Top Canadian talent available in 2014 NBA Draft
The upcoming NBA Draft is said to be the decade’s best class since the remarkable Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh year.
In this highly anticipated draft, a historic eight Canadians could be selected. With the continuous growth and development of Canadian basketball players, the country has plenty to look forward to.
Canadian basketball is on the rise. Anthony Bennett went first overall in last year’s draft and Canada ranks near the top for international players in the NBA – third with eight contributing to the league’s success. Chances of an Olympic medal for Canada in the next Summer Games is becoming less of a dream and more of a possibility. Now, let’s take a look at what’s in store for the 2014 NBA Draft:
Top Canadian Prospects
ANDREW WIGGINS, Small Forward – Vaughan, Ontario
Prediction: 2nd Overall (Milwaukee Bucks)
Andrew Wiggins is exactly what the Milwaukee Bucks franchise needs. They need a player who is going to bring the excitement back to the city of Milwaukee; because long gone are the days of Michael Redd. Wiggins’ athleticism brings a whole new ball game to the court. He is the type of player who will bring hope to a franchise whose fans felt it was dwindling away. The team needs a player to work with and build a franchise around, and in this way, Wiggins in the perfect fit for the Milwaukee Bucks.
NIK STAUSKAS, Shooting Guard – Mississauga, Ontario
Prediction: 12th Overall (Orlando Magic)
The Orlando Magic are not pressured at this point to fill in any gaps, as they will most likely pick up Dante Exum with the number four pick. However, the Magic’s offence was one of the worst in the league last season, as they finished 13th in the weaker Eastern Conference. Nik Stauskas is one of the best shooters in the draft and could be a consistent scoring opportunity for the team. He would also be playing alongside fellow Canadian Andrew Nicholson.
TYLER ENNIS, Point Guard – Brampton, Ontario
Prediction: 16th Overall (Chicago Bulls)
The Chicago Bulls need a point guard, plain and simple. With Kirk Hinrich and DJ Augustin entering into free agency and the uncertainty of Derrick Rose’s recovery, Tyler Ennis could provide the Bulls with comfort in the point guard position. Ennis is a versatile player with shooting capability and a great defensive game. It would be easier for the Bulls to build on upcoming talent and Ennis would fit well into the Bulls defensive and offensive systems.
Other Canadian Candidates:
Jordan Bachynski, Centre – Calgary, Alberta
Sim Bhullar, Centre – Toronto, Ontario
Khem Birch, Power Forward – Quebec City, Quebec
Melvin Ejim, Small Forward – Toronto, Ontario
Dwight Powell, Power Forward – Toronto, Ontario
For more on these players visit Canada Basketball.
Be sure to tune in and witness Canadian history in the making. The 2014 NBA Draft will take place Thursday June 27, 2014 in New York City.
