2014 NBA Mock Draft: Latest Forecast for Each Prospect in Round 1

Today, 2014 NBA mock drafts will be put to the test.

Scouts have speculated where Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker, Joel Embiid and the prospects who make up the best draft class since 2003 will land for at least a year. Now just hours from the draft, the forecast looks clearer than ever.

Here is the latest forecast: an updated full first-round mock draft.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Andrew Wiggins, SF, Kansas

19 years old, 6’8”, 200 pounds

Freshman stats: 17.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game

The Cavaliers seem to want Parker. But it seems like he doesn't want them. ESPN's Chad Ford reported (subscription required) the following after his most recent workout in Cleveland:

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Sources close to the Cavs told ESPN.com this weekend that the team is now leaning toward taking Parker with the No. 1 pick. However, it's far from a lock. Parker came in to work out on Friday in front of the Cavs' front office and ownership. Parker wasn't great. He was a bit heavy (he weighed in at 255 pounds), didn't shoot the ball well and got winded at times. Furthermore, two different sources told ESPN.com that Parker seemed a bit indifferent. One source said he thought Parker "tanked" the workout.

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Then Parker himself told the press that he thinks he'll hear his name called at No. 2, via NBA TV (h/t YouTube):

If the Cavaliers know what they're doing—they don't, but let's pretend for a minute that a flash of brilliance overcomes them on draft night—they'll draft Wiggins.

He actually really wants to be in Cleveland, which isn't something you can say about every player in professional sports.

This is likely why Fox Sports' Sam Amico reported on Wednesday that the Cavaliers have changed their mind:

Maybe they do know what they're doing.

2. Milwaukee Bucks: Jabari Parker, SF, Duke

19 years old, 6’8”, 241 pounds

Freshman stats: 19.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game

You heard the man (if you watched the video above); Parker thinks he's Milwaukee-bound. And his desire to play there is similar to Wiggins' to play in Cleveland—it's not shared by everyone.

In terms of other options, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's C.F. Gardner reported the Bucks aren't considering Embiid:

Exum is a possibility, but according to Parker, Milwaukee wants him instead. This would make sense considering he's widely considered to be the more talented prospect.

3. Philadelphia 76ers: Dante Exum, PG/SG, Australia

18 years old, 6’6”, 196 pounds

U-19 World Championships Stats: 18.2 points, 3.8 assists and 1.7 steals per game

Yes, Philadelphia already has Michael Carter-Williams. But first of all, despite Exum's desire to play point guard, he believes he could coexist with Carter-Williams, according to the Bucks County Courier Times' Tom Moore:

If the 76ers don't think they could coexist, with Carter-Williams starting at the 1 and Exum the 2, ESPN's Ryen Russillo offers another route they could take:

4. Orlando Magic: Noah Vonleh, PF, Indiana

18 years old, 6’10”, 247 pounds

Freshman stats: 11.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game

Orlando should draft Embiid here. While ESPN reported that he'll miss 4-6 months after foot surgery, Embiid still has the most upside in the entire draft.

However, the Orlando Sentinel's Josh Robbins wrote the following this week regarding the Magic's interest in Embiid: "If the Magic do not receive Embiid’s medical records—including the images of his right foot's surgically repaired navicular bone—I cannot envision any scenario in which Orlando drafts him."

There have been no reports that has happened. If Robbins' vision is correct, Vonleh is the next best thing. With Nikola Vucevic already in the fold, Orlando needs a 4 more than a 5 anyway. 

5. Utah Jazz: Joel Embiid, C, Kansas

20 years old, 7’0”, 250 pounds

Freshman stats: 11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game

Utah will draft Embiid for the same reason Orlando should have, as well as a couple more reasons. Embiid doesn't fill a need, which means the Jazz don't need him right away. The team has two competent centers already in Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter.

Embiid is worth drafting, though, despite Favors' and Kanter's presence, because he has a superior ceiling. A general manager told Forbes' Mark Heisler, “[Embiid's] ceiling is Hakeem Olajuwon. His basement is Serge Ibaka.” That was before his injury, so his floor his Greg Oden now, but he's worth the risk should he become Olajuwon.

