Looking at Mid-Major 2014 NBA Draft Prospects

All of these players are in DraftExpress's Top 100 Prospects



Shayne Whittington, PF, Western Michigan

Whittington did not garner much national attention playing for Western Michigan, but that is why he is on this list. The 23 year old senior stands 6'11" and averaged 16 points and 9 rebounds per game last year. Whittington has shooting potential, but doesn't capitalize on it most of the time. Whittington will most likely go undrafted, but he could find himself on an NBA roster come October.

Sim Bhullar, C, New Mexico State

Sim Bhullar finds himself on this list for one reason: his height. Bhullar stand 7'5", making him the tallest player in the draft. He does not have much potential other than his tall frame. There is a small chance he will be drafted.

Xavier Thames, PG, San Diego State

Thames was one of the best point guards in the NCAA last year. There is no reason he isn't as high on draft boards as some of the other players in the draft. Thames absolutely killed it in the NCAA Tournament, leading his San Diego State team to the Sweet Sixteen. He can score, dish, and make plays like few others can. The only knock is his upside and the fact that he is 23. He looks like a second round pick or an undrafted free agent.

Cameron Bairstow, PF, New Mexico

One of three Lobos on this list, Bairstow was considered one of the most underrated players in the nation last year. He is a great shooter and has a game reminiscent of the Indiana Pacer's Luis Scola. Bairstow is looking like a late second round draft pick or an undrafted free agent by most, because he is 23 and not very athletic.

Alex Kirk, C, New Mexico

Kirk was supposed to be one of the best players in the nation last year, but he didn't pan out like many thought he would. Kirk was supposed to be able to put points in the basket now that he had a bigger role as a sophomore, but he stats virtually stayed the same in the sophomore year although he played more minutes. His shooting numbers went down, and his game didn't expand. Kirk is pegged as a second round draft pick or an undrafted free agent.

Alec Brown, C, Green Bay

How did we not know about this kid sooner? He is 7'1", a great shooter, and a nice jumper. He averaged 15.3 points per game on 42% shooting from the three-point line. He has the potential to be one of the best centers in the NBA. He is most likely a first or second round draft pick, and he can help a team win right away.

Kendall Williams, PG, New Mexico

The last New Mexico player on this list, Williams burst onto the scene last year with a 46 point performance against Colorado State, and he has stayed on the draft boards ever since. He was one of the most versatile point guards in the nation last year, averaging 16 points and 5 assists last season in a stacked Mountain West Conference that had teams like the Lobos, Nevada, San Diego State, and UNLV. Williams is a strong athlete and has good height at 6'4". Williams is pegged in the second round for the draft.

Khem Birch, PF, UNLV

Khem Birch is definitely one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft. He came into the NCAA as a top 20 recruit headed to Pittsburgh. He transferred just ten games into his freshman season, and now he is in the NBA Draft. His stock is based on his incredible athleticism and rebounding ability. He averaged 10.2 rebounds last year. His offensive game is not deadly outside of the post. He also blocked 3.8 blocks per game, a whole block more than K.J. McDaniels. Birch can be a first round draft pick, but he will most likely land in the second round.

Deonte Burton, PG, Nevada

Deonte Burton has been on draft boards for all four years of his career, and now he is finally in the draft. Burton is an explosive athlete, and has thrown down a few of the best dunks in college the last few years. The negative is that Burton is not a deadly shooter. Other than that, Burton is a solid prospect. He is a surefire second round pick and can make a team better instantly.

Elfrid Payton, PG, Louisiana-Lafayette

Payton is the best mid-major prospect in this draft. He destroyed the Sun Belt Conference, which is a lot better than you think it is. He also earned the NCAA's version of the Defensive Player of the Year Award. The only concern is his shooting, which can be fixed by a good coach. Payton is 20 years old, very young for a junior. His upside is incredible, and he looks like a first round pick, although he could slip to the second round.

Juvonte Reddic, PF, VCU

Reddic's athleticism is incredible, as is his rebounding ability. Reddic secures nearly every offensive rebound. Khem Birch and Reddic are seemingly carbon copies of each other. They both do not have a great offensive game outside of the lane, and they are both projected to be second round picks. Reddic, in my opinion, has more upside than Birch. They both should make instant impacts.

