Cleveland Cavaliers Draft Review

1. Andrew Wiggins, SF Kansas Fr. (6-9, 200)
If the Cavaliers were too scared off by Embiid, then Wiggins is absolutely the right pick. I understand the appeal of Jabari Parker, but a player who not only doesn't have the physical ability to be an above-average defender, but also doesn't give much effort or attention on that end shouldn't be the top overall pick. That goes doubly so when the team drafting there is built around a core of other lackadaisical defensive players. Wiggins may not be the offensive player Parker is yet, but he is a plus in that area as well as on defense, where Parker is a minus. Wiggins should play 30+ minutes a game, every game next season for the Cavaliers and help them be a better team in the short term, but also develop into a superstar long term.

32. Joe Harris, SG Virginia Sr. (6-6, 215)

After taking Wiggins number 1, the Cavs dipped into the college Senior pool for two low-risk picks that have a good chance of panning out as role players. Joe Harris has the better chance to stick because he can make three-point shots and play very hard on the defensive end. Harris is limited athletically and has short arms, making it unlikely that he will be anything more than average defensively. Still, giving effort on defense is more than you can say for the rest of the Cavs guards. Another plus for Harris is he doesn't need to have the ball in his hands to contribute offensively, which also differentiates him from Cleveland's guards.

45. Dwight Powell, PF Stanford Sr. (6-11, 234)

Powell came over to the Cavs in a trade involving Alonzo Gee, and though he is just a second round pick, he has a chance to make the Cavs roster because he is athletic and can shoot. His three-point shot dropped off this last season, but his stroke is good and he should be able to be at the very least an average midrange shooter. Due to his athleticism and length, Powell should be able to hold his own defensively as well. While he is no lock to make the roster, as a fifth big man with upside, you can certainly do worse

Projected Lineup
PG: Kyrie Irving/Jarrett Jack
SG: Dion Waiters/Joe Harris/Sergey Karasev
SF: Andrew Wiggins/
PF: Tristan Thompson/Anthony Bennett/Dwight Powell
C: Anderson Varejao/Tyler Zeller

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2014 NBA Draft Top 40 Rankings

Tier 1: High-Ceiling Game Changers

1. Joel Embiid, C Kansas Fr. (7-1, 265)

What Works Now

Size, fluidity, and athleticism. Embiid has burgeoning offensive ability and plays top level defense. He has the potential to be a dominant player on both ends of the court who averages 20 and 10 with All-NBA defense.

What Doesn't

Possibly his back, which obviously would have a huge impact on his career. 

2. Andrew Wiggins, SF Kansas Fr. (6-9, 200)

What Works Now

Top level physical gifts, including an mind-bending first step. Special scoring ability in transition and off the dribble, very good shooting stroke with improving consistency. DPOY potential with excellent present ability in that area.

What Doesn't

Strength handling the ball, overall polish and consistency.

3. Dante Exum, G Australia (6-6, 196)

What Works Now

Tall, athletic guard with long arms and quickness. Excellent playmaking and ball-handling skills with natural ability to create for himself and others. Ceiling is a top 5 point guard with great defense, floor is a skilled shooting guard with average defense.

What Doesn't

Consistent shooting. Polish and experience running an offense.

Tier 2: High-Floor Game Changers

4. Jabari Parker, F Duke Fr. (6-9, 235)

What Works Now
Offense. Parker can score all over the floor, in the post, from deep, as well as handle the ball and pass. A potential efficient 25+ point scorer in his prime.

What Doesn't
Defense. Parker can struggle moving laterally and vertically and, most troubling of all, gives poor effort defensively. 

5. Julius Randle, PF Kentucky Fr. (6-9, 250)

What Works Now

High-effort, physical post scorer that can command double teams. Also and excellent rebounder and foul magnet. Has shown the ability to shoot the ball from the outside as well. Potential 20-10 power forward.

What Doesn't

Ability to score against top size and length and consistent shooting stroke. Likely won't be much more than an average defensive player.

Tier 3: Early Starters (Who Could Become Game Changers)

6. Noah Vonleh, PF Indiana Fr. (6-10, 247)

What Works Now

Physical tools, toughness, motor, rebounding, defense and burgeoning offensive abilities. Vonleh's best offensive weapon is his jumpshot, which really improved throughout the season. 

