Essential The Official ESPN Insider Thread (ESPN+)

[Skooby]

7. Sacramento Kings | Status: Rebuilding | Record: 28-53 (1-3)

The Kings are stuck in a perpetual cycle of being bad enough to miss the playoffs every year, but not bad enough to win the No. 1 pick. The past five seasons they've won 25, 24, 22, 28 and now 28 games.

Barring a lottery miracle, they'll miss out on the top prospects in the draft, meaning they'll add yet another young player with talent, but not a franchise-changing one. The addition of Rudy Gay this season was an attempt to make a move away from just building around young players, but so far it hasn't had much of an impact. The Kings have talent, but their path from mediocre to contender is one of the unclearest in the group.

(Preseason Rank: 5)


8. Detroit Pistons | Status: Tanking | Record: 29-52 (1-3)

There's good news and bad news Pistons fans. The good news is that, barring a team with less than a 2 percent chance of winning the lottery leapfrogging over the Pistons, they won't have to send their pick to Charlotte this year. Also, Andre Drummond continues to look like the steal of the 2012 NBA draft.

The bad news is that the Pistons are back in the lottery for fifth straight year. That was supposed to change this season with the additions of Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings. But the team never meshed and the Pistons are now losing GM Joe Dumars because of it.

Dumars has made a number of mistakes in his tenure, but he is one of the most intelligent GMs in the league and will be missed. Another draft pick will help this team, but until they move either Smith or Greg Monroe, I don't think their issues are going away.

(Preseason Rank: NR)


9. Cleveland Cavaliers | Status: Trying | Record: 32-49 (1-2)

Cavs owner Dan Gilbert boldly predicted after winning the lottery and taking Anthony Bennett No. 1 that the days of the Cavs being in the lottery were over. But even after signing Andrew Bynum and Jarrett Jack in the summer, and trading for Luol Deng midseason, they are still stuck in NBA purgatory.

Bennett struggled tremendously as a rookie, the team didn't mesh with Mike Brown's defense-first philosophy, GM Chris Grant was fired and franchise cornerstone Kyrie Irving is reportedly unhappy. To top it all off, the Cavs have virtually no shot of getting an elite player in a truly special lottery.

Had Gilbert decided to be patient for one more season, keeping veterans off the team and letting his young team lose, the Cavs would be talking about drafting Jabari Parker or Andrew Wiggins right now and we'd be excited about their long-term future. Instead, the Cavs remain a mess.

(Preseason rank: NR)

10. New Orleans Pelicans | Status: Trying | Record: 32-48 (0-3)

The Pelicans also are facing a disaster of a season. With Anthony Davis and Eric Gordon coming back healthy for 2013-14, New Orleans thought it was going to be a playoff team. So it traded away Nerlens Noel and this year's pick (top-five protected) for point guard Jrue Holiday and also signed Tyreke Evans as a free agent.

But more injuries (to Holiday and Ryan Anderson) hurt the Pelicans' chances in a tough Western Conference, and now it looks as though they would have been better off keeping Noel and picking up another great draft prospect this year. Instead they won't make the playoffs and Philly will most likely get their pick. Ugh.

(Preseason rank: NR)


KEY
Tanking: The front office has deliberately weakened the team in an attempt to lose as many games as possible.

Tank-building: The space that lies somewhere between the ideas of tanking and rebuilding.

Rebuilding: The team's front office didn't go out of its way to sign or trade for quality players last summer, but it was less an attempt to lose games than it was an opportunity to give young players already on the roster a chance to prove themselves.

Trying: The team's front office went out of its way over the summer to strengthen the roster in an attempt to make the playoffs. The team just isn't very good.

 

[FreedS[ohh]lave]

Emmanuel Mudiay, Jahlil Okafor impress at Nike Hoop Summit - ESPN

 

[Skooby]

Emmanuel Mudiay, Jahlil Okafor impress at Nike Hoop Summit - ESPN

Nike Hoop Summit: Top prospects

PORTLAND, Ore. -- NBA scouts and GMs were out in force last week at the 2014 Nike Hoop Summit, taking in both practices and Saturday's game. Unlike the McDonald's All American Game and Jordan Brand Classic, the Hoop Summit is played more like a real competition than an all-star game. Defense is played, sets are run and the overall atmosphere is more serious, which makes for a better scouting event.

Each year, Team USA's Junior Select Team competes against a World Team comprising the top young international players. Team USA beat the World Team 84-73 this time around.

The event serves as a good preview of the incoming freshman class for the 2014-15 season and as a proving ground where top international talent can come and make their mark.

This year, only one of the players on the floor had a shot at going in the first round in the 2014 draft, Switzerland's Clint Capela.

