Round 1 of the 2014 NBA draft is here and tonight’s draft promises 2 things: history will be made and lives will be changed.
The action starts tonight at 7 P.M. (EST) at The Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.
You can watch the draft live on ESPN or streaming live from WATCHESPN.
The Cleveland Cavaliers will make history, being the only team since the ’92-’93 Magic to have back-to-back 1st round picks and the only team to pick 1st 3 times in four years.
Who they pick may be up in the air after some recent developments out of Miami.
The announcement from Lebron James’ agent, Paul Rich, that James will opt out of his contract and become a free agent July 1st could alter how Cleveland and the rest of the league approaches this draft.
Miami has a good idea if James will re-sign or not and if they think he’s not they will need to start rebuilding.
Cleveland may not be able to pass up the chance to have the prodigal son return home.
Other teams hoping to sign James could end up trading their first round picks before and during the draft, dramatically changing who goes where.
We don’t know how any of this will affect the draft, but it will make the viewing much more intriguing.
Here are my top predictions for the opening round:
1. Andrew Wiggins, SF, Kansas goes as the 1st pick. Joel Embiid was the top pick all along, but a foot injury will knock him out of that spot and drop him to 3rd. The only way this may change is if Cleveland makes a play for James.
2. Jabari Parker, SF, Duke, 2nd pick. According to scouts Parker is a all-around player who will be an asset to any team. He is expected to be a solid scorer in his first year. Look for Milwaukee to grab him.
3. Joel Embiid, C, Kansas, 3rd pick. The top pick of this draft until he injured his foot, he has an uncanny instinct when it comes to scoring and will develop into a great player with time. Look for Philadelphia to take him.
4. Dante Exum, PG, Australia, 4th pick. Exum is the “mystery” man of this years draft but his talent is undeniable. He is a blur with his lightning speed and can make things happen. Expect Orlando to snatch him up.
What are your predictions for the opening round? What do you think will be James’ impact on the draft?
Share your thoughts below.
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