2014 NBA Draft: A Look Back at the Class of the Future
It's been nearly a decade since the 2014 NBA Draft took place, but the impact of that year's class is still felt today. The 2014 draft was a mix of high-profile picks and hidden gems, and it's fascinating to look back and see how these players have shaped the league.
The Top Picks
The top pick of the 2014 NBA Draft was Anthony Bennett, who was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite high expectations, Bennett's career never quite took off, and he played just three seasons in the league before retiring. The second overall pick, Trey Burke, also struggled to live up to his potential, although he did have a solid career with the Utah Jazz.
The Hidden Gems
While the top picks didn't quite live up to expectations, there were several players who were drafted later in the first round and went on to have successful careers. One of the most notable was Michael Carter-Williams, who was drafted 19th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers. Carter-Williams won the Rookie of the Year award in 2013-2014 and had a solid four-year career before injuries took their toll.
Another gem was Jabari Parker, who was drafted 2nd overall by the Milwaukee Bucks. Parker had a promising career cut short by a series of injuries, but he showed flashes of brilliance before his untimely passing in 2019.
The Draft's Impact
The 2014 NBA Draft had a significant impact on the league, not just because of the players who were drafted but also because of the trades and deals that followed. The Cavaliers traded for Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, which helped them win the 2016 NBA Championship. The Bucks, on the other hand, were able to build a strong foundation with Parker and later added Giannis Antetokounmpo to become a powerhouse.
What Could Have Been?
Looking back, it's hard not to wonder what could have been if some of the top picks had lived up to their potential. Would Anthony Bennett have been the next Kevin Garnett? Would Trey Burke have been the next Rajon Rondo? These questions will always linger, but the fact remains that the 2014 NBA Draft was a class that brought a lot of excitement and hope to fans.
Questions and Answers
Q: Who won the Rookie of the Year award in 2014?
A: Michael Carter-Williams won the Rookie of the Year award in 2014.
Q: How many years did Jabari Parker play in the NBA?
A: Jabari Parker played for five seasons in the NBA before his passing in 2019.
Q: Which team won the 2016 NBA Championship?
A: The Cleveland Cavaliers won the 2016 NBA Championship.
Q: Who was the second overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft?
A: Jabari Parker was the second overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.