Capela has generated a lot of buzz this year from international scouts. He's a 6-foot-11 bouncy power forward with a huge wingspan who has been putting up solid numbers in France. Many scouts began speaking of him as a potential lottery pick as early as this year.

But this event really didn't do him any favors. {C}Capela looked extremely raw on both ends. While he made a number of athletic plays above the rim on both ends in practices, he looked lost among the other elite prospects on the floor. In his first seven minutes of the game Saturday, he picked up four quick fouls and was limited to just one rebound by that point. He finished the game with five points, three rebounds and one assist in 13 minutes of play and watched his stock slide considerably. While the physical talent is clearly there, he didn't look even close to being ready for the NBA. I still think he's a first-round pick if he declares for the draft, but his days of eyeing the lottery may be done unless he redeems himself in workouts.
Capela wasn't the only one to disappoint. While many of the prospects here are prime candidates to be lottery picks in 2015, NBA scouts and GMs aren't nearly as enamored with next year's incoming freshmen as they were with what they saw last year.

"I think we saw four or five players here last year we thought could be future NBA All-Stars," one GM said. "While I don't think any of them proved it this year as freshmen, I think we generally are still very excited about them and think they could still be All-Star-caliber players down the road. This year I saw maybe two guys I feel that way about. And it's a bigger maybe. Next year's draft isn't going to be as strong at the top. There's talent, but I wasn't wowed by anyone."

That was the general consensus among the 30 or so scouts and GMs I spoke to here. Say what you will about Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker, Joel Embiid, Julius Randle and Dante Exum, all of whom played at the Hoop Summit last year, but they all projected to be better NBA players than anyone who was on the floor Saturday night. So temper your expectations, NBA and college fans.

Here's a look at several of the more intriguing prospects we saw in Portland:

Emmanuel Mudiay, PG, committed to SMU
If there was one standout prospect from the week, it was Mudiay. Both before and especially after the game, many of the NBA GMs and scouts I spoke with thought Mudiay had the best shot of anyone in this class of being the No. 1 pick and a future All-Star.

NBA folks love point guards with both size and athleticism, and Mudiay has both. He's a quick, powerful guard who can get to the basket and finish above the rim. He led all scorers at the Hoop Summit with 20 points and also had five rebounds, five assists and one steal, with just one turnover.

He can overdribble the ball at times, his decision-making and feel for running the point is still a work in progress and his jumper needs a lot of work, but the raw talent to be a Derrick Rose-type power point guard in the NBA is all there. The fact that Larry Brown, one of the most respected point guard coaches in the NBA, is his head coach next year is also earning him points among scouts who believe that Brown will get the junk out of his game and make him a better point guard for the NBA.

If he has a big season for SMU, he has a great shot at going No. 1.


Jahlil Okafor, C, committed to Duke
Okafor is the other player in this class who gets a lot of attention as a potential No. 1 pick. Okafor is a true center with a huge body, amazing hands and terrific feet. He catches anything you throw at him and has a surprising array of post moves for a player his age. He can score on either block, has a nice little hook, a turnaround jumper and even an up-and-under move.

Okafor's strength allows him to manhandle players in the post, and he has a high basketball IQ, is a good passer out of double-teams and reads the game well. He got off to a slow start in the Hoop Summit before coming on in the second half. He ended up with 14 points and 10 rebounds but did have four turnovers.

So why might he not go No. 1? While Okafor has size and strength, he's not an explosive athlete. He has struggled with conditioning issues in the past, and though he has improved that greatly this year, he still could be in better shape. I've heard the Tim Duncan comparisons and agree that he's a very fundamentally sound player, but Elton Brand might be the better comp right now. Okafor is about an inch taller, but Brand had a longer wingspan, giving them the same standing reach. Duncan was just a bigger, better athlete at Okafor's age.


Myles Turner, C, uncommitted
Turner was struggling with a recurring knee issue all week and wasn't really himself. He's huge and athletic and generally stands out with his athleticism and quickness for his size, but he just didn't look the part in Portland.

Tuner is a bit of a late bloomer and is more polarizing as a prospect. He has the requisite size and athletic ability to be a No. 1 pick, but his game hasn't developed to the same extent as Mudiay's or Okafor's.

Right now he's at his best facing the basket. He has a soft touch on his jump shot and excels when stepping out of the paint. He has all the tools to play inside as well but needs to add toughness and aggressiveness to his game.

Turner is undecided right now on his college choice, but based on the intel I gathered, he seems to be deciding between Kansas (which most believe is the favorite), Texas and SMU.
He'll be a player teams will watch really closely. Players with his size and athletic ability don't come along very often. Remember that Andre Drummond had a very uneven season at UConn as a freshman. It might be the same for Turner, but there's crazy upside there.


