2014 NBA Mock Draft

Let’s get right to it, shall we? It’s Draft Time! This is one of my favorite parts of the year, always adding an exciting and attention-grabbing event to the NBA offseason. There’s a lot of trade speculation in the Top 10 this year, particularly in the Top 5. With that and possibly one of the best draft classes we’ve seen since 2003, here are my predictions for what should be a fantastic and entertaining 2014 NBA Draft. Note: this is not what I think should happen, but what I think will.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers - Andrew Wiggins, SF, Kansas
Joel Embiid would have been a great fit at a position of need for Cleveland. They are still working very hard to try to bring back LeBron James, and because Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker play that position, the speculation is that they're trying to trade back a few spots to grab Embiid. But if they can't, everyone knows it's between Wiggins and Parker. They simply can't take another leap of faith with the #1 pick after what they saw from Anthony Bennett's rookie year. I am torn not only on which one the Cavaliers will pick, but which one I would pick as well. However, Dan Gilbert always looks to the future and how they can be as great as possible, so with that in mind and the projected upside Wiggins brings, I think they take him.

2. Milwaukee Bucks - Jabari Parker, F, Duke
This pick does not need much analysis. There's no way Parker gets past here. Absolutely no way. And if Parker goes #1, this will be Wiggins. Wiggins and Parker will be the first two off the board, but let's get something straight: Parker wants to play for the Bucks, and the Bucks want Parker. He is arguably the safest pick in this draft and they need a star to build the organization around. There have been trade talks linked to this pick as well, but unless the offer is too incredible for them to pass on, I fully expect Milwaukee to take whichever of the top two prospects is left here, which I think will be Parker.

3. Philadelphia 76ers - Dante Exum, PG, Australia 
They really, really wanted Wiggins or Parker. For a team that seemingly had 15 wing players only a few years ago, they now could use a shooting guard or small forward. It seems like they will take Exum, even if they can’t trade Michael Carter-Williams, for the value at pick #3. If they were a few spots back I think they’d try going with a guy like Aaron Gordon (maybe they shock us all and take him here). But with Embiid injured, it looks like Exum climbs into the Top 3.

4. Orlando Magic – Noah Vonleh, PF, Indiana 
Joel Embiid’s injuries have been a big blow for many teams in the Top 5 or so, but it seemed almost set in stone that an Embiid-Parker-Wiggins combination would be the Top 3, leaving Orlando a point guard the desperately coveted. Jameer Nelson has been solid for them ever since they traded for him in the 2004 Draft, but his best days are clearly behind him. Drafting Exum would give the Magic the flexibility of having Victor Oladipo play the 2, but there’s a very good chance Exum’s gone now. At this point, they could go in many directions and they could even look to make a deadly offense with Julius Randle, but I think they take Vonleh to add a defensive presence in the frontcourt alongside Nikola Vucevic.

5. Utah Jazz – Julius Randle, PF, Kentucky 
There are two positions Utah will be looking to fill with their first round picks: shooting guard and power forward. I don’t think they would try to reach for a guy like Gary Harris or Nik Stauskas here, so if the draft plays out with the first four players off the board, it may come down to Julius Randle and Aaron Gordon. I’m kind of torn between which direction they’d go in if they can’t trade up, but I’ll pick Randle because of the dominance he showed at times while playing at Kentucky.

6. Boston Celtics – Joel Embiid, C, Kansas 
So here’s how I think Embiid gets here: Cavs won’t risk the #1 pick (if they keep it), Bucks will take whoever is left of Wiggins and Parker, 76ers can’t take another risk after picking Nerlens Noel last year, Magic don’t want to take the risk at a position they already have, and Utah thinks Favors can play the 5. Danny Ainge has been willing to gamble with picks in the past, and their hopes were to land a top pick before the lottery. That didn’t happen, but even with the health concerns, I think they take Embiid if he’s here.

7. Los Angeles Lakers – Marcus Smart, PG, Oklahoma State 
The Lakers want to win now while they still have Kobe Bryant. It’s that simple. That’s why there has been rumors that they’re trying to trade this to get a veteran. Regardless of what they do, this pick/trade will be made to get someone who can help right away. We’ve all heard how Smart was a near-lock to be a Top 5 pick last year, but he has said himself that returning to Oklahoma State was the right decision because it’s helped him grow and prepare more for the NBA. That’s why I have them taking him here. If Randle is available they could choose him with an uncertain future for Pau Gasol, but I think they go with Smart.

