams.

 

[bajaden]

No love for aaron Gordon on here?

I was reporting on the games that were played on that day. Arizona didn't play, thus, no report on Gordon.

 

[bajaden]

My top 15 as of today. This is not how I think they will fall on draft day, but I have them in order of my own priorities. In other words, who I would take next if the player or players above him are gone.

1. Joel Embiid: 7 ft center.
2. Jabari Parker: 6'8" SF
3. Andrew Wiggins: 6'8" SF
4. Dante Exum: 6'6" PG/SG
5. Julius Randle: 6'9.5" PF
6. Willie Cauley-Stein: 7 ft center
7. Noah Vonleh: 6'10" PF
8. Marcus Smart: 6'4" SG
9. Aaron Gordon: 6'9" PF
10. Rodney Hood: 6'8" SF
11. Zach Lavine: 6'5" SG/PG (I suspect he's not declaring for the draft, but if he does, then this is where I have him)
12. Wayne Selden: 6'5" SG
13. Semaj Christon: 6'3" PG
14. Andreian Payne: 6'10" PF
15. Sam Dekker: 6'7" SF

Dekker may end up higher by years end. There's a reason why Wisconsin is ranked as high as it is, and the reason is Dekker.

 

[Glenn]

My top 15 as of today. This is not how I think they will fall on draft day, but I have them in order of my own priorities. In other words, who I would take next if the player or players above him are gone.

1. Joel Embiid: 7 ft center.
2. Jabari Parker: 6'8" SF
3. Andrew Wiggins: 6'8" SF
4. Dante Exum: 6'6" PG/SG
5. Julius Randle: 6'9.5" PF
6. Willie Cauley-Stein: 7 ft center
7. Noah Vonleh: 6'10" PF
8. Marcus Smart: 6'4" SG
9. Aaron Gordon: 6'9" PF
10. Rodney Hood: 6'8" SF
11. Zach Lavine: 6'5" SG/PG (I suspect he's not declaring for the draft, but if he does, then this is where I have him)
12. Wayne Selden: 6'5" SG
13. Semaj Christon: 6'3" PG
14. Andreian Payne: 6'10" PF
15. Sam Dekker: 6'7" SF

Dekker may end up higher by years end. There's a reason why Wisconsin is ranked as high as it is, and the reason is Dekker.

If I had been asked to rate my top 10, I would have been very close to your ratings. Kinda surprises me, actually. Great minds and all that. The tall guys are moving up in your estimation and mine but I'm not sure the rest of the world has caught up. I hope not. 1-6 stand out above the rest in my mind. As best as anyone can tell, I think all 6 will be stars for us because of our specific needs. 1-10 would significantly help the Kings and I really know little about the rest. It is interesting how few sure fire PGs there are this time around. My point is that we need to try to find ourselves a PG quickly and depend on the draft to solve other problems.

Nothing is a 100% surety. Someone will ask if any of us can guarantee how great these people will be. I can't guarantee anything but let's just say I am damn sure. There is no well functioning crystal ball and the FO will have to do as best it can as best it can.

I am grateful for what you do and I wish more people would pay attention and understand the significance of the results of your efforts.

 

[randymoss1881]

I love the fact that we can't go wrong drafting in the top 5 (top 3 hopefully). All the prospects fit a need at our positions I would rank them:

1. Embiid: a shot blocker and defender next to Cousins. Teams wouldn't be able to match up with us who would there PF guard Between the 2, Embiid is 7ft with post moves and a good passer. I think Embiid wi be the best player in the draft and will be the best center in the league in 5 years time.
Comparison: Andrew Bynum (he has the same scoring skill set)

2. Wiggins: I like parker better but for our team I would take wiggins. He doesn't need the ball to be effective and he cuts and is a beast in transition. I'd put him over parker for us because he will be an all nba 1st team defender which we need and with mclemore getting better at defense we would become a very good perimeter defensive team. With DMC and Ben here he would be a great #2
Comparison: Prime Shawn Marion (with a better shot and a little better a creating)

3. Parker: with questionable defense I d put him here but I love him. He's gonna put up 20+ ppg with good efficincy DMC and Parker would be top 5 in scoring combo for a decade and he is a high character player.
Comparison: Paul Peirce

 

[Kingster]

"Marcus Smart: Oklahoma St., 32 minutes, he scored 18 points on 6 or 13 shooting, but was only 1 of 5 from beyond the arc. He was 5 of 8 from the freethrow line. He had zero rebounds, only 3 assists, and 1 steal. It appears that Smart's 3 point shot is starting to look a lot like last years 3 point shot. I know a lot of people love Smart, but I'm still not sold on him."