What Doesn't

Vonleh needs to improve and polish his ability to score inside and overall just gain experience. Short track record of consistent shooting. Despite apparent offensive ability, wasn't a big time scorer in college on a team that needed offense.

7. Aaron Gordon, PF Arizona Fr. (6-9, 220)

What Works Now

Defense. Gordon has the physical ability as well the toughness, motor, and instincts to be an special defensive player capable of guarding both wings and big. Athleticism and instincts to make an impact on the glass, passing the ball, and in the open court. Plays smart and very hard.

What Doesn't

Offense. Outside of dunks and lobs, not much of a threat to score. Shot needs serious work, including free throws. Needs a consistent move in the post. 

8. Marcus Smart, G Oklahoma State So. (6-3, 227)

What Works Now

Intensity on both ends of the court. Smart is an excellent defender who uses his instincts and athletic ability to block shots, create turnovers, draw fouls, and rebound. He is at his best when he aggressively attacks the basket.

What Doesn't

Smart isn't a natural point guard and may take some time to learn the nuances of the position. He also is not a good shooter who likes to shoot. 

9. Dario Saric, F Croatia (6-10, 223)
What Works Now

Instincts, versatility and intelligence. Saric is able to handle the ball and pass like a point guard despite being the size of a power forward. He is also an excellent rebound and improving shooter.

What Doesn't

Saric still isn't a consistent shooter and he lacks the physical ability to be much more than an average defensive player. 

Tier 4: Early Starters

10. Elfrid Payton, PG Louisiana-Lafayette Jr. (6-4, 185)

What Works Now

Aggressiveness, quickness, and defense. Payton is one of the best in this draft at attacking the rim and drawing fouls. He is also capable of running an offense and finding teammates. One of the best perimeter defenders in the draft.

What Doesn't

His jumpshot. Will likely always be more of a scorer than a pure point guard.

11. Nik Stauskas, SG Michigan So. (6-7, 207)

What Works Now

Stauskas' jumpshot and playmaking ability. He is the best shooter in the draft with a quick release and long range. Has the ball handling and passing ability to be at least a part time point guard.

What Doesn't

Due to limited athleticism and short arms, he will likely struggle defensively and may not be able to create off the dribble quick as easily in the NBA.

12. Gary Harris, SG Michigan State So. (6-5, 205)

What Works Now

Offensive and defensive versatility. Harris is a threat to score from the outside or on the drive and can guard multiple positions on the perimeter. 

What Doesn't

His jumpshot is inconsistent and he isn't overwhelming in any area.

13. Jusuf Nurkic, C Bosnia (6-11, 280)

What Works Now

Great size, strength, hands, and touch. Nurkic is huge and has natural post scoring ability with improving polish on his skillset. He should be a force on the glass as well.

What Doesn't

Nurkic has struggled with conditioning and isn't a great athlete, which may affect areas of his defense.

Tier 5: Early Contributors

14. Kristaps Porzingis, C Latvia (6-11, 220)

What Works Now

Athleticism, mobility, and a burgeoning offensive skillset. Porzingis, who is only 18, has a nice perimeter game and can block shots and rebound. He has great IQ and instincts on both ends of the court

What Doesn't

He needs to add a lot of strength and is not physically ready to battle in the paint in the NBA right now. There is some inherent risk due to his age and reliance on jumpshots.

15. Doug McDermott, F Creighton Sr. (6-8, 218)

What Works Now

McDermott is an outstanding shooter, one of the best in the draft, as well as having great scoring instincts and a high IQ, as well as being an above-average rebounder.

What Doesn't

A lack NBA level physical ability may bring about some struggles versus athletic defenders and limit his defensive impact significantly. In college he blocked 14 shots and got 34 steals in 4,570 career minutes!

16. Tyler Ennis, PG Syracuse Fr. (6-3, 182)

What Works Now

Well-rounded, steady point guard play. Ennis is a very good ball-handler, passer, and plays under control at any speed, limiting turnovers. He also have some scoring and shooting acumen.

What Doesn't

Ennis may struggle defensively and isn't a great finisher at the rim right now. Also just an average shooter at this point.

