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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Rookie Look-In: Anthony Bennett

This is the first in a series of looks at the Rookie years (so far) of the 2013 NBA Draft class, what the've done well and where they need to improve in going forward. First up is top overall pick Anthony Bennett of the Cleveland Cavaliers...

Bennett's Stats*

12.8 mpg, 4.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.2 bpg, 0.4 spg, 0.9 tpg, 1.8 fpg, .340 FG, .631 FT .216 3P

Things could not have gone worse for Bennett this season, after offseason shoulder surgery, he was out of shape and not prepared whatsoever for the NBA. However, because of organizational pride, he was put out on the court and the results were awful, starting the season 5-for-32 and not scoring in double figures until January 28th, 44 games into the season. Bennett is second to last in PER among qualified rookies with a robust 6.44 (15 is league average), and the only guy he's ahead of is an undrafted free agent. His offense has been terrible on the whole this season (.408 TS%, worst among power forwards by .028%!) and he has fouled at a high rate (6.8 fouls per 48 minutes) while turning the ball over too much (14.9 turnover ratio, 69th out of 73 power forwards). His jumpshot hasn't been falling, shooting .216% from 3 on just over one a game and just .284% on non-3 jumpshots outside the pain. Jumpshot a make up 72% of Bennett's offense, but he is converting with a .281 effective FG%. Unfortunately, he hasn't been good in the paint either, just .465%, well below league average! and part of the issue is 21% of his shots close to the basket have been blocked. By comparison, the player Bennett is most similar to in physical profile and skillset, Paul Millsap, had a .438 eFG% on jumpers and had 12% of his shots in close blocked. 

This extremely poor performance raises the question: why was he still seeing the floor? Why was he not in the D-League to get back in playing shape and into the flow of games, or at least to get his confidence back? The answer, unfortunately, was probably that the Cavaliers didn't want to be the first team to send a number 1 pick to the D-League and suffer that "embarrassment." This example of putting organizational pride above what is good for both the team and the player is another in a long line of failings by Cleveland. 

Bennett has started to play a little better of late, averaging 7.2 points and 4.8 rebounds on .442% from the floor in February. Not great, but a big improvement over the terrible performance to start the season. How can he continue to improve? Getting into optimum shape and completely recovering from surgery is the first step. Bennett is still an explosive player, but his quickness has been effected by the added weight, which detracts not only from his ability to win off the dribble, but also to play defense. The next step will be to improve his jumpshot, in college Bennett was a good shooter who improved as the season wore on, but my guess is the off-season shoulder surgery stalled that improvement and set it back as a weapon in his offensive arsenal. An full, un-injury hinderd off-season of working on getting back to where he was in college should do wonders for Bennett's offense because it will also legitimize his pump-fake. Getting his shot blocked inside 21% of the time is probably a result of inexperience, at 6-8 he may get his shot blocked more then taller players, but learning how to finish over and through length can improve with experience. Overall, his game needs polish, including his ball-handling, passing, and defense, all of which should come with time and hard work.

Bennett took a lot of heat for his poor play, some calling him the biggest draft bust ever, but judging the career of a player who has a lot of talent and was good in college based on less than a full season, especially one with mitigating factors, is ignorant, foolish, and likely to be wrong.

*as of March 4th

Note: Huge thanks to John Hollinger's stats and 82games.com, one of the best basketball websites on the internet.

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NBA Draft: Mitch McGary Scouting Report

Measurements
Age: 21; Height: 6-10; Weight: 255; Wingspan: 6-11.5; Reach: 8-11.5

Season Stats (as of 2/23)
24.6 mpg, 9.5 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.9 spg, 0.8 bpg, 1.6 tpg, 3.1 fpg, .545 FG, .667 FT, N/A 3P

Strengths
-Prototypical height/weight for a power forward
-Strong, particularly in the upper body
-Good athlete, gets off the ground fast
-Quick and fairly fluid for a big guy
-Runs the floor well
-Great hands
-Decent mid-range shooter
-Makings of a post game
-Finishes well in a variety of ways
-Good ball handler
-Comfortable distributing
-High energy defensive player
-Good help defender, shot blocker
-Creates turnovers
-Excellent rebounder, particularly offensively
-Physical
-Plays very hard on both ends

Weaknesses
-Average length
-A good athlete, but not a special one
-Lacks polish overall on offense
-Not a great free throw shooter
-Just an average shot blocker
-Foul prone
-Short track record of success
-History of conditioning issues
-Had a season ending back injury
-Made rep against younger players in high school
-Old for a Sophomore, 22 on draft night

NBA Comparison
During McGary's NCAA Tournament, they hype on him got somewhat out of hand. However, if he can recover from his back injury I can see him easily developing into a valuable forward like Nick Collison, who rebounds, passes, plays great defense, and can hit an occasional jumper.