That ain't good.

 

[bajaden]

"Marcus Smart: Oklahoma St., 32 minutes, he scored 18 points on 6 or 13 shooting, but was only 1 of 5 from beyond the arc. He was 5 of 8 from the freethrow line. He had zero rebounds, only 3 assists, and 1 steal. It appears that Smart's 3 point shot is starting to look a lot like last years 3 point shot. I know a lot of people love Smart, but I'm still not sold on him."

That ain't good.

That's why I was reserving judgment on Smart. A couple of games does not a season make. The other thing that bothers me, is that I'm not sure he's a PG. His assist numbers don't blow me away. However, I do realize he can't make shots for his teammates. I just see him as more of a combo guard, which is alright, as long as he can hit an outside shot. I could be wrong, I've been wrong plenty of times.

 

[bajaden]

Watched several games yesterday. Louisville/Kentucky game was a good one. Randle just dominated in the frist half, but suffered with severe leg cramps in the second half, and didn't play more than a few minutes without taking a shot. Very impressed with the defense of Cauley-Stein. If one looked only at the box score, you'd think he had a terrible game. This was one of those games you had to see, to really know how he played. Stein only scored 2 pts in the game on 1 of 3 shooting. But he grabbed 10 boards and blocked 3 shots. That doesn't tell the whole story. Several times during the game, Stein was isolated on the perimeter with either Russ Smith, a lightning quick PG, or Chris Jones, another very quick guard. Neither could take Stein off the dribble and get past him, and on every occasion, except one, where Smith tried to shoot over Stein, and missed, they gave up the ball.

Stein's lateral quickness, combined with his great length, makes it possible for him to guard just about anybody on the perimeter. What makes him more appealing, is his ability to guard on the perimeter, and still get back to the basket and block or alter a shot. I doubt he'll ever be a good offensive player, but on our team, all he has to do on offense is rebound, and not get in the way. Tyson Chandler, whom he's been compared to, springs to mind. If at worse, we end up with him, I'm a happy man.

 

[bajaden]

Other notes I took from yesterday. Sam Dekker is really growing on me. Very heady player and a pretty darned good athlete. He can score in a variety of ways. Good outside shooter, and quite capable of driving to the basket. Moves without the ball very well, and is the recipient of many backdoor passes. Good rebounder for his size (6'7"), and a willing passer. He's also a pertty good defender. While not blessed with great lateral quickness, its still better than average, and he works hard on the defensive end of the floor. He's one of the main reasons that Wisconsin is a top rated team this season. Yesterday he played 26 minutes, and scored 16 pts on 6 of 10 shooting while grabbing 11 boards.

Jabari Parker just keeps marching on. Another good game for him, as he continues to prove game after game that he's probably the most NBA ready player in this draft. 27 minutes and 23 pts on 9 of 20 shooting, 8 rebounds, one assist and 2 blocked shots. His defense is improving game by game. He just a lot of fun to watch.

Rasheed Sulaimon has apparently worked his way out of the doghouse and is starting to contribute again. Good to see! He was hardly getting any minutes when the season started, and apparently coach K wasn't too thrilled with his effort in practice. Its rumored that Sulaimon thought he was going to be one of the main players this season based on what he accomplished last season. Coach K thought you still have to earn those minutes. Anyway, he played well yesterday. 22 minutes and 13 pts. He only took 3 shots but hit two of them, while he went to the line 11 times. He also had 2 boards and 2 steals.

Back to Kentucky, who I thought played one of their best games yesterday, especially from a defensive point of view. They're starting to look more like a final four team. Alex Poythress is starting to figure out how to play off the bench. He played solid defense, and in 21 minutes he had 7 pts on 3 of 4 shooting while grabbing 5 boards. One of the most impressive players yesterday for Kentucky was Young. Despite his poor shooting percentage, he was just all over the court, playing terrific defense and grabbing rebounds. In 36 minutes, he scored 18 pts on 5 or 17 shooting, but went 3 of 8 from beyond the arc, while going to the line 9 times. He added 10 boards, 1 steal, and 1 blocked shot to go along with 4 assists.

