Olden Polynice 2014 MOCK DRAFT

The 2014 NBA Draft is on Thursday and it may be the most intriguing draft of the last 30 years. The eerie similarities to the 1984 draft is uncanny. Back then we had Akeem Olajuwon ( later became Hakeem) going #1 to Houston from Nigeria. This year we have Joel Embiid from Cameroon as the likely number one pick. The '84 draft had a very good center named Sam Bowie from Kentucky drafted ahead of Michael Jordan. His career injuries are well documented. This year we have Joel Embiid from Kansas. Bad back as a freshman in college and recently had foot surgery. Always a red flag when young players are getting injured. The '84 draft had of course the legendary Michael Jordan  and this year we have, well I guess thats the end of the similarities. This years draft has plenty of intrigue with the aforementioned Embiid and as many as 3 other players who could be chosen number one even before Embiid's surgery. Here is my top 10 list and my take on this year's draft. It's not an exact science as we have seen over the years, especially in 1984.

1. Cleveland --  Jabari Parker, PF , Duke  / He is the most NBA ready out the draft. Can play small                                    
                                                                     forward and also stretch 4

2. Milwaukee -- Andrew Wiggins, SF, Kansas / Very Athletic player. Tremendous upside. Could be
                                                                              number 1 pick as well                                                                                

3. Philadelphia -- Dante Exum, PG, Australia / Tremendous athlete, not great shooter yet but has
                                                                            mechanics. hunger for greatness. Upside

4. Orlando -- Marcus Smart, PG Oklahoma St / Very good player that is physically ready for NBA.
                                                                             intense competitor.

5.Utah Jazz -- Julius Randle, PF, Kentucky / physical specimen that can score around the basket and
                                                                        able to step out to 15 ft and face up. Another player with
                                                                        foot issues but he is a top 5 pick.

6. Boston -- Joel Embiid, C, Kansas / Celtics will not let him get past them. He is the number 1 pick
                                                             and will be very good. Steal of the draft after he heals.

7. Lakers -- Aaron Gordon, PF, Arizona /  Very Athletic leaper similar to Blake Griffin. Other option
                                                                    trade pick to 76ers and move to 10 and pick Zack Levine

8. Sacramento -- Noah Vonleh PF, Indiana / Long athletic forward with upside. Chris Bosh type

9. Charlotte -- Doug McDermott, SF, Creighton / Great shooter and mentally tough player. Slow but
                                                                               knows how to play.

10.Pliladelphia -- Zach Levine, SF, UCLA / May be best athlete in draft. Lots of potential.

Joel Embid's injury threw a wrench in this draft but if he was a number one pick before he should still be. Cavs are fearful after the Anthony Bennett pick last year. Neither the Celtics or Lakers will let him get past them. Jabari Parker lucks out and becomes top pick. He will be a 20-25 points per game scorer similar to Carmelo Anthony. Wiggins could be best to come out this draft if he was more hungry and passionate. He will be Robin to Batman. There are some very good players that will definitely help teams. Nik Stauskas and Rodney Hood are top 10 talents.

More bang for your bucks: Stauskas, Hood, Cleanthony Early, Shabazz Napier, Jarnell Stokes

The dream will become reality on Thursday for these young men but they are all feeling the business side of basketball already. I wish them well.

Olden Polynice
8th pick 1987 NBA Draft
15 year NBA veteran