8. Sacramento Kings – Aaron Gordon, F, Arizona 
There’s been a lot of talk that the Kings trade here, with some rumors for Josh Smith or other somewhat-young veterans, and shopping the pick seems like their best bet. At this point in the draft, if Gordon is available, teams would be all over the phone lines trying to get him. I don’t know if he gets to this point, but if he does, the Kings could trade the pick. If they don’t, they already have multiple power forwards. If the Lakers go with someone else (maybe Gordon), Smart seems like the pick. But if he’s gone, with Isaiah Thomas’s contract a question, I think they could jump on a guy like Elfrid Payton. Regardless, I have Gordon here assuming Sacramento trades it. If they don’t and take someone else, Gordon will be gone soon enough.

9. Charlotte Hornets – Gary Harris, SG, Michigan State 
All signs point to Michael Jordan’s re-vamped Hornets taking a wing who can score, limiting it to Doug McDermott, Gary Harris and Nik Stauskas. The last time this franchise drafted a scoring stud from a smaller conference, it didn’t quite work out with Adam Morrison, so I actually don’t think they go Doug McDermott. I know a lot of guys have him here, but with Kemba Walker being more of a scoring point guard, Harris adds another element to the backcourt besides scoring with his solid play on defense.

10. Philadelphia 76ers – Nik Stauskas, SG, Michigan 
Originally the Sixers were interested in Dario Saric, but now he'll probably be playing two years in Turkey so he may start to slide and I don't think they take him. Regardless of whether or not the Sixers can trade up or trade Michael Carter-Williams early on, this pick could very well be a scorer.  If they take Exum early (or don’t and keep MCW), they may look at one of the three shooters I listed under the Hornets. I’ll say they take Stauskas because of his growth throughout this past season.

11. Denver Nuggets – Doug McDermott, SF/PF, Creighton 
Denver is another team who’s been receiving trade buzz about this pick. Their biggest hole is at shooting guard, and two guys who were in their range are no longer on the board. If that happens, I say they trade the pick. If they don’t, they could go Dario Saric, but assuming they trade it, I don’t think a team would move up to get a guy who won’t be here for two years, so I’ll put McDermott here with the thought that a team looking for some scoring comes up to get him. This is one of the picks I’m a little uncertain of because I think McDermott could go #9 and then Denver would take whoever is left out of Harris and Stauskas.

12. Orlando Magic – Elfrid Payton, PG, Louisiana-Lafayette  
Let’s say Exum is off the board at #4 and the Magic don’t take Smart. That makes this pick very likely to be a point guard. There’s a couple of options, but I think it comes down to Payton or another guy shooting up the draft boards, Shabazz Napier. Napier going this high could be a big shock, but I do think the thought of having the athleticism of Payton and Oladipo will be salivating for the Orlando front office and they go with him.

13. Minnesota Timberwolves – James Young, SF, Kentucky 
Everyone knows about the trade talks for Kevin Love, and if by some chance there is a trade for him today, this pick will probably be included. But if not, they may look at a wing. If Gary Harris fell here, I think his two-way play would be too much for Flip Saunders and company to pass up, and they’ll look at his experienced teammate who’s improved his stock this year in Adreian Payne. But Young, while inconsistent as a freshman, showed potential to grow and would fit two needs for the Timberwolves, a shooter and a small forward.

14. Phoenix Suns – Dario Saric, F, Croatia  
Surprise! A team that’s been in trade rumors. They have similar needs to the Timberwolves in a forward or a wing. A few guys they could take may already be gone, so they could look at Adreian Payne. In this situation, however, I think they’ll look more for a guy who has the potential and they'll take a little bit of a gamble instead of taking someone who could play right away, so that’s why I have Saric here. They'll have the hope that when he comes back from Turkey, the team has developed and he’s ready to make and impact.

15. Atlanta Hawks - Jusuf Nurkic, C, Bosnia 
The Hawks like international players and will jump whenever they see potential in one (did so last year with Dennis Schroder). The Hawks have a couple of positions they could look at, including a point guard, but Nurkic is a solid player in the paint, something the Hawks could use down the line.

16. Chicago Bulls – Adreian Payne, PF/C, Michigan State
Another possible trade spot. Bulls could use someone experienced to fill the hole Carlos Boozer will leave, assuming he's not in Chicago next year, so if Payne is still here they could take him. If there is a trade, I could see Napier going here.

17. Boston Celtics – Zach LaVine, G, UCLA 
As I said, Ainge likes to take gambles. At this point in the first round, it’s common for teams to look for players that could be steals down the line. If LaVine develops, he could make a huge impact.

18. Phoenix Suns – PJ Hairston, SG, North Carolina/Texas Legends 
If Saric isn’t available at #14, I think they try another international frontcourt player in Clint Capela. Knicks have been trying to trade in to get Hairston, so if they can they could take him here. Either way, suns need a wing and Hairston would add a punch to the offense.

