Re-Drafting the 2014 NBA Draft

PF. Michigan State. Adreian Payne. 27. player. 66. <p><strong>Original pick: Bogdan Bogdanovic</strong></p> <p>When Adreian Payne was drafted as a 23-year-old after playing four college seasons, one argument for his placement in the middle of the first round was the “safety” that he provided as a veteran with established skills. Sadly, those skills have not translated in any way at the NBA level.</p> <p>Payne was sent packing from the Atlanta Hawks in the middle of his first season, and it already seems as if the Minnesota Timberwolves would happily move on from his contract obligations. At 25, Payne still has some theoretical ceiling (which is why he lands here), but the on-court production has been woeful.</p> <p>In 84 games and more than 1,200 minutes, Payne boasts a 6.9 PER and with a true shooting of 43.5% (!) and his defensive value has been minimal at best. When entering the NBA, Payne was seen as a super-athletic and rangy big man who could reasonably shoot from distance and, at least potentially, protect the rim, but only his athleticism has popped and it hasn’t been used well.</p> <p>There are some pundits that have bailed on Payne entirely and I am not in that class. However, the clock is ticking furiously with regard to the former Michigan State product and patience is thin.</p>