by Joseph Fafinski
Atlanta Hawks
The 15th overall selection, Adriean won’t exactly bring the Payne at power forward his rookie season given incumbent All-Star Paul Millsap’s contributions in the slot. Payne will likely see bench minutes but his versatile play could come in handy, especially if Al Horford doesn’t recover fully from his season-jarring injury. Walter Tavares is an international project for now. If his Summer League play improves he could make the team, but it’s a long shot for now.
Boston Celtics
Marcus Smart is too darned talented to let the C’s pass him over in the rotation. A two-way point guard, Smart’s potential will allow Boston to shop Rajon Rondo. If Rondo is dealt, Smart would surely crack the starting lineup. For now, it’s a waiting game. James Young will no doubt make the roster come November, but his minutes won’t be guaranteed due to the possibility of a small-ball lineup and Jeff Green’s standing with the club.
Brooklyn Nets
Minnesota sold high-flyer Markel Brown to Brooklyn for an undisclosed amount of cash, and it's unknown if he makes the squad at this point. All will be determined, like so many other situations, by way of Brown’s performance in the Summer League. His dunks have impressed, if that counts for something.
Atlanta Hawks
The 15th overall selection, Adriean won’t exactly bring the Payne at power forward his rookie season given incumbent All-Star Paul Millsap’s contributions in the slot. Payne will likely see bench minutes but his versatile play could come in handy, especially if Al Horford doesn’t recover fully from his season-jarring injury. Walter Tavares is an international project for now. If his Summer League play improves he could make the team, but it’s a long shot for now.
Boston Celtics
Marcus Smart is too darned talented to let the C’s pass him over in the rotation. A two-way point guard, Smart’s potential will allow Boston to shop Rajon Rondo. If Rondo is dealt, Smart would surely crack the starting lineup. For now, it’s a waiting game. James Young will no doubt make the roster come November, but his minutes won’t be guaranteed due to the possibility of a small-ball lineup and Jeff Green’s standing with the club.
Brooklyn Nets
Minnesota sold high-flyer Markel Brown to Brooklyn for an undisclosed amount of cash, and it's unknown if he makes the squad at this point. All will be determined, like so many other situations, by way of Brown’s performance in the Summer League. His dunks have impressed, if that counts for something.
Charlotte Hornets A steal with the ninth selection, Noah Vonleh will undoubtedly earn some low post minutes for the newly-christened Hornets. It all depends on the rebound of Cody Zeller, who is coming off a disappointing rookie campaign. Consider the dumping of Josh McRoberts a blessing in disguise for the hungry Vonleh. P.J. Hairston, the most Michael Jordan pick ever, averaged 22 points per contest in the D-League last winter and will likely make the squad, but to what extent remains to be soon. Chicago Bulls In trading away picks to Denver that became jack-of-all-trades Gary Harris and European rim protector Jusuf Nurkic, Chicago took a gamble in the sharp shooting Doug McDermott. McBuckets will likely start from day one for the Bulls, and his scoring thus far in Vegas has helped further the notion that he’ll contribute immediately in that regard to an otherwise dormant offense. The tall and talented Cameron Bairstow probably won’t crack the roster, but crazier things have happened. |
Cleveland Cavaliers
If he remains a member of the organization, Andrew Wiggins will see major minutes from the moment he steps on the floor for the newly-revamped Cavaliers. A two-way player with that kind of potential taken first overall just has to be a part of the rotation (of course, that’s what we said about Anthony Bennett). Virginia stud Joe Harris might need a little time in the minors before making the jump, especially considering the logjam he’d sprint into at shooting guard. Dwight Powell, recently acquired from Charlotte, will also need grooming.
Dallas Mavericks
As of this moment, the roster in Dallas projects no rookies. Summer League invitee CJ Fair probably has the greatest chance of cracking the squad. Let’s revisit this in the fall.