19. Chicago Bulls – Shabazz Napier, PG, Connecticut 
If another team trades in, like the Bulls 1st pick, they could take Napier. If not, I’m not sure he gets into the 20s and he may very well go before this. But the Bulls need someone to back up Derrick Rose for the future. Napier shares some similarities with Rose and could really grow sitting behind him.

20. Toronto Raptors – Tyler Ennis, PG, Syracuse 
Ennis was talked about in the lottery at some point, but he wasn’t terrific in workouts and others at his position impressed and jumped him in some ranks. If he gets to this point, the Raptors would definitely take him, hoping to get a steal with the Canadian point guard.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder –T.J. Warren, SF, North Carolina State 
Jeremy Lamb hasn’t developed like they were hoping he would, and many shooting guards could be gone. If they stay here, they’re looking for another scorer, and that’s exactly what Warren is.

22. Memphis Grizzlies – Rodney Hood, SF, Duke 
This team’s clear-cut need has been small forward ever since Rudy Gay left, so look for them to address that here. Hood was also once projected to be in the lottery, and the Grizzlies would be thrilled if he fell to them here.

23. Utah Jazz – Jordan Adams, SG, UCLA 
If they pick Gordon at #5, this could be different, but Adams would add to their backcourt and, if he gains athleticism, could really make an impact going forward.

24. Charlotte Hornets – Kyle Anderson, F, UCLA 
Here’s the point-forward coming off the board. Kemba Walker is not as much of a facilitator, and after drafting a 2-guard with their first pick, the Hornets could utilize Anderson’s play-making ability at both forward positions.

25. Houston Rockets – Clint Capela, PF/C, Switzerland 
The Rockets could use a forward, and with the recent trade of Omer Asik, Capela can play both the 4 and the 5.

26. Miami Heat – Mitch McGary, PF, Michigan 
It’s now documented that Miami’s looking to move up and get Napier, but if they stay here they need frontcourt depth, regardless of whether or not Bosh returns. McGary has had injury problems, but could be a great steal at this point in the draft if he’s still available.

27. Phoenix Suns – Jerami Grant, F, Syracuse 
If the Suns haven’t traded a pick to this point, this one is on the move because they’ve already had two. Regardless, the late first round is a time many teams take risks, and there’s a chance we see a team do that around this point in the draft.

28. Los Angeles Clippers – K.J. McDaniels, SF, Clemson  
Clippers have some wings on their team, but they don’t really have any young ones. McDaniels fits the mold and would add more athleticism.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder – Jarnell Stokes, PF, Tennessee 
Stokes showed a ton of improvement this past year and may be a target if he’s still available. They could also look at Cleanthony Early if they don’t get a small forward at #21.

30. San Antonio Spurs – Jordan Clarkson, G, Missouri 
The Spurs could use backups at most positions because of their age. They may go with a value pick, which could be Clarkson, an athletic player able to play both guard positions.

2013 NBA Mock Draft

  

It has been a long, long time since I've wrote a post here. However, the NBA Draft is one of my favorite events of the year, and mock drafts are always fun to make. With a long post ahead, thanks for checking it out.

Now on to the actual draft. This year has been quoted by many as a "weak" or "low-quality" draft. I don't see it that way. Not that I think the Top 5 will be perennial All Stars, but this draft has some guys who should have sustainable NBA careers and can contribute to a winning organization. We just won't see a true star like we'll see next year (such as Andrew Wiggins or Jabari Parker.) That's what makes this draft so interesting: even as of this afternoon, no picks are really certain, unlike previous drafts. I'm expecting a lot of trades (or attempts at trades) tonight, which will make it even more exciting. Teams such as the Jazz, Thunder, Timberwolves and Hawks want to get into the Top 5, so that's something to look out for. Regardless, below is my mock draft for this year. 

*Note: all picks are what I think WILL happen, not what I think SHOULD happen.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers - Nerlens Noel, PF/C, Kentucky
The Cavs have been in many trade talks to shop this pick, including two with the efforts to land Kevin Love or LaMarcus Aldridge. Both have failed, and while a trade is not totally out of the question, this pick seems to be narrowed down to Noel or Alex Len should they stay here. I'm scared for the first five minutes on the clock, though, because this is by no means an easy guess, and it will determine the outcome of the entire draft. It's really up for grabs, but if they don't find a trade that satisfies their front office, Noel adds a defensive presence that the Cavs, one of the league's worst defensive teams, needs. If he's not ready to come back at the beginning of the year, he can learn from bigs Anderson Varejao and Tristan Thompson. With those two in the frontcourt, they don't need to get a big man who has to lead right now, which is a great situation for Noel. This team is already on the rise, but with additions to Noel and defensive-minded Mike Brown as coach, this team could make huge strides on defense and become balanced enough to be a perennial playoff threat.

