ICYMI: The WBN 2014 NBA Mock Draft
By Tyler Cox
Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
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#21 Oklahoma City Thunder – PJ Hairston Jr. SG 6’5 229 North Carolina
Team Needs: Shooting Guard, Center, Point Guard
Explanation: The Thunder will be hesitant to take Hairston after all his off court woes at North Carolina, but after the workouts and the combine, Hairston proved he is too good of a player to be overlooked for his problems. The Thunder also take care of their number one need in a shooting guard when they draft Hairston.
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#22 Memphis Grizzlies – Clint Capela PF/C 6’11 222 Chalon
Team Needs:Shooting Guard, Small Forward, Power Forward
Explanation: Clint Capela has a pretty good vertical for a guy of his size. He is an extremely smart basketball player and is fundamentally sound. If he can’t out muscle you, which wouldn’t happen often, he will just out smart you and still score on you or block your shot. You have to be on your game when you matchup against him. Also, Zach Randolph is nearing the end of his career and I honestly can’t think of another person left in this draft that would as perfect to take Randolph’s spot when he leaves.
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#23 Utah Jazz – Glen Robinson III SF 6’7 211 Michigan
Team Needs: Small Forward, Shooting Guard, Center
Explanation: Glen Robinson was one of the leaders on the great team that Michigan had this past year. That’s something that the Jazz need, not to mention a small forward, which Robinson is. Robinson doesn’t do anything particularly great he just does everything well, making him a very versatile player, also, what the Jazz need after losing Milsap. I like this pick.
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#24 Charlotte Hornets – Jerami Grant SF 6’8 214 Syracuse
Team Needs:Power Forward, Shooting Guard, Center
Explanation: I was half way tempted to have Charlotte taking Shabazz Napier with this pick and have him reunited with Kemba Walker, I realized the Hornets needed to fill other positions first. Priorities. I don’t mean to come off as someone against Jerami Grant, but I am just not sold on all the hype that surrounds him and that had surrounded him in college. That said, he still is a better than average prospect and still has first round potential. He showed glimpses in college to dominate his matchup at times.
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#25 Houston Rockets – Cleanthony Early PF 6’7 209 Wichita State
Team Needs:Power Forward, Small Forward, Shooting Guard
Explanation: With Chandler Parson possibly gone, the Houston Rockets will need to find a replacement and/or depth at the small forward position. I’m not saying Cleanthony Early will come in and the Rockets not miss a beat, but as Early proved in his tournament game against Kentucky, he is no push over.