The 2014 NBA Draft begins Thursday, and this year's prospects are some of the most talented players we've seen in years.
With top college stars Joel Embiid, Jabari Parker, and Andrew Wiggins eligible for selection, it will be difficult for teams with early first round picks to make a decision.
This year's NCAA tournament was notable because there was no clear "best" team, and unexpected rallies and close losses resulted in the first championship series between a No. 7 and a No. 8 seed. Such parity extends to the players, and NBA owners must weigh their team's current needs against the strengths and weaknesses of the 60 players vying for their chance to play in the pros.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have the No. 1 pick for the third time in four years, and after a disappointing performance from last year's pick, Anthony Bennett, the team needs to make sure they get this one right.
Draft expert Scott Howard-Cooper recommends Duke leader Jabari Parker because of his skills in both the small forward and power forward positions, and pegs him as being "NBA-ready." Canadian-turned-University of Kansas star Andrew Wiggins is also a possible No. 1 pick, but his half-court offense has been criticized, and it may take him longer to have NBA-level skills.
The beleaguered Milwaukee Bucks have the second pick, and the new player will join a team with a new owner, hopefully playing in a new arena. Kansas Jayhawks center Joel Embiid could be selected in light of the injuries and substance abuse issues Larry Sanders has faced, but Embiid has been plagued with injuries as well.
Despite understandable concerns about his health, Embiid is still considered "one of the best rim protectors in the country," and at only 20 years old, he will only get better.
Last season, Philadelphia tied for the longest losing streak in NBA history, and desperately need quality scorers and defenders on the court. Howard-Cooper said that Wiggins would be a "surge of energy" for the team, but also mentions Embiid as a possibility if a recovering Nerlens Noel is used in the power forward position.
NBA.com also points out that "with only one non-rookie contract (that of Thaddeus Young) that goes beyond next season (he has a $10 million option for 2015-16), [general manager] Sam Hinkie can mold his roster any way he wants." With Parker, Wiggins, and Embiid being the clear favorites, Hinkie will most likely choose the one who remains on the table after the Cavs and Bucks make their selections. In the early picks of the draft, the 76ers may have the easiest decision.
The draft will air live on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET, and will be streamed live on NBA.com.
