2014 NBA draft
The 2014 NBA draft was the 68th annual draft of the National Basketball Association (NBA), in which the league's teams selected amateur and international players for the 2014–15 NBA season, held on June 26, 2014, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.[1][2] The event consisted of 60 picks across two rounds, with the first round broadcast live on ESPN and the second on ESPN2.[1] The draft order for the first 14 picks was determined by the NBA draft lottery held on May 20, 2014, in Secaucus, New Jersey, where the Cleveland Cavaliers defied 1.7% odds to secure the No. 1 selection—their second consecutive top pick after Anthony Bennett in 2013.[3] With the top choice, the Cavaliers selected Canadian forward Andrew Wiggins from the University of Kansas, who averaged 17.1 points and 5.9 rebounds as a freshman and became the second Kansas player taken first overall.[1][4] The Milwaukee Bucks followed with Duke's Jabari Parker at No. 2, a scoring forward who posted 19.1 points per game in college; the Philadelphia 76ers took Kansas center Joel Embiid at No. 3 despite his stress fracture concerns; the Orlando Magic selected Arizona forward Aaron Gordon at No. 4; and the Utah Jazz picked Australian guard Dante Exum at No. 5.[1][5] Further down, the Los Angeles Lakers chose Kentucky forward Julius Randle at No. 7, the national leader in freshman double-doubles with 24; Oklahoma State guard Marcus Smart went No. 6 to the Boston Celtics.[1][5] The draft highlighted international talent, including Exum (Australia), Embiid (Cameroon), and Serbian center Nikola Jokić selected 41st overall by the Denver Nuggets in the second round.[1] College programs were well-represented, with Kansas placing two players in the top 10 along with one each from Duke and Arizona.[1] Notable trades occurred, such as the Cavaliers' immediate deal of Wiggins' rights to the Minnesota Timberwolves for All-Star Kevin Love.[1]Eligibility and Preparation
Eligibility Rules
The eligibility rules for the 2014 NBA draft were governed by Article 10 of the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association, which remained in effect through the 2016-17 season.[6] All players had to be at least 19 years old by December 31 of the draft year to be eligible for selection.[6] For players classified as U.S. players—those who completed high school in the United States—the rules enforced the league's "one-and-done" policy, requiring at least one full NBA season to have elapsed since their high school graduation before they could declare for the draft.[6] This stipulation, originally introduced in the 2005 CBA and reaffirmed in 2011, aimed to ensure a minimum level of maturity and preparation by mandating at least one year of post-high school experience, typically through college basketball.[6] International players faced distinct criteria under the CBA, defined as those with permanent residence outside the United States and Canada for at least three years prior to the draft, who had not enrolled in a U.S. or Canadian college or university, and who had not completed their final two years of secondary school in the U.S. or Canada.[6] Automatic eligibility applied to international players who were at least 22 years old by December 31 of the draft year or who had signed a non-NBA professional basketball contract with a team outside North America prior to that date.[6] These provisions allowed for broader access to the draft for seasoned overseas professionals while maintaining the age threshold to align with domestic rules.[6] Underclassmen from U.S. colleges—players with remaining intercollegiate eligibility—were required to declare early entry to participate, submitting written notification to the NBA at least 60 days prior to the draft date.[6] For the 2014 draft, held on June 26, this deadline fell on April 27, 2014, at 11:59 p.m. ET.[7] Players could withdraw their declarations up to 10 days before the draft without penalty, provided they had not signed with an agent or violated amateur status, allowing them to retain college eligibility.[6] The 2014 withdrawal deadline was thus June 16.[6] The CBA emphasized maintaining amateur status for early entrants, prohibiting any professional contracts outside the NBA prior to the draft unless specified for international players.[6] Underclassmen could hire NBA-certified agents after declaring but before the withdrawal deadline; however, doing so would forfeit their remaining NCAA eligibility, as agent representation was deemed a professional commitment under NCAA rules.[6] No significant adjustments to these agent or amateur provisions were made for the 2014 draft, preserving the balance between professional exploration and college retention options.[6]Early Entry Declarations
