ReDraft 2014 Style

[OneNole]

2014 CSL ReDraft

The inaugural 2014 CSL Draft has been lauded as the draft of drafts. While this past years draft was fairly strong, even it fails in comparison to the strength of this 2014 Draft Class. If you even combine Dennis 3 draft classes you would likely struggle to find 10 players that would crack the first round. Was this draft too strong? Probably. 22 current starters, 8 players that arguably could/should or will be soon.

I will be doing a redraft and select the players to where they should have been selected. Remember, this is my own interpretation. Obviously, a select few may have a differing opinion (they shouldnt) but likely will.

With that said... lets get started!

1. Philadelphia 76ers - Dante Exum
Original Selection - Jabari Parker

You honestly can't go wrong with either player. Both are studs. But while Parker is a slightly better scorer, Exum is light years better superior. So much so that I would argue to say that Exum has now reached top 10 status in the league. Outside of being a great 3 point shooter there is nothing that Exum can't do.

2. Utah Jazz - Jabari Parker
Original Selection - Dante Exum

To me, Jabari Parker is almost identical to Carmelo Anthony. An electrifying scorer that just doesnt put the energy forth to be a very good defender. Parker can lead you to a championship but he needs to have the right mix of talent around him and so far he hasnt had that.

3. Orlando Magic - Okaro White
Original Selection - Aaron Gordon

Aaron Gordon was considered a reach at the time and while not a huge one he has failed to live up to expectations. Just to signify how strong this draft was. Okaro White was selected with the 23rd overall pick and was later traded for the #2 overall pick just one year later in what was arguably the 2nd strongest draft in league history. How he fell to 23rd is beyond anyone (outside of a few skeptics.) Despite having a low SCR rating, Okaro possesses great efficiency and a high drfl rating to take advantage of the limited opportunities he gets to score the basketball. Combine that with being the leagues premier defender and an excellent rebounder you have a player that has had even a far bigger impact than NBAs Ben Wallace. Clear steal of the draft.

4. Milwaukee Bucks - Walter Tavares
Original Selection - Nikola Jokic

While White may be the biggest steal of the draft, Jokic has to be unquestionably the biggest bust of the draft. He is a player that I feel does not even belong in the first round of this draft, and someone I feel should not even be a starter in the CSL either. Tavares started off slowly and wasnt always put in the right situations but he has came into his own this year after signing a massive contract. There is no other Center in the league that is as efficient as Tavares is and he is finally beginning to realize his rebounding and defensive potential. He is on the verge of being one of the 5 best Centers in the league and may already be there.

5. Sacramento Kings - Bryce Cotton
Original Selection - Elfrid Payton

This one was one of the tougher ones to do as I really think you are splitting hairs between the two. Cotton is one of the 2 or 3 best pass first PGs in the league, has shown the ability to hit the 3, and while hes no where near Paytons level, he can still play respectable defense. It really would just depend on your teams makeup on which player would be a better fit. Irregardless, Cotton signifies another huge steal for the Pelicans. A player they selected at 14. While we wait to see if Payne or DePaula can reach their potentials, its clear there hasnt been another PG in the league like Cotton since he was drafted.

6. Phoenix Suns - Elfrid Payton
Original Selection - Isiah Austin

Austin has gone on to be a very solid player for the Suns but I feel Payton is the overall better player. He isnt always the most efficient, and he is a very poor passer for a PG, he is still the leagues best defensive PG. Arguably the leagues best defensive backcourt player.

7. Los Angeles Lakers - Aaron Gordon
Original Selection - Walter Tavares

Gordon is having a career season averaging 16 9 and over a steal and block per game. Its amazing he is even averaging 9 boards despite having just average rebounding ratings. Gordon possesses great athletic ability, a superb defender, and has become very efficient.

8. Orlando Magic - Richard Soloman
Original Selection - Zach Lavine

Soloman has been one of the leagues most popular players over his first 4 years and probably should have been traded a season or two ago. The only reason I kept him below Gordon was due to the fact that he isnt a great shot blocker. Still one of the leagues best defensive front court players.