Karl Towns Jr., C, committed to Kentucky
Towns made scouts swoon last year when he played for the international team. His play this year was a little more uneven -- he had just six points and two rebounds, mostly because of foul trouble -- but there is so much to like in Towns' game. He's a fluid big man with terrific size, and he's very skilled. He has shooting range all the way out to the 3-point line and isn't afraid to go out there and take those shots. He also can score in the paint and be a good rebounder and shot-blocker when he focuses.

Scouts worry a bit about his toughness; they want to see him fight in the paint more. But he's a third big in this draft who has some serious offensive skills. How often do three guys like that come along in the same class? If John Calipari plays him the same way he did DeMarcus Cousins, Towns might have a shot at going No. 1.

 

[Skooby]

Cliff Alexander, PF, committed to Kansas

Alexander already has the body of a 10-year NBA veteran. He is a beast. He also is an explosive athlete and is very quick for someone his size. While he lacks great height for his position (just 6-foot-8 in shoes), he has a huge wingspan and can be an explosive leaper when he gets a head of steam behind him. The best part of his game is that he's always attacking the rim. He wants to dunk and block everything. The question for him is his lack of elite size and basketball IQ. Alexander plays almost purely off instinct and heart. His decision-making on the court is pretty rudimentary. Alexander didn't have a great game Saturday. He was just 2-for-7 from the field with just one rebound.


Kelly Oubre, SF, committed to Kansas

Oubre is one of the more polarizing players in the class. He was essentially awful in his first few practices here, but he came on when the lights came on. He ended with 14 points, five rebounds and three assists in the game but was just 2-for-7 from 3-point range. He has good size for his position and is an elite athlete, and when he gets his jump shot going, he can be a lethal scorer. He also has no in-between game right now; it's 3-pointer or to the rim for him. His handle needs to tighten, he needs to add a midrange game, he needs to up his 3-point percentage from the low 30s to the high 30s and he needs to improve his shot selection. If he does all that, he has a great chance of being a lottery pick.


Stanley Johnson, SF, committed to Arizona

Johnson has a number of fans in the NBA. He's a 237-pound small forward. They don't get much stronger than that. He has NBA strength, plays hard and has an emerging jump shot that needs to improve.

He's not an elite athlete, however, and some teams question whether he, like Shabazz Muhammad a few years ago, benefited in high school from being physically stronger than everyone else in his age group. He was just 1-for-6 from the field in the game and didn't look like he could create his own shot against people. He's going to have to develop a consistent skill to be a one-and-done lottery pick, but the potential is there.


Justise Winslow, F, committed to Duke

Winslow was perhaps the best player on Team USA on Saturday night. He's just not the best prospect. He ended the game with 16 points and six rebounds on 7-for-15 shooting. Winslow has the body of a chiseled NBA power forward, but he's just 6-foot-6. He uses his strength and athleticism combined with a great motor to dominate other players. But his skill set is still a work in progress. He needs a more consistent jump shot and handle.

That said, it's hard to dismiss Winslow. He and Okafor were the best players for the Team USA under-19 team in Prague, and he really pushed them over the top in the Hoop Summit. Duke fans are going to love him the same way Kentucky fans loved Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. But will NBA teams love him? The jury is still out there.


Tyus Jones, PG, committed to Duke

Jones is the best pure point guard in this class and is the consummate floor general. He is a pass-first guard who has terrific basketball IQ, plays angles well and almost always makes the right pass. If he were a little bigger or a better athlete, he'd be much higher on our board, but the lack of size and elite quickness and explosion limit his upside a bit. Jones ended Saturday's game with 13 points and six assists and made a number of key plays late for the USA team. He's going to be one of the best point guards in the country next year coming out of the gate, but like Winslow, it's unclear what type of NBA player he'll be. He's probably a first-rounder, but is he a lottery pick? Most of the scouts I spoke with weren't sold on that.


Trey Lyles, PF, committed to Kentucky

Lyles is one of the top players in high school and bears a passing resemblance to Carlos Boozer both physically and somewhat in his game. He's not as skilled as Boozer was, but he is a forward with a high basketball IQ who uses strength and basketball knowledge to beat down his opponents. He's not a great athlete, plays below the rim and was generally disappointing all week in Portland, though he did finish with a game-high 11 rebounds.

And we should mention Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, a 16-year-old from Ukraine who stole the hearts of most of the scouts here. He's a skilled wing who has incredible basketball IQ and skills for his size. While he didn't show it in the game, he was one of the most impressive players on the floor all week. Alas, he's a minimum of two years away from being eligible for the NBA draft. He says he's thinking about coming to college. After what we saw in Portland, every elite program in the country will be beating down his door.