And not only does Utah not need a center right now, but it's in rebuilding mode. It can afford to wait on any project.

6. Boston Celtics: Aaron Gordon, PF/SF, Arizona

18 years old, 6’9”, 220 pounds

Freshman stats: 12.4 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game

Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated reported weeks ago that Boston is “locked in” to draft Gordon.

That is if it keeps the pick, of course. Per Ford, the team is exploring multiple options.

7. Los Angeles Lakers: Marcus Smart, PG/SG, Oklahoma State

20 years old, 6’3”, 227 pounds

Sophomore stats: 18.0 points, 4.8 assists and 2.9 steals per game

Los Angeles is another team that's likely to trade its first-round pick. ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported that the team is trying to clear cap room for some of this summer's biggest free agents:

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The Lakers have been trying in recent days to package the No. 7 overall pick in Thursday's draft with the expiring contract of Steve Nash (who's owed $9.7 million next season) to free up enough room to offer James and Anthony at least $16 million each next season to join forces with Kobe Bryant.

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If the Lakers keep the pick, Smart fills one of their countless needs. And he's pro-ready and intense enough for Bryant's liking. ESPN's Dave McMenamin also reported Smart impressed Los Angeles in his workout there:

8. Sacramento Kings: Julius Randle, PF, Kentucky

19 years old, 6’9”, 234 pounds

Freshman stats: 15.0 points, 10.4 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game

ESPN's Marc Stein reported on Wednesday that the Kings were in talks with the Detroit Pistons about acquiring Josh Smith.

While such a trade would eliminate the need for Randle, the news proves that Sacramento wants to upgrade at power forward. And Randle is a better option than Smith anyway. There's three years and $40.5 million left on Smith's contract, and he attempted 3.4 threes a game this year despite making only 26.4 percent of them.

9. Charlotte Hornets: Nik Stauskas, SG, Michigan

20 years old, 6’7”, 207 pounds

Sophomore stats: 17.5 points, 3.3 assists and 0.6 steals per game

Charlotte may have been able to win a single game against the Miami Heat in Round 1 if Gerald Henderson or Michael Kidd-Gilchrist could hit a single three. Stauskas would solve that problem.

He's arguably the best pure shooter in the draft and nailed 44.2 percent of his threes this year. Stauskas would quickly replace Anthony Tolliver, who will be a free agent this summer, as the Bobcats' leading three-point shooter. Yes, Tolliver—who hadn't averaged more than 0.7 threes a game since 2010—led the team in threes per game last year.

10. Philadelphia 76ers: Dario Saric, PF/SF, Croatia

20 years old, 6’10”, 223 pounds

Croatian A-1 Liga 2013-14 stats: 16.7 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game

Yes, Saric just signed a three-year contract overseas this week. However, per Ford, Saric can opt out after the second year.

This is why Saric isn't higher on draft boards. He's as gifted as Vonleh, Gordon and Randle, but the question marks surrounding when he'll come to America are large enough to scare teams away.

However, as previously mentioned, even in one of the worst conferences in the history of professional sports, Philadelphia won't be a playoff contender for another couple of years. The chance for Philadelphia to start Carter-Williams, Exum, Saric and Nerlens Noel together a few years down the road, however, is too promising to pass up. 

11. Denver Nuggets: Gary Harris, SG, Michigan State

19 years old, 6’5”, 205 pounds

Sophomore stats: 16.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game

Only the 76ers and Lakers surrendered more points per game than the Nuggets this season.

Harris is arguably the best on-ball defender in the draft. He wouldn't be an immediate starter, though, because the team acquired shooting guard Arron Afflalo from the Orland Magic on Thursday morning, per Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski: 

But Harris can also play point guard, meaning that he can offer the Nuggets' a major upgrade behind both Ty Lawson and Arron Afflalo.

12. Orlando Magic: Elfrid Payton, PG, Louisiana-Lafayette

20 years old, 6’4”, 185 pounds

Junior stats: 19.2 points, 5.9 assists and 2.3 steals per game

Orlando can terminate Jameer Nelson's contract this summer, and even if it doesn't, Nelson is 32 years old and not the point guard of the future.

Payton would be, though, and he would immediately fill the Magic's greatest need.

