The consensus first overall pick is a tricky one to predict. In the 2013 Draft it was because of a lack of transcendent talent. For next year's draft, it's actually the reverse. There is an excess of talent that it's not clear who would be drafted first. Julius Randle is always in the conversation.

The last time there was a clear number one player was 2012, when Anthony Davis was picked by New Orleans. There was some mild tanking prior to that season. Mild, because there was only one outstanding talent. Later on, Damian Lillard (who won Rookie of the Year honors) and Andre Drummond distinguished themselves as draft steals, but Davis is still way ahead of the pack.

For next year's draft, three players are leading the pack: Andrew Wiggins of Kansas, Julius Randle of Kentucky and Jabari Parker of Duke. All three are freshmen, as part of the one-and-done programs due to the NBA's minimum age requirement.

All three could've been number one this past draft, which is an abysmal bunch. This is why NBA teams are looking way ahead towards next year.

In the NBA, the best advice for players drafting in the lottery is "get the best player available." A team with the coveted privilege to be number one will have this sweet but difficult dilemma:who is the best player?

While Andrew Wiggins dominated the draft boards before the college season, scouts were still anxious as to how his game would translate when faced with bigger, stronger college boys. In this litmus test, Wiggins other two rivals had the better initial results.

Julius Randle has made quite an impression, as he is heading the most talented recruiting class of all time. His averages so far: 18 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block.

One NBA GM who watched him have 27 point, 13 rebound performance at the champions classic against quality opponent Michigan State, stated: "This kid's a beast!" (from SI NBA)

His NBA ready body and his quickness all but guarantee that he can play power forward in the pros. There were some players who failed in the transition. Derrick Williams, 2nd overall of 2011, recently traded is the best example. Randle is stronger and has a more solid inside game to avoid that dilemma.