A simulation of the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) player selection process for the year 2014, created before the actual event took place, predicts which amateur players will be chosen by each team and in what order. These predictive exercises are commonly produced by sports analysts and media outlets to generate discussion and interest in the upcoming event. As an example, a hypothetical projection might have identified Andrew Wiggins as the first overall pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a pre-event forecast.
These pre-selection simulations serve several purposes. They provide a framework for evaluating potential talent acquisitions by NBA teams, enabling fans and analysts to debate the merits of different player pairings and strategic approaches. Furthermore, they offer historical context by illustrating the perceived value and trajectory of young players entering professional basketball at a specific time. They act as benchmarks against which the accuracy of scouting reports and team strategies can be assessed after the official selection process concludes.