Cleanthony Early, SF, Wichita State

Early, along with Payton, are the only mid-major first-round locks in the draft this year. Early is incredibly athletic and has an improved jump shot. He flashed all of his tools in an NCAA Tournament game against Kentucky, where he dropped 31 in eye-opening fashion. Early's game is one of the best in the draft, but the only concern is his size. He is considered somewhat of a tweener, but it shouldn't matter going forward.

No Flop Zone's 2014 Mock Draft: Edition 2

 

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Andrew Wiggins, SF Kansas

If the Cavaliers keep this pick, they will most likely take Wiggins. But I believe that they will trade this pick to Minnesota for Kevin Love in an attempt to land LeBron in free agency.

2. Milwaukee Bucks: Joel Embiid, C Kansas

Embiid is most likely a long term project for the Bucks. Milwaukee might be on the edge of releasing Larry Sanders based on his issue-plagued career, so Embiid makes sense here.

3. Philadelphia 76ers: Jabari Parker, SF Duke

Parker to Philly has been a constant in my two mock drafts. The fit just makes sense. The long-awaited debut of Nerlens Noel will most likely be on the same night as Parker's debut, so the 76ers have a great future ahead of them.

4. Orlando Magic: Dante Exum, PG Australia

Another constant, Exum to Orlando is pretty much a done deal. Exum's size and length will make him a threat in Disneyworld.

5. Utah Jazz: Marcus Smart, PG Oklahoma State

Smart in a backcourt with Trey Burke would be a deadly combo for anyone in the league to handle.

6. Boston Celtics: Noah Vonleh, PF Indiana

Vonleh is considered a project, so spending time behind Jared Sullinger and Brandon Bass would help the Hoosier out.

7. Los Angeles Lakers: Zach LaVine, PG/SG UCLA

LaVine showed up at the NBA Combine; shooting great, performing in the drills, and testing well. LaVine showed he has point guard potential, and he can take over Steve Nash's role on the Lakers. This seems to be a little high for LaVine, but I believe he can make an immediate impact.

8. Sacramento Kings: Julius Randle, PF Kentucky

Randle in Sac-town would spell trouble for Western Conference foes. His finishing ability makes him a strong inside presence.

9. Charlotte Hornets: Dario Saric, PF Croatia

I believe Saric will bust, but most front offices disagree. I don't know why when I see that he cannot shoot, and he is very slow and unathletic. That doesn't offer much for a 6'10" point guard, besides height.

10. Philadelphia 76ers: Aaron Gordon, SF Arizona

Gordon and Jabari Parker on the same team???? Deadly....

11. Denver Nuggets: Jusuf Nurkic, C Bosnia & Herzegovina

Although he didn't even make the first round of my first mock, Nurkic has potential through the roof. The international center has a chance to make an immediate impact and also have great hair.

12. Orlando Magic: Gary Harris, SG Michigan State

The Magic are going to be stacked with great guards for the next few years.

13. Minnesota Timberwolves: Doug McDermott, SF Creighton

If Minnesota hangs on to this pick, they will take McDermott, so they have another shooter that can't play defense.

14. Phoenix Suns: James Young, SG/SF Kentucky

Young had an on-and-off freshman season in Lexington, but he hit buckets when they mattered. He also showed off his tremendous athleticism with some monster dunks in the tournament.

15. Atlanta Hawks: Rodney Hood, SG/SF Duke

DeMarre Carroll was good for Atlanta last year, but who would you rather start at the small forward?

16. Chicago Bulls: Tyler Ennis, PG Syracuse

The Bulls are going to need a real point guard for when Derrick Rose gets injured, and Kirk Hinrich just isn't getting the job done. Ennis needs to work some on his shot, but other than that he is a capable point guard.

17. Boston Celtics: Nik Stauskas, SG Michigan

Stauskas is a steal here at 17, and the Celtics can't pass him up.

18. Phoenix Suns: C.J. Wilcox, SG Washington

Wilcox remains the best shooter in the draft, and the Suns need a punch off the bench. Wilcox brings a deadly stroke to the table.

19. Chicago Bulls: Adreian Payne, PF/C Michigan State

Payne's combo of athleticism and shooting makes him a target in the middle of the first round.

20. Toronto Raptors: Jerami Grant, SF/PF Syracuse

I still think this pick makes too much sense to pass up.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder: T.J. Warren, SG/SF N.C. State

The wing depth the Thunder have needed for years has finally arrived in a 6'8" package named T.J.