 

[SacKings2002NBAChampions]

Is it just me or is Kansas really holding back Wiggins true potential. It seems like they have every play in the book for Embiid; however, I haven't seen a single play run for Wiggins. Wiggins has an incredible ability to drive to the basket and convert with 3 players on him. His athleticism also allows him to convert those and 1's quite comfortably. I haven't seen someone so composed after making an and 1basket. He knows he's a top notch talent. However, he doesn't drive enough. It's almost as if he's afraid to have a bad game which is understandable. I think Wiggins would benefit from withdrawing from the draft this year. He's not NBA ready for sure and reminds me a lot of Ben Mac (with obviously more ability and raw talent) in the NBA right now. They both look lost in their respective squads. So, I think he'd need a couple years in the NBA to actually make a large impact for a franchise. Why not stay another year to gain some experience, confidence, and go into the NBA with full belief in his ability to be a star.

As for Embiid, this man is an absolute star. He has been playing basketball for 3 years?! You've got to be kidding me. His post moves are out of this world. His athleticism and post defense is WOW. I love his hustle and basketball IQ. This guy will be the #1 player from this upcoming draft. The only other player I think that will have a better immediate impact is Julius Randle.
I don't believe in the Jabari Parker hype but that's mostly because I prefer Wiggins when it comes to personalities so I've always had something against Parker. Anyhow, this draft will be packed! So interesting.

To the person above that said something about Micic, ha. He might be drafted high, but that will be the biggest mistake an NBA club has ever made. He belongs nowhere near the NBA. Too slow, no athleticism and his defense is abysmal against quick guards. He would enjoy a great career in the D-League

I much prefer someone like Hezonja. A quick and incredibly athletic guard. He is a better version of Dragic from the Suns.

 

[SacKings2002NBAChampions]

My top 15 as of today. This is not how I think they will fall on draft day, but I have them in order of my own priorities. In other words, who I would take next if the player or players above him are gone.

1. Joel Embiid: 7 ft center.
2. Jabari Parker: 6'8" SF
3. Andrew Wiggins: 6'8" SF
4. Dante Exum: 6'6" PG/SG
5. Julius Randle: 6'9.5" PF
6. Willie Cauley-Stein: 7 ft center
7. Noah Vonleh: 6'10" PF
8. Marcus Smart: 6'4" SG
9. Aaron Gordon: 6'9" PF
10. Rodney Hood: 6'8" SF
11. Zach Lavine: 6'5" SG/PG (I suspect he's not declaring for the draft, but if he does, then this is where I have him)
12. Wayne Selden: 6'5" SG
13. Semaj Christon: 6'3" PG
14. Andreian Payne: 6'10" PF
15. Sam Dekker: 6'7" SF

Dekker may end up higher by years end. There's a reason why Wisconsin is ranked as high as it is, and the reason is Dekker.

I think you are drafting Randle too low. I think he's a top 3 pick. Him and Embiid are the most NBA ready players from what I've seen thus far. Aaron Gordon will probably be drafted by the kings

 

[Gilles]

Randle struggled every time he met NBA-level frontcourt. Bully-ball from mid-sized bigs doesn't work as 1st or 2nd offensive option in the League. Sure he will probably score at will against NBA benchers, but you don't draft him top-5 for that. Doesn't play defense at all. I mean Al Jefferson or Zach Randolph are very good defenders compared to him.
Aaron Gordon is run&jump athlete who struggles to defend laterally and lacks skills for either forward spot. He's basically Thomas Robinson without rebounding and some perimeter defense.
P.S. Ridiculous stat: after 386 minutes played Randle has 1(one) steal. That has to raise the question about lack of anticipation and reaction.