17. T.J. Warren, F North Carolina State So. (6-8, 220)

What Works Now

Warren is one of the most instinctive,  natural scorers in the draft. He finds ways to score in transition, off cuts, and in the paint.

What Doesn't

Though Warren scores well, he is not a good shooter, which may trouble some teams. That lack of shooting, plus a questionable defensive profile make him seem more like a bench option.

18. Adreian Payne, PF Michigan State Sr. (6-10, 239)

What Works Now

Instant impact on both ends of the floor. Payne is physically ready for the NBA and should provide the useful combination of interior defense and outside shooting.

What Doesn't

At 23, there is little upside left in Payne. Add to that he has been an underachiever in that past and doesn't always use his physical gifts to dominate, there is some risk here.

19. P.J. Hairston, SG NBDL (6-5, 229)

What Works Now

Shooting and upside. Right now his calling card is a sweet jumpshot, but Hairston also has the build of a power guard and can overpower opponents at the rim, with room to grow in this area.

What Doesn't

Perhaps his attitude. Hairston was dismissed from the North Carolina basketball team. He can also become a little one dimensional.

Tier 6: Quality Role-Players

20. Clint Capela, F/C Switzerland (6-11, 222)

What Works Now
Athleticism, length, defense, and rebounding. Capela has succeeded at a high level defensively playing professionally in France, and has the physical tools to become even better.

What Doesn't
Capela lacks above-average offensive instincts at this point and is a ways away from being able to contribute much on that end.

21. Cleanthony Early, SF Wichita State Sr. (6-7, 209)

What Works Now

Shooting and athleticism. Early has blossomed into quite the threat with his jumpshot and is also dangerous in transition.

What Doesn't

Upside. Early is 23 already. There are also questions about his ability to create his own shot.

22. Rodney Hood, G/F Duke So. (6-9, 208)

What Works Now

Shooting and size. With his great height and shooting ability, Hood will find a place in the league because he can get his shot off and it should go in quite a big,

What Doesn't

Hood lacks great athleticism and has short arms, which may lead to him struggling to defend. He also doesn't create well for himself off the dribble and is a one-dimensional scorer.

23. Mitch McGary, PF Michigan So. (6-10, 250)

What Works Now
Effort and unique skill. McGary isn't a great offensive threat, but he plays very hard, rebounds, plays frenetic help defense, and is a surprisingly good ball-handler and passer.

What Doesn't
Possibly his back. McGary missed most of last season with a serious back injury. Also, he has a short track record of success based on several college games and a high school resume built on beating up on younger opponents.

24. C.J. Wilcox SG Washington Sr. (6-5, 201)

What Works Now
Shooting and defense. Wilcox is a very good, consistent shooter who also has some other natural scoring instincts as well. He is a good athlete and committed defender who looks like he can be a 3-and-D wing. 

What Doesn't
Wilcox is turning 24 this year, limiting his upside. 

25. Shabazz Napier, PG Connecticut Sr. (6-1, 175)

What Works Now
Toughness, scoring, and versatility. Napier is a well rounded guard who can get his own shot, create for others, and rebound.

What Doesn't
He is undersized, even for a point guard, and may struggle physically on both ends, especially because he is more of a scorer that a pure point. Turing 23 this year.

26. Vasilije Micic, PG Croatia (6-6, 202)

What Works Now
Size and passing ability. Micic is a pure point guard who terrific court vision and passing ability, his height helps him see 

What Doesn't
Micic isn't an outstanding shooter or scorer, and though his size is an asset defensively, he can still struggle on that end.

27. Jerami Grant, F Syracuse So. (6-8, 214)

What Works Now

Defense, motor, and physical ability. Grant has tremendous length (7-3 wingspan) and is very explosive and mobile. He should be able to guard multiple positions, block shots, and create turnovers. Grant can also attack off the dribble and is obviously a great finisher.

What Doesn't

Right now Grant isn't all there offensively and needs to work on a consistent jumpshot and tighten up his handle. Even if he never develops much there, he can still be a Luc Richard Mbah a Moute-type. 

28. K.J. McDaniels, SF Clemson Jr. (6-6, 196)

What Works Now

See Jerami Grant.

What Doesn't

See Jerami Grant.