22. Memphis Grizzlies: K.J. McDaniels, SF Clemson

One of the best jumpers in the draft, McDaniels has the potential to be as good as nearly anyone in this draft. He also fits Memphis's defensive minded system.

23. Utah Jazz: Kyle Anderson, SF UCLA

Kyle Anderson is a 6'9" point guard who averaged 15 points per game, 9 rebounds per game, and 7 assists per game. But the bad news is: he can't shoot and he is slow.

24. Charlotte Hornets: Shabazz Napier, UConn (PG, 6-1, 180)

Napier is one of the best point guards in the NBA Draft. He will get the opportunity to back up former UConn teammate Kemba Walker on the Hornets.

25. Houston Rockets: P.J. Hairston, SG Texas Legends (D-League)

Hairston's shooting ability will make him a threat at anytime in the league.

26. Miami Heat: Jordan Adams, SG UCLA

Adams will not catch any alley-oops for the Heat, but he fits in with their system of shooters, and Shane Battier and James Jones are getting old.

27. Phoenix Suns: Elfrid Payton, PG Louisiana-Lafayette

Payton has potential shooting through the roof. But his shooting is so bad he probably has hit the roof a few times. By the way, this picture is just funny. Look at the faces of Payton and Bobby Portis.

28. Los Angeles Clippers: Jordan Clarkson, PG Missouri

Clarkson fits the bill in Lob City. He is an athletic point guard who should be able to back up Chris Paul. Think of him as a taller Eric Bledsoe.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Jahii Carson, PG Arizona State

With Derek Fisher likely gone and Reggie Jackson entering a contract year, the Thunder pick up Carson, a speed demon who should be able to contribute to the Thunder.

30. San Antonio Spurs: Jarnell Stokes, PF Tennessee

If Tim Duncan ever retires, Stokes is a more fit replacement than Jeff Ayres or Aron Baynes. He also could threaten Tiago Splitter's starting job.

The "Awards" of the 2014 NBA Draft Class

Best Hair: Elfrid Payton, G Louisiana-Lafayette

It's not an afro, its kind of like a mix between an afro and a few cornrows, but I'm not a hair expert. All I know is that no one in this class will ever have better hair than Elfrid Payton. Scratch that, no one EVER will have better hair than Elfrid Payton.

Speediest Shorty: Jahii Carson, G Arizona State

Jahii Carson is eerily fast. Like he-could-beat-the-Flash-in-a-footrace fast. He is also shorter than about everyone in the draft. But he is fast and he can jump, so don't start hating.

Coolest Name: Fuquan Edwin, G Seton Hall

This one was pretty tough. Luckily, the first name Fuquan beat out some of his competitors (notably Bogdan Bogdanovic, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, JaKarr Sampson, Semaj Christon, and Will Sheehey) to take home the first ever No Flop Zone NBA Draft Class Coolest Name Award. That's going to have to be trademarked soon.

Really Great Scorer That No One Knows: Roberto Nelson, G Oregon State

If you are an Oregon State basketball player in the NBA, please stand up. Cue to Jared Cunningham being confused because he doesn't know if he is on an NBA team. But Roberto Nelson was among the NCAA leaders in scoring this season, doing it all himself (sorry Eric Moreland and Hallice Cooke). Nelson could land on a roster based on his scoring ability.

Team With Uncreative Uses of Alliteration: Memphis (Joe Jackson and Chris Crawford)

No mistake, these guards are great players. They most likely will go undrafted, but Crawford (3) and Jackson (1) could've had some help with coming up with a creative name that starts with the same letters. For example: Bogdan Bogdanovic is a great use of alliteration. Chris Crawford: Not so much.

Best Three-Part Name: Roy Devyn Marble, G Iowa

This one is kind of not fair, because Marble is the only person with a three-part name this year, unless I would take the time to look up C.J. Wilcox's and K.J. McDaniels full names.

Most Mentioned in this Article: Bogdan Bogdanovic, G Serbia

Ok, I mentioned Bogdan twice (see: Best Name, Most Uncreative Use of Alliteration). He hasn't won anything until this yet, so congratulations Bogdan!!!!!!