 

[954UAlreadyknow]

NBA draft - Examining Nik Stauskas' draft stock, pro future - ESPN

NBA draft - Examining Gary Harris' draft stock, pro future - ESPN

NBA draft - Joel Embiid has major upside, but how serious is his back injury? - ESPN

 

[Skooby]

NBA draft - Examining Nik Stauskas' draft stock, pro future - ESPN

NBA draft - Examining Gary Harris' draft stock, pro future - ESPN

NBA draft - Joel Embiid has major upside, but how serious is his back injury? - ESPN

Stauskas could be lottery-bound
Michigan guard has NBA stroke and handle, but D could be issue at next level

Nik Stauskas | 6-6, 205 pounds | SHOOTING GUARD | SOPHOMORE

Chad Ford's Top 100: No. 19
Strengths: Shooting, TO%, PF% | Weaknesses: Usage, Rebound%, Steal%
WARP projection: 1.2 (26th among top 100)
Comparables: Doron Lamb (94.9), John Jenkins (91.6), Daniel Gibson (91.3), Terrico White (90.8)


The analytics perspective

Kevin Pelton: Thanks to his ability to knock down shots, Stauskas is an elite offensive prospect. Among players in Chad's top 50, only Doug McDermott has a better projected true shooting percentage (.550) for next season based on translated college performance. And while Stauskas will probably be primarily a role player early in his NBA career, he's shown the ability to create his own shot, which makes him more than just a specialist.

However, real concerns about his defensive contributions drive down his WARP projection. Among perimeter players in my database of college translations dating back to 2003, onlyJason Kapono and Joe Crawford have made the NBA with similarly poor NCAA steal rates. Given the importance of steal rate as an indicator of NBA success, that's a red flag, and Stauskas is also poor on the glass.



The scouting perspective

Amin Elhassan: The 2014 draft is thick with combo guards, and Stauskas throws his hat into that ring. He's a terrific shooter from all areas of the floor, and possesses a nice, fluid stroke and quick release. He consistently was one of the best shooters in college. Additionally, he's a crafty finisher around the basket, using off-rhythm dribbles and/or steps to get to the front of the rim and avoid shot-blockers. Stauskas has 2-guard size at 6-foot-6 but does not have a long wingspan. He does have good vision and passes well with both hands (with decent accuracy on passes).

In pick-and-roll play, he does a good job of reading options and making quick decisions. I question whether he has the explosion to beat guys off the bounce with a live dribble, but I love his ability to run a secondary pick-and-roll off the catch on the wing. In many ways, Stauskas reminds me of J.J. Redikk in his ability to run pick-and-roll or catch the ball moving off screens and deliver pocket passes. Plus, he does a good job of hitting ahead in transition.

However, there are serious questions about Stauskas' ability to defend. On-ball, he can be "magnetized" by screens, anticipating contact even when the screener has slipped and letting his man get by. Off-ball, he has good awareness but small strides make it hard for him to close out in a hurry. He also has a bad habit of gambling and trying to shoot the gap on screens rather than locking and trailing. Otherwise, he doesn't give you much in the way of steals or defensive rebounds.

Stauskas' dead-eye shooting and playmaking give him a chance to be a solid rotation player, a la Redikk, but his defensive habits must improve (also a la Redikk).


The NBA front-office perspective

Chad Ford: There are really two paths to becoming a high draft pick. One is to have unique physical attributes and athletic ability; if you have great size, length, explosiveness or quickness for a particular position, you always get a look. The other is to have a skill that easily translates to the NBA.


Stauskas has the latter. Most NBA GMs and scouts consider him one of the best pure shooters in the draft. He has a super quick release on his jumper and can get it off against just about anywhere on the floor. In a league devoid of great shooters, Stauskas is an instant commodity.

However, he's more than just a shooter. He has an excellent handle, can play the point in a pinch and has a high basketball IQ that allows him to score in other ways besides 3s. The only real knock on him is on the defensive end. He lacks the lateral quickness to guard most 2s at the next level.

Still, this draft doesn't have a lot of elite prospects who are great shooters. Once we get out of the top 10, the first team that really needs shooting from the guard position is going to be sorely tempted. He should go somewhere between Nos. 12 to 24 on draft night.

 

[Skooby]

Gary Harris should land in lottery
Michigan State guard brings solid two-way play and track record of success

Gary Harris | 6-4, 210 pounds | SHOOTING GUARD | SOPHOMORE

Chad Ford's Top 100: No. 10
Strengths: Shooting, Steal%, TO%, PF% | Weakness: FTA%, Rebound%
WARP projection: 2.0 (eighth among top 100)
Comparables: Xavier Henry (96.0), Daniel Gibson (94.0), Terrico White(92.9), Jeremy Lamb (92.8)


The analytics perspective

Kevin Pelton: The key thing to know about Harris is that he won't turn 20 until September. He's only a couple of months older than Julius Randle, and is nearly a half-year younger than Joel Embiid. Compared to this year's freshmen, Harris has a much longer track record of success, making his lottery pedigree clear.