 

[Glenn]

Randle struggled every time he met NBA-level frontcourt. Bully-ball from mid-sized bigs doesn't work as 1st or 2nd offensive option in the League. Sure he will probably score at will against NBA benchers, but you don't draft him top-5 for that. Doesn't play defense at all. I mean Al Jefferson or Zach Randolph are very good defenders compared to him.
Aaron Gordon is run&jump athlete who struggles to defend laterally and lacks skills for either forward spot. He's basically Thomas Robinson without rebounding and some perimeter defense.
P.S. Ridiculous stat: after 386 minutes played Randle has 1(one) steal. That has to raise the question about lack of anticipation and reaction.

I clearly haven't watched as much of these people as you have but I think Randle is a force of nature as a PF. I really like him. My major problem, knowing we are supposed to pick BPA as if we can predict the future, is he doesn't fit at all on the Kings. Gordon has left me cold. He's a tweener as you have said but I suspect much bigger BBIQ than Robinson. Neither are people I would be aiming for. I want, in this order, Embiid, Exum, and Cauley-Stein. I am picking based on need (gasp) but the people clustered around them aren't head and shoulders better or worse. So it depends on where we pick.

Wiggins leaves me cold which leaves me as an outlier among ALL college experts. That's why I am not an expert.

My opinions are definitely subject to change.

 

[funkykingston]

I think you are drafting Randle too low. I think he's a top 3 pick. Him and Embiid are the most NBA ready players from what I've seen thus far. Aaron Gordon will probably be drafted by the kings

I'll be interested to see how Randle measures up at the combine. To my eyes he's significantly taller than Larry Johnson or Corliss Williamson (who both came in at 6' 6 1/2" in bare feet I believe) so I don't think he'll have to transition to SF or a be a perimeter player on the next level but I don't see him regularly overpowering guys in the NBA. Imagine if Boogie gets his wish for a starting C that would let him move to the four. Does anyone envision Randle manhandling Big Cuz? Or Zach Randolph. I'm not saying he doesn't have a chance to be a great pro, he definitely does, but it takes a little more imagination to see him finding his niche vs more plug-and-play options like Wiggins, Parker, Embiid or Cauley-Stein.

Count me among those who aren't smitten with Marcus Smart. He has combo guard written all over him. I may be alone but I see him as a stronger, less explosive Steve Francis type player.

Part of why I'm not concerned if the Kings start playing better ball to finish the season is that I see WCS and Vonleh as great consolation prizes that would fit great next to Cousins. In any draft you take the best player and I wouldn't let the presence of Gay and Williams dissuade me from nabbing Wiggins or Parker but it would be an added bonus to grab Embiid, Cauley-Stein, Vonleh or Exum where they would allow the team to continue to start Gay without feeling like he was taking minutes from a prized rookie.

Exum would be nice in that he could either push IT (assuming he's resigned) back to the sixth man role I think he's best suited for AND allow him to play alongside Thomas for stretches with Exum guarding the opposing SG.

Some of these guys that we view as can't miss prospects will dissapoint or be outright busts. That's just the nature of the draft. But I like the Kings' odds of improving regardless of whether they are drafting 1st or 8th.

 

[Dreadnought]

My top 6 right now (not in draft order, just my preference). I would be incredibly stoked to see any of these players become a King.

1. Joel Embiid
2. Jabari Parker
3. Andrew Wiggins
4. Julius Randle
5. Dante Exum
6. Marcus Smart

 

[Hadlowe]

I think you are drafting Randle too low. I think he's a top 3 pick. Him and Embiid are the most NBA ready players from what I've seen thus far. Aaron Gordon will probably be drafted by the kings

Randle has the potential to be great, but he is clearly just physically overpowering the kids he is playing in college right now. That won't often be the case in the NBA, and we'll have to see how he develops his game further.

Embiid is the sole player in the top seven that I worry about flat-out busting. Like Randle, he has the physical tools to dominate in college, but is so new to the game that you can't really tell if he will be more Olajuwon or Olowokandi. It's going to take him a couple of years to polish his game with the Kings being in Win Now mode after this draft.

 

[Gilles]

Embiid is already pulling off moves only a few in NBA can, he's rebounding and playing defense at elite level, granted he has no problem to get into foul trouble while doing that. When he's on the floor, Embiid is a clear #1 option. All this with only 3 years of experience. The main thing that can really stop him is inability to improve his lower body strength-wise, and he already put on 10 pounds since the summer, though that could just be extra chips and hamburgers.