Denver Nuggets
In a draft day full of steals, the Nuggets landed two gems in Gary Harris and Jusuf Nurkic for the price of one (Doug McDermott). The former will contribute off the bench immediately while the latter has decisions to make regarding his standing on the 2014-15 Denver squad. If he chooses to remain a part of the roster, he’ll backup Kosta Koufos in a limited role. The same can be said about second-round selection Nikola Jokic if Nurkic decides to hop back across the pond.
Detroit Pistons
Though Charlotte snagged Detroit’s first rounder via the lottery, the Pistons harnessed a treasure in the final round round in Spencer Dinwiddie. Time and the production of Brandon Jennings and newly inked Jodie Meeks will likely tell whether Dinwiddie sees any time this year, but barring a collapse he’ll make the roster.
Golden State Warriors
Because they lost their first-round selection via a salary-dumping trade with the Utah Jazz, the Warriors don’t currently have any rookies that seem to have a shot at making the final cut. It’d be fun to say summer prospect Aaron Craft could burst through, but Golden State’s standing at point guard is just too good to bring up the already slim possibility.
Houston Rockets
For where they were selected, Swiss native Clint Capela and fiery shooting guard Nick Johnson seem to be value picks. Capela and his post moves may struggle to find playing time at first, and Johnson’s extraordinary Summer League ball has Houston feeling high (pun intended) about what they have in him. Stay tuned to see if he makes the roster.
Indiana Pacers
Like seeing your favorite band perform for the millionth time, you know exactly what you are getting with these Indiana Pacers. Right now, it doesn’t look like any rookie will crack the lineup.
Los Angeles Clippers
CJ Wilcox provides value and athleticism for the Clippers with the 28th selection, but there’s already a plethora of able shooting guards set to call the Staples Center home next season. If anything, Wilcox will provide what Reggie Bullock did off the bench in 2013-14 for the now Sterling-less Clipshow.
If he remains a member of the organization, Andrew Wiggins will see major minutes from the moment he steps on the floor for the newly-revamped Cavaliers. A two-way player with that kind of potential taken first overall just has to be a part of the rotation (of course, that’s what we said about Anthony Bennett). Virginia stud Joe Harris might need a little time in the minors before making the jump, especially considering the logjam he’d sprint into at shooting guard. Dwight Powell, recently acquired from Charlotte, will also need grooming.
Dallas Mavericks
As of this moment, the roster in Dallas projects no rookies. Summer League invitee CJ Fair probably has the greatest chance of cracking the squad. Let’s revisit this in the fall.
Denver Nuggets
In a draft day full of steals, the Nuggets landed two gems in Gary Harris and Jusuf Nurkic for the price of one (Doug McDermott). The former will contribute off the bench immediately while the latter has decisions to make regarding his standing on the 2014-15 Denver squad. If he chooses to remain a part of the roster, he’ll backup Kosta Koufos in a limited role. The same can be said about second-round selection Nikola Jokic if Nurkic decides to hop back across the pond.
Detroit Pistons
Though Charlotte snagged Detroit’s first rounder via the lottery, the Pistons harnessed a treasure in the final round round in Spencer Dinwiddie. Time and the production of Brandon Jennings and newly inked Jodie Meeks will likely tell whether Dinwiddie sees any time this year, but barring a collapse he’ll make the roster.
Golden State Warriors
Because they lost their first-round selection via a salary-dumping trade with the Utah Jazz, the Warriors don’t currently have any rookies that seem to have a shot at making the final cut. It’d be fun to say summer prospect Aaron Craft could burst through, but Golden State’s standing at point guard is just too good to bring up the already slim possibility.
Houston Rockets
For where they were selected, Swiss native Clint Capela and fiery shooting guard Nick Johnson seem to be value picks. Capela and his post moves may struggle to find playing time at first, and Johnson’s extraordinary Summer League ball has Houston feeling high (pun intended) about what they have in him. Stay tuned to see if he makes the roster.
Indiana Pacers
Like seeing your favorite band perform for the millionth time, you know exactly what you are getting with these Indiana Pacers. Right now, it doesn’t look like any rookie will crack the lineup.
