Our last Mock Draft, version 2.0, debuted a little more than a month ago.
Trying to project players (who had had played just half a season) to teams (which were still in the middle of the season) is challenging.
But as we move into the home stretch of both the college basketball and NBA seasons, the Big Board and the NBA standings are starting to give us a clearer picture of the draft.
There is still plenty of basketball to be played, both in college and the pros. This mock will continue to shift as players and teams evolve or regress. Our Lottery Mock Draft machine allows you to play out different scenarios with odds updated nightly.
But our third full Mock Draft of the year gives you a fuller view of the draft.
Remember, our Mock Draft is not a ranking of who we think the top players are. Instead, it's a reporting tool to convey our latest intel from NBA scouts and GMs on what each team might do in the draft.
Editor's note: The draft order for this mock was formulated based on games played through March 4.
MORE DRAFT CONTENT:
2014 Top 30 Big Board | Ford's Top 100
1
Joel Embiid
Milwaukee Bucks
COLLEGE: Kansas
AGE: 19
HT: 7-0
WT: 250
POS: C
Milwaukee Bucks | 25 percent to win lottery
Analysis: The Bucks are the odds-on favorite to end up with the top pick in the draft. They have so many needs that they could really go in any direction here. However, it continues to appear that Embiid would be the top choice if the draft were held today. Embiid, who is sitting out the last two games of the regular season with a minor back injury, not only has the most upside of anyone in the draft with the possible exception of Andrew Wiggins, but he'd give the Bucks a true low-post scorer.
2
Andrew Wiggins
Philadelphia 76ers
COLLEGE: Kansas
AGE: 18
HT: 6-8
WT: 200
POS: SG
Philadelphia 76ers | 19.9 percent to win lottery
Analysis: The 76ers are making an impressive push to get the No. 1 overall pick. But if they land Wiggins at No. 2, they'll be thrilled. He's currently the No. 1 player on their board. While Wiggins has had a bit of an up-and-down season, he has all the physical tools to be a big-time NBA player. Put him with Michael Carter-Williams and Nerlens Noel and the Sixers would be loaded with one of the most athletic teams in the league.
3
Dante Exum
Orlando Magic
COUNTRY: Australia
AGE: 18
HT: 6-6
WT: 188
POS: PG
Orlando Magic | 15.6 percent to win lottery
Analysis: The Magic are in the market for a point guard, and Exum would be the perfect complement to Victor Oladipo. Both players can handle either backcourt position and both bring great athletic ability to the table. If Exum can become a lights-out shooter, he has the chance to be a superstar.
* The Pelicans will send their first-round pick to the Sixers if it falls somewhere from 6 to 30.
# The Pistons will send their first-round pick to Charlotte if it falls somewhere from 9 to 30.
## The Nuggets own the Knicks' first-round pick. They have agreed to send the lesser of their own pick and the Knicks' pick to the Magic.
++ The Golden State Warriors will send their pick to the Utah Jazz.
The Bobcats will send their first-round pick to the Bulls if it falls somewhere between 11 and 30
The Wizards will send their first-round pick to Phoenix if it falls somewhere between 13 and 30.
The Nets owe Boston a first-round pick. However, this could be either the Nets' or the Hawks' pick. The Hawks have the right to swap picks.
The Mavericks will send their first-round pick to the Thunder if it falls somewhere between 21 and 30.
The Warriors will send their first-round pick to the Jazz.
The Blazers will send their first-round pick to Charlotte if it falls somewhere between 13 and 30.
The Pacers will send their first-round pick to Phoenix if it falls somewhere between 15 and 30.