Mock Draft Lottery: Wiggins back at No. 1 Despite Poor NCAA Tournament

9. Dario Saric, F, Croatia 

The smooth moving Croatian forward will be somewhat like Dante Exum – an unknown, unproven quantity and a risk. However, some team in the lottery is likely to take that risk.

From what I have read and seen of his play, he looks to have the skills of a silky point forward. A very intriguing skill set that also seems to have incredible bust potential.

Best case: A great version of Boris Diaw

Worst case: Boris Diaw

10. Tyler Ennis, G, Syracuse

SEASON	TEAM	MIN		FG%	3PM-3PA	3P%		FT%	REB	AST	BLK	STL	PF	TO	PTS
2013-14	SYR	35.7		.411	0.9-2.5	.353		.765	3.4	5.5	0.2	2.1	2.0	1.7	12.9

Like his team’s stock across the season, Ennis seems to have bounced around a little bit. As I mentioned in February, as far as pure point guards go, he is the best in the class.

Ennis is solid and steady, a very unselfish player who can run an offense efficiently but can’t yet take over games. He is still more of a game manager then he is a game winner. That will be the challenge for him at the next level.

Best case: Chris Paul

Worst case: C.J. Watson

11. Gary Harris, G, Michigan State

SEASON	TEAM	MIN		FG%	3PM-3PA	3P%		FT%	REB	AST	BLK	STL	PF	TO	PTS
2013-14	MSU	32.3		.424	2.3-6.6	.352		.810	4.1	2.7	0.4	1.9	2.1	1.7	16.9

Harris is a legitimate two-way player – as most Tom Izzo disciples are – and a big favorite of mine. Watch for him to attract some further attention as the NCAA Tournament progresses.

Best case: A smaller version of Kawhi Leonard

Worst case: Jared Dudley

 

12. Doug McDermott, F, Creighton

SEASON	TEAM	MIN		FG%	3PM-3PA	3P%		FT%	REB	AST	BLK	STL	PF	TO	PTS
2013-14	CREI	33.7		.526	2.7-6.1	.449		.864	7.0	1.6	0.1	0.2	1.9	1.8	26.7

Mr. McBuckets will go down as one of the greatest scorers in NCAA Division 1 history. He has obvious leadership qualities and as a coach’s son, his basketball IQ will never be questioned.

McDermott can create off the bounce and shoot like very few others can. With the increased emphasis on 3-pointers created by analytics, McDermott will be in demand.

In Sunday’s loss to Baylor, he was exposed a few times and fans will wonder. If he didn’t have an answer for an average Big 12 team, what will he do against an NBA defense?

The answer: He won’t have to lead an offense at NBA level (not initially, anyway). His role will be much more simplified and designed to emphasize his strengths.

Expect him to be selected in the range of picks 10 and 15.

Best case: Ryan Anderson

Worst case: Steve Novak

13. Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Kentucky

SEASON	TEAM	MIN		FG%	3PM-3PA	3P%		FT%	REB	AST	BLK	STL	PF	TO	PTS
2013-14	UK	24.3		.596	0.0-0.0	.000		.482	6.2	0.7	2.9	1.2	2.7	0.9	7.0

The big man from Kentucky can play defense and has the size to eventually be a very good NBA anchor.

However, it remains to be seen whether Cauley-Stein will ever develop an acceptable offensive game to balance his defensive potential.

Best case: Roy Hibbert

Worst case: Larry Sanders

14. Rodney Hood, F, Duke

SEASON	TEAM	MIN		FG%	3PM-3PA	3P%		FT%	REB	AST	BLK	STL	PF	TO	PTS
2013-14	DUKE	32.9		.464	2.0-4.8	.420		.807	3.9	2.1	0.3	0.7	2.6	1.5	16.1

Hood lacks athleticism but does most things pretty well offensively.  He has been hiding in the shadows of his more fancied teammate but has put up 16 points per game while shooting an impressive 42 percent from deep.

He appears to be a safe pick in my eyes and should be able to make an impact quickly at the next level.

Best case: Danny Granger

Worst case: Gerald Henderson

Jake Henson is an NBA writer from Australia who has recently joined the team at Sheridan Hoops. You can follow him on twitter here: @jwhenson_