While Harris' comps aren't great, I prefer to compare him to Bradley Beal of theWashington Wizards, who put up similar numbers but was just a little too young to be considered for similarity scores. Like Beal, Harris has a smooth, polished game that is well-rounded offensively. The comparison isn't entirely positive -- Beal hasn't shot as well as his stroke would suggest at the NBA level, and Harris too went through a surprising 3-point drought this season -- but given that Beal was the No. 3 overall pick, Harris belongs in the high lottery as well.



The scouting perspective

Amin Elhassan: Another prospect in this year's deep crop of combo guards, Harris is a 6-foot-4 shooter with decent athleticism. He can finish above the rim when leaping off one foot with a full head of steam, but generally does not get a lot of opportunities around the rim, and is just an OK finisher. His 3-point percentage fell this season after assuming a bigger role on offense, but he's still a very good shooter.

In transition, Harris does a nice job of running wide into deep corners and getting his feet set. And though he comes off of pick-and-rolls aggressively looking to shoot, he lacks the handle to get all the way to the rim, opting to pull up for the midrange jumper or pick up his dribble and look for the pass. He's not a particularly creative passer and isn't blessed with the best vision, but he doesn't throw the ball away and makes the simple play. Harris is very good in off-ball motion, playing cat-and-mouse off screens with defenders.

Like most Michigan State alums, Harris has good defensive instincts off the ball; he will sag and recover to his man on the perimeter and possesses good awareness. In terms of on-ball defense, he isn't the most imposing defender, and while he will try to fight over screens, he'll do so gingerly and methodically, trusting the help defense. Harris won't give you much in the way of rebounds, but he plays the passing lanes well and comes up with steals.



The NBA front-office perspective

Chad Ford: Harris is one of the true two-way players in the draft. He's equally effective on both ends of the court, which is a large part of his appeal. Harris can score in multiple ways, both by driving to the basket and from the perimeter and he's capable of guarding both backcourt positions as well.

His lack of elite size for his position is the biggest knock scouts have against him. There is also concern that his 3-point shot may not be as good as advertised. After shooting 41 percent from beyond the arc as a freshman, Harris dropped to 35 percent as a sophomore.

While Harris does have a few dings in his draft stock, he's widely regarded as the second-best shooting guard prospect in the draft behindAndrew Wiggins and should go somewhere between No. 10 and 15 on draft night.[DOUBLEPOST=1397620612][/DOUBLEPOST]Should Embiid go No. 1?
Back injury aside, the Kansas center has major NBA upside

Joel Embiid | 7-1, 250 pounds | CENTER | FRESHMAN

Chad Ford's Top 100: No. 3
Strengths: Rebound%, Assist%, Steal%, Block% | Weaknesses: TO%, PF%
WARP projection: 3.0 (4th among top 100)
Comparables: Patrick O'Bryant (97.0), Sean Williams (96.3), Byron Mullens(94.1), Robin Lopez (93.5)


The analytics perspective

Kevin Pelton: Don't be too concerned about Embiid's comps; few 7-footers in the NCAA ranks have been similarly skilled offensively within the past 12 years, the span of time covered by my database. Overall, Embiid's statistics back up his spot among the top prospects available. While his 2-point percentage slipped after we covered it at midseason, he was an efficient scorer who made a major impact at the defensive end with both steals and blocks (his block rate ranked 17th in the country, per KenPom.com).

There are some concerns about Embiid statistically. The downside to his aggressive post play was a tendency to turn the ball over, and foul trouble could limit his playing time early in his NBA career. He averaged 5.8 fouls per 40 minutes this season. Still, only serious concerns about the long-term condition of Embiid's back could drop him out of the top three picks.



The scouting perspective

Amin Elhassan: Embiid is a long, fluid, explosive athlete who runs the floor well and moves with a ton of grace on the court. It's hard to believe that he's been playing the game for only four years, as he exhibits the type of feel and anticipation at 20 years old that some players go whole NBA careers without showing.

He has an excellent repertoire on the block with terrific footwork and does a great job of mixing in drop steps, spin moves, jab steps and reverse pivots. Embiid can shoot over either shoulder and finish with either hand. He shows precocious understanding of where the defense is leaning or where help is coming from, and is able to read and react accordingly. He does a good job of deep seals in the post, and has good patience in waiting for ball reversals and re-posts.

