NBA Draft watch 2014

This year's draft is very important since most of the players on top have depth and strength that most NBA teams needed and those prospects are pressured to excel in their every game to be notice by scouts. 

Joel Embiid, Jabari Parker, and Andrew Wiggins are the frontrunners in the 2014 NBA draft on most mock draft circles. They are all in the freshmen class. The question is who has separated themselves from the group and outshine everyone to be the number one pick. I know that it all depends on the team with the number one pick, the current need of the team, the time frame in which they can develop, are they a franchise player, or is he an impact player? Let us put them aside for a moment and think of who will you pick?

I think Kansas freshman Joel Embiid is leading the pack, he is averaging 10.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocks a game at 61.6% shooting.

Embiid is 7 feet, and 7 footers don't grow on trees it is difficult to find a good 7 footers than can play good basketball at the NBA level. Embiid has a limited basketball experience since he just started playing the game in 2011. He used to play volleyball and soccer. He has length, fluidity, and he is athletic. However, he doesn't do well when teams play him more physically or double-team him frequently. He turns the ball over too often and he also fouls a lot. You can compare him to Hakeem Olajuwon the way he moves.

Jabari Parker is in second, he dominated the game in Duke's blowout win over Boston College 89-68 on Saturday February 8, 2014 were he posted 29 points and 16 rebounds. He is a very skilled forward and he is has the natural ability to play basketball. He's NBA ready and he excels in both ends of the floor. 

Third will be Andrew Wiggins, he is a gifted athlete and very explosive offensively and a very good defender. He can thrive if he stays aggressive. However, he is inconsistent and at times he looks complacent in the game. He can create his own shot with his shakes, dribble, and hesitation moves. He has a great body control but needs to develop his ball-handling skills.

My dark horse will be Marcus Smart he is a sophomore at Oklahoma State Cowboys, yes he is known for shoving a Texas Tech fan, which is not a smart move. He is versatile and determined to win and dominate. He can create shot for himself and has a good playmaking skills. He has great vision and passing ability that is very good quality as a point guard. However, he is not a spectacular athlete.

It will be a great year for an NBA team to win one of the top 5 spot in the draft.