Tier 7: High-Risk, High-Reward

29. Spencer Dinwiddie, G Colorado Jr. (6-6, 205)

What Works Now

Size, versatility, and skill. When healthy, Dinwiddie is a tall, skilled combo guard who can handle the ball, slash, and shoot. He has also shown some ability as a playmaker who could play point guard at least part of the time. Also has a great mustache.

What Doesn't

Possibly his knee. Dinwiddie's season ended with a torn ACL, so there is definitely risk there, especially since he wasn't a top athlete before hand. If not for the injury, Dinwiddie would be 10-15 spots higher.

30. Zach LaVine, SG UCLA Fr. (6-6, 181)

What Works Now

Top notch athleticism, shooting, and upside. LaVine is an explosive athlete and a good, albeit somewhat streaky shooter. He also has some upside as a ball-handler and potential, though small, chance to be point guard.

What Doesn't

LaVine isn't a point guard right now, takes bad shots, and is a streaky shooter. He also doesn't make great use of his athleticism on either end of the court: 6 blocks in 904 minutes for a 6-6 player with a 41.5 inch vertical is embarrassing.  

31. James Young, G/F Kentucky Fr. (6-7, 213)

What Works Now
Smooth athleticism and offensive skills. At certain moments, Young looks tremendous; smooth and able to get his own shot and score from the outside. He even makes plays for teammates occasionally.

What Doesn't
Young's talents are surface level at this point and he is wildly inconsistent. He takes terrible shots, is streaky, and a poor defender mostly because the mental side of his game is lacking

32. Kyle Anderson, F UCLA So. (6-9, 230)

What Works Now
Offensive versatility. Anderson is a pure point guard in a power forward's body and has also really improved his shooting ability from deep and in the mid-range.

What Doesn't
His fit on many teams. Also, Anderson is a limited athlete who may struggle defensively and to get by defenders at the next level.

34. Artem Klimenko, C Russia (7-1, 228)

What Works Now
Size, defense, and upside. Klimenko is huge, has long arms, and can be a game changer on defense with some added strength and experience.

What Doesn't
He isn't athletically explosive and doesn't move super well laterally. On offense, he needs a lot of work but has the tools to be very good down the line.

34. Glenn Robinson III, SF Michigan So. (6-7, 211)

What Works Now
Athleticism and bloodlines. GR3, son of Big Dog Robinson, is an explosive athlete with terrific potential both ends of the court.

What Doesn't

Right now he is a ways away from reaching that potential, as he needs to improve both as a ballhandler and a shooter.

35. Jarnell Stokes, PF Tennessee Jr. (6-9, 263)

What Works Now
Stokes is an old-school, physical, below the rim post player who is also an excellent rebounder and gives good effort on the defensive end.

What Doesn't
There aren't a ton of players who fit Stokes' profile in the NBA anymore and his lack of vertical explosiveness may hinder his ability to score and defend in the NBA.

36. Jordan Clarkson, G Missouri Jr. (6-5, 186)

What Works Now
Ball-handling, athleticism, and size. Clarkson is a big combo guard who has the potential to convert to playing point guard.

What Doesn't
It is still a long shot for Clarkson to become a point guard, and if he isn't he is simply an undersized point guard who is an inconsistent shooter.

Tier 8: Make the Team

37. Joe Harris, SG Virginia Sr. (6-6, 216)

What Works Now
Shooting and defensive effort. Harris has a long track record of tremendous shooting and also plays very hard on the other end of the court.

What Doesn't

Harris has limited upside and isn't the type of athlete that usually becomes anything more than an above average defender.

38. Patric Young, F/C Florida Sr. (6-10, 247)

What Works Now
Strength, toughness, and athleticism. Young has been a rock solid defender in the paint at Florida for his whole career.

What Doesn't
He is undersized for his natural position of center and he doesn't have more than just rudimentary offensive skills. He is also a tremendously underwhelming rebounder who hasn't improved in that area at all.

39. Russ Smith, G Louisville Sr. (6-1, 160)

What Works Now
Smith is quick, can score in a multitude of ways and has improved as a offensive initiator over the course of his career.

What Doesn't
He still takes bad shots and is very undersized for even a point guard. Can play out of control at times.

