It’s draft day, and the Cavaliers are on the clock. The Cavs have made it clear to teams that if they trade the No. 1 pick, they want proper compensation in terms of a lottery pick, or two, and a veteran player capable of helping next season. I am hearing that Philadelphia and Boston are still in the mix.
This morning the Orlando Magic pulled the trigger on a deal that sent Aaron Afflalo to the Denver Nuggets for Evan Fournier and the 56th pick, effectively eliminating the Magic from moving up to get the 1st pick. The only player on the roster that would entice Cleveland now is Victor Oladipo, who would not be packaged with 4 and 12.
The Cavs still are working the phones and have discussed deals with multiple teams. Right now the 76ers make the most sense as they upped their offer of 3 and 10 and will include Thaddeus Young, who is not a player the Cavs seem enamored by. If the Cavs hold the pick, I think Jabari Parker is their guy — unless Dan Gilbert overrules his front office and insists on Andrew Wiggins. For historical reference, Gilbert pushed for his front office to select Tristan Thompson in 2011 over Klay Thompson and Jonas Valanciunas. He did not overrule Chris Grant on the Anthony Bennett pick a year ago, and that one cost Grant his job.
The Celtics are feverishly working the phones and could move Rajon Rondo tonight, reportedly to the Sacramento Kings for the 8th pick. The Celtics also have given strong signals they will take Joel Embiid if he slips to 6. The Celtics have expressed interest in moving up to 1 to take Jabari Parker but don’t have the pieces on their roster to entice the Cavs. Moving Rondo could be part of a larger deal.
The Mavericks and the Rockets have thrown their respective hats in the LeBron James & Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes and I expect several more teams, possibly the Lakers, Clippers, Bulls, Warriors, and Cavs to all make bold moves.
Will Kevin Love be dealt tonight? Only Flip Saunders knows, but the Cavs continue to engage in trade discussions but refuse to include the 1st overall pick unless there are assurances that Love would opt in to his contract or sign an extension next summer.
The Warriors could re-engage Minnesota at any point for Love, and don’t be surprised if they make a move.
The Miami Heat and Pat Riley, who is desperately trying to upgrade the roster to lure LeBron James back, is trying to move up in the draft to get Doug McDermott or Shabazz Napier, but the Heat essentially have no assets other than a 2017 1st round pick and Norris Cole.
Here is how I see the draft going (there may be periodic updates to reflect trades or breaking news):
1. Andrew Wiggins, SF, Kansas, 6’8″, 200 lbs
I expect the Cavs to trade the pick. And if they select Wiggins, it will be for someone else. If Cleveland hangs onto the pick, I expect them to select Jabari Parker, as the Cavs’ front office prefers Parker over Wiggins. I tend to think the Cavs work out a deal with the 76ers for the 3, 10, and Thaddeus Young. Philadelphia loves Wiggins, and to acquire a prospect like him for an additional lottery pick is a small price to pay. Cleveland, if they move down as I have previously reported, will look to add Joel Embiid.
2. Jabari Parker, SF, Duke, 6’8″, 235 lbs
Nothing would make Milwaukee or, reportedly, Parker happier than to see this scenario shake out. The Bucks, with the athletic Giannis Antetokounmpo and Larry Sanders, both of whom have excellent defensive skills, covet Parker and his offensive arsenal. Parker is seen as the most NBA-ready prospect and capable of being a steady, if not spectacular, pro for many years. Parker could possibly go 1st to Cleveland or a team trading up such as Utah.
SIXERS
3. Dante Exum, PG, Australia, 6’6″, 185 lbs 
For the fifth straight Mock I have Exum going to Philly if it doesn’t trade up to get Wiggins. Exum had an excellent workout in Philadelphia according to reports and may be the perfect fit alongside Michael Carter-Williams. Exum is the top international prospect in the draft. Exum has the length, high basketball IQ, and athleticism which makes him so intriguing. I see Exum as a guard not really an ideal pure PG. If Cleveland works out a deal to move down to this pick, I expect Joel Embiid to go here.
MAGIC
4. Noah Vonleh, PF, Indiana, 6’10”, 240 lbs
Only 19 and blessed with excellent size, length and good athleticism, Vonleh is a prospect who is moving up boards after an impressive NBA combine in which he showcased special skills as a big that can play inside or out and handle the ball. Still raw offensively, Vonleh has the physical measurables that teams salivate over. While Vonleh is still raw, he has flashed enough potential that it will be hard to pass for many teams. While Smart is a possibility, I think Vonleh is the choice. Pairing him alongside Nikola Vucevic would be wise as they could play well off of one another and give the Magic an exciting pair of bigs to build around.
JAZZ
5. Aaron Gordon, PF, Arizona, 6’8″, 215 lbs
Looking at Gordon, it’s hard not to get excited about his potential as he is an athletic and explosive forward. From a size standpoint, he is an undersized 4, but as teams start to open up offensively they can create mismatches with Gordon’s athleticism. Gordon reminds me a lot of Shawn Marion, and I can see some team in the high to mid-lottery falling in love with his highlight reel dunks. Coming from a family of athletes, Gordon has an impressive basketball IQ and is savvy beyond his years. The Jazz do have interest in Gordon and could use him as insurance if they choose not to re-sign Gordon Heyward, who is a RFA. Marcus Smart could be an option here as well. With Embiid’s camp not sharing his medical data with the Jazz, I think they pass on him.
CELTICS
6. Joel Embiid, C, Kansas, 7’0″, 250 lbs
Based on sources I have spoken to the Celtics appear down to three names: Marcus Smart, Aaron Gordon, and Joel Embiid. While I think anything is possible I tend to see Danny Ainge rolling the dice on Embiid, who will need to be brought along slowly but could eventually turn into the best player in this draft. If the Celtics pass I am not sure that the Embiid has a clear landing spot before Charlotte at 9.
LAKERS
7. Julius Randle, PF, Kentucky, 6’9″, 250 lbs
I continue to hear there is a tremendous comfort level between the Lakers and Randle and expect the Lakers to select him after an impressive freshman campaign highlighted by the Wildcats’ run in March. Randle still needs to be coached up, but if he is, he could reach his potential, comparing favorably to Zach Randolph. While Randle’s biggest wart is ball security, that can be easily fixed and playing alongside Kobe Bryant could be great, and Randle could be the first post-Kobe building block for the Lakers. If the Lakers move this pick along with Steve Nash and get no live bodies in return, it has to be seen as an avenue for them to pursue two of these three players: LeBron, Carmelo Anthony and/or Greg Monroe.
KINGS
8. Marcus Smart, PG, Oklahoma State, 6’4″, 220 lbs
The Kings are actively looking for a trading partner and don’t be surprised if the Celtics offer Rajon Rondo in exchange for it. One year ago, Smart might have been the top pick in the draft but opted to return for a disappointing sophomore season, highlighted by an embarrassing on-court incident when he shoved a fan in the middle of the game. While most scouts I have spoken to said it’s a teachable moment for a young man, there will be some who might have reservations about Smart’s maturity. As a basketball player, Smart is physical, athletic and a competitor. If the Kings stay and Aaron Gordon is off the board, Smart and Elfrid Payton are names to watch.