2. Orlando Magic - Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana
A few weeks ago, it seemed set that Noel was going #1 and many thought the Magic would go for Trey Burke here. Recently, however, there have been reports that they're very interested in Eric Bledsoe, and although these talks have been on and off, it doesn't seem like point guard is their primary focus. If Noel goes #1, I see them drafting Oladipo here. Noel would fit nicely at the 4 if the Cavs go with Len first, but one of the best leaders and examples a rebuilding team can have is a balanced guy with an incredible work ethic, and Oladipo brings both of those to the table.

3. Washington Wizards - Otto Porter, SF, Georgetown
This is one of the most uncertain drafts in recent memory, but Porter to D.C. seems like the most likely and agreed upon. However, I don't think it's as set as many think. To me, Anthony Bennett would be a great fit because he would provide another versatile scorer who can play both forward positions. But they have some bigs and do need another wing player. Porter, along with Oladipo, is one of the safest picks in this draft, and for a year with no true superstars, that might be too appealing for the Wizards to pass up at #3.

4. Charlotte Bobcats - Anthony Bennett, F, UNLV
Let's face it: the Bobcats need help everywhere (except for maybe point guard,) so they could go in any direction. Their biggest general need is scoring, as they were in the bottom five in the league in points per game for the fifth straight year. Bennett's a terrific scorer who would compliment MKG, and he can play both forward positions. The Bobcats just added Steve Clifford (played a role in the developments of Yao Ming and Dwight Howard) and Patrick Ewing to the coaching staff, so Bennett would have two guys who could mentor him and develop his post game as well.

5. Phoenix Suns - Ben McLemore, SG, Kansas
As many know, McLemore had horrible workouts for a variety of the teams in the Top 5 (Cleveland, Orlando, Phoenix,) but most GMs realize that a solid season should outweigh that. They may go Len if he's available, but I still think they wouldn't pass on McLemore, a dynamic scorer with huge upside. He could compliment Goran Dragic nicely and turn into a 20-point scorer, something the Suns could really use.

6. New Orleans Pelicans - Alex Len, C, Maryland
While many think they won't let Trey Burke get past here, it's not an immediate need with Greivis Vasquez having a solid third year in the league. Drafting Len would give Monty Williams the ability to play Anthony Davis at the 4, which gives him more room to move around. I'm not sure the Pelicans would pass on Len, a possible #1 pick, if he was still on the board. Len's a good, balanced player who's more of a finesse center, and he'd be a good fit with Davis and Ryan Anderson.

7. Sacramento Kings - C.J McCollum, G, Lehigh
I basically had two versions of this mock draft, and this pick is what made the difference going forward. It could vastly impact the whole draft. The Kings will go backcourt here (if they keep it,) it’s just a matter of who. I think it’s between Michael Carter-Williams and C.J. McCollum. If MCW is picked #7, then McCollum will fall, and if McCollum is picked here then Trey Burke will fall. It's a domino effect. Utah reportedly wants to trade up and they have interest in McCollum, so that’s a possibility, but the Kings want a scoring point guard and one who can play both guard positions. If they stay here, McCollum fits that mold.

8. Detroit Pistons - Michael Carter-Williams, PG, Syracuse
The Pistons need a point guard, and they'd love if Carter-Williams was available so he could be a perfect fit with Brandon Knight, a scoring guard. He has the height of a 2 but the vision of a 1, which will help Knight improve as well. Even if Jose Calderon comes back, he's getting old, so MCW could step in, rely on Knight, Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe to score and polish his jump shot with time. The Pistons are headed in the right direction, and adding MCW will speed up that process as well. Trey Burke will get a hard look, but ultimately, Carter-Williams' superb passing ability could be the difference.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves - Shabazz Muhammad, SG/SF, UCLA
Most of my picks so far have not been too risky, but this is where I'm taking a gamble. You know when you go to a restaurant and you see an innovative dish on the menu that looks extremely appetizing but could be a horribly weird combination? That's how I'm looking at the former top high school recruit. Yes, Muhammad could turn out poorly, but I think if an elite scorer like him played with guys like Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love, he may become a little less selfish. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is the choice everyone has, which would make sense to give them a shooter with Ricky Rubio, so could very well be the selection. But mock drafts are boring without some bold predictions. The Wolves are one of the many teams trying to trade into the Top 5, and if they do, they could take McLemore or Oladipo (Flip Saunders loves Oladipo) If they can't, I just have this strange feeling they take the risk. Who knows, maybe Muhammad ends up being one of the best dishes on the menu.

