TheLateShift Podcast: LeBron and Melo Opt-out, World Cup Fever, NBA Mock Draft Talk

In case you missed it...Listen to the latest Late Shift podcast

NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Embiid Changes Things

Joel Embid injury will change the upcoming NBA draft. Photo credit: NCAA

With the news that Joel Embiid has a fractured foot to go along with his bad back, the draft looks a lot different. How far could he fall before someone has to select him.

by +Rodney Fisher

NBA: Rodney's Mock Draft 1.5

Dante Exum moving in the NBA draft. Photo credit: HoundSports

After talking with some other NBA beat writers I have a few changes to the first round of the upcoming draft. Some teams may not draft for need afterall...

by +Rodney Fisher

NBA: Rodney's 2014 Mock Draft 1.0

2014 NBA Mock Draft. Photo credit: CBS Boston. 

Unlike some NBA media, I like to wait until after the lottery to debut the first incarnation of the NBA mock draft. I am still baffled by the Cleveland Cavaliers getting the first pick for the third time in four years, but I don't expect a shock pick like Anthony Bennett to be a possibility in such a deep draft this year. 

by +Rodney Fisher

NBA: Cleveland Wins First Pick Again; 2014 Draft Order

Cleveland Cavs are awarded the number one pick again. Photo credit: CBS Cleveland

For the third time in four years, the Cleveland Cavaliers have bee awarded the number one pick in the NBA draft. This will be the Cavs second straight year with the first pick. The teams with higher percentage chances of winning the lottery, Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers, will pick second and third. 

by +Rodney Fisher

RF SPORTS RADIO: SPAIN WINS, TIGER WINS, NBA DRAFT REVIEW, DERON WILLIAMS, NBA FREE AGENT & TRADE RUMORS DECODED

Listen to internet radio with RF Sports Radio on Blog Talk Radio

MAVERICKS TRADE 17th PICK FOR THREE SOLID PLAYERS

Immediately after drafting Tyler Zeller with the 17th pick, the Mavs looking to retool traded him to Cleveland for the 24th, 33rd, and 34th picks. Mavs take advantage and grab three players that can really help a depleted roster; Jared Cunningham, Bernard James, and Jae Crowder. Cunningham is a good raw talent at the 2. James, a 27-year old Iraq war veteran center, drew the Newark fans admiration with "U.S.A" chants. A first for a Maverick draft pick. Crowder is big power forward at 6' 6'' 241 pounds with a high octane motor. Watching Crowder play at Marquette, he could be the energy guy off the bench to bring the enthusiam similar to Jet Terry.

The also selected Darius Johnson-Odom

Macs biggest impact will still be made in the free agent market. Question is: Are they trying to bring in players to match with Deron Williams or are they trying to package player to get Sworn here? Stay tuned...

More on the players:

Cunningham (6-4, 194) from Oregon State. Named First Team All-Pac 12 as a junior when he averaged 17.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.5 steals per game.

James (6-10, 240) from Florida State. Six years in Air Force including three tours in Iraq. ACC All-Defense team.

Crowder (6-6, 235) from Marquette. NJCAA Player of the Year when at Howard College. Big Eats Player of the Year averaging 17.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.5 steals per game in senior season.

JOIN OUR NBA DRAFT LIVE CHAT POWERED BY THE SPORTS CHRONICLES

We will be on LIVE chat before and during today's NBA Draft. Join us!

Click Here

Mavs trade pick for Rudy Fernandez from Portland?

I don't like this trade one bit. But then again, I did not win a NBA title this year either!

2011 NBA Draft: Analysis, Grading, Draft Order

Cavs	Kyrie Irving	PG
Wolves	Derrick Williams	PF
Jazz	Enes Kanter	C
Cavs	Tristan Thompson	PF
Raptors	Jonas Valanciunas	C
Wizards	Jan Vesely	SF
Kings	Bismack Biyombo*	PF
Pistons	Brandon Knight	PG
Bobcats	Kemba Walker	PG
Bucks	Jimmer Fredette*	PG
Warriors	Klay Thompson	SG
Jazz	Alec Burks	SG
Suns	Markieff Morris	PF
Rockets	Marcus Morris	PF
* Later swapped teams as part of trade DRAFT SUMMARY LINK