Sometimes, you know. LeBron James in 2003, Anthony Davis in 2012 — the NBA draft can be pretty predictable. Other times, fans, analysts, and NBA franchises don't know what's going to happen until the commissioner walks on stage.
"It's going to be probably the most interesting draft that's ever happened." (Via Grantland)
"Who's going No. 1?" (Via Bleacher Report)
"We've heard a dozen scenarios where they trade it or keep it." (Via ESPN)
For a while, Joel Embiid was the consensus number one pick. He was the only college player in the country to average 19 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks per 40 minutes and was drawing Hakeem Olajuwon comparisons without ever touching an NBA court. (Via University of Houston, YouTube / KUTheShiver)
But foot and back injuries sidelined the potential franchise big man for the NCAA tourney, which has left the door wide open for his teammate Andrew Wiggins to take the No. 1 spot. (Via SB Nation)
"I think I would be a good fit for any team really. Make an impact with any team." (Via Draft Express)
And most would agree, especially the Philadelphia 76ers, who, according to reports, are working really hard to trade up and get the Canadian-born phenom. (Via Twitter / @BobCooney76)
But many would argue he's not even the best player in the draft — or at least not yet.
"Who is the most NBA-ready talent of that group? Well, there's no question, it's Jabari Parker." (Via ESPN)
Former Duke swingman Jabari Parker is expected to go in the top three picks, and if there's one thing scouts and journalists can agree on, it's that he's NBA-ready.
With that general consensus going around the league, if the Cleveland Cavaliers want to win right now and keep all-star Kyrie Irving in Ohio, Parker could take the No. 1 spot in this year's draft. (Via YouTube / CityLeagueHoopsTV)
But what really makes this draft so interesting isn't the college players — it's the NBA titans that are shopping for a new home.
LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Love are just three of the major NBA free agents on the market this summer, and with so much proven talent floating around, you can expect an even more exciting draft night. (Via Flickr / Keith Allison)
"When you have veteran players on the market like you do right now. And teams have multiple picks in the first round. ... You always have that caveat that adds a little more sizzle to NBA draft." (Via CBS Sports)
All the madness begins Thursday at 7 in Brooklyn's Barclays Center.