Draft Projection
The severity of the back injury is the biggest question mark on his draft standing. If healthy, I could see him going any where in the back half of the first round. However, with such a question hanging over his head it's hard to see him going as high as Jared Sullinger (21) because he is older, not as good, and in a deeper draft than Sullinger.

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NBA Trade Deadline Deals Reviews

Nets receive SG Marcus Thornton
Kings receive SG Jason Terry and PF Reggie Evans

The Nets continue to show a willingness to take on money in an attempt to become a relevant playoff team during their ever-so-brief window of "contention" before Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett retire. Both Thornton and Terry have been equally bad this season, putting truly awful TS% while providing nothing on defense. Still, Thornton represents an upgrade for the Nets for the simple reason that he is 9 years younger and has a better chance at bouncing back to being at least a league average bench scorer. For the Kings, the deal saves them some money while clearing playing time for Ben McLemore, who should have been playing over Thornton in the first place. Thornton's playing style and contract is a remnant of the old Kings and doesn't fit with their new image. As for Terry and Evans, both are potential buyout candidates this year or next and (hopefully) won't be seeing much on court action for Sacramento.

Warriors receive PG Steve Blake
Lakers receive G Kent Bazemore and SG MarShon Brooks

The Warriors haven't lived up to the hype so far this season and oddly enough, their offense is the biggest issue: defensively they are top 5, but outside the top 10 on offense. Part of the reason for the struggles is their bench, which has been terrible, especially their backup point guard spot. Toney Douglas, Bazemore, and Jordan Crawford have all been given a chance and haven't been successful. Blake is a instant upgrade, though there are flaws, he can play both guard spots, shoots the ball well, run an offense, and play passable defense. He isn't a perpetrator and struggles inside the arc, but again, it's more who is replacing that makes the difference and as an expiring deal, the risk is minimal. The Lakers weren't likely to bring Blake back, and save money this year by trading him. Brooks is all offense and Bazemore is all defense, both could find some success playing for Mike d'Antoni towards the end of the season, however neither are part of the teams long team plans and this deals was all about saving money.

Cavaliers receive C Spencer Hawes
Sixers receive C Henry Sims, F Earl Clark and two 2nd round picks
Well at least you can't say they didn't try. The Cavaliers, despite having a 5.2 percent chance to make the playoffs*, are going hard to earn the right to be swept by the Pacers or the Heat. Hawes is a definite upgrade for their offense, shooting 39.9% from 3-point range and should help to space the floor for Kyrie Irving and work well in pick-and-pop. Defensively, Hawes is about average, probably an upgrade over Tyler Zeller but not as good Anderson Varejao on that end. Hawes is a free agent, but it's hard to imagine they would trade for him just to let him walk after 27 games; committing long-term money to Hawes would only compound the issues in Cleveland. Hawes makes Cleveland better this season, but in the long run could be hurting them. Look at it this way: if the season ended today, Cleveland would have the 9th best chance to win the lottery and would very likely have a top-10 pick in an excellent draft, if they make the playoffs that drops them down to 15th, significantly lower their odds of getting a impact player and becoming more than just cannon-fodder for the top teams in the East playoffs. That doesn't even mention the second round picks, which provide a chance, however slight, to find a very cheap, impact talent. Some of the best contracts in the NBA are second round picks.
In Philadelphia, this trade is about making their team worse in the short term, while also pick up some second round picks to look for impact players on cheap contracts. Neither Sims nor Clark are guaranteed beyond this year and Clark has already been waived, with Sims possibly to follow during the summer. The Sixers are gunning for the top pick in the draft, and planning to pair that pick with the Pelicans lottery pick, Michael Carter-Williams, Nerlens Noel, and Thad Young and you've got a very young, very talented core of players. Who knows if it will all work out, but the Sixers are giving themselves the best chance to turn their franchise around.
*Via John Hollinger's Playoff Odds

Heat receive a highly protected 2nd round pick
Kings receive G Roger Mason and cash
The point of this deal is to create a roster spot for any potential buyout candidates or waived veterans to boost the Heats bench for a playoff run. The pick is so heavily protected that it will likely never get conveyed and the money is simply that, money.