40. Johnny O'Bryant, PF LSU Jr. (6-9, 257)

What Works Now
Offensive skill. O'Bryant is a traditional offensive big who can also step out and hit jumpers. He is a good rebounder and plays hard defense.

What Doesn't
O'Bryant, like Stokes, is an average athlete that may struggle against NBA athletes on both offense and defense.

Others to watch: Jahii Carson, PG Arizona State; Isaiah Austin, C Baylor; Jordan Adams, SG UCLA; Semaj Christon, G Xavier; Deonte Burton, PG Nevada; Walter Tavares, C Spain; 

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2014 NBA Mock Draft: 5/20

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Jabari Parker, SF Duke Fr. (6-8, 235)

The Cavs win the lottery, again. Fortunately this is a difficult draft to mess up. Jabari Parker isn't he best prospect in this draft, but he's the most likely to help get the Cavs to the playoffs next season.

2. Milwaukee Bucks: Andrew Wiggins, SF Kansas Fr. (6-8, 200)

The Bucks don't win the lottery but they still get the best player. Wiggins should become the star that the Bucks need and can't get in other ways.

3. Philadelphia 76ers: Dante Exum, G Australia (6-6, 196)

The Sixers would love Parker or Wiggins, but if both are drafted ahead of their spot, they'll pick between Exum and Embiid. With Nerlens Noel on the roster and Embiid's back injury, it breaks the tie between two excellent players.

4. Orlando Magic: Joel Embiid, C Kansas Fr. (7-0, 250)

If healthy, Embiid is a force on both ends of the court and massive upside. He easily could be the next in line or game-changing big men in Orlando.

5. Utah Jazz: Julius Randle, PF Kentucky Fr. (6-9, 250)

The Jazz will likely be choosing between Smart and the power forwards, but Randle is the best fit for them, a team with a pick and roll point guard and an offense that can struggle at times.

6. Boston Celtics: Noah Vonleh, PF Indiana Fr. (6-9½, 247)

The Celtics could take Smart as their heir apparent to Rajon Rondo, but Vonleh has much bigger upside and can be the rim-protecting big man they desperately need. 

7. Los Angeles Lakers: Marcus Smart, G Oklahoma State So. (6-3¼, 227)

The Lakers could really go any way here even a wild card like local product LaVine, however Smart is the kind of player that is a great starting point in a rebuild and can match Kobe's intensity and drive.

8. Sacramento Kings: Aaron Gordon, PF Arizona Fr. (6-8¾, 220)

The Kings dropped a spot, but should still get a great player because there is a drop off after the top 8. Aaron Gordon is a perfect fit on Sacramento and next to DeMarcus Cousins. To do the dirty work and not have to bear much of a scoring role. 

9. Charlotte Hornets (from Detroit): Doug McDermott, SF Creighton Sr. (6-7¾, 218)

The Hornets can go a number of ways here, but McDermott is perfect for their offense. He can space the floor for Al Jefferson and provide another scorer on the wing.

10. Philadelphia 76ers (from New Orleans): Nik Stauskas, SG Michigan So. (6-6½, 207)

With Exum, Noel, Thad Young, and Michael Carter-Williams as building blocks, the Sixers will be in need of shooting. Stauskas is the best shooter in the draft and can also create plays off the dribble.

11. Denver Nuggets (from New York): Gary Harris, SG Michigan State So. (6-4½, 205)

The Nuggets could use both shooting and perimeter defense, which is what Harris provides. He may not have star upside but should be a rotation player for a long time.

12. Orlando Magic (from Denver): Tyler Ennis, PG Syracuse Fr. (6-2½, 182)
The Magic would like to move on from Jameer Nelson and I don't think they see Victor Oladipo as a point guard long term. Therefore Ennis, a steady and solid point guard makes sense. It is a good fit for him too, next to the athletic defender Oladipo.

13. Minnesota Timberwolves: Zach LaVine, SG UCLA (6-5¾, 181)
Some team is going to going to take a chance on the raw, athletic LaVine. The Timberwolves makes sense because they have a lot of talent and won't be killed if he busts, but could be taken to the next level if he hits. Obviously if/when Kevin Love is traded can change a lot.

