NBA Mock Draft 2014: Who Will The Cavs, Lakers, Bulls And Celtics Pick?

Andrew Wiggins Kansas — Andrew Wiggins isn't likely to fall past No.2 in the 2014 NBA Draft. Reuters

Thursday’s NBA Draft could be a pivotal moment for several teams that are looking to become contenders in the 2014-2015 season. In a year that’s expected to have the best draft class in 11 years, there is a lot of opportunity for teams with first-round picks to improve.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have the biggest decision of the night with the first overall selection. It’s the team’s third No.1 pick in four years, and last year’s selection, Anthony Bennett, could turn out to be one of the biggest busts in draft history.

For much of the NBA playoffs, it appeared that Kansas’s Joel Embiid was the frontrunner to go atop the draft. However, a foot injury has almost guaranteed that the big man won’t go No.1. It’s likely a two-man race between Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker, with neither freshman having a major advantage. According to ESPN, Cleveland owner Dan Gilbert wants Wiggins, while the front office is in favor of taking Parker.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls could be very active on draft day, as both are coming off disappointing seasons. L.A. didn’t even make the playoffs, while Chicago was knocked out in the first round, after playing the majority of the year without Derrick Rose. Both teams could look to trade a first-round selection, especially the Bulls, considering they have the No.16 and No.19 picks. If the Lakers hold onto their selection, it will be their first lottery pick in nine years.

Eight teams have multiple first-round picks, including the Boston Celtics. They could look to move the No.6 pick, as they continue their quest to trade for Kevin Love.

Below is a mock draft for Thursday’s first round.

1) Cleveland Cavaliers: Andrew Wiggins, Kansas

2) Milwaukee Bucks: Jabari Parker, Duke

3) Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid, Kansas

4) Orlando Magic: Dante Exum, Australia

5) Utah Jazz: Noah Vonleh, Indiana

6) Boston Celtics: Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State

7) Los Angeles Lakers: Julius Randle, Kentucky

8) Sacramento Kings: Aaron Gordon, Arizona

9) Charlotte Hornets: Rodney Hood, Duke

10) Philadelphia 76ers: Zach LaVine, UCLA

11) Denver Nuggets: Dario Saric, Croatia