I'm not comfortable with the Hakeem Olajuwoncomparison, but he does a very Olajuwon-esque thing in the post by hopping into the catch and landing on two feet, allowing him to establish either foot as his pivot. This makes it incredibly difficult for a defender to anticipate which direction he's going to go.

Defensively, his inexperience is a little more apparent, as he can be tentative in secondary and tertiary defensive rotations, unsure of exactly where to recover. And though Embiid has quick enough feet and awesome length to show hard on pick-and-rolls, he seems to be overly cautious in closeouts to pick-and-pops. He also has a tendency to gamble in passing lanes from time to time. He's much more comfortable under the basket as a rim-protector, and he has great timing in contesting shots. He is an outstanding defensive rebounder, and does a nice job of getting outlet passes to his guards.


The NBA front-office perspective

Chad Ford: Embiid burst onto the scene last spring after a stellar performance in practices at the Nike Hoop Summit. He moved up to No. 6 on our Big Board that summer, and slowly kept climbing throughout the season until he reached No. 1 in mid-January.

However, a recent spate of back injuries has put his draft status in question. We won't really know how it affects his draft stock until NBA doctors get a look at him during the pre-draft camp in Chicago in May.

As a prospect, however, Embiid has so much going for him. He has elite NBA size, is a fluid athlete and has shown major improvements on the offensive end. He projects to be a big man who can score both with his back to the basket and on the perimeter. He's also an excellent rebounder and shot-blocker. The only real knock against him this season has been his relative inexperience and his back issues.

If he gets a clean bill of health, Embiid will be back in the discussion as the No. 1 pick. If it's a minor issue, he's still probably a top-three pick. If it's something more serious with longer ramifications, then his stock might slide out of the lottery.

 

[Jplaya2023]

NBA - LeBron James anchors this season's perfect NBA roster - ESPN

 

[Skooby]

smh at the last roster spot.

NBA - LeBron James anchors this season's perfect NBA roster - ESPN

The perfect roster
The optimal 2013-14 squad under a GM's salary constraints

Here's a different kind of All-NBA team: One that could actually exist, and probably does if you believe in the theory of the multiverse. To build this team, we're going to consider the actual roles a typical roster needs filled, and we're going to operate under the same salary constraints as an NBA general manager, though in this case we'll let him spend up to the tax apron of $75.7 million. In fact, the roster we've compiled would cost about $75.2 million in 2013-14 salary.

This 14-man All-NBA team not only recognizes some of the best and varied role players who populate the NBA, but also appreciates those who provide fair value in terms of salary. Fit is essential, so the type of players higher on the roster hierarchy will impact the kind of players we slot lower down.


Foundation Player: LeBron James

Kevin Durant is the deserved MVP this season, but if we were drafting the NBA from scratch right now, who would the team with the top pick select? The answer to that hypothetical question no longer defaults to James. Nevertheless, you can't surpass a player who has been the best in the game for so long based on one season. Think of it like this: In 1997, Karl Maloneoutpointed Michael Jordan in the MVP balloting. Did that mean he had surpassed Jordan as the game's best player? That's why James gets the nod.


Running Mate: Kevin Love

Love deserves to be recognized for the expansion of his game this season. He's as lethal as ever from deep, but also has been very good on the block, in passing the ball and as an elite rebounder. As a running mate for James, it's a perfect skill set. Love's 19.8 WARP ranks behind only Durant and James. And, not for nothing, Love's price tag of $14.7 million for this season is appropriate for a second star on a championship roster.


Third Wheel: Joakim Noah

It's not easy to produce like a max salary player without being a big-time scorer, but that's exactly what Noah has done this season. He's 12th in WARP, but has ranked in the top five since the All-Star break. His defensive RPM (plus-3.78) gives my team a strong defensive backbone. Noah's playmaking ability from the high post fits into any lineup and if he's playing alongside high-powered players like James and Love, his scoring is going to be more efficient. Finally, Noah's $11.1 million salary is perfect for his place on this roster.


Floor Spacer: Danny Green

The San Antonio Spurs have as close to a perfect roster as exists in the NBA, which is why so many rebuilding teams seek to emulate Gregg Popovich's model. Players like Green are a big reason for that. Green not only is an elite catch-and-shoot deep threat who is shooting 42 percent from downtown, he's an excellent wing defender. Green's plus-2.67 defensive RPM is one of the five best in the league among perimeter players getting at least 15 minutes per game.