14. Phoenix Suns: Dario Saric, PF Croatia (6-11, 223)
With 3 first round picks, the Suns can afford to invest in a prospect who may stay in Europe for a little while. Saric is the best of the options and too talented to not get drafted in the lottery despite his contract in Europe.

15. Atlanta Hawks: Jusuf Nurkic, C Bosnia (6-11, 280)
The Hawks have showed that they are willing to take risks as well as draft international players. Jusuf Nurkic is incredibly talented but also carries some risks as well. 

16. Chicago Bulls (from Charlotte): Elfrid Payton, PG Louisana-Lafayette Jr. (6-3¾, 185)
The Bulls desperately need to find someone who can create his own shot, which is exactly what Payton excels at. He is also a fierce perimeter defender that will fit right in in Chicago.

17. Boston Celtics (from Brooklyn): James Young, G/F Kentucky Fr. (6-6¾, 213)
The Celtics are another team that likes to take risks during the draft, which could lead them to the very talented, very inconsistent James Young, who looks like a star at times, and a career D-Leaguer at others.

18. Phoenix Suns (from Washington): P.J. Hairston, SG NBDL (6-5¼, 229)
Hairston, who was kicked off of the North Carolina basketball team, obviously has some red flags but can really shoot the ball from outside, plays hard on defense, and has upside in other areas. He is likely to contribute early next year.

19. Chicago Bulls: Adreian Payne, PF Michigan State Sr. (6-9¾, 239)
While a wing shooter like Rodney Hood makes a lot of sense, frontcourt depth has been an issue for Chicago for a while and Payne, who also can shoot, would fit right in as an athletic big who can play right away.

20. Toronto Raptors: Jerami Grant, F Syracuse (6-7¾, 214)
Grant is the best prospect available here and gives the Raptors some size on the wing to defend against the bigger small forwards that DeMar DeRozan and Terrence Ross might struggle with.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Dallas): Rodney Hood, G/F Duke (6-8½, 208)
The Thunder have seemingly been looking for a shooter for years, so if one like Hood falls into their lap, they'd have to be ecstatic. 

22. Memphis Grizzlies: Cleanthony Early, SF Wichita State (6-7¼, 209)
Mike Miller stayed healthy all season, but he is 34 and has many, many injuries in his past. Cleanthony Early isn't as good of a shooter as Miller, but he is incredibly athletic and a good defender.

23. Utah Jazz (from Golden State): T.J. Warren, SF North Carolina State (6-8¼, 220)
The Jazz have a pretty set starting lineup, provided they bring back Gordon Heyward, so they'll look to boost a bench that struggled last season. Warren has some questions about his position and shooting but he can really score.

24. Charlotte Hornets (from Portland): Clint Capela, F/C Switzerland (6-11, 222)
Capela could go much higher if he does well in workouts, but if he did fall to Charlotte they'd have to take a serious look, though the Bismack Biyombo experience might cause them to shy away.

25. Houston Rockets: Kyle Anderson, F UCLA So. (6-8½, 230)
Anderson could also go much higher. Given Houston's penchant for taking risk and fitting odd pieces together, the talented Anderson could be too much to pass up, despite the questions about his defense.

26. Miami Heat: Shabazz Napier, PG Connecticut Sr. (6-1, 175)
LeBron James has already expressed his admiration of Napier's game, and while that wouldn't be enough for the Heat to draft him, it does make a lot of sense with Mario Chalmers a free agent this summer.

27. Phoenix Suns (from Indiana): K.J. McDaniels, SF Clemson Jr. (6-6, 196)
Eric Bledsoe, Gerald Green, and McDaniels on the court at the same time would be the most athletic trio in the league. McDaniels is still growing as a scorer, but his athleticism and defense can be very disruptive. 

28. Los Angeles Clippers: Glenn Robinson III, G/F Michigan So. (6-6¾, 211)
The Clippers took a similar player last season, Reggie Bullock, but still seem to be looking for consistency from their bench wings. Robinson III has high upside but is very raw offensively.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: C.J. Wilcox, SG Washington Sr. (6-5, 201)
Another shooter for the Thunder, though they could go with a international stash player as well. Wilcox is an excellent shooter and defender, he is just old at 23

30. San Antonio Spurs: Kristaps Porzingis, F/C Latvia (7-0, 220)
An international player mocked to the Spurs may seem lazy, but Porzingis could easily could go in the late lottery. He has serious talent and fills a need. Tim Duncan most likely can't keep playing forever after all.