NBA Draft Lottery Odds and Top Team Wishes

14. Phoenix Suns
Odds of Getting First Pick: 0.5%
Wish List: Rodney Hood (SF, Duke), Zach LaVine (PG/SG, UCLA), Doug McDermott (SF, Creighton)




13. Minnesota Timberwolves
Odds: 0.6%
Wish List: James Young (SG/SF, Kentucky), Doug McDermott (SF, Creighton), Dario Saric (PF, Croatia)




12. New York Knicks (Pick goes to Orlando unless number 1 pick)
Odds: 0.7%
Wish List: Tyler Ennis (PG, Syracuse), Nik Stauskas (SG, Michigan), Zach LaVine (PG/SG, UCLA)




11. Denver Nuggets
Odds: 0.8%
Wish List: James Young (SG/SF, Kentucky), Kyle Anderson (PG, UCLA), Aaron Gordon (SF/PF, Arizona)




10. New Orleans Pelicans (Pick goes to Philadelphia unless number 1 pick)
Odds: 1.1%
Wish List: Dario Saric (PF, Croatia), Gary Harris (SG, Michigan State), Jusuf Nurkic (C, Bosnia and Herzegovina)




9. Cleveland Cavaliers
Odds: 1.7%
Wish List: Jusuf Nurkic (C, Bosnia and Herzegovina), Noah Vonleh (PF, Indiana), Dario Saric (PF, Croatia)




8. Detroit Pistons
Odds: 2.8%
Wish List: Marcus Smart (PG, Oklahoma State), Gary Harris (SG, Michigan State), Tyler Ennis (PG, Syracuse)




7. Sacramento Kings
Odds: 4.3%
Wish List: Aaron Gordon (SF/PF, Arizona), Noah Vonleh (PF, Indiana), Julius Randle (PF, Kentucky)


6. Los Angeles Lakers
Odds: 6.3%
Wish List: Dante Exum (PG, Australia), Aaron Gordon (SF/PF, Arizona), Julius Randle (PF, Kentucky)


5. Boston Celtics
Odds: 10.3%
Wish List: Noah Vonleh (PF, Indiana), Julius Randle (PF, Kentucky), Aaron Gordon (SF/PF, Arizona)


4. Utah Jazz
Odds: 10.4%
Wish List: Joel Embiid (C, Kansas), Dante Exum (PG, Australia), Julius Randle (PF, Kentucky)


3. Orlando Magic
Odds: 15.6%
Wish List: Joel Embiid (C, Kansas), Dante Exum (PG, Australia), Jabari Parker (SF, Duke)


2. Philadelphia 76ers
Odds: 19.9%
Wish List: Joel Embiid (C, Kansas), Jabari Parker (SF, Duke), Andrew Wiggins (SF, Kansas)


1. Milwaukee Bucks
Odds: 25%
Wish List: Andrew Wiggins (SF, Kansas), Jabari Parker (SF, Duke), Joel Embiid (C, Kansas)

Breaking Down Tennessee's Frantic Roster Turnover

Ever since former Southern Mississippi coach Donnie Tyndall was hired at the University of Tennessee following Cuonzo Martin's departure, the Volunteers basketball team has undergone rapid turnover. They have lost 10 players and signed 7 more. They still have one roster spot left, which is thought to be for one of three players: Tariq Owens, a power forward prospect; Darius Thompson, a point guard who was released from Tennessee but could come back, and Robert Carter Jr., a Georgia Tech power forward transfer.


Players Departing (12): Jordan McRae (graduation), Jarnell Stokes (NBA Draft), Antonio Barton (graduation), Jeronne Maymon (graduation), D'Montre Edwards (graduation), Quinton Cheivous (transfer), A.J. Davis (transfer), Darius Thompson (transfer), Larry Austin Jr. (release from Letter of Intent), Phil Cofer (release from Letter of Intent), Jordan Cornish (release from Letter of Intent), and C.J. Turman (release of Letter of Intent).


