2014 NBA Mock Draft: Presto in the Paint Staff

Mar 20, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack forward T.J. Warren (24) reacts during the second half of a men

Picks 21-25

This is the range in which things begin to get interesting. The Thunder own two of the last ten picks in the draft, and have an array of options. They desperately need some wing help and scoring from the shooting guard spot, so getting someone to fill that void could be their number on priority. They also have the option of selecting someone and stashing them for a few seasons to let them continue to develop. With this pick, however, look for them to grab someone who might be able to come in and make an immediate impact and wait for the draft and stash at 29.

The Grizzlies sit at 22 with a couple of needs. They need to beef up their front court depth behind Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, but also need to improve their wing, most notably the small forward spot. They pieced things together last season and continued to grind games out like we’re used to seeing with them do. Adding someone who can score at a high rate is another option, but they value their defense and playing slow. Wouldn’t a guy who’s nickname is “Slo-mo” fit well there?

They got their big to help Derrick Favors earlier, now they need to get Trey Burke some help in the backcourt. Getting a shooting guard here makes the most sense for the Jazz, as they’re then able to continue to use Alec Burks as a “super-sub.” This also could potentially lessen the blow of losing Gordon Hayward in free agency, should they choose not to re-sign the former Butler man.

It feels good to write Charlotte Hornets again, doesn’t it? Anyway… Give them another shooter! They ranked 23rd in the league last season in team three-point field goal percentage, so getting them another shooter seems like the way to go. Getting someone who gives them added versatility would also be nice, but shooting is a pretty big need for them right now.

I’ll say this, if the Rockets are going to pursue Carmelo Anthony or LeBron James, this pick will be moved. They’ll most likely have to do a sign and trade for either one, and this pick would almost have to be included. That said, if they do choose to keep the pick, it would be merely a pick to add depth. They could be stronger at both forward positions, and they can’t overshadow their growing need for a backup center following next season. A draft and stash guy could be their root, if they have the pick.