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Scouting the Champions Classic: Kansas

Andrew Wiggins, SF, (6-8, 200)

Foul trouble forced Wiggins to the bench for much of the first half, he only scored six points in brief minutes. In the second half however, he took over, scoring 16 points of his 22, including back-to-back baskets that sealed the win down the stretch. Wiggins was his typical explosive self, rising over everyone else for dunks and rebounds, while also showing of his elite second jump and first step on several drives to the basket. Most impressive was a clutch step-back jumper over Amile Jefferson, which will be the next evolution to his game, consistently in the jump-shot. Most impressive was Wiggins defense, he was the only Jayhawk to slow-down Jabari Parker and showed the kind of defensive acumen that lead many to believe he might be the best perimeter defender in the country. Wiggins did nothing to dissuade the notion that he is the favorite to be the top pick in the draft.

Joel Embiid, C, (7-0, 250)

As soon as he steps on the court, Embiid looks incredibly impressive. A huge physical specimen with very long arms (he measured with a 7-5 wingspan earlier this year) and an NBA body, Embiid looks like a lottery pick. He isn't a stiff either, he moves very well, is coordinated, and an explosive athlete. Basically, if you were drawing up an ideal NBA center, he would look like Embiid. Against Duke he showed why he is so highly regarded as well as how much work needs to be done. He is already a difference maker defensively and on the glass. He also showed nice patience and passing ability when trapped and double-teamed by Duke. The skills are there offensively as well a nice jumper, soft hands, and good touch but refinement is needed. Despite having only played for a few years, Embiid's game against Duke showed his huge upside, and a top 5-10 pick is not out of the question if he continues to progress.

Wayne Selden, G/F (6-5, 230)

Despite playing in the shadow of Wiggins hype, Selden created a lot of positive buzz over the summer and performed well in practices and scrimmages. Against Duke, he had a good game, showing both the potential and the areas of concern in his game. First the good, Selden is a physical specimen, extremely strong and well built for a guard, with long arms and above-average athleticism. He is always in attack mode, can overpower smaller opponents and draw fouls in bunches. The physical tools he has should make him a very good defender and rebounder. The concern with Selden that showed up in the Champions Classic was the fact that he can get out of control, take bad shots, and miss badly as well. He tends two force the action too much, but as a Freshman in his first game, over-aggressiveness is understandable. Seldon has some improvements to make, the jumper also needs work, but a top 10 pick isn't out of the question for Selden.

Perry Ellis, PF (6-8, 225)

After a disappointing Freshman season, Perry Ellis is off to a hot start and was down right unstoppable against Duke, scoring 24 points on 9/13 shooting, hitting his only 3 pointer, and going 5/6 from the line while also grabbing 9 boards. Ellis is a typical undersized college post player who is very skilled, but lacks the size, length, and athleticism to play power forward in the NBA. Because of that, Ellis will have to demonstrate and ability to play on the wing in the NBA. Hitting the 3 helps, but it was just the 4 attempt of his career. Ellis may not have much of a future in the NBA, but he could end up being one of  the best players in the country, while being very fun to watch at this level.

Tarik Black, F/C (6-9, 260)

After three under-achieving seasons at Memphis, Tarik Black transferred to Kansas and is their starting center, over Joel Embiid. When he is on the court, the strong, long, athletic, Black has always been a good rebounder and defensive player, but foul trouble has plagued him his whole career and that issue reared his ugly head against Duke, where he only played 6 minutes and committed 3 fouls. Unfortunately, the bell may be tolling for Black if his play doesn't improve and Embiid starts to live up to his massive potential.

2013-2014 NCAA Basketball Pre-Season All-American Teams

All-American First Team

G: Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State, So.

Reigning Big 12 Player of the Year and Second Team All-American last season, Smart affects the game beyond the box score. His defense and leadership are lauded by coaches, while his ability to make winning plays as well as stuff the stat-sheet should endear him to voters once again.

G: Russ Smith, Louisville, Sr.

