ICYMI: The WBN 2014 NBA Mock Draft
By Tyler Cox
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#11 Denver Nuggets – Dario Saric SF 6’10 225 Croatia
Team Needs:Center, Shooting Guard, Small Forward
Explanation: I really like Dario Saric, and I think the Denver Nuggets will too. Some people have him listed as a power forward, but there is now way that he plays power forward in the league, just because of the way he moves. This guy can literally do it all, score, defend, run and pass. Saric led his team in scoring and averaged 4.2 assists a game. his court vision is outstandingly good. Think of a 6’10 Manu Ginobli. the Nuggets are in desperate need of some one with size at the small forward position, they aren’t any more.
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#12 Orlando Magic – Doug McDermott SF/PF 6’8 225 Creighton
Team Needs: Point Guard, Small Forward, Center
Explanation: One of the best scores the college ranks has ever seen is Doug McDermott. He has an above average outside shot and almost never misses with his turn around jumpers, oh and did I mention he is 6’8 almost 6’9? He reminds you of a slightly smaller Dirk Nowitzki his little turn around jumper. McDermott however is an interesting prospect, he isn’t quite fast enough to guard some one at the 3 but isn’t exactly strong enough to play the 4. As long as he is scoring though, it wont really matter. You can see it now, Exum making passes to a McDermott coming off the screen, and if he misses Tobias Harris is there to clean it up.
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#13 Minnesota Timberwolves – Rodney Hood SF 6’8 208 Duke
Team Needs: Small Forward, Shooting Guard, Power Forward
Explanation: Last July the Timberwolves signed Cory Brewer to a 3 year deal, which means he has only got 2 more seasons in Minnesota. Lets be honest, the Timberwolves over paid for him too, and the realize that, that’s why they more than likely will not re-sign Brewer after the two years are up. It’s time to look towards the future for them. They take Rodney Hood, who was important player on a very good Duke team this past year. I am not saying that Hood is the answer, but you have to start somewhere and Budinger and Cunningham aren’t getting the job done.
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#14 Phoenix Suns – James Young SG/SF 6’7 213 Kentucky
Team Needs: Small Forward, Center, Power Forward
Explanation: One of the biggest needs that the Suns need to fill is their small forward position. Some people may say that James Young doesn’t look like he can play 3, but he has the size, he can shoot it from the outside, and he can take his guy off the bounce, drive and score. If the Suns need him to they can use him as depth for their shooting guard position, but I think the Suns will give him a go at the small forward position. James Young will be an All-Star one day, there’ no doubt in my mind, whether its playing shooting guard or small forward, that remains to be seen.
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#15 Atlanta Hawks – TJ Warren PF 6’8 220 North Carolina State
Team Needs: Shooting Guard, Small Forward, Center
Explanation: TJ Warren is my sleeper of this entire draft. I absolutely love his game. Just like Doron Lamb had the nick name at Kentucky as “Buckets”, that’s the nick name that I am giving Warren. He is a man-child that will beat you down mentally and physically and put up 25 a game while doing it. The Atlanta Hawks are going to love this guy. Look out for TJ Warren.