Redrafting The 2014 NBA Draft: A Look Back At Mistakes And Missed Opportunities
The 2014 NBA Draft was a pivotal moment in the league's history, featuring a class that promised much but delivered differently than expected. As we analyze the redrafting of this draft, we can see how teams might have made different choices based on hindsight, leading to potentially brighter futures. The players selected in this draft have since shown remarkable performances, both positively and negatively, and it's fascinating to consider how a different selection process could have altered the trajectory of franchises.
In this article, we will delve into the original selections, the performances of the players, and how teams could have benefited from a redraft. By examining the careers of key players from the 2014 draft class, we aim to provide insights into what could have been if teams had made different decisions. The 2014 draft is often regarded as one of the most intriguing drafts in recent NBA history, with a mixture of hits and misses that reshaped the league landscape.
Join us as we explore the redrafting of the 2014 NBA Draft, offering a comprehensive analysis of each team's original choices versus what they might have selected with the benefit of hindsight. This article will provide a thorough understanding of the key players involved, their statistics, and the overall impact on their respective teams.
Table of Contents
- Original Draft Overview
- Top Players from the 2014 Draft
- Analysis of the Redraft
- Team-by-Team Review
- Notable Misses in the Draft
- Impact on Franchises
- Statistical Comparisons
- Conclusion
Original Draft Overview
The 2014 NBA Draft took place on June 26, 2014, and featured 60 players selected over two rounds. The Cleveland Cavaliers held the first overall pick and chose Andrew Wiggins, a highly touted prospect from the University of Kansas. The draft was filled with potential, but as we will see, not all selections panned out as expected.
Here’s a quick overview of the top five picks from the original draft:
- 1. Andrew Wiggins - Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2. Jabari Parker - Milwaukee Bucks
- 3. Joel Embiid - Philadelphia 76ers
- 4. Aaron Gordon - Orlando Magic
- 5. Dante Exum - Utah Jazz
Top Players from the 2014 Draft
Several players from the 2014 NBA Draft have gone on to become stars in the league, while others have had more tumultuous careers. Here are some of the standout performers:
Key Players
- Joel Embiid: Selected third overall by the Philadelphia 76ers, Embiid has become one of the most dominant centers in the league.
- Andrew Wiggins: Originally the first overall pick, Wiggins has shown flashes of brilliance and consistency as a key player for the Golden State Warriors.
- Nikola Jokic: Although selected in the second round, Jokic has emerged as a two-time MVP, changing the narrative of the draft.
- Julius Randle: A versatile forward selected seventh overall, Randle has evolved into an All-Star caliber player.
Analysis of the Redraft
In a redraft scenario, teams may prioritize different attributes based on what they now know about the players’ performances. This section will explore how teams might have chosen differently in hindsight.
Revised Top Five Picks
- 1. Joel Embiid - Philadelphia 76ers
- 2. Nikola Jokic - Denver Nuggets
- 3. Andrew Wiggins - Cleveland Cavaliers
- 4. Julius Randle - Los Angeles Lakers
- 5. Aaron Gordon - Orlando Magic
Team-by-Team Review
Each team had its own set of needs and priorities during the 2014 draft. In this section, we will review each team's original pick and what they might have done differently.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Originally selecting Andrew Wiggins, the Cavaliers could have opted for Joel Embiid. Given Embiid's dominance in the paint, this choice may have changed the team's success significantly.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks selected Jabari Parker, but with hindsight, Nikola Jokic would have been a game-changer for their franchise.
Notable Misses in the Draft
Several players who were selected after the top picks have had significant impacts on their teams, leading to questions about the original selections.
- Jokic: The second-round gem who has transformed the Denver Nuggets.
- Randle: An All-Star who has become a cornerstone for the New York Knicks.
- Spencer Dinwiddie: A late draft pick who has made a name for himself as a reliable scoring guard.
Impact on Franchises
The decisions made in the 2014 NBA Draft have had long-lasting effects on the franchises involved. Teams that made poor selections have often struggled to find success in subsequent seasons, while those that hit on their picks have found themselves in playoff contention.
Statistical Comparisons
By analyzing the statistics of the top players selected in the 2014 draft, we can see a clear picture of their impact on the league.
| Player | Team | Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game | Assists Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers | 24.8 | 11.5 | 4.2 |
| Nikola Jokic | Denver Nuggets | 26.4 | 10.8 | 8.3 |
| Andrew Wiggins | Golden State Warriors | 19.4 | 4.5 | 3.5 |
Conclusion
Reflecting on the 2014 NBA Draft and considering how a redraft might unfold reveals the complexities of player evaluation and team strategy. Teams often make decisions based on immediate needs or potential, but hindsight sheds light on the long-term value of players. Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic stand out as transformative players who could have altered the fate of several franchises had they been selected earlier.
We invite you to share your thoughts on the 2014 NBA Draft and how you would approach a redraft. Did your favorite team make the right choice? Let us know in the comments below!
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the draft, it’s important to remember that every decision shapes the future of the franchise. The lessons learned from the 2014 NBA Draft will undoubtedly influence the decisions made in future drafts. We hope you found this analysis insightful and encourage you to explore more articles on our site for deeper insights into the NBA and its history.
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