10. Portland Trail Blazers - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG, Georgia
This could also be an interesting pick. They could draft Cody Zeller, a skilled scorer who could learn under LaMarcus Aldridge if he's there. Even if Aldridge isn't (he reportedly wants out of Portland), Zeller would fill the hole. However, if the former SEC Player of the Year doesn’t go to Minnesota at 9, Portland may jump at the opportunity of having one of the best young scoring backcourts in the league. Caldwell-Pope is a deadly shooter who will take some pressure off Lillard as a scorer.

11. Philadelphia 76ers - Cody Zeller, C, Indiana
Zeller is there guy. They want him so badly and are extremely lucky he’s still here, as Zeller's pre-draft workouts have sent him up the draft boards in the past two days. With all of the Andrew Bynum questions, they draft the skilled scorer who understands the game of basketball. His sophomore season for Tom Crean was not as flashy as some were expecting it to be, but high basketball IQ can go a long way in the NBA. No way Zeller gets past here if he's still available.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Raptors) - Steven Adams, C, Pittsburgh
Stunned that Trey Burke is still here, OKC gives him a good look but realizes for them to win now, they have to address a more pressing need: center. Uncertain about Kendrick Perkins’ future with the team, an available Adams would put smiles on the faces in the Thunder draft room. Yes, Adams underperformed for the most part at Pitt and is a piece of work, but this is the position they've looked at all along, and drafting one with an NBA body and a huge upside would fit into their gameplan. If I completely mess up with Muhammad to the Wolves, they could take a chance on him here too.

13. Dallas Mavericks - Sergey Karasev, SG/SF, Russia
I put the Russian here with the assumption that the Mark Cuban's squad trades out of this pick in order to save cap room for Dwight Howard. The Mavs could draft him with a need on the wing and the expected loss of O.J. Mayo, but they'd prefer to have cap room. If he gets here, I could see a team like the Hawks or Cavs trying to move up to grab him. Atlanta have a lot of questions going into next year (before free agency) but they have two picks in the first at 17 and 18, so look out for them or another team to trade here with Dallas.

14. Utah Jazz - Trey Burke, PG, Michigan
This is my other big lottery gamble, and it's clearly a long shot that Burke is still here. The Jazz are actively trying to trade up with two position targets in this draft: point guard and center. Because of the unlikeliness that one of the point guards in the top two tiers is available by #21, their other pick, I think they'll go backcourt here and a big seven spots later. If they go big here, they'll draft a point guard at 21. The Jazz would be absolutely enamored if Burke is available at the end of the lottery, and there would be no way the Jazz don’t take him if he is. They'd rather have a point guard of their choice than a big man of their choice because it's a more pressing need. Burke proved he is a great decision-maker even though he was just a sophomore, and he has a great offensive balance for a point guard. If he’s gone, they take Dennis Schroeder or Shane Larkin.

15. Milwaukee Bucks - Shane Larkin, PG, Miami
With their top three guards from last year possibly gone, I'd be absolutely shocked if Milwaukee doesn't draft a point guard here. The options are Larkin and Dennis Schroeder (unless McCollum or Burke are miraculously still available), and I just think they'll take Larkin for his offensive abilities.

16. Boston Celtics - Dennis Schroeder, PG, Germany
To Boston’s disappointment, Larkin is picked right before them. Still, with many questions about Rajon Rondo and his future with the Celtics, they take the quick, nifty German here, if they still have this pick.

17. Atlanta Hawks (via Rockets) - Giannis Antetokounmpo, SF, Greece
The Hawks will try moving up, but if all else fails, they draft a well-sized 3 with great passing ability. If Karasev is available, they could take him too.

18. Atlanta Hawks - Mason Plumlee, C, Duke
With this pick up in the air, expect them to take a big after drafting a wing at 17. Another foreigner, Lucas Nogueira, could be the pick as well, but the athletic Plumlee could fit well behind and alongside Al Horford, even if this is a little bit of a reach.

19. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Lakers) - Jamaal Franklin, SG, San Diego State
The Cavaliers have four of the top 33 picks, so I'm expecting them to shift around in some way. If they're still here, they'll most likely look for a wing after addressing center at #1. Franklin is extremely athletic and can add to an already-exciting Cleveland backcourt.

20. Chicago Bulls - Allen Crabbe, SG, California
Chicago could look big, but they need another wing as well. If Franklin's gone, they could look at Crabbe and Reggie Bullock, but I think they'd go with Crabbe, the better all-around scorer.

