So we're well over an hour into the 2014 NBA Draft now and we can officially state (without the redundant speculation of mock drafts) where these prep stars are headed (barring trades, of course). Here are the top 10 selections with their stats from the past season:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Andrew Wiggins - Kansas (Guard/Forward): 17.1 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.0 BPG. A freakish talent who would've been the No. 1 pick last year if players could still go to the NBA straight out of high school.
2. Milwaukee Bucks: Jabari Parker - Duke (Forward): 19.1 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.2 BPG. The closest thing this year's draft has to "a sure thing."
3. Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid - Kansas (Center): 11.2 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 2.6 BPG. Possible "steal" with the third pick. Definite health concerns (same injury that ended Yao Ming's career). Joins Hakeem Olajuwon, Michael Olowokandi and Hasheem Thabeet as fourth African player chosen in Top 3. Philly fans hoping for more Olajuwon than Thabeet.
4. Orlando Magic: Aaron Gordon - Arizona (Forward): 12.4 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.0 BPG. Joins another exciting player in Victor Oladipo.
5. Utah Jazz: Dante Exum - Australia (Guard): Gives fans in Salt Lake City some hope.
6. Boston Celtics: Marcus Smart - Oklahoma State (Guard): 18.0 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.8 APG, 2.9 SPG. Speedy PG, could've been potential No. 1 overall pick last season had he opted to leave after Freshman year.
7. Los Angeles Lakers: Julius Randle - Kentucky (Forward): 15.0 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 1.4 APG. SEC Freshman of the Year.
8. Sacramento Kings: Nik Stauskas - Michigan (Forward/Guard): 17.5 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 3.3 APG. Wolverine sharpshooter hit half of his three-point attempts over his career (151-302).
9. Charlotte Hornets: Noah Vonleh - Indiana (Forward): 11.3 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 1.4 BPG. Big Ten's leading rebounder last season (also conference's Freshman of the Year). Didn't even workout for Charlotte though.
10. Philadelphia 76ers: Elfrid Payton - Louisiana Lafayette (Guard): 19.2 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 5.9 APG, 2.3 SPG. First upperclassmen chosen. One immediate con: Did lead the NCAA in turnovers last season (127).
And with that, you have your recap of the top 10 picks in the 2014 NBA Draft. Obviously, stats don't tell the whole story so let us know which team made out the best (or worst) thus far. And before you say: "The Cavs, obviously you dumbasses," factor in the choice relative to the pick/who's available, etc.
Update: Elfrid Payton's career in Philadelphia comes to an abrupt end as he's dealt to the Orlando Magic for 12th overall pick Dario Saric (out of the Turkish Basketball League).
RT @chadfordinsider: The Orlando Magic will take Dario Saric and will send him to 76ers for Elfrid Payton.
This means Philly may have two players (along with Embiid) who won't be ready at the start of the season.
