Re-Drafting the 2014 NBA Draft

24. <p><strong>Original pick: Gary Harris (traded to Denver)</strong></p> <p>We’ve officially reached the “project” zone, and it begins with Mitch McGary.</p> <p>At one point during his career at Michigan, McGary was seen as a potential top-five pick in the NBA Draft, but injury issues have plagued the talented big man. As a rookie with the Thunder in 2014-2015, he was very good on a per-minute basis, averaging 14.9 points and 12.2 rebounds per-36 minutes, but McGary took a step back in limited time as a “sophomore” and there is some uncertainty surrounding him.</p> <p>McGary, who stands at 6-foot-10 and 255 pounds, is a “dirty work” player that will rebound, scrap for loose balls and provide some resistance at the rim. Still, he isn’t a dominant rim protector by any means, and he was considered to be a high upside player based on his offensive skill set, with a solid jumper, good passing vision and a nose for the basket.</p> <p>It remains to be seen as to whether he will live up to that potential, but I am a firm believer in his talents if given the opportunity. Escaping from the frontcourt log-jam in Oklahoma City would be a nice start, and if he had landed with Chicago at number 19 originally, things could have been much more interesting over his first two seasons.</p>. C/PF. Michigan. Mitch McGary. 19. player