Los Angeles Clippers
CJ Wilcox provides value and athleticism for the Clippers with the 28th selection, but there’s already a plethora of able shooting guards set to call the Staples Center home next season. If anything, Wilcox will provide what Reggie Bullock did off the bench in 2013-14 for the now Sterling-less Clipshow.
Los Angeles Lakers Here’s where Jordan Clarkson made everything tougher for the hapless Lakers. The combo guard has been excellent this summer in Las Vegas and LA will, at this point, no doubt create a roster spot for the Mizzou product. Problem is, Jeremy Lin and Kendall Marshall will make for strong competition in preventing Clarkson from seeing significant minutes. The same cannot be said for Julius Randle, who looks to be the future face of the franchise as Kobe Bryant slowly rides off into the sunset. Now that Pau Gasol has taken his talents to Chicago, Randle will seize the opening at the four and use his left hand to fiercely operate in the post. Memphis Grizzlies Jordan Adams will likely make the roster, but with defensive stopper Tony Allen and the newly-acquired Vince Carter (!!) set to anchor the minutes at shooting guard, it might be tough for the UCLA product to see |
much floor time his rookie season. Props to the Grizz for bringing home Memphis native Jarnell Stokes, who was a steal at the 35th selection. I love Stokes’ intensity and hope dearly that his hometown team sees the potential and follows suit.
Miami Heat
Before things went south with LeBron James, Shabazz Napier looked prime to make Miami his home alongside the world’s greatest basketball player. One Twitter unfollow and a steaming mess later, Napier’s future looks uncertain for the three-time champs. He’ll still play as a rookie but James’ departure suggests an eminent lesser role for the guy who was originally brought aboard to please the King.
Milwaukee Bucks
Jabari Parker is a Buck-- no ifs, ands, or buts about it. He will immediately become the most important basketball player in Milwaukee, depending on your affinity for everyone’s favorite Greek. Parker possesses the scoring ability the team so often needed last season. I’m excited to see his potential. Basically, think Carmelo Anthony on the 2003-04 Nuggets here.
Minnesota Timberwolves
As a loyal diehard, let’s agree to move past the whole emotional scene caused by the team’s first-round selection, Zach LaVine. Maybe he didn’t want the cold weather or the mediocre culture, or maybe he’ll take some of JJ Barea’s minutes (okay, I’m dreaming with that last one). Nonetheless, he’s been showing just how high he can fly in Las Vegas. The T’Wolves need some excitement in perhaps Kevin Love’s last season in Minny, so why not give LaVine significant minutes? I’m all for it. He’s immediately the most athletic player on a roster that could use some explosiveness off the dribble. A value pick in the middle of the second round, athletic nightmare Glenn Robinson III might need to develop a bit to reach his potential. Big minutes might not be in the picture just yet for GR3, but stay tuned.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans can’t be too happy with their preparation for the draft, as they relinquished their first round selection via the Jrue Holiday-Nerlens Noel disaster blockbuster from a year ago. Russ Smith looks like the only newbie to provide any sort of production in the coming year. Holiday’s ongoing health saga will likely determine whether Smith will see any floor time for the 2014-15 Pellies.
New York Knicks
It may be Early to proclaim this, but the Knickerbockers may have landed the steal of the draft in Cleanthony at 34. I love the pick. Early is a mid-major prospect that felt he didn’t accomplish all that was expected with Wichita State’s undefeated regular-season run. He’s athletic, can play two positions, and will unquestionably be a piece to the Knicks’ whacky, misshapen 2014-15 puzzle.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder wanted a serviceable big, and they got one. Michigan’s Mitch McGary’s draft stock was shaky due to his recent injury history and his adoration for the reefer, but taking him felt so right. Hey, anything to shove Kendrick Perkins and his expressionless face off the floor as much as possible, am I right? I’m looking at you, McGary and Steven Adams. (Side note: McGary’s selection means there are three centers, each with documented character issues, on Oklahoma City’s roster. I love the NBA.) Josh Huesstis may have been a head scratcher in the first round, but you can’t deny what he brings to the table defensively. OKC may need him for depth. Oh, and there’s a fellow by the name of Kevin Durant who could help mentor him. That’s always a good thing. Xavier point guard Semaj Christon probably won’t see time in the near future due to Reggie Jackson’s continuing surge, but he’s a nice piece to stash away, should Jackson or star floor general Russell Westbrook flee the friendly confines of Oklahoma City.