Players Incoming (7): Kevin Punter (JUCO transfer), Detrick Mostella (freshman), Jabari McGhee (freshman), Eric McKnight (Transfer; FGCU), Devon Baulkman (freshman), Ian Chiles (Transfer; IUPUI), and Willie Carmichael (freshman)


Players Staying (7): Galen Campbell (Jr. G), Robert Hubbs III (Soph. G), Brandon Lopez (Sr. G), Armani Moore (Jr. G), Rawane Ndaiye (Sr. C), Derek Reese (Jr. F), and Josh Richardson (Sr. G/F)


The Volunteers obviously lost more players than they brought in. They also lost more talent. McRae and Stokes are prepping for the NBA Draft. They are trying to make this the first time two Tennessee players have been drafted in the same year since Ernie Grunfeld and Bernard King were drafted in 1978. Maymon and Barton also started most of the games from last season. Darius Thompson played in all 37 games for the Volunteers, even starting a few games. Austin, Cofer, Cornish, and Turman were all signed under Cuonzo Martin, so when he left, they all left too. Austin is now signed with Xavier and Cofer is at Florida State. Turman is now with Florida Atlantic. A.J. Davis, Jordan Cornish, and Darius Thompson have not decided yet. There is still a small chance that Thompson could return to Tennessee.


Soon after all of the players left Tennessee, Coach Tyndall started to bring in players. The first was Kevin Punter, a JUCO All-American shooting guard. Mostella and McGhee were the next players to be brought in, both players that would be eligible for four years. Eric McKnight and Ian Chiles are both graduate students who have one year left. McKnight was a member of Florida Gulf Coast's "Dunk City" Sweet 16 Team, where he earned the nickname "McFlight". Chiles was one of the most heralded transfers, and he was rumored to be going to his hometown Louisville Cardinals. He averaged 15 points per game for IUPUI last season, and he and McKnight will be eligible to play to play right away. Devon Baulkman and Willie Carmichael are both big men that should be able to have immediate impacts.


There is much to be desired looking at Tennessee's returning players from last year. Galen Campbell and Brandon Lopez are backup point guards who appeared in a combined 15 games. Rawane Ndaiye is a 6'10" center who still might be cut from the team. Moore and Reese are both quality backups, but they do not have starting potential. That leaves possibly Tennessee's two best offensive options: Josh Richardson and Robert Hubbs III. Richardson broke out as a scorer in the NCAA Tournament last year. He will most likely be the first or second scoring option. Hubbs III was a five-star recruit. He most likely would have flourished at Tennessee last season if it weren't for a nagging shoulder injury that allowed him to play only 12 games last year.


Likely Starting Lineup:
G: Josh Richardson
G: Robert Hubbs III
G: Ian Chiles
F: Jabari McGhee
F: Eric McKnight

Funniest NBA Memes

For those of you that do not know, a meme is a picture with a special caption on it. Many social media accounts will make these and post them.

Happy Holidays

New Orleans Pelicans point guard Jrue Holiday did not have a happy season after he suffered a season-ending injury in the early stages of the season.

Choke Insurance

After a recent loss to the Thunder in the playoffs, Chris Paul's switched-at-birth twin Cliff Paul did not hesitate to let his brother know how her felt.

Best of Three Worlds??

Blake Griffin pours water on Batman, angering YouTube and Comedy Central star Keegan Michael-Key. Key channels one of his most famous videos to yell at Blake Griffin.

#OnlyLeBronThings

LeBron James is really into social media. He is so into social media that decides to take a selfie on the court to the infamous Selfie song. Kobe is disgusted by LeBron, like the rest of the world.

Carmelo Is Not Happy

Carmelo Anthony is the star of the New York Knicks, a team that has failed for a really, really long time. Carmelo plans on leaving unless he feels like New York supports him. At least they got rid of Jared Jefferies for him.

Pepperidge Farm

A famous internet joke, the Pepperidge Farm man remembers when recently slipping Nets star Deron Williams was actually pretty good.

SportsCenter Has Fallen

SportsCenter's known love of LeBron James has gone a little too far.

Lillard Time!!!!

Damian Lillard has emerged as one of the most clutch players in the NBA. His face will now be on the clutch of most cars in Portland.

Lillard Time Again!!!!!

After Damian Lillard hit the series winner against Houston in Game 6, someone decided to fix the Rockets Wikipedia page.

Nate Robinson is Not Amused

Kirk Hinrich of the Chicago Bulls wanted to have a tickle fight with former teammate Nate Robinson, but Robinson did not agree.

Flopman!

JaVale McGhee was very confused when he saw LeBron in a mask.

Bad Choice Mario....

Don't mess with him Mario. That was a bad choice.


The Master of the Memes

Chris Bosh is known for looking like a dinosaur. But most people are still convinced he is not a dinosaur.

Last, But Not Least....

Lets make a list of Chris Bosh aliases:
Boshosaurus
Boshtrich
Mahogany Phillips
Queen On The Scene
Photobomb King