Glue Guy: Patrick Beverley

Few people seemed to realize the magnitude of the blow the Houston Rocketsnearly suffered when it appeared that they'd lost Beverley for the season with a knee injury. Beverley leads the Rockets in RPM at plus-4.88, and also has posted 2.8 WARP on the season. His ability to hound opposing star point guards is essential, and while he's not a traditional playmaker, he doesn't need to be on this roster. Nevertheless, Beverley's ability to knock down corner 3s gives him offensive utility. Finally, with a salary of just $788,872, Beverley offers as much bang for the buck as any role player in the league.


Bench Spark: Patty Mills

Mills has emerged as one of the most explosive bench scorers in the league. He's tied with Manu Ginobili for second on San Antonio by averaging 21.7 points per 40 minutes. He gets that offense within the framework of the system, with an offensive RPM of plus-2.63, and also has positive indicators on the defensive end. As a player who can make plays for himself with the ball in his hands, Mills offers a nice counterpoint to Beverley. And he's cheap, which makes my capologist happy.


Energy Big: Taj Gibson

This may be the last year we can consider Gibson an energy big, as he's blossomed into an elite role player this season, one who may occupy a full-time, big-minute job in Chicago next season if Carlos Boozer is amnestied. He can score on the block against smaller 4s, is a solid jump shooter as long as he keeps his volume in check, attacks the glass and outruns most opposing bigs down the floor. He'd be a beast in transition alongside James.


Perimeter Stopper: Draymond Green

Green isn't the best defensive perimeter player on his own team -- that honor goes to Andre Iguodala -- but he makes sure the Golden State Warriors don't suffer much of a drop-off when he comes into the game. Green's plus-3.99 defensive RPM ranks behind only Iguodala among wing defenders, but he also muscles up and plays a lot of stretch 4 for Golden State. He's not a great 3-point shooter by any stretch, but he can get on a streak. That's a lot to work with for a guy on a second-round salary.

 

[Skooby]

Floor General: Derek Fisher

This isn't a big role, but every roster needs a veteran who provides capable defense, hits open shots and can help settle a team down when things get frazzled. Fisher has been providing these services since the Nixon administration, and has had a quietly effective season for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He's shooting 39 percent from deep, and has a fine plus-2.26 defensive RPM.


Shooting Specialist: Kyle Korver

Korver is a starter these days, but we've splurged for his $6.7 million salary to make sure the game's best shooter is on our roster. Korver is not an elite defender by any stretch, but he's always been better on that end than people think. RPM agrees, giving him a plus-0.71 mark. You can't leave him on an island, but he gives you effort, plays smart and has exceptional hands.


Floor Runner: Mason Plumlee

You want guys who can run with James, and according to Synergy Sports Technologies, Plumlee ranks fifth in the league in points per transition play, minimum of 50 tries. He's super-efficient with a .672 true shooting percentage that leads our roster. Plumlee played so well that the Brooklyn Nets barely skipped a beat late in the season when he filled in for Kevin Garnett. You love a mix of veterans and youth, and Plumlee is working on the rookie salary scale.


Dirty Worker: Nick Collison

Any team that takes on-/off-court metrics under consideration has to love Collison. He's all intangibles. He's just a tick under replacement level in WARP this season, but has an eye-popping plus-6.34 RPM for the campaign. Folks, that's fifth in the league.

Hope for Future: Cody Zeller

Even win-now teams need developing players, and Zeller has grown into his draft slot as the season has progressed. He wouldn't play a lot on this team, but RPM sees him as already being an NBA defender, and WARP has him over replacement level. It's a great starting point for a 21-year-old.


Locker Room Guy: Jason Collins

At the end of the roster, intangibles are as important as measurables, even something as advanced as RPM. On a contender, you want a seasoned veteran who can fill a very small on-court role, but also serve as a quasi player-coach in the locker room. When no one wants to talk, he is perched in front of his locker after a tough loss, explaining the mindset of the team in an articulate manner to the press. Collins is the perfect 14th man, because in addition to all that, he defends the post, gives fouls when needed and is one of the premier screeners in the league. Collins, Kurt Thomas, Grant Hill -- these kinds of guys can be a crucial element on a well-rounded roster.

 

[Poitier]

@Skooby Jordan Brand Classic basketball recruiting matchups to watch - ESPN

 

[BStapies]

Who did Mel Kiper say the ravens were drafting in his new mock draft?

 

[Skooby]

Who did Mel Kiper say the ravens were drafting in his new mock draft?

17
Calvin Pryor
Baltimore Ravens (8-8)

COLLEGE: Louisville
Class: Jr
HT: 5-11
WT: 207
POS: S

Analysis: The Ravens have a pretty sizable void at safety, with no real starter-worthy player on the roster to pair with Matt Elam. Pryor represents a good solution, a player who can cover, and will come downhill and deliver hits with authority. Pryor isn't quite the ace in coverage that Clinton-Dix is, and if Clinton-Dix is available at this slot he could become the pick, but Pryor is hardly a consolation prize given his range and playmaking abilities, something the Ravens' defense needs.