9. Milwaukee Bucks - Zach Lavine
Original Selection - Dario Saric

So while I would argue that the Pelicans have had by far the leagues best draft, I can just as easily say the Bucks had the leagues worst. After selecting Jokic number 4 they go on and select Saric at number 9. Another player who I would not consider worthy of being selected in the first round of this draft. So for 2 top 10 picks, and a draft with 22 current starters, I feel neither player is worthy of being a first round selection.

Saric is just one of those players that lacks a position nor does he possess efficiency to at least find him a home. He is average everywhere and good at nothing.
Lavine on the other hand, while being labeled a bust his first 3 seasons has really come on strong last year and is beginning to be the elite scorer he was meant to be. If he continues to develop he could easily become the 2nd coming of Klay Thompson.

10. Cleveland Cavaliers - Adreian Payne
Original Selection - Damien Inglis

Payne should be considered another huge steal in this draft after being selected all the way down at #30. Payne is an elite rebounder, great defender, shot blocker and at steals. He doesnt look to score a lot but he doesnt need to playing next to Parker. He is the perfect complement player next to Jabari Parker.

11. Charlotte Hornets - Isiah Austin
Original Selction - Bogdan Bogdanovic

Austin has been having an MVP type season so far this season averaging nearly 20 8 and 2 blocks per game while leading the Suns to the leagues best record. Despite poor rebounding numbers he has been able to hold his own. He also has some of the best handles in the league for a big man. A player that if he lost 20 pounds may even be able to play SF.

12. Sacramento Kings - Damien Inglis
Original Selection - Richard Soloman

I love Inglis game. He is a player that has never been utilized correctly and still has a long ways to go pref wise which is a shame, but once corrected he very well may be the leagues best 3 and D player. He just needs to start letting it fly from deep, lose some weight, and play the elite d that he is capable of.

13. Philadelphia 76ers - Tyler Ennis
Original Selection - James Young

You could argue that this may be a bit of a reach, but with the lack of quality PGs in this league, Ennis is up there in quality. He will never be an all-star or even worthy of being considered a star. But what he does give you is night in and night out of consistent basketball. He wont turn the ball over, plays decent defense, and can hit it from deep. Theres not much more you could ask for with having Blake Griffin on your team.

14. New Orleans Pelicans - Daniel Miller
Original Selection - Bryce Cotton

Another steal of the draft, Daniel Miller has gone on to have a very solid career so far and seems to be a player that plays above his ratings level. In just 4 games with Dallas he has avearged 13 ppg 11 rpg and 2.5 bpg despite playing next to several ball hogs. He is a player that has always been under utilized so we should get a good chance to see what he is really capable of this season now that the minutes are his to shine.

15. Los Angeles Lakers - Nick Johnson
Original Selection - Doug McDermott

While it is always nice to have a player that is elite at something, McDermott is just a specialist player. One of the leagues best 3 point shooters, but that is all he is. He is horrid at defense and not a great at any other thing. Nick Johnson would have been a much better fit. A very good 3 point shooter, great defensively, good rebounder, and can draw fouls. There isnt anything that Johnson does not do well. Now if only Toronto would trade him to me.

16. Minnesota Timberwolves - Clint Capela
Original Selection - Shabazz Napier

Napier is solid, but isnt what Capela is. Capela is very similar to Payne but always seems to get injured and isnt quite the rebounder/defender that Payne is. Great 5th starter or first big off of the bench for you.

17. San Antonio Spurs - Jusuf Nurkic
Original Selection - Nick Johnson

Despite major injury concerns, Nurkic has been able to stay healthy for the vast majority of his career. He is not the most efficient, and he hasnt shown much ability to block shots or get steals, but he is an excellent offensive rebounder and a very solid m2m defender.

18. Boston Celtics - Roy Devyn Marble
Original Selection - Tyler Ennis

RDM has had his moments in the league. At times he has been considered untouchable (he does belong to one of the 3 GMs that overrated his players more than any other) and at times it looked like he was on the verge of being dealt. Roller coaster moments similar to his playing career. He is an extremely streaker shooter than when on he is considered one of the better 3 and D players in the league. But when he is off, he is off. He is a player that probably any team would love to have, but now that he is making 8m his value has taken a bit of a hit.