The early entry declaration process for the 2014 NBA draft enabled college underclassmen—players with remaining NCAA eligibility—to test professional interest by submitting letters to the league, allowing them to participate in pre-draft activities like the combine and individual workouts. This option, available since 2005 under NBA rules, provided a pathway for talented young players to gauge their draft stock without immediately committing to a professional career. On April 30, 2014, the NBA announced that 45 U.S. college underclassmen had declared as early entry candidates by the April 27 submission deadline, joining 30 international players for a total of 75 candidates. These declarations came from prominent programs, reflecting the depth of the 2013-14 freshman and sophomore classes.[7] Among the most prominent early entrants were freshmen Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid from the University of Kansas, both heralded for their elite athleticism and defensive potential, and Julius Randle from the University of Kentucky, noted for his scoring versatility and rebounding prowess; all three were widely projected as lottery selections, with Wiggins and Embiid often atop mock drafts as potential No. 1 overall picks. Other notable declarants included Jabari Parker from Duke and Aaron Gordon from Arizona, who bolstered the class's frontcourt talent. These players entered primarily to capitalize on their high draft projections, seeking to launch NBA careers after one college season amid the one-and-done trend.[8] By the June 16, 2014, withdrawal deadline—set 10 days before the draft—only one college underclassman, Mychal Ammons from South Alabama, opted to withdraw and return to school, leaving 44 U.S. college early entrants for the final pool. This low withdrawal rate among collegians contrasted with 17 international pullouts, underscoring the confidence many American prospects had in their draft positioning.[9] A critical aspect of the early entry process involved agent hiring, which carried significant implications for NCAA eligibility. Under NCAA rules in effect for 2014, underclassmen could declare and engage in the draft process—including attending the combine and team workouts—without hiring an agent, thereby preserving their amateur status and option to withdraw and return to college. However, signing with an agent forfeited remaining NCAA eligibility permanently, committing the player to a professional path even if undrafted. This restriction often led declarants like Jabari Brown of Missouri to delay agent decisions initially, balancing feedback from NBA teams with the possibility of returning for another college season.[10]International and Automatic Entrants
In 2014, international players—defined under NBA rules as those who have resided outside the United States and not enrolled in a U.S. college or university—faced distinct eligibility criteria compared to domestic college athletes. To enter the draft, they needed to be at least 19 years old during the calendar year, with those aged 19 to 21 required to submit an early entry declaration by April 27, while players turning 22 or older were automatically eligible without declaration.[11] Additionally, professionals signed to non-NBA contracts could participate, though FIBA regulations often mandated club buyouts for drafted players to join the NBA, complicating transitions for those in European leagues.[11] Automatic entrants included international players meeting the age threshold or those with prior professional experience outside North America, entering the pool without formal declaration. This category captured seasoned prospects from global leagues, such as those in EuroLeague or domestic circuits, who were eligible by virtue of turning 22 in 2014 or having completed professional contracts. While specific counts of automatic entrants were not separately tallied in official announcements, they contributed to a broader international pool that reflected the NBA's expanding global reach.[11] The early entry process drew significant international interest, with the NBA announcing 30 such candidates on April 30, 2014, spanning countries including Serbia, Croatia, France, and Brazil.