Orlando Magic
Excuse me for the length of this report, but there’s an abundance of topics to discuss here in central Florida. The Magic stand, at this moment, as the potential lone team in the association to dub two rookies as starters, but due to recent transactions that could all change very quickly. Bringing in veteran Channing Frye greatly reduces the chance of Aaron Gordon hearing his name called routinely at power forward, unless they want to play out a lengthy lineup that would feature the former Arizona Wildcat at the three. This, of course, depends on Tobias Harris, the incumbent. In his sophomore season as head honcho, Jacque Vaughn will have many lineup-related decisions to make, clearly. One place in the rotation that won’t need fixing is point guard. Once longtime Magician and former All-Star Jameer Nelson was told to leave town, the keys were handed to Rajon Rondo clone Elfrid Payton. Like Boston’s star, Payton is a do-it-all-except-shoot floor general, but Orlando had enough faith in his improvement to give him what every young point guard lusts after. Potentially and perhaps realistically, we could see the Magic throw 30-plus minutes per game at both Payton and Gordon. Even Roy Devyn Marble, a first-team All-Big 10 selection last year, could see some time on the Amway Center floor. To say the Magic will rely the most on their rookies this season, save for maybe Utah or Milwaukee, is a gross understatement. They could easily round out two starters by mid-season. It’s a scary thought, but the team will be in good hands if Gordon and Payton project to be the way Magic fans dream.
Before things went south with LeBron James, Shabazz Napier looked prime to make Miami his home alongside the world’s greatest basketball player. One Twitter unfollow and a steaming mess later, Napier’s future looks uncertain for the three-time champs. He’ll still play as a rookie but James’ departure suggests an eminent lesser role for the guy who was originally brought aboard to please the King.
Milwaukee Bucks
Jabari Parker is a Buck-- no ifs, ands, or buts about it. He will immediately become the most important basketball player in Milwaukee, depending on your affinity for everyone’s favorite Greek. Parker possesses the scoring ability the team so often needed last season. I’m excited to see his potential. Basically, think Carmelo Anthony on the 2003-04 Nuggets here.
Minnesota Timberwolves
As a loyal diehard, let’s agree to move past the whole emotional scene caused by the team’s first-round selection, Zach LaVine. Maybe he didn’t want the cold weather or the mediocre culture, or maybe he’ll take some of JJ Barea’s minutes (okay, I’m dreaming with that last one). Nonetheless, he’s been showing just how high he can fly in Las Vegas. The T’Wolves need some excitement in perhaps Kevin Love’s last season in Minny, so why not give LaVine significant minutes? I’m all for it. He’s immediately the most athletic player on a roster that could use some explosiveness off the dribble. A value pick in the middle of the second round, athletic nightmare Glenn Robinson III might need to develop a bit to reach his potential. Big minutes might not be in the picture just yet for GR3, but stay tuned.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans can’t be too happy with their preparation for the draft, as they relinquished their first round selection via the Jrue Holiday-Nerlens Noel disaster blockbuster from a year ago. Russ Smith looks like the only newbie to provide any sort of production in the coming year. Holiday’s ongoing health saga will likely determine whether Smith will see any floor time for the 2014-15 Pellies.
