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2014 NBA Draft Questions: A Hardwood Paroxysm round table

By HP Basketball Network

Feb 4, 2014; Waco, TX, USA; Kansas Jayhawks center Joel Embiid (21) warms up before the game against the Baylor Bears at the Ferrell Center. The Jayhawks defeated the Bears 69-52. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2014; Waco, TX, USA; Kansas Jayhawks center Joel Embiid (21) warms up before the game against the Baylor Bears at the Ferrell Center. The Jayhawks defeated the Bears 69-52. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 25, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward Noah Vonleh (center) looks to pass as Wisconsin Badgers guard Traevon Jackson (12) and forward Frank Kaminsky (right) defend at the Kohl Center. Wisconsin defeated Indiana 69-58. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward Noah Vonleh (center) looks to pass as Wisconsin Badgers guard Traevon Jackson (12) and forward Frank Kaminsky (right) defend at the Kohl Center. Wisconsin defeated Indiana 69-58. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Which highly-rated player is on your personal “stay away” list?

Miles Wray (@mileswray): Not a fan of Marcus Smart’s refusal to work out for the Utah Jazz. I’m not sure what his motivation is right there — the Jazz have hired a coach known for player development and are in the midst of a smart and methodical rebuild (see their willingness to eat Andris Biedrins’ salary this last season, a move that brought them above the salary floor and reaped future assets). It seems like a great opportunity to me. What, is he concerned about the notorious lack of nightlife in Salt Lake City? Heh, not too encouraging.

Brian Schroeder (@Cosmis): Being completely honest, no one. Everyone in the top 15-20 has their merits, so I’ll cheat a bit and say Projected First Rounder Shabazz Napier. He’s probably not going to be a bad player, but he’s a small volume shooter who’s going to have to learn how to be a bit piece instead of THE GUY™. How is that different from Russ Smith or Jahii Carson? A guy like Napier can be had in the second round, is what I’m saying.

Eric Maroun (@ejmaroun): Besides Joel Embiid? I tend to agree with Brian that no one really projects as a “stay away”, but if I had to pick one, I guess Dario Saric. Is he strong enough to guard NBA power forwards? Is he quick enough to hang with NBA small forwards? Or is he a tweener that is going to struggle adjusting to the NBA game? Those are my concerns with him, but I certainly wouldn’t be disappointed if I was a fan of a team in the mid-late lottery that selected him.

Dane Carbaugh (@danecarbaugh): I mean, when it comes to the draft I don’t have that mentality. If I’m going to pick, I’ll say Top 10 Aaron Gordon. I get wary of athletic tweeners who also happen to have ball skills. Too good to be true, often times. I’m jaded.

Kevin McElroy (@knickerbacker): I don’t have anything particular against him, but Noah Vonleh just SEEMS like the type of guy (raw, skinny forward without a clear role whose stock skyrockets late in the game) that busts quite a bit, so I’ll go with him.

Scott Rafferty (@crabdribbles): The easy answer is Joel Embiid. The first five-or-so teams are going to have a tough time deciding whether or not he is worth taking a risk on. He has too much upside to fall far, but the injuries are concerning.

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