[7] Prominent examples included Dario Šarić, a 6-foot-10 forward from Croatia playing for KK Cibona Zagreb, who declared after leading his team in Adriatic League scoring; Nikola Jokić, a 6-foot-11 Serbian center with Mega Vizura in the Serbian league, noted for his passing and post skills at age 19; and Bogdan Bogdanović, a 6-foot-5 Serbian guard from Partizan Belgrade, who had withdrawn from the 2013 draft and re-entered as a versatile scorer in EuroLeague play.[7][11] Other notables were Jusuf Nurkic from Bosnia and Herzegovina with KK Cedevita Zagreb and Clint Capela from Switzerland via Élan Chalon in France, both centers with professional experience. By the withdrawal deadline of June 16, 2014, 17 international early entrants had pulled out, leaving 13 in the final pool and underscoring the draft's appeal to young global talent.[9] Overall, the approximately 40 international players in the 2014 draft pool highlighted the league's increasing internationalization, with entrants from over 15 countries.[11]Pre-Draft Events
NBA Draft Combine
The 2014 NBA Draft Combine was an invitation-only event held from May 15 to 19 at the Quest Multisport facility in Chicago, Illinois, designed to provide NBA teams with comprehensive evaluations of draft-eligible prospects. Approximately 60 players received invitations, though several high-profile names declined to participate in on-court activities, opting instead for private workouts to mitigate injury risks. The combine encompassed a multifaceted agenda, including anthropometric measurements (such as height, weight, wingspan, and standing reach), athletic performance tests (including vertical jumps, bench press repetitions, lane agility drills, and three-quarter court sprints), shooting drills, five-on-five scrimmages, medical examinations, and formal interviews with representatives from all 30 NBA teams. These elements allowed scouts, executives, and medical staff to assess not only physical attributes and skills but also players' health histories and basketball IQ.[12][13] Athletic testing revealed several standout metrics that elevated certain prospects' draft stocks. Arizona forward Aaron Gordon impressed with a 39-inch maximum vertical jump—the highest among big men at the event and third-best ever for a post player in combine history—alongside a 32.5-inch standing vertical, underscoring his elite explosiveness despite weighing 225 pounds. UCLA guard Zach LaVine dominated agility-based drills, posting the fastest lane agility time of 10.42 seconds and a three-quarter sprint of 3.19 seconds, highlighting his quickness as a potential combo guard. In measurements, Indiana power forward Noah Vonleh stood out at 6 feet 10 inches in shoes with a 7-foot-4 wingspan and 9-foot standing reach, reinforcing his appeal as a versatile defender.[14][15][16][17][18] Notable absences included Kansas' Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid, who skipped physical testing due to prior injury concerns—Wiggins to focus on individual sessions where he reportedly achieved a 44-inch vertical, while Embiid, sidelined late in his college season by a lumbar stress fracture, limited his involvement to interviews. Medical evaluations at the combine flagged pre-existing conditions for several attendees, which raised durability questions. Embiid's draft outlook faced further scrutiny post-combine when a stress fracture in his right foot was diagnosed in June, requiring surgery and causing him to miss his entire rookie season, though he still went third overall to the Philadelphia 76ers. These revelations emphasized the combine's critical role in uncovering health risks that could sway team decisions.[19][20][21][22]Draft Lottery Results
The 2014 NBA Draft Lottery took place on May 20, 2014, at the NBA Entertainment Studios in Secaucus, New Jersey, though the televised event aired from Times Square in New York City. The lottery determines the selection order for the first 14 picks among the league's 14 non-playoff teams, using a weighted probability system based on inverse regular-season winning percentages to promote competitive balance. Under the format in place since 1990, 14 ping-pong balls numbered 1 through 14 are placed in a lottery machine, and four balls are drawn to create one of 1,000 possible combinations; this process is repeated 13 times to assign picks 1 through 14, with teams allocated a number of favorable combinations proportional to their records but capped at 250 (25%) for the No. 1 pick to prevent intentional tanking from guaranteeing the top selection. The participating teams' odds for the No. 1 overall pick were as follows, reflecting their 2013–14 regular-season records:| Team | Record | Odds for No. 1 Pick | Combinations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Bucks | 15–67 | 25.0% | 250 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | 19–63 | 19.9% | 199 |