Russ Smith averaged 18.7 points a game for the Title-winning Cardinals and plays an exciting style of basketball on both ends of the court. He pressures the ball relentlessly on defense and is a one man fast-break going the other way. With second and third leading scorers Peyton Siva and Gorgui Dieng gone, Smith should produce even more this season.

F: Jabari Parker, Duke, Fr.

While choosing Parker over Andrew Wiggins may seem ridicules to some, Parker is every bit the player Wiggins is right now, and more polished. Five years from now, give me Wiggins, but this season, particularly early I think Parker out-produces Wiggins and will be on a better team. Also, Parker will play a lot of 4, which means high rebounding numbers.

F: Doug McDermott, Creighton, Sr.

As much of a lock for the All-American team as anyone, McDermott has been on the First Team the last two season and should go down as one of the best college scorers in history. He is looking for his third straight 20 point season, and he a higher profile Big East conference to show out in.

C: Adreian Payne, Michigan, Sr.

This may seem like a bold projection for Payne, but if he improves with the same learning curve he has to this point, and gets an increase in minutes, Payne should produce at a high level. Not only has he progressed skill-wise, he has also grown in the mental aspects of the game, allowing Payne to use his considerable physical gifts.

All-American Second Team

G: Aaron Craft, Ohio State, Sr.

Like Marcus Smart, Aaron Craft affects the game beyond what the box score indicates. His stats are pedestrian, barely averaging double digit points and doing so inefficiently, however his intense defense and leadership are invaluable. He will need to take a step forward offensively this season for Ohio State.

G: Gary Harris, Michigan State, So.

After a quietly impressive Freshman season, Gary Harris passed up on the NBA to return for another season at Michigan State. Fully healthy after shoulder surgery, Harris should become one of the premier perimeter scorers in the country, getting it done on both ends of the court and filling it up from all over the floor.

F: Andrew Wiggins, Kansas, Fr.

By now, most non-Jayhawk fans are sick of hearing about how great Andrew Wiggins is, and for good reason: he is very impressive. Wiggins in a surefire top-3 draft pick and future star, as explosive a player as you will see and exciting on both offense and defense. I worry about expectations early, but by Tournament time he should be rolling. 

F: Julius Randle, Kentucky, Fr.

A monster of a man and an elite athlete, Julius Randle is also very skilled. Like Wiggins he'll be a top NBA pick and should be the next in line of Kentucky one-and-done's. He could easily take off and be First Team, but Kentucky is loaded with options that will cannibalize each other's stats.

C: Montrezl Harrell, Louisville, So.

Montrezl Harrell's stats last season are unimpressive because he played a small role behind First Round pick Gorgui Dieng. This year Harrell, fresh off of playing with Team USA and winning the U19 championship, will step into Dieng's role and minutes and should blow up with points, rebounds and defense.

All-American Third Team

G: Tyler Haws, BYU, Jr.

One of the most unheralded great players in college basketball, Tyler Haws was awesome last season, averaging 21.7 points per game with a very impressive 47%/38%/88% slash line. BYU could ride Haws to a Tournament birth which should put him in consideration for the All-American team. 

G: Nick Johnson, Arizona, Jr.

Lost in all the hype surrounding Arizona's last two big recruiting classes is that Nick Johnson was very impressive last season and will likely be their leading scorer this season. Johnson is also a very good defender and a highlight dunk waiting to happen, which should get him national exposure.

F: Glenn Robinson III, Michigan, So.

Glenn Robinson III eschewed the NBA to come back as Michigan's returning leading scorer along with Nik Stauskas. Robinson III will be the alpha-male on this Michigan team and should put up big numbers as he becomes more consistent game to game.

F: C.J. Fair, Syracuse, Sr.

Quietly one of the best players in the country last season, C.J. Fair has always been an elite athlete, a good rebounder and defender but now he's become a very good shooter who can fill it up from the outside. Syracuse usually has a balanced scoring attack, but Fair will lead the way on what should be a  very good team.

C: Isaiah Austin, Baylor, So.

This last big man spot could go to a lot of players, a couple of the Kentucky guys, Mitch McGary or Aaron Gordon could all fit here, however I think Austin takes a step forward to build on what was an already impressive Freshman year. Austin should be the focal point of Baylor's offense and a good statistical contributor across the board.