21. Utah Jazz (via Warriors) - Lucas Nogueira, C, Brazil
And the Jazz front office give high-fives throughout as a guy they almost drafted 14th is available for their second pick. He could easily be off the board, and if so, they may go for Gonzaga's Kelly Olynyk.

22. Brooklyn Nets - Tony Mitchell, F, North Texas
Although they're in the hunt for stars such as Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Josh Smith, Mitchell can play both forward positions very well. Olynyk also a possibility.

23. Indiana Pacers - Isaiah Canaan, PG, Murray State
The Pacers have a few options here, including trading the pick, but if they stay, they could grab Canaan, a scoring guard who's stock is rapidly rising as we get closer to 7:00.

24. New York Knicks - Gorgui Dieng, C, Louisville
With too much age in the New York frontcourt, the Knicks need a big who can step in and help defensively. Dieng can be that guy with the winning experience and a scary presence in the paint.

25. Los Angeles Clippers - Reggie Bullock, SG, North Carolina
The Clippers may need an experienced guard who can give them quality minutes and shoot the ball. Basically, Reggie Bullock. Tim Hardaway Jr. could also be the pick here.

26. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Grizzlies) - Rudy Gobert, C, France
If the Wolves stay here, they'll probably go big. Gobert would be a great supplement to Kevin Love at center, and his 7'9" wingspan will cause havoc on defense.

27. Denver Nuggets - Ricky Ledo, SG, Providence
Ledo could be the steal of the draft. Although he didn't play this past season, he's a gifted scorer with huge potential and would fit perfectly in Denver's exciting, fast-pace offense.

28. San Antonio Spurs - Kelly Olynyk, C, Gonzaga
This could be a terrific situation for Olynyk and a huge steal for San Antonio. He'd learn the ins and outs of the traditional power forward position from Tim Duncan and should be able to contribute right away.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder - Tony Snell, SG/SF, New Mexico
Looking for a wing, Snell gives the Thunder another scorer to help Westbrook and Durant put points on the board. If they address this position with their first pick, look for Jeff Withey to come off the board here.

30. Phoenix Suns (via Heat) - Tim Hardaway Jr., SG, Michigan
Even if they get McLemore, they could use another shooter. Also hearing they like Pierre Jackson and Erick Green, two guys who could provide an offensive spark off the bench.

The Next Brett Favre?

Isn't it interesting to see the effect 136 locked out days has had on the NFL? We knew we'd see teams scrambling to sign and trade like there's no tomorrow. But everything that's happened has been more exciting than I originally thought it would be. As it's started to die down and football is getting back to normal, a lot of the most pursued wide receivers are no longer available. Santonio Holmes, arguably the most talented of the free agent wide outs, resigned with the New York Jets. Plaxico Burress, one of the biggest offseason headlines, also signed with Rex Ryan's squad. Sidney Rice signed a deal with the Seattle Seahawks. The move reunites him with Tarvaris Jackson, his quarterback for the first two of his four seasons as a Viking. One of my sleepers, Mike Sims-Walker, signed with the Rams in hope to be a big target for now-sophomore Sam Bradford. But who got left out? Arguably the best deep threat this league has ever had in the form of a wide receiver: Randy Moss. As a result, Joel Segal announced Moss' retirement. Segal, Moss' agent, said that he "weighed his options and considered the offers" but still chose to retire.

Moss was no doubt a piece of work throughout his career, but sometimes bad comes with good. Moss retires with 153 receiving touchdowns, tied for second-most all time with Terrell Owens, 14,858 receiving yards that place him in the top five in the record books, and tied for eighth all time in receptions with 954. Moss notably made more history after he broke Jerry Rice's single season touchdown record in 2007 when he brought in 23 passes in the endzone. The former Marshall wide receiver is surely a first-ballot Hall of Famer, but some people may question their vote because of his work ethic. He was, after all, quoted saying "I play when I want to play," and that really sums up his career in just a few words. When Randy Moss wanted to play, he showed it and embarrassed defensive backs around the league. When he didn't, he simply, didn't.

Because of the quote above, I was shocked to hear that Moss was working hard this offseason to prove that he still had some left. When Randy Moss is working hard, you know something's up. Not even a month ago, his agent said whatever team signs him will be getting the old Randy Moss. Clearly, no team saw eye-to-eye with the 13-year veteran, and that's what spurned his retirement. Will it last? It seems like it won't. Will I be surprised if it does? Probably. The fact of the matter is that he seems to have trained too hard this offseason to just give up. I think he felt that all of these other big-name wide receiver getting signed was making him look bad, and he wanted to "retire" until he got a deal done. The only thing that I think will preclude a return is if team's stop contacting him, but even if they do I think he'll eventually start seeking a new job himself.