| Orlando Magic | 23–59 | 15.6% | 156 |
| Utah Jazz | 25–57 | 10.4% | 104 |
| Boston Celtics | 25–57 | 10.3% | 103 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 27–55 | 6.3% | 63 |
| Sacramento Kings | 28–54 | 4.3% | 43 |
| Detroit Pistons | 29–53 | 2.8% | 28 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 33–49 | 1.7% | 17 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 34–48 | 0.8% | 8 |
| Denver Nuggets | 36–46 | 0.7% | 7 |
| Charlotte Bobcats | 43–39 | 0.6% | 6 |
| New York Knicks | 37–45 | 0.5% | 5 |
| Phoenix Suns | 48–34 | 0.5% | 5 |
Draft Ceremony and Process
Event Overview
The 2014 NBA Draft took place on June 26, 2014, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, marking the second time the event was hosted there following its debut in 2013.[28] The ceremony featured both rounds conducted in a single evening, a format that allowed for a streamlined presentation of all 60 selections.[29] This setup contributed to an energetic atmosphere, with a live audience filling the arena and reacting enthusiastically to announcements, creating a festive environment amid the high stakes of team selections.[30] Broadcast coverage was provided exclusively by ESPN, beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET and hosted by Rece Davis alongside analysts Jay Bilas, Jalen Rose, and Bill Simmons.[28] On stage, newly appointed NBA Commissioner Adam Silver presided over his first draft, announcing the first-round picks, while Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum handled the second round.[31] The event highlighted Silver's debut in the role, which he assumed earlier that year, adding a layer of anticipation to the proceedings as he navigated the ceremonial elements. Operated under the 2011 collective bargaining agreement resulting from the league's lockout resolution, the draft incorporated rules that facilitated complex protections on traded picks, enabling teams to convey future selections with safeguards against poor performance outcomes.[32] These provisions, which had become increasingly prevalent, influenced the strategic landscape without altering the core draft process itself.[33] The overall tone blended excitement from the lottery-determined order with the formal pageantry of the Barclays Center setting.[34]Selection Order Determination
The selection order for the 2014 NBA draft was established through a combination of the NBA Draft Lottery, regular-season standings from the 2013–14 campaign, and resolutions of tied records via random drawings. The 14 teams that missed the playoffs participated in the lottery held on May 20, 2014, which determined the order for picks 1–3 based on a weighted ping-pong ball drawing where teams with worse records received more combinations out of 1,000 possible (e.g., the Milwaukee Bucks had 250 chances as the worst team at 15–67). Picks 4–14 were then assigned to the remaining non-playoff teams in reverse order of their regular-season records.[35][36] Picks 15–30 were allocated to the 16 playoff teams in reverse order of their regular-season winning percentages, ensuring that the teams with the poorest records among qualifiers picked earliest in this range.[36] This structure incentivized competitive balance by rewarding poorer-performing teams with higher selections while maintaining order among playoff participants. Tiebreakers for teams with identical records were handled through random drawings in the NBA league office on April 18, 2014, immediately following the regular season. Among non-playoff teams, the Utah Jazz drew ahead of the Boston Celtics for the fourth and fifth positions in reverse standings after both finished 25–57; For playoff teams, the Portland Trail Blazers were placed ahead of the Houston Rockets and Miami Heat (all 54–28) via a multi-team draw, with Houston then ahead of Miami for the 25th and 26th positions.[36] The process also accounted for picks traded in prior seasons, with ownership determined before the lottery and draft; protections or swaps could alter selecting teams without changing the positional order derived from records. For instance, several later picks were held by other franchises, such as the Utah Jazz owning the Golden State Warriors' pick (ending up 23rd).[1] The lottery briefly referenced earlier results, with the Cleveland Cavaliers (original ninth-worst at 33–49) winning the top selection despite 1.7% odds.[36] The finalized pre-draft order for picks 1–14, incorporating lottery outcomes, standings, tiebreakers, and prior trades, had the following teams scheduled to select:Draft Selections
