The Star's Blair Kerkhoff analyzes NBA Draft's first round
1 Cleveland Cavaliers
Andrew Wiggins, G, 6-8, 197, Fr., Kansas
First, Johnny Manziel in the NFL Draft, now Wiggins. Stars are out in Cleveland.
2 Milwaukee Bucks
Jabari Parker, F, 6-8, 241, Fr., Duke
Don’t be surprised if Parker is the 2015 rookie of the year.
3 Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid, C, 7-0, 240, Fr., Kansas
Would have been the top selection if not for foot injury.
4 Orlando Magic
Aaron Gordon, F, 6-8, 208, Fr., Arizona
The draft’s first surprise; Pac-12 freshman of the year figured to go later.
5 Utah Jazz
Dante Exum, G, 6-6, 196, Australia
A rangy guard and son of Cecil Exum, a member of North Carolina’s 1982 national title team.
6 Boston Celtics
Marcus Smart, G, 6-3, 227, So., Okla. State
Terrific playmaker and even better defender, now shot selection needs to improve.
7 Los Angeles Lakers
Julius Randle, F, 6-9, 250, Fr., Kentucky
Strong left-hander who is automatic around the bucket and a great offensive rebounder.
8 Sacramento Kings
Nik Stauskas, G, 6-6, 207, So., Michigan
One of the most complete offensive players in the draft; the Canadian invasion continues.
9 Charlotte Hornets
Noah Vonleh, C-F, 6-9, 247, Fr., Indiana
Big Ten freshman of the year, led conference in rebounding and shot 48 percent on threes.
10 Philadelphia 76ers (traded to Orlando)
Elfrid Payton, G, 6-4, 185, Jr., La.-Lafayette
Sun Belt defensive player of the year; will have to become a better shooter.
11 Denver Nuggets (traded to Chicago)
Doug McDermott, F, 6-8, 218, Sr., Creighton
Dougie McBuckets finished as the fifth leading scoring (3,150 points) in Division I history.
12 Orlando Magic (traded to Philadelphia)
Dario Saric, F, 6-10, 223, Croatia
A solid rebounder who will play in Turkey for two years before coming to the NBA.
13 Minnesota Timberwolves
Zach LaVine, G, 6-6, 181, Fr., UCLA
Great size for a point guard, with a smooth jump shot and great athleticism.
14 Phoenix Suns
T.J. Warren, F, 6-8, 220, So., N.C. State
ACC scoring leader with one of the college game’s best midrange games; more offense for the Suns.
15 Atlanta Hawks
Adreian Payne, F, 6-10, 239, Sr., Mich. St.
Comes into the NBA as a 23-year-old whose range greatly improved throughout his career.
16 Chicago Bulls (traded to Denver)
Jusuf Nurkic, C, 6-11, 280, Bosnia and Herzegovina
A power forward who probably won’t be in the NBA for a couple of years.
17 Boston Celtics
James Young, G, 6-7, 213, Fr., Kentucky
Smooth, lefty shooter who is capable of big scoring games.
18 Phoenix Suns
Tyler Ennis, G, 6-2, 180, Fr., Syracuse
One of the top clutch players and playmakers in college basketball last season.
19 Chicago Bulls (traded to Denver)
Gary Harris, G, 6-4, 205, So., Mich. State
A hard-nosed perimeter scorer who dropped during the draft; a steal at this slot.
20 Toronto Raptors
Bruno Caboclo, F, 6-9, 200, Brazil
The Brazlian “Kevin Durant” says ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla, whose “upside is down the road.”
21 Oklahoma City Thunder
Mitch McGary, F, 6-10, 255, So., Michigan
Came on strong at the end of his freshman year, but played only eight games last year with bad back.
22 Memphis Grizzlies
Jordan Adams, G, 6-5, 209, So., UCLA
Adams has been UCLA’s top player for two years; the best scorer left on the board.
23 Utah Jazz
Rodney Hood, F, 6-8, 208, So., Duke
Quin Snyder lands a versatile player who attacks the basket and improved his shooting at Duke.
24 Charlotte Hornets (traded to Miami)
Shabazz Napier, G, 6-1, 175, Sr., UConn
Looked like Napier was joining old UConn teammate Kemba Walker in Charlotte but was traded to Heat.
25 Houston Rockets
Clint Capela, F, 6-11, 229, Switzerland
A power forward with good shot-blocking ability who won’t see the NBA for a couple of years.
26 Miami Heat (traded to Charlotte)
P.J. Hairston, G, 6-5, 229, Texas Legends (D-League)
Former North Carolina shooter is first D-League player to be drafted in first round.
27 Phoenix Suns
Bogdan Bogdanovic, G, 6-6, 200, Serbia
Besides Exum, maybe closer to NBA skill set than any other international player in the first round.
28 Los Angeles Clippers
C.J. Wilcox, G, 6-5, 195, Sr., Washington
Second leading scorer in Huskies’ history, and also a solid defender.
29 Oklahoma City Thunder
Josh Huestis, F, 6-7, 230, Sr., Stanford
Great defender who gave Andrew Wiggins fits in Kansas’ NCAA Tournament loss. But a first-rounder?
30 San Antonio Spurs
Kyle Anderson, G, 6-8, 230, So., UCLA
Great passing forward with triple-double ability, and gives UCLA the most first-rounders (three).
This story was originally published June 26, 2014 at 10:13 PM with the headline "The Star's Blair Kerkhoff analyzes NBA Draft's first round."