Whether you like it or not, the Brett Favre comparison has to be brought up. I'm not sure if Moss will retire and return every year like Favre, but both stars have a lot in common. Both made a lasting impact and became a household name for over a decade. Both players were unwanted by their respective teams towards the downfall of their career (Favre with the Packers and Moss with the Patriots.) Lastly, both struggled (and even as a team for four games) in their so-called "final" year. If both of them are actually done, the two could be in the same Hall of Fame class. The key word is "if." If they stay retired. If Brett Favre doesn't come back for the third time. If Randy Moss didn't just quit because no one wanted him for the amount of money he wanted. The only thing we can do is wait and see. But for now, Randy Moss ended a truly remarkable career that will never be forgotten by avid football fans across the country.

Back With a Bang, Part 2

Let me put it this way: Adam Schefter has never had a busier week in his life. We are in the middle of baseball, tennis and golf season, among many others. But after the NFL lockout was lifted, the sports world has been all about football. Trade after free agent signing after release, sites like ESPN.com and Twitter have been in high-gear since the NFL returned to life on Monday. One of the first notable trades was Donovan McNabb to the Vikings, but I feel like every month there's a rumor of McNabb going to Minnesota. Albert Haynesworth was shipped to New England, which should definitely help the Pats on the defensive line. I think he's still got something left in the tank, even though he's been an empty tank since he reached Washington. Also, a trade I like that's kind of under the radar is Greg Olsen to the Panthers. This is great news for Cam Newton, as it is always helpful for a young quarterback to have a solid tight end. However, a few recent trades really caught my eye.

Chad Ochocinco to the Patriots
When I first heard this news, I was absolutely shocked. I did not see it coming at all, but the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. The Bengals are trying to go young, drafting AJ Green and Andy Dalton. It was manifest that the Ochocinco-Palmer era was over, especially with Carson Palmer claiming that he's done, and the Bengals were smart in realizing that and moving on. Ochocinco can definitely still contribute and it will surely help having Tom Brady, a guy he has publicly admired for a long time, throwing balls to him. This is Ochocinco's first title-contending team, and I think that will also motivate him greatly. I like this trade for Bill Belichick and New England.

Kevin Kolb to the Cardinals for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
One of the trades that had been speculated about for many months, Kolb-to-Arizona is finally complete. This was one of the trades that I think worked out great for both teams. The Cardinals got a quarterback, something they've needed since their trip to the Super Bowl, and the Eagles now have a compliment to Asante Samuel as well as another second-round pick. As of right now, the Cardinals can contend for the NFC West once again, while the Eagles are hoping to improve from last year's 19th-ranked passing defense. I'm happy the Eagles made the deal and brought in Rodgers-Cromartie and a second round pick. Kolb's performance is the only thing left that will weigh who got the better end of the deal.

Reggie Bush to the Dolphins
Remember when Mario Williams was drafted #1 in the 2006 NFL Draft and everyone booed the Texans for making such an "awful" pick? Mario Williams is already a two-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, while Bush had fewer total yards in his last three seasons than he did in his sophomore year at USC. Bush does have a Super Bowl ring, but it most certainly was not because of him. Maybe it just wasn't a good fit. Maybe the USC Reggie Bush will come back to life in Miami. We'll just have to wait and see. The Saints have replaced him with Darren Sproles as they try getting back to the Super Bowl, while Bush gets a second chance at greatness in South Beach.

Back With a Bang

FINALLY. It's back. There was speculation that they would play, and speculation they would not. All of that is now in the past. What's in the present and future is the 2011 NFL season. Roger Goodell officially gave the OK, and just like that the NFL is back in business. This was obviously a big inconvenience for the fans, but the owners and players were finally able to work it out. Now that the league is no longer locked out, NFL members have been all but stagnant. Endless transactions have been made since the owners were given the green light, all because of the 136-day work stoppage, which was the longest in league history. Here are a couple of headlines that have interested me so far.

- The Carson Palmer saga has been one of the NFL's big stories this offseason. He claimed that he would retire if he wasn't traded, and it seems like that may be the path the former Heisman Trophy winner will take. Bengals president Mike Brown said they would not send him elsewhere, so both sides are looking at this as the end of Palmer's career. Is it already time for TCU draftee Andy Dalton? How will Palmer's expected retirement play a role in the development of the first-round pick A.J. Green? That is for Cincinnati and coach Marvin Lewis to decide as their Week 1 QB is currently unknown.