First-Round Picks
The first round of the 2014 NBA draft featured 30 selections, determined by the draft lottery for the top picks and reverse order of regular-season records for the remainder, with several picks traded immediately upon announcement. This round showcased a blend of emerging talents, including 24 players from U.S. colleges and 6 international prospects entering directly from overseas.[1][37] The top five picks exemplified the draft's emphasis on athletic, high-potential wings and big men. Andrew Wiggins, a small forward from the University of Kansas, was selected first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers for his explosive athleticism, scoring versatility, and defensive upside as a two-way wing player. Jabari Parker, a power forward from Duke University, went second to the Milwaukee Bucks due to his polished scoring ability, basketball IQ, and potential as a mismatch creator in the frontcourt. Joel Embiid, a center from the University of Kansas, was chosen third by the Philadelphia 76ers for his rare combination of size, agility, shot-blocking prowess, and offensive skills, despite lingering concerns about a stress fracture in his right foot that delayed his debut. Aaron Gordon, a power forward from the University of Arizona, was picked fourth by the Orlando Magic for his elite athleticism, rebounding tenacity, and ability to finish above the rim in transition. Dante Exum, a point guard from Australia without U.S. college experience, rounded out the lottery's top selections at fifth overall by the Utah Jazz, valued for his length, quickness, playmaking vision, and defensive versatility as an overseas prospect.[1][37] Immediate trades during the first round included the 10th pick (Elfrid Payton) sent to the Orlando Magic, the 11th (Doug McDermott) to the Chicago Bulls, the 12th (Dario Šarić) to the Philadelphia 76ers, the 16th (Jusuf Nurkić) to the Denver Nuggets, the 19th (Gary Harris) to the Denver Nuggets, the 24th (Shabazz Napier) to the Miami Heat, and the 26th (P.J. Hairston) to the Charlotte Bobcats.[37]| Pick | Player | Position | College/Club | Drafting Team (Notes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andrew Wiggins | SF | Kansas | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 2 | Jabari Parker | PF | Duke | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 3 | Joel Embiid | C | Kansas | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 4 | Aaron Gordon | PF | Arizona | Orlando Magic |
| 5 | Dante Exum | PG | Australia (International) | Utah Jazz |
| 6 | Marcus Smart | PG | Oklahoma State | Boston Celtics |
| 7 | Julius Randle | PF | Kentucky | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 8 | Nik Stauskas | SG | Michigan | Sacramento Kings |
| 9 | Noah Vonleh | PF | Indiana | Charlotte Bobcats (from Detroit) |
| 10 | Elfrid Payton | PG | Louisiana-Lafayette | Philadelphia 76ers (traded to Orlando Magic) |
| 11 | Doug McDermott | SF | Creighton | Denver Nuggets (traded to Chicago Bulls) |
| 12 | Dario Šarić | SF | Croatia (International) | Orlando Magic (traded to Philadelphia 76ers) |
| 13 | Zach LaVine | PG/SG | UCLA | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 14 | T.J. Warren | SF | NC State | Phoenix Suns |
| 15 | Adreian Payne | PF | Michigan State | Atlanta Hawks |
| 16 | Jusuf Nurkić | C | Bosnia (International) | Chicago Bulls (traded to Denver Nuggets) |
| 17 | James Young | SG | Kentucky | Boston Celtics (from Brooklyn) |
| 18 | Tyler Ennis | PG | Syracuse | Phoenix Suns (from Washington) |
| 19 | Gary Harris | SG | Michigan State | Chicago Bulls (traded to Denver Nuggets) |
| 20 | Bruno Caboclo | SF | Brazil (International) | Toronto Raptors |
| 21 | Mitch McGary | PF | Michigan | Oklahoma City Thunder (from Dallas via Houston and L.A. Lakers) |
| 22 | Jordan Adams | SG | UCLA | Memphis Grizzlies |
| 23 | Rodney Hood | SG | Duke | Utah Jazz (from Golden State) |
| 24 | Shabazz Napier | PG | UConn | Charlotte Bobcats (traded to Miami Heat) |
| 25 | Clint Capela | PF/C | Switzerland (International) | Houston Rockets |
| 26 | P.J. Hairston | SG | North Carolina | Miami Heat (traded to Charlotte Bobcats) |
| 27 | Bogdan Bogdanović | SG | Serbia (International) | Phoenix Suns (from Indiana) |
| 28 | C.J. Wilcox | SG | Washington | Los Angeles Clippers |
| 29 | Josh Huestis | SF | Stanford | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| 30 | Kyle Anderson | SF | UCLA | San Antonio Spurs |
Second-Round Picks
