2014 NBA Mock Draft: An in-depth look at both rounds
By Joe Nardone
Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
14. Phoenix Suns — Zach LaVine , SG, UCLA
H: 6′ 6″ W: 181 lbs DOB: 03/10/1995
2013-14 NCAA (37 GP) 9.4 PPG 2.5 RPG 1.8 APG 14.9 PER
There are players I like far more than the idea of the potential that is deep inside the esophagus of Zach LaVine. However, the Suns far exceeded expectations this season. So much so, in fact, that their roster isn’t as good as their record indicates. What that does mean, though, is that there are players of value on the roster, ones who might be better than we originally thought, and that taking a risk with the 14th pick isn’t a horrible idea.
Supposedly, as the Interwebs have told me, LaVine’s ability to jump really high magically equates to him having other-worldly potential. While I don’t buy that at all, or LaVine as a pro prospect to the degree as others, if the Suns think his ceiling is higher than your buddy Trent on any given April 20th, they should take him.
If he were to somehow unlock all those things he can’t do on an above-average level now (shoot, pass, dribble, defend, everything but jump high), because jumping high means he can eventually could, then that would be a great steal for Phoenix.
As you can tell, though, I’m not a huge fan of the “jumping high = potential” theory. Eh, I digress. Either way, Phoenix should take a flyer out on a player who might be a project with some potential rather than a guy who will likely be a limited roleplayer. — Joe