- The number of notable released players already let go by their former teams is off the charts. The Cowboys released former Pro Bowlers Marion Barber, Roy Williams and Leonard Davis, among others. The Ravens are expected to part ways with three key players: Derrick Mason, Willis McGahee and Todd Heap. As for the Super Bowl champions, Nick Barnett, one of the biggest pieces of the Packer's linebacking core, met with Packers GM Ted Thompson today. After the meeting, Barnett tweeted about how he was "blessed 2 be apart of such a great tradition and great fans," signaling that his time with Green Bay is over. I think that all of these guys can definitely make an impact on their new teams, but I see Barber as a an overlooked player who could be a very productive complement, especially on 3rd down.

- One week ago, 2011 NFL draftees and non-draftees were concerned that their rookie seasons would be put on hold. Now, undrafted rookies are being negotiated left and right. One of the potential gems is former cancer survivor and Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich. Herzlich decided to take the unfortunate route (from an Eagles fan's perspective) by signing with the Giants. Who knows how well he'll end up playing, but it'll definitely be an inspiration and motivation having a guy like him on the squad. Pat Devlin, the former Penn State quarterback who transferred to Delaware, was signed by the Miami Dolphins, a team that is still trying to decide who their quarterback will be. Also on the offensive side, the Eagles decided to sign West Virginia running back Noel Devine. They're probably hoping he ends up like the high school Noel Devine.

- The Vikings and Redskins are discussing a possible trade for Donovan McNabb. What's new? I feel like the Vikings have been in the hunt for McNabb since trade rumors started when he was in Philadelphia. As an avid McNabb fan, I'm curious to see where he ends up, and if Minnesota is the place, it won't hurt having an All-Pro running back behind him in Adrian Peterson. Maybe the Vikings are a good fit.

- Tarvaris Jackson and possibly Matt Leinart in, Matt Hasselbeck out. At least that's the news as of right now. Hasselbeck, the former Pro Bowler who led the Seahawks to Super Bowl XL, is now not expected to return to Seattle. I think Hasselbeck still has a little bit left in the tank, but I guess the Seahawks think otherwise.

- Three years ago, Plaxico Burress caught the game winning touchdown pass that ended the New England Patriots' shot at a 19-0 season. Two months ago, he was released from prison. Now, he's trying to figure out his future. What seemed dubious a few weeks back is now a strong possibility: Plaxico could return to the Giants. I'm not ready to say he could be the difference maker, but whether he performs or not, his experience will definitely be beneficial for the Giants' young receiving core, especially for 23-year-old Hakeem Nicks.

Yao Ming: The Retirement of a Leader

In soccer, some of the best players are scattered throughout the country. That's not the case with basketball. The NBA provides the best competition, and the league has so much talent that players from all over the country come here. You look at examples such as Dirk Nowitzki, Manu Ginobli and the Gasol brothers, but arguably no one has been more of a pioneer than China's Yao Ming. Ming has created foreign interest in basketball that has been revolutionary to the sport. However, the 7'6" monster's recent injuries have led him to retire at the age of 30. While we've known about his pending retirement for a few weeks, he made it official today with an announcement back in China. Ming has been battling foot and leg injuries for a few years, and he says that is what led him to his early retirement. He played all eight seasons with the Rockets (he was in the league for nine, but missed all of 2009 due to injury) after being drafted 1st overall in the 2002 NBA Draft.

While you could go on and on about how the combination of Ming and Tracy McGrady's injuries never brought the Rockets to their full potential, Ming still had some big accomplishments, many of which paved the way for other international players. He was an All Star in every season he played in, averaging 19 PPG, 9.2 RPG and a shade under 2 BPG over the course of his career. He was also a five-time All-NBA team selection. In 2008-2009, he led Houston to their first postseason series victory since 1997. While his career would have been more successful had he stayed healthy and played longer, you can't take anything away from what he did with the time he had. All of his accomplishments on the court have given hope to other international players trying to fulfill their dreams in the NBA.

I will certainly remember Yao Ming as an NBA player for a long time. Not just because of his talent or because of how injuries kept him from being one of the greatest centers to touch a basketball, but because of the way he globalized the game. We've seen that many more international players have been coming overseas to play in the NBA, and basketball throughout the world is much more prevalent now than it was in previous years. Yao was the first international player ever drafted #1 overall in the NBA Draft who hadn't previously played basketball in the United States, and since then we've had over 40 foreign players drafted in the first round. In addition, Yao was a popular player for NBA fans around the world. Year after year, he would be a top vote getter for the All Star team, whether he was injured or not. While the United States dominated the 2008 Olympics, fans actually followed the home team because the wanted to see Yao Ming. Whether you like him, hate him, or have no feelings whatsoever, Yao's presence in the NBA will definitely be missed.