NBA Draft

For the second consecutive year the Cleveland Cavaliers selected a Canadian born player with the number one pick in the NBA Draft.  As expected, Cleveland  chose Andrew Wiggins with the top selection.  This is the third time the Cavaliers have owned the rights to the first pick in the last four years.  Kyrie Irving is one of the best players in the NBA under 25 years of age.  Anthony Bennett struggled during his rookie campaign.  Last years number one pick didn't look comfortable until the latter stages of the NBA season.  Cleveland cannot afford to miss on this pick.

The Lakers made a great selection with Julius Randle at number seven.  Randle could turn out to be the best player in the draft.  He has a great combination of power and skill.  His lack of experience on the college level may keep him off the court initially.  In the long run his game should transition to the NBA well.  We may be looking at the next Zack Randolph in Randle.

The most interesting selection of the draft could be Marcus Smart at number six.  Smart earned himself the reputation as a bad boy at Oklahoma State.  The Boston Celtics now have insurance at the point guard position in case they decide to shop Rajon Rondo.  Smart played off the ball for much of his college career.  At 6'3 he will be forced to handle the ball more to stay on the court.  Smart reminds me of Dwayne Wade based on his frame and skill set.

Jabari Parker is arguably the most NBA ready player in this years draft.  The Chicago native attended the same high school as Derrick Rose.  The Milwaukee Bucks got the best player for their organization going forward.  Parker is no stranger to the spotlight.  Expect him to assume a leadership role early on.  I anticipate him averaging between 16 and 21ppg next season.  We may be looking at the 2015 NBA Rookie of The Year in Parker.


Philadelphia drafted an injured big man for the second consecutive year.  Jeol Embiid's numbers are similar to Patrick Ewing as a college freshman.  To ignore his star potential would be foolish.  However, the stress fracture he was recently diagnosed with makes him a risky selection.  Injury riddled big men can cripple a franchises chances of winning a championship.  If he can manage to stay healthy Embiid should have a long and productive NBA career.

Tyler Ennis was a confusing pick at 18.  The Canadian born point guard has a feel for the game beyond his years.  He was the best passer available on the draft board.  Phoenix is stacked at the point guard position.  Minutes may be difficult to come by for Ennis early on.  He will have to overcome his lack of athleticism.  Jim Boeheim calls Ennis the smartest player he's ever coached.  That speaks volumes coming from a Hall-of-Fame coach.

LeBron James is a fan of Shabazz Napier.  The Miami Heat acquired Napier via trade from the Charlotte Hornets.  Napier captured two NCAA Championships at Connecticut.  He averaged 17.4ppg and 4.9apg during his senior year in college.  Mario Chalmers may have just become expendable.  Miami struggled at the point guard position down the stretch.  The Heat are looking to improve at every position.

This is believed to be the best draft since 2003.  Freshman were selected with the top three picks. At least five years must pass before we know where this draft stands in NBA history.