19. Sacramento Kings - James Young
Original Selection - Jusuf Nurkic

Outside of Saric and Jokic, there is probably no player that got more overpaid this offseason than James Young. He probably easily could have been had in the 8-9m range. He is a very efficient scorer and an above average defender. Overall a very nice 6th man to have on your team.

20. Miami Heat - Mitch McGary
Original Selection - Mitch McGary

Well looky there, my first player that got drafted where I thought they should have been. Go figure. If only McGary could block shots he would have been a lot higher. A solid Center. Probalby not starter worthy on a great team, but very solid none the less.

21. Charlotte Hornets - Jordan Clarkson
Original Selection - Clint Capela

Clarkson finally gets his time to show what he is capable of after recently being acquired by Portland to lead their offensive juggernaut. Clarkson has his flaws, lacks efficiency, and doenst play great defense. He does have great size, an excellent ball handler, and can make the 3 in spurts

22. New Orleans Hornets - Bogdan Bogdanovic
Original Selection - Okaro White

Can you believe that all of these players were selected ahead of Okary. Ridiculous is what I call it. Bogdan has an excellent all around game. While he isnt a great defender and lacks range he shows an understanding of how to get to the line and can play 3 positions.

23. Sacramento Kings - Jarnell Stokes
Original Selection - Kyle Anderson

Another specialist type player. Arguably one of the top rebounders in the league and a very solid m2m defender. If he showed the ability to block shots and/or get steals he would likely have been a top 15 pick. Great player to have on any team.

24. Phoenix Suns - Jordan McRae
Original Selection - Vasilje Milcic

All I can say is that I have no idea who in the hell Milcic is. I have never heard of him before but I am sure the Suns would love another defensinve wing in McRae. Lord knows they dont have enough. Haha. I think this is what the draft team had in mind with Okaro when they said low scoring.

25. Chicago Bulls - KJ McDaniels
Original Selection - Jordan McRae

McDaniels is another one of those 3&D type wing players but with a lot less desire to score the ball. Good reservice wing but probably will never reach his early status as a top young level wing player

26. Portland Trailblazers - Joe Jackson
Original Selection - KJ McDaniels

Jackson is a solid but not great PG. Probably needs to be more of a reserve PG than a starter but he has excellent handles and is an adequate defender. 3 picks in a row I was just 1 selection off.... can the streak continue?

27. New York Knicks - Tyler Strong
Original Selection - Roy Devyn Marble

Stone is just like Stokes minus the defense. Excellent rebounder but just isnt a good enough defender to hold his own against the leagues best.

28. Boston Celtics - James McAdoo
Original Selection - James McAdoo

Hey! Another one im perfectly correct on. I like McAdoo. Hate his contract though. I thought about making an offer for him but we just can't justify that large contract for a big man that doesnt block shots or get steals.

29. Phoenix Suns - Doug McDermott
Original Selection - CJ Fair

Now we are starting to see the specialists fly off the board. Every team wants a zone buster, obviously there arent many in the league that can do it quite like McD can.

30. Philadelphia 76ers - Shabazz Napier
Original Selection - Adreian Payne

Can you believe all these players drafted ahead of Payne? I cant either. I am also really happy to finally have finished this. Sorry Napier, no write up for you.



If I was smart I would have broken this into 2 different articles... way too tired to do that now... come on Marcos........

[GreenBear]

Bledsoe has something to say about Payton being declared the best defending PG, but he's up there (as is kemba).

And yeah, my worst draft as a gm for sure. I'm happy with how Austin turned out, but I really missed on my two late picks. With plenty of very good players still on the board... Not a good draft to mess up haha

[KW]

absolutely stacked. I never even made a pick in this draft or the next one as I traded my picks away. I did trade for Marble pretty early on and have kept him ever since, but it would've been awesome to draft a player from this class and develop him. The vast majority of this draft class's 1st round would've been lottery picks in any other draft we've had since.

