ESPN's Chad Ford released his latest 2014 NBA mock draft on Wednesday. Ford projects the Cleveland Cavaliers to draft Andrew Wiggins and Julius Randle to fall to the Los Angeles Lakers. Read Ford's first 14 picks below.
While Cleveland acknowledged an openness to trade the first overall pick, Ford predicts them to ultimately keep the pick and select Wiggins, the Kansas standout and one of the leading contenders for the top spot of the draft.
Ford takes his prediction a step forward by citing sources as saying the Cavaliers prefer Wiggins over any other prospect.
"However, my sources in Cleveland indicate Wiggins is the likelier choice at this early stage," Ford wrote on Wednesday. "They feel he has the most long-term potential, helps them defensively right out of the gate, and can replace Dion Waiters in the starting lineup while adding character to the team."
Wiggins's teammate, Joel Embiid, went No. 2 to the Milwaukee Bucks. The biggest concern, and possibly the only holdup of the 7-footer going first overall, is Embiid's back injury - teams are uncertain if they will be able to administer a physical to him, according to Ford.
Jabari Parker slipped to the Philadelphia 76ers at No. 3, Dante Exum to the Orlando Magic at No. 4 and Noah Vonleh to the Utah Jazz at No. 5.
Randle fell to the Lakers at No. 7, but Ford expects Los Angeles to shop the pick.
Ford's First 14 (via ESPN):
1. Andrew Wiggins - Cleveland
2. Joel Embiid - Milwaukee
3. Jabari Parker - Philadelphia
4. Dante Exum - Orlando
5. Noah Vonleh - Utah
6. Aaron Gordon - Boston
7. Julius Randle - Los Angeles Lakers
8. Marcus Smart - Sacramento
9. Doug McDermott - Charlotte
10. Nik Stauskas - Philadelphia
11. Gary Harris - Denver
12. Dario Saric - Orlando
13. Adreian Payne - Minnesota
14. Zach LaVine - Phoenix