The second round of the 2014 NBA draft featured picks 31 through 60, totaling 30 selections that highlighted the draft's depth in international talent and high-upside prospects often overlooked in the first round. This round included a notable contingent of players from outside the United States, with at least eight international selections such as centers and forwards from Europe and Africa, underscoring the NBA's increasing global reach at the time.[38] The following table lists all second-round picks, including the overall selection number, player name, primary position, drafting team, and origin (college or international club/country). Several picks involved trades, noted where relevant.Trades Involving Picks
Pre-Draft Trades
Several pre-draft trades involving future 2014 NBA draft picks occurred between 2011 and early 2014, reshaping team assets and enabling strategies such as salary cap relief and roster rebuilding. These transactions, often stemming from player deals, allowed teams to stockpile selections for the upcoming draft while navigating financial constraints under the NBA's collective bargaining agreement. For instance, the Philadelphia 76ers aggressively accumulated picks during this period as part of general manager Sam Hinkie's "Process" initiative, which emphasized long-term asset building over immediate contention. One prominent example was the August 15, 2013, trade between the 76ers and New Orleans Pelicans, where Philadelphia sent guard Jrue Holiday and Pierre Jackson to New Orleans in exchange for center Nerlens Noel (the sixth overall pick in the 2013 draft) and the Pelicans' 2014 first-round pick, which was top-5 protected. This pick, originally the sixth overall after the lottery, conveyed to Philadelphia due to falling outside the protection, bolstering their lottery position and supporting their tanking approach to secure high-value talent. Similarly, in February 2014, the 76ers acquired six second-round picks in multiple deadline deals, including Evan Turner and Lavoy Allen to the Indiana Pacers for Danny Granger (no picks in that deal) and Spencer Hawes to the Cleveland Cavaliers for two 2014 second-round picks, aimed at shedding contracts and gaining flexibility.[39] Other notable pre-draft trades included the Charlotte Hornets (then Bobcats) acquiring the Detroit Pistons' 2014 first-round pick (top-8 protected) as part of a July 2012 deal sending Ben Gordon and a second-rounder to Detroit for Corey Maggette's expiring contract, facilitating salary cap management for Charlotte's rebuild. The Boston Celtics obtained the Brooklyn Nets' 2014 first-round pick (top-10 protected) in a June 2013 blockbuster sending Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to Brooklyn, part of Boston's post-championship roster reset. Additionally, the Orlando Magic held the less favorable of the Denver Nuggets' two 2014 first-round picks from the August 2011 Dwight Howard trade, reflecting Denver's efforts to acquire young talent while Orlando pursued a star. The following table summarizes key pre-draft trades affecting approximately 15 first- and second-round picks, highlighting involved teams and primary motivations:| Date | Teams Involved | Details | Motivation |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 2012 | Charlotte Bobcats to Detroit Pistons | Bobcats receive 2014 1st-round pick (top-8 protected); Pistons get Ben Gordon | Salary dump for Detroit; asset acquisition for Charlotte rebuild |
| June 2013 | Boston Celtics to Brooklyn Nets | Celtics receive 2014 1st-round pick (top-10 protected); Nets get Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce | Roster reset for Boston; star acquisition for Brooklyn |
| August 2013 | Philadelphia 76ers to New Orleans Pelicans | 76ers receive 2014 1st-round pick (top-5 protected), Nerlens Noel; Pelicans get Jrue Holiday | Rebuild via picks for Philly; star guard for New Orleans |
| February 2014 | Philadelphia 76ers multi-team deals | 76ers acquire six 2014 second-round picks (e.g., from Cavaliers, Kings, Denver); send Evan Turner, others | Cap relief and pick accumulation for long-term strategy |
| October 2013 | Phoenix Suns to Washington Wizards | Suns receive 2014 1st-round pick (top-12 protected); Wizards get Marcin Gortat | Talent upgrade for Phoenix; center for Washington's contention [40] |
| February 2010 | Chicago Bulls to Charlotte Bobcats | Bulls receive 2014 1st-round pick (top-10 protected); Bobcats get Tyrus Thomas | Contract relief for Charlotte; future asset for Chicago [41] |
| February 2014 | Denver Nuggets to various | Nuggets trade for picks including Knicks' 2014 1st-rounder from 2011 Carmelo Anthony deal | Salary management and depth additions[42] |