[Chilikonkarne]

Incredible draft indeed and great article.
Just surprised by your selection of Inglis so high - one of the bust of the draft so far with Saric and Jokic

[Rizzo]

Clearly I messed up on Inglis' preference work if you're that high on him.

[OneNole]

Incredible draft indeed and great article.
Just surprised by your selection of Inglis so high - one of the bust of the draft so far with Saric and Jokic

Yea, i did it under the assumption that drumr will get his preferences right. Even with perfect preferences i still dont see jokic or saric being good-great players.

I think up until tgis past draft that he would have been the best 3 and D player in the league.

[StOfTheStep]

I think it's safe to say I made out pretty well in this draft (Parker, Payne, Young, Miller) ha.

[emplep7]

Every 1st round pick on this list is a starter or a key rotation player. Definitely a talented class.

[hardenwithnod]

Great read man, this was an incredibly deep draft. It's crazy to see guys like Payne, Cotton, and Okaro slipped that far down.

[Ocons]

Good stuff, man. Really cool coverage. Glad we have three of these guys, including two of the new top 7, original top 3.

Really love Inglis game as well, tried like hell to get him this off-season. Rightfully, Drumr hung on tight.

[8time]

Good stuff, man. Really cool coverage. Glad we have three of these guys, including two of the new top 7, original top 3.

Really love Inglis game as well, tried like hell to get him this off-season. Rightfully, Drumr hung on tight.

Same I didn't make him a great offer hoping he would trade me harkless after Inglis re-signed.

[WillyJakkz]

Aaron Gordon 23yrs old 15.5pts 9rebs 1.4asts 1.7blks 1.2stls .587fg%
Okaro White 26yrs old 13.7pts 5.6rebs 1.5asts 1.9blks 1.5stls .510fg%

Gordon was the right choice, definitely the correct one for the Magic at that particular time.

[Mattybriand]

Aaron Gordon 23yrs old 15.5pts 9rebs 1.4asts 1.7blks 1.2stls .587fg%
Okaro White 26yrs old 13.7pts 5.6rebs 1.5asts 1.9blks 1.5stls .510fg%

Gordon was the right choice, definitely the correct one for the Magic at that particular time.

Willy I love you man but you cannot possibly believe Gordon is the better player!

[hardenwithnod]

Yeah, White is the best defender in the league right now. His defense is something that simple stats can't quantify.

[Dennis]

I would pick White over Jabari any day. Exum is by far the best, but afterwards it should be Okaro. It's weird that Cotton and White got selected that late. Same goes for Payne, I think. Miller and some other players are ranked a bit too high in your ranking though.

[WillyJakkz]

Aaron Gordon 23yrs old 15.5pts 9rebs 1.4asts 1.7blks 1.2stls .587fg%
Okaro White 26yrs old 13.7pts 5.6rebs 1.5asts 1.9blks 1.5stls .510fg%

Gordon was the right choice, definitely the correct one for the Magic at that particular time.

Willy I love you man but you cannot possibly believe Gordon is the better player!

I think guys are looking at it from a value then re/sell perspective.

White is a superstar specialist, one I've admitted to being valuable even though his asset is solely defense. I had Harrison Barnes Terrence Ross Jonas Valanciunas core and felt Aaron Gordon (then Zach LaVine) would be the better options for us especially considering the age gap at time of draft AND the info/ rumor/ myth is or was players stop developing at 25yrs old so yeah it was an easy decision given that.

Gordon I saw as Shawn Marion potential both offensively and defensively, didn't scout Okaro but estimated him as an MKG clone and honestly would've enjoyed developing Gordon more plus I like him as a player so ultimately it was a personal preference.

That said Gordon is having a better year.

[OneNole]

Yea, unfortunately Gordon isnt even in the same ballpark as Okaro. Still a very solid player, but its not by coincidence that Okaro has won DPOY two times by landslide.

[wms02a]

Love seeing Tavares at #4... he is having a great start as a Spur.

[andrei]

Every 1st round pick on this list is a starter or a key rotation player. Definitely a talented class.

Candidate for understatement of the year

[Cyrisnyte]

Was really happy with Nick Johnson. He was a great addition to my Spurs back then.