Wizards receive PG Andre Miller and a highly protected 2nd round pick
Sixers receives PG Eric Maynor and two 2nd round picks
Nuggets receives Jan Vesely
The Wizards are usually criticized for their moves, but this one was actually very shrewd for what it was. Not to be overlooked is the fact that Vesely (the #6 pick) was a big time bust and Eric Maynor (the team's big free agent signing this summer) was terrible, so Ernie Grunfeld shouldn't be congratulated too much for cleaning up his own mess yet again. However, they did well to address their weakest spot, backup guard, with a seasoned, experienced veteran who can at least help keep the offense afloat when John Wall goes to the bench. Washington gave up very little, the aforementioned Maynor and the Pelicans second round pick they got in the Emeka Okafor trade. The pick they are getting back in return is likely top-55
The Nuggets gave up Memphis' second rounder and Miller, who had clashed with Brian Shaw and wasn't in the rotation anymore, to get Vesely, who will at least have a chance to live up to his potential in Denver's uptempo offense. Vesely has been mostly terrible but for the price of a mid-second round pick and a player rotting on the end of the bench, it is a least a chance worth taking.
The Sixers are apparently want to have the entire second round to themselves, it is a good plan because second round picks are cheap and non-guaranteed, so if you find an impact player there they become very valuable, but there is also no risk. The more second rounders you have, the more you are increasing the amount of opportunities you have to find one of those gems.

Bobcats receive G Gary Neal and PG Luke Ridnour
Bucks receive PG Ramon Sessions and PF Jeff Adrien
The Bobcats, like the Cavaliers, are going for it trying to get in the playoffs, they are currently positions in the number 8 slot and have an 82% chance of making the playoffs* and are only a couple of games in the loss column out of the 6th seed, which would give them a chance to win a round in the playoffs by missing Indiana and Miami in the first round. This deal should help them reach that goal, Neal and Ridnour should shore up the backcourt depth, giving them a shooter in Neal and a steady ball handler with Ridnour. It is questionable whether making the playoffs is the best thing for Charlotte's long term future, but since they're already likely to make the playoffs, they might as well make the most of it. Also, the Bobcats didn't give up any real assets or take on any big contracts, so this deal doesn't hurt them too much in any respect.
The Bucks, owners of the league's worst record, save themselves some money with this deal in the short team, as well as shedding Neal's salary next year. Sessions could get bought out and Adrien is just an end of the bench guy without a guaranteed deal. It is disappointing that they couldn't get a pick, but at least they saved some money and got worse in a tanking effort.

Rockets receive Jordan Hamilton

Nuggets receive Aaron Brooks
With Andre Miller in the doghouse, then traded, and Ty Lawson injured, the Nuggets were in desperate need for help at point guard, so this deal makes sense in that respect. However, their choice of point guard leaves a lot to be desired, Brooks hasn't posted a PER above league average since 2010 and is terrible on defense. If they hadn't given up a ton to get him, it wouldn't matter but Jordan Hamilton is a young wing with a lot of potential on both ends of the court, you'd think they would be able to get more for him than Brooks.
For the Rockets, Brooks was the fifth guard when everyone was healthy and not providing much. Hamilton is another wing to add into their mix, he has the size to play either forward spot and is a .357 career 3-point shooter, something the Rockets covet. This trade probably won't move the needle much for either team, but if Hamilton turns into anything, the Nuggets may look back at this in regret.