13. Minnesota Timberwolves: Doug McDermott, SF, Creighton

22 years old, 6’8”, 218 pounds

Senior stats: 26.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 0.2 steals per game

Here are some numbers that need to change in Minnesota next season: Corey Brewer started 81 games and converted 2.6 threes per game despite making only 28.0 percent of them. 

McDermott would solve this problem. He's one of the greatest scorers in college basketball history and shot 44.9 percent from downtown during his senior year and 49.0 percent the year before. 

14. Phoenix Suns: Zach LaVine, PG/SG, UCLA

19 years old, 6’6”, 181 pounds

Freshman stats: 9.4 points, 1.8 assists and 0.9 steals per game

If the season started today, Archie Goodwin, who averaged 3.7 points per game this year, would be the Suns' best guard off the bench. LaVine would be an ideal prospect to back up both Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe because he can play both guard positions. And in Phoenix's run-and-gun offense, LaVine's athleticism would allow him to shine.

Here he is recording a 46-inch vertical during a workout with the Lakers:

And there's this from ESPN's Andy Katz:

15. Atlanta Hawks: James Young, SF, Kentucky

18 years old, 6’8”, 213 pounds

Freshman stats: 14.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 0.8 steals per game

Kyle Korver is the only Atlanta wing who scored at least 9.0 points a game in the postseason, and he's 33 years old. Louis Williams and DeMarre Carroll will also be free agents next summer.

Atlanta needs help on the wing, and Young is without a doubt the best one available at this point in the draft.

16. Chicago Bulls: Adreian Payne, PF, Michigan State

23 years old, 6’10”, 239 pounds

Senior stats: 16.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game

ESPN's Chris Broussard reported that Carmelo Anthony visit the Bulls. If they acquire him or another star this offseason, Carlos Boozer or Taj Gibson will likely be the odd man out to clear cap room.

Payne will be able to step in where they left off. And his 42.3 percent shooting from downtown would be an asset to a Chicago team that shot 33.3 percent from beyond the arc in the postseason.

17. Boston Celtics: Jusuf Nurkic, C, Bosnia

19 years old, 6’11”, 280 pounds

Croatian A-1 Liga 2013-14 stats: 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game

According to ESPN Boston's Chris Forsberg, the Celtics promised Sullinger that they'd acquire a true center this offseason. Nurkic wouldn't be able to start alongside him right away, but he's the best true center left in the draft. A future frontcourt of Sullinger, Nurkic, Gordon and Kelly Olynyk would be promising.

Eurobasket's David Pick reported that Danny Ainge is a fan of the young Bosnian big man:

18. Phoenix Suns: P.J. Hairston, SG, North Carolina

21 years old, 6’5”, 229 pounds

Sophomore stats: 14.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game

Phoenix is just as thin on the wings as it is at the point. If the Suns continue to play small and don't re-sign P.J. Tucker, Hairston could back up Gerald Green at the 3 and Bledsoe at the 2.

Few perimeter rotations in the league would be more explosive. 

19. Chicago Bulls: Shabazz Napier, PG, Connecticut

22 years old, 6’1”, 175 pounds

Senior stats: 18.0 points, 4.9 assists and 1.8 steals per game

Consider this as a precautionary move that safeguards against another meltdown should Derrick Rose suffer another injury. Napier is more pro-ready than Tyler Ennis should he need to start. He'd also fit better than Ennis alongside Anthony, if he signs with the team this summer.

The Bulls would need shooters around Anthony, and Napier nailed 40.5 percent of his threes last season, compared to 35.3 percent for Ennis. 

20. Toronto Raptors: Tyler Ennis, PG, Syracuse

19 years old, 6’3”, 182 pounds

Freshman stats: 12.9 points, 5.5 assists and 2.1 steals per game

Kyle Lowry and Greivis Vasquez combined for 31.2 points, 9.8 assists and 8.4 rebounds in the playoffs. And they'll both be free agents this summer.

Toronto needs insurance in case it can't re-sign both of them.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder: SG Rodney Hood, Duke

21 years old, 6’9”, 208 pounds

Sophomore stats: 16.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 0.7 steals per game

Oklahoma City already lost Derek Fisher, and they could lose both Caron Butler and Thabo Sefolosha to free agency this summer. The team also only shot 32.3 percent from downtown in the postseason.

