2014 NBA Mock Draft: Lottery Edition 2.0
By Jacob Rude
4. Philadelphia 76ers select Julius Randle
The 76ers looked like a team that wouldn’t be tanking at the start of the year after their red-hot start, but very quickly, they regressed to the mean and are right in the middle of the chase for the #1 pick. With Spencer Hawes likely leaving and Thaddeus Young mixed in with trade rumors, Randle could step in along-side fellow Kentucky alumni Nerlens Noel and form a front-court duo that could dominate the league for many years.
Jan 12, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Aaron Gordon (11) blocks a dunk attempt by USC Trojans guard J.T. Terrell (20) in the first half of the game at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
5. Boston Celtics select Aaron Gordon
Gordon is a nice mixture of Blake Griffin and Kenneth Faried. He’s a high-flying player who relies on his athleticism, which he has immense amounts of. Boston is (happily) shedding Kris Humphries contract this off-season and could use an exciting player to grab the attention of fans and grab lobs from Rajon Rondo.
6. Cleveland Cavaliers select Dante Exum
Dion Waiters and the Cleveland Cavs just doesn’t seem like a marriage that will last. One side is constantly accusing the other of wrong-doing. I’m not convinced Waiters finishes this season in Cleveland, leaving an opening at the two-guard spot. In walks combo-man Exum, who is known for his great scoring ability, while also being a ball-handler who can take pressure off Kyrie Irving.