Pacers receive G/F Evan Turner and F/C Lavoy Allen
Sixers receive SF Danny Granger, a second round pick
The biggest names moved at the deadline ended up coming towards the tail end of the day after many had assumed the day was over. All involved here are free agents so this is a straight swap of talent. At his peak, Granger was one of the best players in the league, but injuries have really taken their toll and at least for this year he has been a below replacement level player. Apparently the Pacers agreed and believe that they have a better chance of winning with Turner, who is having his best season, albeit on one of the worst teams in the league. Turner is not a good 3-point shooter and has actually regressed in that area this year; instead his strength is creating off the dribble and making plays for himself and others. The Pacers are hoping that he can sustain their bench offense, a task I am not sure he is up to. Turner makes them better, the question is how much? With Lance Stephenson needing a new contract soon, along with Paul George, and Roy Hibbert, the Pacers aren't likely to re-sign Turner, so this is a straight rental. I wouldn't sleep on Allen either, despite the fact that he is just flotsam to make the deal work, he is a decent defender and mid-range shooter, a nice depth piece.
The Sixers get Golden State's 2015 second round pick and Granger, who may never suit up for them. They can either buy him out or wait until the offseason in an attempt to sign-and-trade him for some kind of asset. The former option is the most interesting for right now because Granger could latch on to a contender and swing a playoff series if he get healthy and right. Buying him out would also save the Sixers some money in the short term, which is likely why they would do it.

Spurs receive Austin Daye
Raptors receive Nando de Colo
This may just seem like a swap of bench warmers, but both de Colo and Daye have some intriguing upside and could help their teams down the stretch. Daye is a perpetual tease, flashing shooting ability and guard skills at 6-11, yet never becoming a efficient scorer or a good defender, despite solid shot blocking numbers. If any team can figure out how to use him, it's the Spurs. I wouldn't hold my breath but anything is possible.
de Colo fell out of favor in San Antonio with Patty Mills and Cory Joseph taking his minutes, he can play both guard spots and doesn't do anything flashy but is solid all around. Depth is important in the playoffs and the Raptors, believe it or not is staring down the barrel of the number 3 seed.

Hawks receive Antwan Jamison
Clippers receive the draft rights to Cenk Akyol
This trade is simply a way for the Clippers to save a little money and give the Hawks a depth piece to help with their injury ravaged team. Akyol isn't a prospect anymore, his draft rights are basically a way for the Clippers to give Jamison away for free.

Sixers receive Byron Mullens and a 2nd round pick
Clippers receive a conditional 2nd round pick
If you couldn't tell the Sixers were tanking before, trading for Byron Mullens seals it. There is no better way to lose games than throwing Mullens out there to jack 3s. The pick they receive is the more valuable piece, the price for taking on Mullens and his salary. The pick they are sending back is highly protected and likely will never be conveyed. This deal, along with the Antwan Jamison deal create roster space for any buyout or waived players they could add to their roster for the playoff run. I would expect them to go after a big man especially, even the newly bought out Glen Davis.

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NBA Draft: Kyle Anderson Scouting Report

Measurements

Age: 20; Height: 6-9; Weight: 230; Wingspan: 7-2; Reach: 9-0

Season Stats (as of 2/19)

33.0 mpg, 15.5 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 6.8 apg, 1.6 spg, 0.8 bpg, 3.2 tpg, 1.6 fpg, .502 FG, .742 FT, .524 3P

Strengths

-Outstanding length/reach

-Great size if he is a 3

-Very fluid, great body control, moves very well

-Crafty below-the-rim finisher

-Can penetrate off the dribble

-Much improved shooter from 3-point range

-Great mid-range game

-Legitimate point guard skills

-Excellent ball handler

-Top level court vision

-Outstanding passer

-Above-average rebounder

-Length an asset on D

-Unselfish

-Can play multiple positions offensively

-Made a big jump from years 1 to 2

Weaknesses

-Not a great athlete

-Plays mostly below the rim

-Not very quick

-Suspect lateral movement

-Could struggle on D

-Unknown how well his game will translate

-Can he win off the dribble in the NBA?

-Needs to get stronger

-Questions about position on defense

-Not a fit for every team

-May require some creative scheming

-Slow release on jumper 

-Short track record of high efficiency shooting

NBA Comparison

Anderson defies both NBA positions and NBA comparisons; he has the build and shooting ability of former second rounder pick Justin Harper (currently playing in Israel), but with the legitimate point guard skills at that size, similar to former Rocket and Sixer Royce White, though presumably without the baggage.