 

[Skooby]

@Skooby Jordan Brand Classic basketball recruiting matchups to watch - ESPN

Jordan Brand Classic matchups to watch

The Jordan Brand Classic features the best talent high school basketball has to offer. Here are some of the most intriguing potential matchups in this terrific annual event, which airs Friday night at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

Tyus Jones (Duke) vs. Tyler Ulis (Kentucky)

This matchup will be the battle for who can get the most assists. Both are terrific pass-first point guards who can play fast or slow. They can make open shots in order to keep the defense honest, and their decision-making on the offensive end of the floor is excellent, as well. Ulis can apply more heat on the ball defensively, while Jones is stronger and the better finisher in heavy traffic. It will be interesting to see who makes the fewest mistakes with the ball and who will win the assist category as Jones and Ulis push each other on both ends of the floor.

James Blackmon Jr. (Indiana) vs. Devin Booker (Kentucky)

This is a matchup between two of the sweetest-shooting strokes in high school basketball. Blackmon and Booker both have deep range and smooth rhythm dribble pull-ups. Blackmon can help at the point because of his basketball IQ and ability to handle the ball, while Booker has better size and is a straight sharpshooter who can knock down shots from a variety of areas. It will be interesting to see which one gets going first and stretches the opposing defense to the limit. Both are more than capable.

Justin Jackson (North Carolina) vs. Kameron Chatman (Michigan)

Scoring is the calling card of these two wing players. Jackson is arguably the best natural scorer in the class with his ability to finish not only on the break but also with his signature floaters, rhythm dribble pull-ups, 3-pointers when his feet are set, and tip-ins on the offensive glass. Chatman is a long lefty who is a crafty scorer, as well. He can stop and pop, pull up, hit 3s or post smaller defenders. This matchup will be fun to watch.

Kelly Oubre (Kansas) vs. Theo Pinson (North Carolina)

Oubre and Pinson are two of the best athletes in the class of 2014. Both like to slash to the basket and are highlight finishers above the rim. Oubre has deep 3-point range and loves to attack the rim along the baseline. Pinson is an excellent defender and a jack-of-all-trades who does the little things to help his team be successful. It will be interesting to see which one of these players imposes his will.

L.J. Peak (Georgetown) vs. Emmanuel Mudiay (SMU)

Peak is a physical wing defender. Mudiay is arguably the best perimeter playmaker in the class of 2014. Peak plays in attack mode on both ends, as does Mudiay, especially in transition, where both players excel. Peak is a slasher with the size and strength to finish through contact among post players. Who will end up on his heels first, and how will the other player respond?

Trey Lyles (Kentucky) vs. Chris McCullough (Syracuse)

This matchup features the excellent low-post scoring, skill and feel of Lyles vs. the length and elite athleticism of McCullough, whose skill level is rapidly improving. It will be interesting to see how Lyles deals with the quickness and shot-blocking of McCullough and to see if McCullough can finish over the strong and physical Lyles.

Karl Towns Jr. (Kentucky) vs. Myles Turner (Undecided)

Towns and Turner bring arguably the most upside to the Jordan Brand Classic. Both of these near 7-foot players have excellent face-up games and 3-point range. Both block shots, area rebound and pass well for their position. The size and skill of these two centers will simply make it fun to watch them make plays against each other inside and out.

Bonus:

Jahlil Okafor (Duke) vs. West Team low-post double-team

The West could double-team Okafor, the No. 1 player in the land, as soon as he catches the ball or once he starts to dribble and make his move. The West team could double Okafor with another post player or rotate a guard down to dig and swipe at the ball. Okafor is an unselfish player who also can score against some double-teams. It will be interesting to see if he will attempt to beat the double, pass out to the post feeder, or open up and pass out to the weak side and put the defense into a rotation. This could have a huge impact on the game, and how it is handled by Okafor is very important because he could see this type of defense from his first game next season at Duke.

 

[GatorStaceyAdams]

17
Calvin Pryor
Baltimore Ravens (8-8)

COLLEGE: Louisville
Class: Jr
HT: 5-11
WT: 207
POS: S

Analysis: The Ravens have a pretty sizable void at safety, with no real starter-worthy player on the roster to pair with Matt Elam. Pryor represents a good solution, a player who can cover, and will come downhill and deliver hits with authority. Pryor isn't quite the ace in coverage that Clinton-Dix is, and if Clinton-Dix is available at this slot he could become the pick, but Pryor is hardly a consolation prize given his range and playmaking abilities, something the Ravens' defense needs.

My man @Skooby can you post his entire draft