With six of the top 10 and 24 of the Top 100 prospects, power forward is a loaded position in the 2014 NBA Draft. The talent haul is led by Duke freshman Jabari Parker, who many scouts believe will ultimately prove to be the most well-round prospect to come out of this draft.
The top power forward prospects for the 2014 NBA Draft:
1. (No. 2 overall) Jabari Parker, SF/PF, Fr., Duke.
Overview: After just one year at Duke, Parker’s size and skillset has drawn comparisons to Carmelo Anthony. Standing 6-8, 240 pounds, Parker is multidimensional offensively, he can be physical in the paint and can score from the perimeter. In his one season with Duke, he averaged 18.1 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.
Analysis: Parker has been drawing interest as a possible No. 1 overall pick since midway through last year and many NBA scouts think he could be the best player in this year’s draft. He lacks the athleticism of Andrew Wiggins and the size of Joel Embiid, but is considered a better all-around player.
2. (4) Julius Randle, PF, Fr., Kentucky.
Overview: Randle was considered a potential top 5 pick entering last season due to his size and finesse. After a standout season at Kentucky in which he averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds per game, he has been mentioned as possibly slipping out of the top 5 due to the deep talent base among potential lottery picks.
Analysis: Through no fault of his own, Randle might see guards Dante Exum and Marcus Smart get picked before him come draft night as both have become hot names in the draft. The knock on Randle has been that he might be undersized to play power forward, but he showed up at the pre-draft combine at 6-9, 250 pounds, with a 7’0″ wingspan to put that notion to rest.
3. (7) Noah Vonleh, PF, Fr., Indiana.
Overview: Vonleh is just 18 years old and sports a 7’4″ wingspan; he’s considered by many to have the best natural rebounding instincts in the draft. He’s still raw in many areas offensively, but scouts love his wingspan.
Analysis: Vonleh is still a project on the offensive end, as he makes questionable decisions with the ball in his hands. Where he excels is in hustle situation where his raw talent takes over. At just 18 years old, his 6-9, 250-pound frame isn’t likely done growing and filling out.
4. (8) Aaron Gordon, PF, Fr., Arizona.
Overview: Also just 18 years old, Gordon is extremely athletic for his size and has drawn some comparisons to Blake Griffin. Gordon is at his best in the open floor, which is why many believe he could prove to be one of the best players taken in this draft.
Analysis: The biggest weakness in Gordon’s game is the lack of consistency from the perimeter, but that’s not to say he’s not capable. Most of the time in college, Gordon was able stand out by just simply being a better athlete then the competition. He has already shown in workouts that his perimeter game has improved since the season ended.
5. (9) Doug McDermott, PF, Sr., Creighton.
Overview: McDermott’s stellar senior year combined with his offensive polish should land him in the top 10 picks. The offensive machine will have to continue to score at a very high level to make up for concerns about his 6-6 frame and lack of athleticism.
Analysis: Originally listed in the 6-8/6-9 range, McDermott measured in around 6-6 at the draft combine, which raised some eyebrows. At 6-6 he doesn’t possess the athleticism necessary to play small forward at the NBA level. McDermott’s ability to score isn’t a debate amongst NBA people, but which position he’ll be able to do it at is.
6. (10) Dario Saric, SF/PF, Int. (Croatia).
Overview: Would have been a first-round pick in last year’s draft but withdrew to stay in Europe. At 6-10 and extremely coordinated, many people believe Saric is the most versatile player in the draft. Reportedly has stated if Lakers or Celtics commit to drafting him he’ll stay in the draft, otherwise may pull out before June 16 deadline.
Analysis: Though he has the size to play PF, Saric’s game would likely transfer to more of a SF position in the NBA. Also, even at just 20 years old, Saric likely has the most professional experience in this year’s draft as he has been playing since he was 15.
7. (23) Clint Capela, PF, Int. (Switzerland).
Overview: 19-year-old 6-11 Swiss born big man currently playing in France. Not a lot of scouts have seen much of him, but his ability to block shots stands out. He has long arms, is a good athlete and finishes well around the basket.
Analysis: Capela is still relatively unknown and doesn’t play for one of the better teams in France. Shot blocking and defensive potential are what he’s known for right now, but he did start to come on offensively this past winter, displaying a nice touch around the rim. At just 220 pounds, he will need to put on some weight.