Draft Projection

Teams could view Anderson as a point guard, a power forward, or anything in between. Where he plays will likely be determined by who he can guard defensively. Additionally, Anderson's not a fit for every offense and will take a GM and coach who have a plan for how to use him on both ends of the court. I could see him going anywhere from the late lottery to the second round, with the most likely landing spot somewhere in the middle

Highlights

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NBA Draft: Jerami Grant Scouting Report

Measurements

Age: 19; Height: 6-8; Weight: 215; Wingspan: 7-2.5; Reach: 9-0.5

Season Stats (as of 2/18)

31.9 mpg, 12.5 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.4 apg, 0.8 spg, 0.7 bpg, 1.1 tpg, 2.3 fpg, .481 FG, N/A 3P, .688 FT

Strengths 
-Terrific combination of size, wingspan, and reach
-Could be closer to 6-9
-Top level athlete
-Very explosive, quick, and fast
-Extremely mobile, covers a lot of ground quickly
-Great body control for size
-Excels attacking off the dribble, drawing fouls
-Improving ball handler
-Flashes of court vision
-Can finish above the rim and through contact
-Potential developing jumpshot with range
-Excellent in transition
-Blocks shots, challenges shooters, plays passing lanes
-Tools to be elite defender who can guard multiple positions
-Good rebounder, particularly offensively
-Very high motor
-Consistently improving
-Very high upside on both ends

Weaknesses
-Uncertain position
-May be undersized at the 4
-Needs to get stronger
-Overall offensive polish
-Jumpshot consistency
-Streaky foul shooter
-Needs to tighten up ball handling
-Lacks a true low-post game
-Currently plays in a zone defense
-Low floor offensively 

NBA Comparison

Shawn Marion is an all-time great defensive player, so it would be foolish to say Grant is like him, but there is potential to become a similar type of defender who capable of guarding both guards and forwards as well as blocking shots and rebounding. Marion also took time to grow into an offensive threat and make jumpshots consistently, which will likely be the case for Grant as well. The potential is all there, though it is highly unlikely he ever averages 20 points a game like Marion did at points in his career. 

Draft Projection
A lot may depend on how he measures out, if he can come in at 6-9, teams may look at him at either forward position which will help his standing. Grant has high upside and may appeal to teams looking for potential high impact but don't have a top ten pick. He is also a project so I would expect that he ends up being drafted somewhere between picks 10 and 20.

Highlights

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NBA Draft: Adreian Payne Scouting Report

Measurements

Age: 23; Height: 6-10; Weight: 245; Wingspan: 7-4

Season Stats (as of 2/17)

28.6 mpg, 16.3 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 1.5 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.9 bpg, 1.9 tpg, 2.7 fpg, .526 FG, .790 FT, .431 3P

Strengths

-Prototypical height/weight/length/athleticism

-Explosive leaper, even from a standstill

-Runs the floor well

-Quick, mobile

-Great hands on lobs, on the move

-Strong, high efficiency finisher

-Solid post game

-Much improved jump shooter

-3-point range

-Pick-and-roll/pop threat

-Good foul shooter

-Very good defender

-Length and athleticism are very disruptive

-Gives great effort, particularly on D

-Solid rebounder, tools to be better

-High floor, great role player potential

Weaknesses

-Needs to better redistribute weight/strength

-Can be a little robotic

-Slowish release on jumper

-Turnover prone

-Questionable feel on offense

-Underwhelming rebounding/shot blocking totals

-Should be better on the glass

-Capped upside due to age

-Struggled with injuries in 2014

NBA Comparison

There aren't a lot of long, athletic big men with top defensive chops that are also excellent shooters, but Serge Ibaka fits the bill. Payne isn't likely going to be that level of a player because he isn't as good defenively as Ibaka, but he could still be a very valuable player. Another difference between the two? Ibaka, 5 years into his NBA career, is just 17 months older than Payne.

Draft Projection

If he had this skillset as a 18-20 year old, he would be a top 10 pick at least, but at 23 Payne is much more likely to fit in from 15-25 in the first round. His shooting/defense combination will interest teams looking to stretch 4 and defensive big man. Payne has big time role player potential and should stick around for a long time if he continues to shoot 35-40% on 3s.

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