New York Knicks
It may be Early to proclaim this, but the Knickerbockers may have landed the steal of the draft in Cleanthony at 34. I love the pick. Early is a mid-major prospect that felt he didn’t accomplish all that was expected with Wichita State’s undefeated regular-season run. He’s athletic, can play two positions, and will unquestionably be a piece to the Knicks’ whacky, misshapen 2014-15 puzzle.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder wanted a serviceable big, and they got one. Michigan’s Mitch McGary’s draft stock was shaky due to his recent injury history and his adoration for the reefer, but taking him felt so right. Hey, anything to shove Kendrick Perkins and his expressionless face off the floor as much as possible, am I right? I’m looking at you, McGary and Steven Adams. (Side note: McGary’s selection means there are three centers, each with documented character issues, on Oklahoma City’s roster. I love the NBA.) Josh Huesstis may have been a head scratcher in the first round, but you can’t deny what he brings to the table defensively. OKC may need him for depth. Oh, and there’s a fellow by the name of Kevin Durant who could help mentor him. That’s always a good thing. Xavier point guard Semaj Christon probably won’t see time in the near future due to Reggie Jackson’s continuing surge, but he’s a nice piece to stash away, should Jackson or star floor general Russell Westbrook flee the friendly confines of Oklahoma City.
Orlando Magic
Excuse me for the length of this report, but there’s an abundance of topics to discuss here in central Florida. The Magic stand, at this moment, as the potential lone team in the association to dub two rookies as starters, but due to recent transactions that could all change very quickly. Bringing in veteran Channing Frye greatly reduces the chance of Aaron Gordon hearing his name called routinely at power forward, unless they want to play out a lengthy lineup that would feature the former Arizona Wildcat at the three. This, of course, depends on Tobias Harris, the incumbent. In his sophomore season as head honcho, Jacque Vaughn will have many lineup-related decisions to make, clearly. One place in the rotation that won’t need fixing is point guard. Once longtime Magician and former All-Star Jameer Nelson was told to leave town, the keys were handed to Rajon Rondo clone Elfrid Payton. Like Boston’s star, Payton is a do-it-all-except-shoot floor general, but Orlando had enough faith in his improvement to give him what every young point guard lusts after. Potentially and perhaps realistically, we could see the Magic throw 30-plus minutes per game at both Payton and Gordon. Even Roy Devyn Marble, a first-team All-Big 10 selection last year, could see some time on the Amway Center floor. To say the Magic will rely the most on their rookies this season, save for maybe Utah or Milwaukee, is a gross understatement. They could easily round out two starters by mid-season. It’s a scary thought, but the team will be in good hands if Gordon and Payton project to be the way Magic fans dream.
Philadelphia 76ers It was a head-scratching draft from top to bottom. You can’t fault Philly for snagging Joel Embiid with the third pick because he will do everything to make Jay Bilas pass out from excitement. Long-term wise, you obviously hope to see more Hakeem than Oden from the former Kansas Jayhawk. That being said, Embiid’s return date seemingly flip-flops more than John Kerry during his 2004 election campaign. Croatian Dario Saric won’t join the club for at least a year or two, which is odd considering they held Elfrid Payton’s rights briefly, which led to the hilariously awkward and perhaps GOAT-worthy interview with Michael Carter-Williams on draft night. The rookie who will take the most luggage on this outbound flight right away is Clemson’s KJ McDaniels, who does everything right defensively but not much on O. He will without question suit up every night this season. Syracuse’s Jerami Grant may also see time with his college teammate |
MCW as a first-year player. Philadelphia’s rookies won’t set them up for immediate success, so consider this a tanking-approved squad. You know what? Forget Embiid’s, Noel’s and Saric’s “potential”. Let’s all climb aboard the “Whiff for Cliff” and “Blow for Okafor” express right now.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns employ a blue-collared basketball team, so it only made sense that they picked natural scorer TJ Warren at 14th overall. Warren is poised for a role his rookie season, but he won’t start due to Gerald Green’s re-birth last season. Expect his minutes to be somewhere in the teens this year. Although the Suns often run a two point guard offense, Tyler Ennis won’t be a factor right away based on the the team’s signing of the speedster Isaiah Thomas, and the likelihood that they match any offer restricted free agent Eric Bledsoe is bound to receive. On the totem pole of the four floor generals on the roster (All-NBA performer Goran Dragic being the other), Ennis is the clear quaternary option. Bogdan Bogdanovic won’t come to the NBA for a while, so his impact obviously won’t be seen right away.