8. (35) Patric Young, PF, Sr., Florida.
Overview: A rough and tumble 6-10, 250-pound brute with very good quickness who could fit in nicely in the right role in the NBA. His 11 ppg and 6 rebound averages weren’t spectacular, but he was a key piece for the Gators all four years he was in Gainesville.
Analysis: Young has basically no perimeter game to speak of, but he has the physique to continue to be effective in the paint in the NBA. Teams seking muscle on the front line and somebody who will provide energy would be wise to take a look.
9. (36) Kristaps Porzingis, PF, Int. (Latvia).
Overview: Raw, wiry 18-year-old 7-footer playing in Latvia whose potential has scouts on notice. Porzingis is extremely mobile for his size, runs well and has very solid mechanics offensively. Defensively, his length alone causes problems for offensive foes.
Analysis: Porzingis looks like a guard trapped in a 7-footer’s body, and at just 220 pound he will need to bulk up if he wants to play in the NBA. He will also need to toughen up defensively, but the offensive skill set to score from both the low block and the perimeter are certainly there.
10. (45) Johnny O’Bryant, PF, Jr., LSU.
Overview: A lack of exposure from LSU’s inability to make the NCAA Tournament has kept O’Bryant under the radar. He is a former McDonald’s All-American who ranked among the SEC’s best big men. O’Bryant is a handful on the low block and is also able to step out and hit perimeter shots from time to time.
Analysis: At 6-8 he could be considered slightly undersized, but what he lacks in height O’Bryant makes up in strength and bulk. With a bit more consistency from his perimeter game, he could become a handful to deal with at the NBA level.
11. (46) Jarnell Stokes, PF, Jr., Tennessee.
Overview: Big man with the potential to rise up the board due to his ability to compete and produce against top flight competition while at Tennessee. At 6-8, 265 pounds, Stokes is probably one of the strongest players in this year’s draft and regularly got the better of opponents physically.
Analysis: Stokes is another SEC beast of a big man capable of banging down low with anybody. He’s prideful of the competition he has played against and rises to the occasion in big games. Stokes does his best work controlling the low block and rebounding, and has the strength to continue to do that at the NBA level.
12. (47) Dwight Powell, PF, Sr., Stanford.
Overview: Powell’s senior year wasn’t as impressive as his junior campaign, but he was still able to put up good numbers and display an adept offensive game. At 6-11, where Powell can provide value is if he can show he can play both PF and C.
Analysis: Powell is able to score on the low block, perimeter, and with a variety of nifty hook shots and up and under moves. Weighing in at 235 pounds, he needs to add upper body strength in order to be able to handle contact and play defense in the NBA.
13. (48) Khem Birch, PF, Jr., UNLV.
Overview: Forgoing his final year of eligibility after winning consecutive Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year awards, Birch probably would have been better served to stay at UNLV for his senior year to show improvement in his offensive game and boost his draft stock.
Analysis: Entering his junior season, Birch was on the NBA radar, and much like his UNLV team failed to meet expectations. Birch has the awards to prove he is very good defensively and is also solid in the open floor, but he has next to no offensive game and will need to perform well in pre-draft workouts to get looks from NBA teams.
14. (53) James McAdoo, PF, Jr., North Carolina.
Overview: Athletic 6-9 PF with long wingspan; strength is in his high energy style. McAdoo was a solid player for the Tar Heels but could never quite make the leap to the star they thought he could be.
Analysis: McAdoo sports good quickness with the ability to run the floor. He often plays more like a small forward filling lanes in transition and avoiding contact in the half court. He has the tools to do it, but he will need to learn to play more physically at the next level.
15. (58) C.J. Fair, SF/PF, Sr., Syracuse.
Overview: Used his final two seasons at Syracuse to turn himself into an offensive threat, leaving with a 16.5 ppg average. Known as primarily a role player his first two years, Fair added an effective jumper as a junior and finished his career showing continued improvement.
Analysis: As long as he continues to shoot the ball the way he did his junior and senior seasons, Fair’s athleticism makes him an intriguing prospect. As can be the case with a lot of Syracuse players, how he can handle playing NBA defense is a question mark, but he has the physical ability to make the transition.
16. (61) Rasmus Larsen, PF, Int. (Denmark).
Overview: Near 7-foot perimeter-oriented big man who put on 20 pounds of muscle last season to combat injuries. Just 19 years old, Larsen’s stock is largely based on potential.
Analysis: Where Larsen appears to be at his best is defensively. He’s very fundamentally sound and has good footwork. Offensively, he’s a threat in catch-and-shoot and pick-and-roll out to the NBA 3-point line and can finish with either hand around the basket.
17. (67) Cory Jefferson, PF, Sr., Baylor.
Overview: Along with having NBA size and athleticism, Jefferson seemed to play his best against top competition his final two years at Baylor. Teamed with Isaiah Austin, the duo gave the Bears a formidable frontcourt.
Analysis: At 6-9, 220 pounds, Jefferson’s athletic frame will help earn looks from NBA teams. Offensively, he’s able to score on both the low block and has shown he’s capable of stepping out to the perimeter to knock down some shots. Could potentially be a nice complementary role player.
18. (68) Shayne Whittington, PF, Sr., Western Michigan.
Overview: Not known for his shooting prowess, the 6-11 Whittington took everybody by surprise at the Portsmith Invitational by showing off a smooth stroke and hitting from NBA 3-point range.
Analysis: Whittington averaged 16.1 ppg while at Western Michigan, so the notion he could score didn’t surprise people, it was the way he did it. Nothing about Whittington’s college career or stats showed he could shoot like he has since the season has ended. Definitely a surprise sleeper.
19. (76) Juvonte Reddic, PF, Sr., VCU.
Overview: At 6-9, 250 pounds, Reddic has NBA size but his offense took a step back as a senior. He will have to prove last year’s offensive stats were a fluke and that he can rebound and defend if he hopes to get a shot somewhere.
Analysis: Due to last year’s shortcomings offensively, Reddic is going to have to really hang his hat on rebounding, hustle plays and doing just enough offensively to prove that perhaps last year was a fluke. He’s a naturally gifted rebounder, particularly on the offensive end.
20. (77) Max Kleber, PF, Int. (Germany).
Overview: Another perimeter-oriented European big man who has scouts intrigued with his ability to shoot and run the floor. Kleber looks good in warm ups and open floor situations, but struggles against more physical players.
Analysis: Kleber’s athleticism for his size stands out immediately; he looks the part of an NBA player. However, scouts haven’t seen that much of him and question if he’s too perimeter-oriented and unable to play physical in the paint, which he will need to do in the NBA.
21. (81) Cristiano Felicio, PF, Int. (Brazil).
Overview: 6-9, 240-pounder has drawn comparisons to Nene due to his Brazilian heritage. Much to the disappointment of Oregon Duck fans, Felico was unable to attend Oregon after it was discovered he had signed a professional contract in Brazil.
Analysis: Still raw at 21 years old, selecting Felicio is a significant risk. His best attributes are his strength and long arms, which allow him to defend and rebound. However, he’s still a major work in progress on the offensive end and isn’t capable of much more than offensive rebounds and put-backs.
22. (85) Akil Mitchell, PF, Sr., Virginia.
Overview: After a productive senior year that saw him take a bigger role, Mitchell has continued his solid play in postseason workouts. Not spectacular in any area, Mitchell makes his mark as a team player who is fundamentally sound in nearly every aspect.
Analysis: Mitchell put up a nice stat line in the Portsmouth Invitational, which has helped his stock a bit. Not known as an offensive threat, he shot the ball well along with his typical all-around game.
23. (90) Cameron Bairstow, PF, Sr., New Mexico.
Overview: Very similar to fellow Australian and current San Antonio Spur Aron Baynes when he was in college; overpowers opponents in the paint and will need to follow Baynes’ lead and become more agile.
Analysis: The 6-10, 250-pound Aussie leaves New Mexico with impressive averages of 20 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. He’s a load to handle on the low block and in the paint; if he can shed some of the bulk and become more agile, Bairstow has a nice skillset that could potentially translate into an NBA role player.
24. (98) Tarik Black, PF, Sr., Kansas.
Overview: A Memphis transfer, a lot of people are buzzing about his potential … as an NFL-caliber tight end. Black is reportedly entertaining the idea of giving football a try should basketball not work out.
Analysis: Black was mostly a role player in his time at Memphis and Kansas and at 6-8 is a bit undersized, but his strength and athleticism stand out, which will get him NBA looks.
Tyler Jamieson (@ty3jamieson) is a former NBA scout and the senior NBA Draft Analyst for The Sports Xchange.