Hood, a 42.0 percent shooter from three-point land, would solve the Thunder's shooting and wing depth problems.

22. Memphis Grizzlies: K.J. McDaniels, SF, Clemson

21 years old, 6’6”, 195 pounds

Junior stats: 17.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game

Memphis is ready to win now and needs a small forward. Tayshaun Prince started six postseason games for the Grizzlies this year and only averaged 3.0 points per game. 

McDaniels gets the nod here over T.J. Warren because you need to be a strong defender to start at small forward for the Grizzlies (see: Prince and Shane Battier).

23. Utah Jazz: T.J. Warren, SF, North Carolina State

20 years old, 6’8”, 220 pounds

Sophomore stats: 24.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game

Gordon Hayward (restricted free agent), Richardson Jefferson, Brandon Rush and Mike Harris will all be free agents this summer. Utah's greatest need by far is on the wing, but none of the available players who could fill such a role were worthy of the fifth overall selection. 

Warren fills that hole and will make up for the loss of scoring should Hayward depart. 

24. Charlotte Hornets: Kyle Anderson, SF/PG, UCLA

20 years old, 6’9”, 230 pounds

Sophomore stats: 14.6 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game

Josh McRoberts opted out of his contract, creating an even greater frontcourt need for Charlotte. McRoberts played effectively at times last year alongside Al Jefferson, partly because he could spread the floor. McRoberts shot 47.1 percent from downtown in the playoffs.

Anderson, who shot 48.3 percent from the field last season, can be the Hornets' less-athletic version of McRoberts.

25. Houston Rockets: Jarnell Stokes, PF, Tennessee

20 years old, 6'9", 262 pounds

Junior stats: 15.1 points, 10.6 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game

Wojnarowski reported that the Rockets have agreed to trade Omer Asik to the New Orleans Pelicans.

Houston was already thin in the frontcourt before dealing Asik. Stokes would not only bolster its depth, but he would perhaps form the strongest big man duo in the league with Dwight Howard. And by strong, I mean like bench-press strong.

26. Miami Heat: Jordan Clarkson, PG, Missouri

21 years old, 6’5”, 186 pounds

Junior stats: 17.5 points, 3.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game

Ford reported that the Heat are aiming to acquire Napier in order to fill the team's gaping hole at point guard.

Napier won't slide to 26th overall, though, so if Miami fails to trade up, Clarkson would be a great consolation prize. 

27. Phoenix Suns: Clint Capela, PF, Switzerland

20 years old, 6’11”, 222 pounds

French LNB Pro A 2013-14 Stats: 9.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game

With three first-round picks, Phoenix can afford to gamble on a project like Capela.

It also won't be thin in the frontcourt at least until 2015. Capela has Ibaka-potential but is also extremely raw.

28. Los Angeles Clippers: Mitch McGary, PF, Michigan

21 years old, 6’10”, 250 pounds

Sophomore stats: 9.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game

Blake Griffin would love McGary.

The Wolverine's motor is outstanding. But not only that, McGary would fill a huge hole in the frontcourt with Glen Davis and Ryan Hollins headed for free agency.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Damien Inglis, SF, France

19 years old, 6'8", 240 pounds

2013-14 French League stats: 4.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 0.6 steals per game (in 15.3 minutes)

The Thunder had no answer for Boris Diaw in Games 5 and 6 of the Western Conference Finals, when he scored a combined 39 points, 15 of which came off threes. Inglis would be its answer to the Diaws of the league.

He's athletic enough to play the 3, large enough to play the 4 against a small lineup and efficient enough from downtown (38.7 percent) to spread the floor.

30. San Antonio Spurs: Nikola Jokic, C, Serbia

19 years old, 6'11", 253 pounds

2013-2014 Adriatic League stats: 11.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game

Playing the point-forward role, Diaw became the Spurs' most valuable reserve not named Manu Ginobili this season.

Diaw will be a free agent this summer, and Jokic's game is the closest thing to Diaw's in the draft beside that of Anderson and Saric.

David Daniels is a columnist at Bleacher Report. He tweets, too.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels