2013 NBA Mock Draft: What GMs Will Do with Every First Round Pick
The lottery played out in such a fashion that it made mocking the draft much easier. Teams are now slotted to get good value at positions of need.
Of course, this probably means no team will make the obvious selection, and mock drafts will be even more inaccurate than ever. However, it is easy to make a case for the draft playing out a certain way, and I have done that below.
I’ll pay special attention to a few of the more interesting picks and mark them in italics.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Nerlens Noel, C, Kentucky
Nerlens Noel’s upside is through the roof. He will be good on defense from Day 1, and he has the ability to be the league’s most dominant defensive player.
He needs serious work on his offensive game, but he has all the tools to be an excellent scoring option down low.
This is why the Cavs will overlook the fact that he is raw, too light and a big man with with knee problems.
2. Orlando Magic: Ben McLemore, SG, Kansas
The Orlando Magic were sitting in prime position as the favorite to win the draft lottery. When this was the case, it seemed like the Magic would either take Noel, and hope for their next great center, or trade down.
The reason this team would have traded down is because they are in pretty good shape with youthful talent for the front line with Nikola Vucevic and Andrew Nicholson.
Kansas’ Ben McLemore makes much more sense, and that is evident in this tweet by Fox Sports’ Sam Amico:
The Magic need a dynamic player for the backcourt. Someone who can space the floor with their shooting and take it to the rack when the defense is tight.
So, this leaves the Magic likely to be deciding between McLemore and Michigan point guard Trey Burke, which is what ProBasketballDraft believes to be the case:
Whether this is legit information or not, it is sound logic.
However, I see the ultimate answer being McLemore. He has a higher ceiling, and he will instantly be a nice fit in Orlando.
3. Washington Wizards: Otto Porter, SF, Georgetown
This pick makes a ton of sense. The Wizards have a need at the position, and Porter is clearly the cream of the small forward crop, as Shabazz Muhammad and Victor Oladipo are better suited to be a shooting guard in the NBA.
However, Porter may not make it this far. Michael Lee, who covers the Wizards for the Washington Post, hits us with this:
As you can see above, I don’t see the Magic passing on Noel. It is just too hard to pass on a big man.
So, that will leave Porter around for the Wizards, and they will gladly take him. Porter is NBA ready and he will fill up a stat sheet with his all-around skill set and lockdown defense.
Porter will never be an elite scorer, but with John Wall and Bradley Beal in the backcourt, he doesn’t need to be. Porter also won’t stop the ball on offense. He will get his points in the flow of the offense.
4. Charlotte Bobcats: Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana
Just thinking of Victor Oladipo and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist playing alongside each other should be enough to throw perimeter offenses off their game. This will be an athletic and exciting duo for the Bobcats.
While it will lack a bit of shooting, point guard Kemba Walker can help ease those concerns.
5. Phoenix Suns: Shabazz Muhammad, SF, UCLA
The Suns need offense. This team is hurting for playmakers, and there is no doubt that Shabazz Muhammad is one.
He needs to improve his overall game, but he knows how to score in a variety of ways.
6. Sacramento Kings: Anthony Bennett, PF, UNLV
The Kings frontcourt can get frightening in a hurry with this selection. Anthony Bennett is in the midst of rehabbing a shoulder injury, but he should have a full recovery. So there is little risk there.
He is an athletic prospect with the diversity in his game to play alongside DeMarcus Cousins.
7. New Orleans Pelicans: Trey Burke, PG, Michigan
Point guard is not the biggest need for the Pelicans, but it’s not like they should be content with Greivis Vasquez for the long term either.
Burke is too talented to last past No. 7, and he will form a nice young tandem with Anthony Davis.
8. Detroit Pistons: C.J. McCollum, PG, Lehigh
This is a sound pick for the Pistons. C.J. McCollum will add some needed perimeter shooting.
He has the skills to be a true point guard, but even if he doesn’t develop into that, he will be a dynamic scoring option to bring off the bench.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves: Cody Zeller, C, Indiana
Nikola Pekovic has emerged as a solid starting center. He is a restricted free agent, but whether he comes back or not, this is a nice pickup.
Cody Zeller‘s athleticism will be a nice compliment to the bruising style of Pekovic.
10. Portland Trail Blazers: Alex Len, C, Maryland
Alex Len is a legitimate seven-footer who needs to develop but has already shown the foundation for a nice low-post offensive game, and he is a solid presence around the rim on defense.
That is exactly what the Blazers need.
11. Philadelphia 76ers: Mason Plumlee, C, Duke
So, the Andrew Bynum experiment didn’t exactly work out last season, and no matter what happens with the free-agent big man this offseason, it would be wise for the 76ers to add depth to the frontcourt.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Toronto Raptors): Kelly Olynyk, C, Gonzaga
I’m torn here between Michael Carter-Williams and Kelly Olynyk. In the end, I think the Olynyk‘s jump shot and size will present offensive versatility to the Thunder that they won’t pass on.
13. Dallas Mavericks: Michael Carter-Williams, PG, Syracuse
If Michael Carter-Williams can develop into a consistent jump-shooter, he will be the steal of this draft. His size and athleticism are already intriguing, and he is a nice value at No. 14 here for Dallas.
14. Utah Jazz: Dennis Schroeder, PG, Germany
Dennis Schroeder caught scouts’ attention at the Nike Hoop Summit (in the above video). He went for 18 points and six assists in a win over Team U.S.A.
Schroeder has all the tools a team looks for in a point guard. He has good size, handles, quickness, passing and an outside shot. He does, however, face a giant curve transitioning to the NBA, which always adds an element of risk that will keep a player’s stock down.
It doesn’t sound like this is scaring off teams too badly. NBA.com’s Scott Howard-Cooper has more:
Due to his quickness, long arms and big hands, Schroeder has drawn his fare share of comparisons to Rajon Rondo. However, Schroeder appears to be a better shooter.
Schroeder needs to add strength and maturity, but he is just 19 and these things should come with time.
15. Milwaukee Bucks: Dario Saric, SF, Croatia
Dario Saric is shrouded in mystery, and he doesn’t have any tape against elite players to help scouts solve the riddle.
He has amazing handles and passing skill for his size, but it remains to be seen if he can handle the physicality of the NBA.
16. Boston Celtics: Giannis Antetokoumpo, SF, Greece
Giannis Antetokoumpo is the classic European pick. He has great height at 6’9″, but at 215 pounds, he has to add strength.
He is a skilled player, and has nice passing ability. He has a nice shot, but is inconsistent. He also has been playing against weak competition, which explains why the Celtics have put in so much time scouting this talented youngster.
17. Atlanta Hawks: Rudy Gobert, PF, France
The Hawks face a lot of question marks heading into next season, and they have back-to-back picks here. I see them mixing a project pick with someone who is a little more NBA ready.
Rudy Gobert would be the project part of that scenario. While he is raw, this seven-footer is natural shot-blocker, and could contribute some defensive minutes off the bench as a rookie.
18. Atlanta Hawks (from Houston Rockets): Jamaal Franklin, SG, San Diego State
Jamaal Franklin will be able to contribute right away. He is an athletic spark plug. He can play tight, man defense and will be deadly in transition.
He badly needs to improve his jumper to be a starter in the NBA, but will be a nice role player regardless.
19. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Los Angeles Lakers): Allen Crabbe, SG, California
Allen Crabbe doesn’t have the quickness to be an elite scorer or defender in the NBA, but he can shoot.
He will be a nice bench piece for the young Cavs.
20. Chicago Bulls: Gorgui Dieng, C, Louisville
Gorgui Dieng can run and play defense. Coach Tom Thibodeau will have a hard time passing on that.
Dieng is one of the older players in this class at 23, but the Bulls are in win-now mode anyway, and Dieng will be able to contribute right away.
21. Utah Jazz (from Golden State Warriors): Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG, Georgia
The Jazz have to focus on upgrading their backcourt. With an improved ability to space the floor and penetrate into the lane, this can be a dangerous offense.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a bit of a risk, but he has a high ceiling.
22. Brooklyn Nets: Jeff Withey, C, Kansas
The Nets must add depth and toughness in the frontcourt. Jeff Withey is a perfect fit at No. 22.
Withey doesn’t have the quickness or shooting to be an NBA starter, but he does have good size, and he can block shots.
23. Indiana Pacers: Tony Mitchell, SF, North Texas
It’s hard to know what to make of Tony Mitchell. He is an insanely gifted athlete, but he played at a smaller school, and his points per game actually dropped 1.7 points to 13 this past season.
However, he certainly fits the Pacers mold, and he has a high ceiling.
24. New York Knicks: Steven Adams, C, Pittsburgh
The Knicks need depth along the frontcourt, and with the run on centers earlier, they will be hard pressed to find any help here that is NBA ready.
Steven Adams could develop into a very good player, but his offensive game is terrible. He is a good rebounder and big body, and should find a role as a rookie.
25. Los Angeles Clippers: Sergey Karasev, SG, Russia
Sergey Karasev is a marksman. He might not be much else than that, but the Clippers could use some shooting to help space the floor.
26. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Memphis Grizzlies): Glen Rice Jr., SF, Rio Grande Valley
Glen Rice Jr. has had an interesting path to the draft. He was kicked off Georgia Tech and then went to the NBA D-League where he had a nice run.
He is a risky pick and streaky shooter, but he’s shown potential.
27. Denver Nuggets: Tim Hardaway Jr., SG, Michigan
The blast from the past continues with this pick. Tim Hardaway Jr. doesn’t have his dad’s killer crossover, but he can shoot.
Denver has a deep and athletic team, but one thing they lack is ample shooting to spread the floor.
28. San Antonio Spurs: Archie Goodwin, SG, Kentucky
Archie Goodwin is a great athlete and he has nice size at 6’5″. He needs development, and he’s an erratic shooter, but the Spurs have plenty of shooting.
Goodwin will add versatility to the Spurs’ depth.
29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Shane Larkin, PG, Miami
Shane Larkin is a smooth point guard, and the Thunder obviously need point guard depth. This team just wasn’t close to the same when Westbrook went down with injury.
It’s not like Larkin could fill Westbrook’s shoes, but he will be able to guide the Thunder’s offense.
30. Phoenix Suns (from Miami Heat): Deshaun Thomas, SF, Ohio State
The Suns must continue to look for offensive potential, and Deshaun Thomas has that.
There is a lot to dislike about his inconsistency, but there’s no doubting he can score when he’s on.
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James, Bryant voted to All-NBA first team (Yahoo! Sports)
NEW YORK (AP) — LeBron James was a unanimous pick for the All-NBA team and Kobe Bryant earned his record-tying 11th first-team selection.
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NBA Announces All-NBA First, Second and Third Teams
On Thursday, the NBA announced its selections for the 2012-13 All-NBA teams.
The first team includes LeBron James of the Miami Heat, Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs, Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers and Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers.
From the NBA’s Twitter account:
The second team includes Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks, Blake Griffin of the Clippers, Marc Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies, Tony Parker of the Spurs and Russell Westbrook of the Thunder:
Finally, the third team is comprised of David Lee of the Golden State Warriors, Paul George of the Indiana Pacers, Dwight Howard of the Lakers, Dwyane Wade of the Heat and James Harden of the Houston Rockets:
According to the Lakers’ Twitter account, Bryant’s 11th selection to the first team ties him with Karl Malone for the most all time:
Bryant was excellent again in 2012-13, averaging 27.3 points while moving into fourth place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
Via USA Today, James led all players with 119 votes for first-team selection, while Durant was second with 102. James was once again phenomenal this season and was nearly the league’s consensus MVP, (his fourth time winning the award), leading the Heat in points (26.8), assists (7.3) and rebounds (8.0) per game.
Durant wasn’t too shabby himself, averaging 28.1 points per contest.
This was the 10th first-team selection for Duncan, who averaged 17.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.7 blocks in his 16th NBA season, a pretty remarkable feat. Meanwhile, Paul earned his third first-team selection after averaging 16.9 points, 9.7 assists and 2.4 steals per game.
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NBA Draft 2013: Safest Picks Available in First Round
Everyone wants to draft the next LeBron James, but sometimes it is better to go for a safer pick in the first round.
While this year’s class has no sure-fire superstars, there are plenty of high-upside players. Guys like Nerlens Noel and Alex Len have the potential to be All-Star centers, although they could also end up struggling immensely at the next level and being out of the league in a few years.
For some teams without a lot going for them, this is absolutely worth the risk. For others that are close to contention, it might be smarter to know what you are going to get out of a young player.
These prospects might not end up being Hall of Famers, but they are certain to be impact players in a rotation very early in their careers.
Otto Porter, SF, Georgetown
It seems the only thing that will hold back Otto Porter from being a true superstar is his mentality.
Last season at Georgetown, the wing proved that he can fill up the stat sheet in almost every category. He can run the offense like a point guard, rebound like a forward and shoot as well as anyone in the class. Additionally, he has great length which he uses to be an excellent on-ball defender.
Porter has the size and athleticism to enter an NBA lineup and play as well as he did in college.
The problem is that he is almost too unselfish, and will often pass up a shot when he should be the one with the ball. He was easily the best player on his team last season, but he rarely took over the game.
Still, if he goes to a team with talented players around him, he will help generate a lot of wins.
Mason Plumlee, C, Duke
Mason Plumlee improved a great deal in every season at Duke. By his senior year, he averaged 17.1 points and 10 rebounds per game while being a major part of a very good team.
He has excellent technique around the basket that helps him score on a consistent basis from inside of 10 feet. On defense, he is not a great shot-blocker but is always in the right spot and helps out a lot on pick and rolls.
Additionally, Plumlee is much more athletic than people give him credit for and can finish huge dunks above the rim.
The only downside is that teams do not see much room for improvement at 23 years old with a nearly finished game. General managers would rather grab a player who could be great than one they know will be good, but Plumlee will very good at the next level.
Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana
Calling Victor Oladipo safe will depend highly on when he is drafted and what is expected out of him.
If he is taken with one of the top-three picks to a team that expects him to be a big-time scorer, he will not reach that level. On the other hand, he is the type of player that will be around the league for a long time.
Oladipo is the best on-ball defender in this class. He has the strength, wingspan and quickness to guard multiple positions on the floor and this will make him a valuable player for a long time.
Offensively, the Indiana player turned himself into an excellent shooter this season and proved that he has good range when he gets an open look at the basket.
While he will not be the best player on a good team, Oladipo could be similar player to Bruce Bowen and stick around for over a decade.
Jeff Withey, C, Kansas
There are few players in this class ready to contribute immediately as much as Jeff Withey. At about 6’11″, he has the size to play center and the skill to be a rotational player for a competitive team.
Withey is known as one of the best interior defenders in the class after finishing third in the nation in blocks per game last season. What he lacks in pure athleticism he makes up for in timing and experience inside.
The four-year player also learned to avoid foul trouble to allow him to stay in the game longer. This is not easy for a shot-blocker, but it is important for an NBA team looking for someone to help off the bench.
Although it is hard to imagine Withey lighting things up on the offensive end, his size and skill on defense should be enough to help a contending team win a championship.
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NBA Draft 2013: Under-the-Radar Prospects That Will Sneak into First Round
The 2013 NBA draft is inching closer and closer, with Tuesday evening’s lottery one of the last major steps prior to the big event.
While the lottery is certainly an important date for many prospects and franchises, it’s likely not going to have a real impact on whether or not many of the fringe first-round picks in this class receive a guaranteed contract or fall into the second.
These young men are going to have to continue impressing suitors via workouts and interviews over the next few weeks, as that is the best way to bolster draft stock now that the scouting combine is in the rearview.
With the way things are currently going, a handful of solid players have separated from the pack, look to be off the bubble and now locks for the first round.
Let’s take a look a closer look at these fast-rising prospects.
Tony Snell, SG/SF, New Mexico
Snell shocked Lobos fans when he announced he wouldn’t return for his senior season, instead opting to start his NBA career early.
Initially it seemed that the swingman was making a mistake and wouldn’t even have a chance to crack the first round come June, but all signs are pointing towards him coming off the board in the early-to-late twenties.
At the combine, Snell wowed onlookers with his measurements and athleticism, proving that he has the prototypical size and raw skills to compete in the Association.
His scoring touch was a bit inconsistent in college, but Snell’s streaky touch allows him to quickly rain buckets down on the opposition—when he’s feeling it.
He certainly was during the Mountain West Conference tourney, as the guard/forward went 10-15 from three-point land in the final two games and secured a No. 3 seed in the NCAA tournament for New Mexico.
Snell then went 4-of-12 against Harvard and his team was upset by the underdog, proving that he has a long way to go in terms of consistency.
Regardless, expect a team in the late-first to take a chance on this athletic young man with plenty of upside.
Tim Hardaway Jr., SG, Michigan
While some of his teammates decided to return to Michigan for another run at a national title, Tim Hardaway Jr. elected to hire an agent and turn pro after his excellent junior campaign.
The sweet-shooting Wolverines guard has been on the fence—as either a late first-round selection or early second-pick—for months now, but when push comes to shove, it’s hard to see approximately 30 general managers passing on this kid.
He’s simply too skilled from beyond the arc, while also possessing the size and athleticism required to defend the position at the next level.
These “three-and-D” off-guards are a rarity in the NBA, but an absolute must-have for any contender looking to dethrone the Miami Heat and win a title.
Even if Hardaway Jr. has some work to put in on his handle and much to learn about shot selection, there’s nothing that a good coach with contending squad picking at the end of the first-round can’t teach.
This long-range gunner is likely coming off the board in the late-teens to mid-20’s.
C.J. Leslie, SF, NC State
As the Wolfpack disappointed during the 2012-13 campaign, Leslie’s stock dipped, from potential lottery selection to consensus second-rounder.
However, the lengthy forward is climbing back up and is now generating some buzz as a potential selection worthy of a first-rounder this June.
He’s a freakish athlete that measured in at 6’7.5”, ran a 3.14-second 3/4 court sprint, blitzed through the underrated lane agility drill in a 2013-best 10.19 seconds and showed an eye-popping max vertical leap of 40.5”.
Those are wild numbers and prove that Leslie could carve out a niche in the NBA solely based on his physical abilities. He could become a terrific shut down defender that could guard anyone out on the perimeter with his length and wingspan.
If he’s able to show a bit more on the offensive end during private workouts, don’t be surprised if this prospect is selected in the mid-to-late 20’s.
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George Hill first to face NBA concussion rule in playoffs
George Hill will need to pass a bar of mental and physical tests to be cleared to return.
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Biggest Snubs of 2013 NBA All-Defensive First and Second Teams
Alright, NBA fans, are you ready to summon some more awards-season outrage?
I certainly hope so, because there’s plenty of it to go around now that the league has announced the All-Defensive first and second teams for the 2012-13 season.
For the most part, the NBA’s 30 head coaches were spot-on (or close to it) with their selections. LeBron James, Tony Allen, Serge Ibaka and Chris Paul all cracked the first team, and the coaches created room enough to honor three of the sport’s premier defensive bigs in Marc Gasol, Joakim Noah and Tim Duncan.
(Tyson Chandler probably belongs in that group, but the New York Knicks’ defense regressed considerably this season, even when he was on the floor, per NBA.com.)
That’s not to say the benchminders deserve pats on the back for a job well done—or that they should be voting on regular-season honors to begin with. Some had the gumption to waste votes on Kobe Bryant (six ballot points, one first-team vote), Tony Parker (two ballot points, one first-team vote) and Mike James (two ballot points, one first-team vote).
Which, as it happens, were the least of the travesties visited upon the All-Defensive teams by those charged with choosing them.
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Metta World Peace Says Dwight Howard’s Joking Bothered Him at First
The 2012-13 Los Angeles Lakers were painful proof that forming an NBA super-team isn’t a breeze, and one veteran recently admitted that Dwight Howard’s jovial demeanor didn’t sit well with him at first.
Metta World Peace, who is an entertaining personality in his own right, told Michael Cooper and Lisa Leslie of L.A.’s ABC 7 that the big man’s jesting and lighthearted character bugged him early in the season.
On the Sports Zone post-game show, he was asked whether Dwight’s approach bothered him:
At first it did. When I first met Dwight in our first practices together and our first games in the regular season I was like, ‘he’s joking a little bit too much.’ But then I decided not to judge people and I decided to work with my teammates — so as I got into more games with Dwight — I did see him working really hard, blocking shots, playing with a back injury, but he was still playing hard. So then I said, ‘you know what, we just have to work with what we have.’ But at first, it was a little bit frustrating.”
World Peace has been known to crack a few jokes himself, and he’s good for the occasional bizarre sound bite, but when it comes to preparation and in-game attitude, he’s pretty darn serious.
Howard, on the other hand, has made a habit of pre-game giggles and in-game grins, even if he does play hard.
It seems like it didn’t take long for Metta to realize Dwight works extremely hard physically, and shows he can play through injury. When players see firsthand the rigors Howard puts himself through, they realize he’s more than a high-jumping comedian.
We all knew it was an adjustment for Kobe Bryant to work with the ebullient Howard. But World Peace’s stance on the subject was somewhat unknown, because he’s not an easy guy to read.
It’s tough for almost any serious NBA player to understand how Howard can be so outwardly cheerful while playing for one of the most pressure-packed franchises in pro sports.
It’s tough for many championship-hungry fans, too. Howard’s mile-wide grin struggled to win over many fans and media in Laker-land, as they were only interested in how much he could help Kobe.
From a locker-room perspective, World Peace’s comments are reassuring for the future. Fans know that Dwight’s teammates respect his work ethic and are willing to battle with him.
One thing’s for sure: Howard’s joking won’t bother anyone if he can raise a banner in the Staples Center.
Follow Daniel for more hoops talk: @DanielO_BR
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2013 NBA Mock Draft: Updated Info on Every First Round Pick
For teams that missed the NBA playoffs and for those that have been eliminated or are soon to be, the offseason represents a time of hope.
With a weak free agent crop outside of Dwight Howard and Chris Paul, the draft will be the main way that most organizations will look to improve themselves this summer.
Let’s take a look at what each franchise could do in the first-round of the 2013 NBA draft, which includes some quick-hitting analysis on each of the prospective picks and how they would fit with their new team.
1. Orlando Magic: Nerlens Noel, C, Kentucky
Noel is still the top candidate to come off the board No. 1 overall, despite the fact that he’s rehabilitating the left ACL he tore back in February.
Because of his shot-blocking skills, immense athleticism, non-stop motor and upside on offense, the Magic would draft him as a forward to pair in the frontcourt with the blossoming Nikola Vucevic.
Orlando still needs to find a point guard to complete its youth movement, so don’t be surprised if GM Rob Hennigan swings a trade prior to the draft or on the day itself in order to land another first-rounder.
2. Charlotte Bobcats: Ben McLemore, SG, Kansas
The Bobcats need to find a franchise scorer and an elite prospect to place in the backcourt with Kemba Walker, who is finally blooming as he gets set to enter his third year in the league.
McLemore is the right piece, as his unconscious three-point shooting and quick release make him ideal for lighting up the scoreboard in a hurry. He has to work on his consistency and working to get to the cup more often, but that should come in time.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Otto Porter, SF, Georgetown
With Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters in place, the Cavs have some bright, young talent to shoulder the scoring load for the foreseeable future.
This gives them the luxury to nab Porter here, as he is a perfect third-option that would take efficient, open shots, defend the top perimeter option, hustle hard on every possession, clean the glass on both ends and more.
4. Phoenix Suns: Anthony Bennett, PF, UNLV
Bennett is a bit of tweener, which makes him valuable for a squad without a consistent, proven lineup—such as Phoenix.
The Suns could use him as an undersized but strong power forward that out-muscles his opponent in the paint under either basket, or as a bulky small forward that can defend the position well, shoot three-pointers and post-up against small defenders.
5. New Orleans Hornets: Trey Burke, PG, Michigan
While Greivis Vasquez put together an awesome season in NOLA, the Hornets would be hard-pressed to pass on Burke here.
The Michigan star is an elite passer and scorer who possesses intangibles that would help New Orleans rise from the basement of the league. There are also plenty of available minutes for both Burke and Vasquez to share the floor and play off one another.
6. Sacramento Kings: Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana
The Kings may have plenty of guards on the roster, but none of them have Oladipo’s commitment to defense and ability to impact a game without the ball in his hands.
This Hoosiers star uses his incredible athleticism to shut his man down, races up and down the floor, works relentlessly for extra possessions and takes efficient shots from both distance and close to the hoop.
7. Detroit Pistons: Shabazz Muhammad, SF, UCLA
With Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond forming a frontcourt tandem worth building around, expect the Pistons to select a swingman that can simply score.
While Muhammad’s stock is down a bit after the discovery of his true age, he’s still a lights-out marksman that could eventually become a 20-plus points per game guy in the NBA.
8. Washington Wizards: Alex Len, C, Maryland
Although Len will be out for four-to-six months after undergoing ankle surgery, he’s still worth a shot early on in this weak draft class.
The Wizards need to land a high-upside, young big man to augment the frontcourt rotation. Their backcourt is already set with John Wall and Bradley Beal, leaving the door open for this 7’1” behemoth and his impressive low-post maneuvers to land in D.C.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves: C.J. McCollum, SG, Lehigh
The T’Wolves have constantly sought out ways to fill the shooting guard position, but they have often come up empty handed.
They can change that by selecting McCollum in the lottery, as the young star out of Lehigh is capable of making shots from anywhere in the arena and is unafraid to hoist them up at any time. His size may be an issue, but don’t sleep on him finding a way to succeed at the next level, even as an top-tier sixth man coming off the bench.
10. Portland Trail Blazers: Cody Zeller, C, Indiana
Portland needs to bolster its bench in order to become a serious playoff contender.
Zeller would be a major upgrade to the second unit and could potentially even start, depending on what the Blazers do in free agency. J.J. Hickson is set to hit the open market and isn’t likely to return, leaving a major hole at the 5 that Zeller could fill.
11. Philadelphia 76ers: Kelly Olynyk, C, Gonzaga
With Andrew Bynum dancing around in Spain, there should be no reason the Sixers bring the former All-Star back after missing the entire 2012-13 campaign.
If the two sides part ways, expect Philly to address the gaping hole at center via the draft. Olynyk is the best option available after Len and Zeller, as his offensive firepower via a face-up and low-post game are impressive.
His defensive capabilities and athleticism are questionable, but the ‘Zags star should be able to soak minutes in the City of Brotherly Love.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Toronto Raptors): Giannis Adetokunbo, SF, Greece
The “Greek Freak” has been flying up draft boards lately, as he looks capable of playing any position from the point to the power forward. He has a huge 6’9” frame and a ton of upside, as he can handle the rock and pass extremely well.
He has to work on adding some weight, extending the range on his jumper and defending, but the Thunder can afford to stash him in Europe until he’s ready to make the leap.
13. Dallas Mavericks: Dario Saric, SF, Croatia
Saric is the top international prospect on my big board, although his upside isn’t as high as Adetokunbo. Regardless, the Croatian has a decent chance of actually making it to the NBA in the near future, as his facilitating, shooting touch and basketball I.Q. are top-notch.
The Mavs haven’t been shy with gambling on high-risk foreign prospects in the past, and you only must look at the impact that Dirk Nowitzki has had on this franchise in order to see that.
14. Utah Jazz: Michael Carter-Williams, PG, Syracuse
The Jazz have the unique problem of having too many serviceable bigs and hardly any playable guards that can get them the rock.
Carter-Williams instantly changes that, as the former Orange guard is one of the best passers in this class and can play great defense with his 6’6” frame. His shooting and handling need work, but the value and need is too great for Utah to pass up here at the end of the lottery.
15. Milwaukee Bucks: Jamaal Franklin, SG, San Diego State
Because Brandon Jennings, Monta Ellis and J.J. Redick could all be on another roster by the time next summer concludes, it’s time for the Bucks to start bolstering the backcourt.
Franklin is arguably the best athlete in this class and is an incredible rebounder at the 2. He has to improve his jumper in order to become a serviceable weapon in the Association, but his ceiling makes him worth a selection here.
16. Boston Celtics: Gorgui Dieng, C, Louisville
Dieng proved that he is a winner that is capable of stepping up in big games, which is exactly the kind of intangibles the Celtics should be looking for in a big as they try to replace Kevin Garnett.
The Louisville star is a bit raw offensively, but his athleticism and rim-protecting skills make him a perfect fit in Beantown.
17. Atlanta Hawks: Mason Plumlee, PF, Duke
After getting eliminated in the first round, the Hawks desperately need to bring in a high-energy player that can motivate the team to play defense, help them earn extra possessions and do all the little things that winning organizations require.
Plumlee may not have the upside that many of these other bigs do, but his work ethic and motor are amongst the best in the class.
18. Atlanta Hawks (via Houston Rockets): Steven Adams, C, Pittsburgh
Adams is a raw big man that is showing great promise on defense, although his offense is a long way from being ready for the NBA.
Regardless, the club needs to find an elite center that will allow Al Horford to return to his natural power forward position. Adams could be that guy, but it will will take some time.
19. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Glen Rice Jr., SF, D-League
Rice has been lighting it up with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers and is primed to become the first D-Leaguer to get selected in the first-round of the draft.
If he succeeds, it may open the door for more players to skip college and join the equivalent of the minor leagues in the NBA. As a prospect, Rice is an elite shooter that is also capable of passing and rebounding well for someone at the 3.
Cleveland should take a stab at him here, as he could come off their bench and fill a number of roles. Add in his NBA pedigree, and it will be hard to pass on Rice Jr. here at No. 19.
20. Chicago Bulls: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG, Georgia
The Bulls backcourt could look drastically different next season with Derrick Rose healthy and Caldwell-Pope playing off him at the 2.
This young man is a great shooter that can stretch the defense, while also possessing the athleticism and mentality to succeed on defense in coach Tom Thibodeau’s system. That is all Chicago needs from its shooting guard at this juncture.
21. Utah Jazz (via Golden State Warriors): Sergey Karasev, SF, Russia
Karasev is a high-upside international prospect that can absolutely shoot the lights out.
With the Jazz selecting MCW earlier in this mock, they’ll need a three-point sniper to offset the Syracuse star’s inadequacies in that department.
22. Brooklyn Nets: Alex Abrines, SG, Spain
The Nets are no stranger to looking overseas for prospects, as both Mirza Teletovic and Tornike Shengelia made the active roster this season.
Abrines is a deadly shooter that could wind up becoming one of the top scorers in this draft when all is said and done. If he pans out, the Spaniard would greatly bolster the guard rotation in Brooklyn.
23. Indiana Pacers: Allen Crabbe, SG, California
Crabbe is another sharpshooter that should go in the mid-to-late portion of this round.
He’s a bit streaky, but when he’s feeling it, the youngster can make a shot from anywhere on the court and help a second-unit bury the opposition.
24. New York Knicks: Jeff Withey, C, Kansas
The Knickerbockers constantly struggled with injuries in the frontcourt, mostly due to age and wear-and-tear on their key players down low.
That can change with Withey’s presence, as the four-year Jayhawk has plenty left in his legs, immense shot-blocking abilities and a knack for defending. On a team with Carmelo Anthony, his lack of offense shouldn’t be an issue.
25. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Memphis Grizzlies): Archie Goodwin, SG, Kentucky
Until Goodwin figures out a way to shoot and play with more control, he’s not going to be able to find many minutes during competitive NBA games.
However, because of his otherworldly athleticism and ceiling, a team like Minnesota—which is starved for production at the 2—could take a flier on him.
26. Los Angeles Clippers: Dennis Schroeder, PG, Germany
Schroeder is a big point guard that lit it up at the Nike Hoops Summit in Oregon in late April. He has great size, slashing ability and—most importantly—a knack for facilitating, which is critical in becoming an elite point guard in the NBA.
If the Clippers plan to trade Eric Bledsoe, or want insurance in case they lose Chris Paul in free agency, this is the pick.
27. Denver Nuggets: Rudy Gobert, C, France
The Nuggets fell short in 2013, but it wasn’t because of any particular player on the roster.This team simply lacks a superstar, despite having plenty of depth all over the court.
With that said, Denver will likely select an international prospect like Gobert that can be stashed overseas in order to develop. This way they can utilize him down the line on the court, or—more likely—as a chip in a trade to bring in a franchise player.
28. San Antonio Spurs: Tim Hardaway Jr., SG, Michigan
The Spurs could always use another player that helps keep the pressure off their stars and spaces out the floor. Considering Hardaway Jr.’s main issues are his shot selection and handle, his weaknesses shouldn’t remain present for long.
Coach Gregg Popovich can coach him to only take efficient shots, while his handle won’t be needed when he’s only firing up open three-pointers from the corner.
Factor in his great size and athleticism—which should help him as a team defender—and you are staring at a perfect Spurs draft pick.
29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Myck Kabongo, PG, Texas
With Russell Westbrook going down in the postseason, the Thunder should look to bring in insurance at the point guard position.
Kabongo reminds me of Rajon Rondo, as he’s an athletic, pass-first point guard that can penetrate with ease and kick it out to open teammates.
30. Phoenix Suns (via Miami Heat): Tony Mitchell, PF, North Texas
Phoenix is getting a steal here in Mitchell, who never panned out as the elite scorer that many expected him to be during his time with the Mean Green.
Regardless, as an athletic specimen that can rebound well and defend either forward spot, he’s a slam-dunk pick at No. 29. The Suns would also benefit greatly if he ever reaches his ceiling as a scorer, but that could take some time.
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