Portland Trail Blazers
Unless Summer League invitees Keith Appling and Davion Berry make noise soon, I don’t think a single rookie makes this roster. Portland seems pretty set on what it has.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings surprised some when they used the eighth selection on Michigan shooting guard Nik Stauskas. Stauskas is a born basketball player, a guy who possesses the intangibles and shooting touch to make almost any roster in the NBA. Sacramento is no exception, where he may start from day one with a big role expected of him. Not many others in the class can say this is true about themselves.
San Antonio Spurs
Kyle Anderson, who many project as a Boris Diaw-type, will play under the wing this season of, you guessed it, Boris Diaw. Iowa State’s Melvin Ejim, a 6’6 forward, may need an extraordinary summer to make the final cut. San Antonio’s lineup projects to be nearly the same as the ball sharing, party-crashing crew that took home the gold a month ago. That’s a good thing.
Toronto Raptors
Bruno Caboclo has impressed this summer to the point where Fran Fraschilla may regret the whole “two years away from being two years away” debacle. While his future remains in the air (and the same can be said for second-round selection DeAndre Daniels), there’s no doubt Caboclo is just as good as the Raps pegged him to be when they shocked everyone by selecting him at 20th overall.
Utah Jazz
Make no excuses, the Jazz killed the first round of the 2014 NBA Draft. Taking Dante Exum fifth and Rodney Hood 23rd were perfect and fearless selections. Exum may start right away and will undoubtedly contribute from the get go in Salt Lake City. Hood is dominating Vegas and will, rightfully so, earn a spot on the Utah bench.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards traded away their only pick in June, and the Summer League roster is full of question marks. It’s safe to assume there won’t be any major contributors for the upcoming season. The roster is set in stone, and solid.
The Suns employ a blue-collared basketball team, so it only made sense that they picked natural scorer TJ Warren at 14th overall. Warren is poised for a role his rookie season, but he won’t start due to Gerald Green’s re-birth last season. Expect his minutes to be somewhere in the teens this year. Although the Suns often run a two point guard offense, Tyler Ennis won’t be a factor right away based on the the team’s signing of the speedster Isaiah Thomas, and the likelihood that they match any offer restricted free agent Eric Bledsoe is bound to receive. On the totem pole of the four floor generals on the roster (All-NBA performer Goran Dragic being the other), Ennis is the clear quaternary option. Bogdan Bogdanovic won’t come to the NBA for a while, so his impact obviously won’t be seen right away.
Portland Trail Blazers
Unless Summer League invitees Keith Appling and Davion Berry make noise soon, I don’t think a single rookie makes this roster. Portland seems pretty set on what it has.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings surprised some when they used the eighth selection on Michigan shooting guard Nik Stauskas. Stauskas is a born basketball player, a guy who possesses the intangibles and shooting touch to make almost any roster in the NBA. Sacramento is no exception, where he may start from day one with a big role expected of him. Not many others in the class can say this is true about themselves.
San Antonio Spurs
Kyle Anderson, who many project as a Boris Diaw-type, will play under the wing this season of, you guessed it, Boris Diaw. Iowa State’s Melvin Ejim, a 6’6 forward, may need an extraordinary summer to make the final cut. San Antonio’s lineup projects to be nearly the same as the ball sharing, party-crashing crew that took home the gold a month ago. That’s a good thing.
Toronto Raptors
Bruno Caboclo has impressed this summer to the point where Fran Fraschilla may regret the whole “two years away from being two years away” debacle. While his future remains in the air (and the same can be said for second-round selection DeAndre Daniels), there’s no doubt Caboclo is just as good as the Raps pegged him to be when they shocked everyone by selecting him at 20th overall.
Utah Jazz
Make no excuses, the Jazz killed the first round of the 2014 NBA Draft. Taking Dante Exum fifth and Rodney Hood 23rd were perfect and fearless selections. Exum may start right away and will undoubtedly contribute from the get go in Salt Lake City. Hood is dominating Vegas and will, rightfully so, earn a spot on the Utah bench.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards traded away their only pick in June, and the Summer League roster is full of question marks. It’s safe to assume there won’t be any major contributors for the upcoming season. The roster is set in stone, and solid.