NBA 2014 Draft - Dante Exum Is The Dark Horse From Down Under! Tanking Teams Want To 'Lose 'Em For Exum'

NBA 2014 Draft will be spectacular. It has been speculated more than the NBA 2013 draft. It might even be better than the 2003 draft that completely changed the complexion of the NBA.

Two years ago, the projected number 1 pick was Jabari Parker after an extraordinary year in junior high school. He was placed in the cover of Sports Illustrated as the best high school player since Lebron James.

Parker had an underwhelming senior year and Julius Randle was projected to be number 1 as he was stronger and an inside player. But both of them were outshined by the 2015 prospect, Andrew Wiggins. Then, Wiggins reclassified to the 2013 class, making him qualified for the 2014 draft-and became the new number 1.

The 2003 class had Lebron James as the clear number 1. Great as Carmelo Anthony was, he did not stand a chance. Dwyane Wade actually bloomed a little later, as he was already in college at that time. So was Bosh.

There is actually another number 1 prospect in the 2014 draft. That's Dante Exum. He's not in college since he was late to play in the semester. He's from Australia and he led the Australian team to contend in the FIBA U19.

He's also freakishly dedicated on improving his game. Exum understood that defenses would be all over him in the U19 so he developed a three point shot. He can play all the positions (except center) and is a better shooter than the three American prodigies (typical of the international player).

He lacks exposure now as the other stars of the draft are on the college basketball spotlight. He is actually thinking of attending a year of US college ball, but if he will be drafted this high, there is no point of delaying the inevitable.

One unnamed GM in the NBA spoke to ESPN draft expert Chad Ford, and admitted that he would "Lose 'em for Exum.' He says:

"I know everyone is so excited to see Jabari and those guys dominate. I know the old guard is going to play it safe. But maybe I'm young and foolish, but I think Exum ends up being the guy everyone wishes they took in a few years. All of them are going to be great, but when you watch Exum, you see the ability to be a generational talent. My owner might kill me, but I think you take Exum, regardless of what the other guys do this year. Exum's already proved it to me."

The only clue is that the GM is young. Most of the young GMs use advanced analytics and have better perspective than the others.

Very convincing vouch for the Dark Horse from Down Under.

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nba 2014 draft
Dante Exum
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