2014 NBA Mock Draft: An in-depth look at both rounds
By Joe Nardone
1. Cleveland Cavaliers – Jabari Parker, SF, Duke
H: 6′ 8″ W: 241 lbs Bday: 03/15/1995
2013-14 NCAA (35 GP) 19.1 PPG 8.7 RPG 1.2 APG 28.8 PER
It’s funny how Joel Embiid’s foot injury has made this pick “that much more difficult” for the Cavs, despite there never being a runaway candidate for the pick. I originally had Embiid in this spot, but after adding international offensive guru David Blatt as head coach last Friday, it makes a ton of sense for Cleveland to take the most polished scorer in this draft with their top pick.
Jabari Parker has been compared to guys like Carmelo Anthony and Paul Pierce because of his diverse scoring ability, and he’s my favorite to be the most impressive rookie in this draft. Sure, he may not be Andrew Wiggins athletically, but he’s no slouch, and he still has a ton of room, and years, to develop his already refined game.
In any other draft, Parker would be a runaway candidate for the top pick, and the Cavs will be rewarded for taking him first in a class filled with potential. — Jared