The NBA draft is finally here. These long, grueling months of trying to predict who is going to be chosen at number one will come to an end tonight. After we experienced arguably the worst draft in NBA history last year, this year we are in for a treat with potential stars galore. So with the NBA Draft coming in hot, I have my first round predictions to get you fully prepared.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers- Andrew Wiggins
The Cavs were gifted the first overall pick in the draft back-to-back years now. Anthony Bennett was chosen last year by the Cavs and has been nothing but a benchwarmer. This year I have them selecting Andrew Wiggins out of Kansas, ending the back-and-forth feud between him and Jabari Parker. Wiggins, a versatile small forward, fits in great with Cleveland. Wiggins can be plugged in with the two other Canadians on the team, Anthony Bennet and Tristan Thompson, and along side all-star Kyrie Irving.
2. Milwaukee Bucks- Jabari Parker
Jabari gets what Jabari wants. Parker apparently "tanked" his NBA workout with the Cavaliers so he could play with Milwaukee. Parker, the Chicago native, wanted to play with Milwaukee, most likely because of the proximity of his hometown. Jabari had an excellent season with Duke last year under Coach K, despite being knocked out in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Bucks lack talent at every single position so this pick makes the most sense.
3. Philadelphia 76ers- Joel Embiid
There are rumors that the 76ers are willing to trade this pick and/or Michael Carter-Williams. However, if they are to keep it, I like Embiid even with the recent foot surgery. Embiid was expected to be selected number one overall until he had back problems and foot surgery. Yes, the 76ers will now have two injury-prone centers in Nerlens Noel and Embiid, but there is no way you can let him pass by. The GM Sam Hinkie is a mastermind that believes in rebuilding the team from scratch. Just think 76er fans, you had Byron Mullens playing center last year. You can wait.
4. Orlando Magic- Dante Exum
The Magic traded away Arron Afflalo today to the Denver Nuggets in what seems to be a move to make room for Dante Exum. Exum is a PG/SG from Australia that has great handles and a point guard mentality. Imagine a backcourt with Jameer Nelson, Victor Oladipo, and Dante Exum.
5. Utah Jazz- Noah Vonleh
The Jazz are also in rebuilding mode with a talentless team on the floor last year. Vonleh is a physical power forward that can give the Jazz what they lack the most. I am not completely sold on Vonleh, but it seems to be the best fit for Utah at this pick.
6. Boston Celtics- Julius Randle
You get glimpses of Zach Randolph when you watch this guy. Randle is a lefty that can dribble and move like a guard. Celtics can have power forward Julius Randle and center Jared Sullinger down low.
7. Los Angeles Lakers- Marcus Smart
It was almost impossible to watch the Lakers last season with the players they had. I like the PG Smart here to take control of this team. He is a true competitor that wants to win, although the incident against Texas Tech hurt his stock a little bit.
8. Sacramento Kings- Aaron Gordon
Gordon reminds me of Blake Griffin a lot. A player that can get high above the rim that struggles with his shot. This is a great fit next to center DeMarcus Cousins.
9. Charlotte Hornets- Doug McDermott
The Creighton star McDermott was the National Player of the Year last season. He can shoot the lights out and has a great basketball IQ to pair.
10. Philadelphia 76ers- Nik Stauskas
After taking Embiid at number three, the 76ers will take the sharp-shooting Stauskas from Michigan. People have to put into perspective, this is not an ordinary kid that can simply shoot. This kid was a key piece to Michigan making it to the NCAA Championship last season.
11. Denver Nuggets- Adreian Payne
Payne is a physical forward that can pound the ball in the paint offensively. He can also spread the floor with his ability to knock down threes.
12. Orlando Magic- Dario Saric
Saric chose to play in Croatia for another two years. Do not worry Orlando, Saric reminds me of Hedo Turkoglu. He is a power forward that can play like a shooting guard with the effective shot and ball handling skills.
13. Minnesota Timberwolves- Zach LaVine
Rumors are all over that Kevin Love will be shopped to another team soon. LaVine can provide versatility and athleticism to this squad with or without Love.
14. Phoenix Suns- Clint Capela
The weakest position for Phoenix looks like center. Capela is an athletic 6 foot 10 center out of Switzerland that can simply move up the court.
15. Atlanta Hawks- Rodney Hood
The Hawks will address their small forward weakness here with former Duke player Rodney Hood. Hood is a lefty that can bang shots from outside and score by driving.
16. Chicago Bulls- TJ Warren
The Bulls will get an underrated Warren here who played for NC State. He uses his speed to penetrate defenses well.
17. Boston Celtics- KJ McDaniels
McDaniels is a solid guard/forward out of Clemson. He can attack the rim hard with strong finishes at the basket.
18. Phoenix Suns- PJ Hairston
The Suns will gamble here taking the former UNC guard Hairston. I say former because Hairston played in the D-League last season after being kicked out of UNC. Hairston is very strong with experience playing in the D-League.
19. Chicago Bulls- Gary Harris
I am not completely impressed with Harris, but this could be a good fit for Chicago. He is listed as a shooting guard but has the handles for a point guard.
20. Toronto Raptors- Tyler Ennis
I am hearing that the Raptors desperately want Ennis here. He is a local Toronto native that can dish the ball well in traffic.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder- Jusuf Nurkic
The Bosnian Nurkic is a tall center that can move for his size. He is a great hustler that provides security in the paint.
22. Memphis Grizzlies- James Young
Young hails from Kentucky and has a fluid, lefty shot from the arc. He is also a great finisher at the rim.
23. Utah Jazz- Elfrid Payton
The speedy guard out of Louisiana-Lafayette is no-name to many. He is a pest on defense along with his quickness on offense.
24. Charlotte Hornets- Cleanthony Early
Early played on Wichita State and is extremely athletic. His shot is still in progress but this man can play.
25. Houston Rockets- Kyle Anderson
Anderson out of UCLA has strong vision and is very unselfish.
26. Miami Heat- Shabazz Napier
LeBron James will get his guy here in the National Champ Napier. Napier is a leader that can take over Norris Cole's position.
27. Phoenix Suns- Jarnell Stockes
Stokes is a very strong forward in the paint which can help for a young Pheonix team.
28. Los Angeles Clippers- Jordan Adams
Adams can be a solid guard off the bench for the Clippers with his strong size.
29. Oklahoma City Thunder- Jordan Clarkson
Clarkson can be a backup for Westbrook and provide speed.
30. San Antonio Spurs- Spencer Dinwiddie
With the last pick in the first round I like the Spurs taking a drive-and-dish, unselfish Dinwiddie out of Colorado here.
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