2013 NBA Mock Draft

With the NBA Draft on tomorrow night, it is time for Red Cup Sports to unveil their official mock draft. The new CBA makes it imperative to hit home-runs in the draft because of the limited financial flexibility of nearly every team in the league and the cap-friendly contracts of rookies. Last year’s draft was packed with can’t miss prospects headlined by Anthony Davis and…well… Anthony Davis. As I’m sure you’ve heard ad nauseum this draft class is WEAK on star-power. Like Michael Cera on estrogen weak. Like Mike’s Hard Lemonade with a chaser weak. This is crucial because it means the gap between the 9^th best player and 29^th best player in this draft is miniscule. Consequently, the draft should be unpredictable and with a surplus of trades. And despite the aforementioned lack of “star power” in this year’s crop, there is an enormous amount of depth, especially in the backcourt. The 2013 NBA Draft is going to be unpredictable, volatile, and pretty damn fun. And without further ado, I present my mock draft.

#1 Cleveland Cavaliers: Alex Len, C, Maryland

I’m going to preface this by saying that I am really bullish on Nerlens Noel and I think by the time it’s time for the Cavs to hand their draft slip in, they will agree with me that Len is better than Noel. The 7 foot 1 center has a sturdier frame, a much better jump shot, a better feel in the low post, and a higher basketball IQ. And in terms of injury concerns, I would rather take the guy recovering from a stress fracture (Len) than the guy recovering from a torn ACL (Noel). Nerlens is the best shot blocker in this class, and it’s not really close, but that's no reason to discount Len’s swatting skills. Len blocked 3.1 shots per 40 minutes played last year, well above average. I believe that Len’s upside is exponentially higher because of his ability to stretch the court, execute as the roll man on screens, and pass out of double teams. And the way he hedges on defense. Oooh… those hedges. Picture perfect. In comparison, Noel’s hands are spotty, he's more turnover prone, and I sincerely doubt that he will improve at the same rate as Len. I mean, Len learned English in just two years, after moving from Ukraine. The kid is clearly a fast learner. If he perfects a jump hook and a few counter moves in even twice that time, Len's going to have multiple All-Star appearances in his future.

#2 Orlando Magic: Nerlens Noel, C, Kentucky

This pick stumps me a bit. I get that Noel may have the highest upside in this draft but Oladipo seems like the better fit here. Regardless, ESPN and multiple other sources say that if the Cavs choose Len, the Magic will scoop up Noel. He would fit nicely next to Nikola Vucevic and help mask some of his defensive inefficiencies. Noel is loved by analytic NBA gurus and general manager Rob Hennigan is certainly a stat nerd. Also, Noel’s ACL injury will actually be a blessing in disguise for the Magic as it will allow them to indirectly tank the season for Andrew Wiggins¹.

#3 Washington Wizards: Anthony Bennett, SF/PF, UNLV

Small forward is an area of weakness for Washington, making Bennett and Otto Porter more appealing than Ben McLemore. And while everyone seems to be slotting Porter here, I wouldn’t be shocked if Anthony Bennett was selected instead. Although Bennett is rumored to be twenty pounds overweight and will probably start a little shakier than Porter and Porter is a smooth player with a multi-faceted game, Bennett simply has a higher ceiling. I think that ultimately, Bennett is one of the few players in this draft who has All-Star potential and I think he is a more exciting complement to John Wall and Bradley Beal. He can score from both the inside and the outside. He can help on the glass. He’s a nasty finisher around the basket and can even put the ball on the deck. The young and affordable nucleus of Wall, Beal, and Bennett² sets up Washington nicely for both the present and the future.

#4 Charlotte Bobcats: Otto Porter, SF, Georgetown

New head coach Steve Clifford is a bit of a mystery man and it will be interesting to see which way the newly minted Michael Jordan, Rich Cho, and Steve Clifford triumvirate go on draft night. Since the Bobcats need everything and then some, they have the luxury of taking the best player available and not worrying about position. That being said, the Bobcats desperately need to find players they want to build around and can’t afford any more draft duds. Porter is balanced and versatile. He can post up, distribute, hit a spot up three, and attack the hole. He has a long 7ft 1 inch wingspan and can be an impact defender. The only thing standing in the way of this pick is the continued presence Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, but he could easily be dealt on draft night.

#5 Phoenix Suns: Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana

It’s close between Oladipo and McLemore but I think Oladipo’s defense and killer instinct are the difference. Oladipo’s defensive stats per 40 minutes are 3.1 steals, 1.1 blocks, and 8.9 rebounds per game! Need I say more? The answer to that question should be no, but luckily for you guys, I will anyway. Ultimately, the Suns need impact players. They can’t afford to swing and miss on any more draft picks and they desperately need an influx of talent. What’s Oladipo’s floor as a prospect? A Tony Allen with a jump shot? In this draft class, that kind of guarantee goes a long way. An elite athlete and lock down defender with a team-first attitude (and a smooth shot to boot) will be a god-send for the ailing Suns. On the opposite end of the spectrum, McLemore’s drawbacks are equally as important to this decision as Oladipo’s strengths. My biggest concern with the 2-guard from Kansas is that he has no killer instinct. His nickname should be “Houdini” not because he makes magic happen, but because he makes himself disappear in big games. Case and point is the Round of 32 against UNC this year. McLemore scored 2 points on 0-9 shooting. Ouch. 

#6 New Orleans Pelicans: Trey Burke, PG, Michigan

This is probably the most obvious pick in the entire draft. Austin Rivers made it evidently clear to anyone who was willing to watch a Hornets game that he has no business pretending to be an NBA point guard, or for that matter, an NBA rotational player. It’s time to move him to his natural spot as a shooting guard and see if he can provide any “pop” off the bench. Burke would give the Pelicans an awesome pick-and-roll combo with “the Unibrow” and create a captivating movement down in the Bayou. Burke can be a really good point guard, General Greivis Vasquez would be one of the best backup guards in the NBA, Eric Gordon (when healthy) is a great shooting guard, and Davis and Ryan Anderson is a solid, young frontcourt. With a few free agent pieces, solid coaching from Monty Williams, and some individual player development, the Pelicans might just  have something. I will say though, I’m not the biggest Trey Burke fan. I would be totally comfortable taking him at the end of the lottery, but pick #6 feels a little bit high for me. I hope I’m wrong though because Burke is a lot of fun to watch.

#7 Sacramento Kings: Ben McLemore, SG, Kansas

I’ve already dissed McLemore enough in this article, so let’s throw him some praise. He is a freak athlete³ with a great jump shot who went to a illustrious college basketball program to learn from Bill Self, one of the best coaches in America. He has a prototypical SG frame and skill set and if you closed your eyes and imagined what a NBA two guard should look like, he would closely resemble the Kansas product. The Kings are one of the most talent bereft teams in the NBA and McLemore could immediately start and become one of their three best players. Isaiah Thomas, McLemore, Tyreke Evans, and Cousins, while not scaring anyone, is a promising foundation and makes the Kings a few pieces shy of being an interesting fringe contender in the West.

#8 Detroit Pistons: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG, Georgia

Pope is one of my favorite players in this draft and I would even consider taking him ahead of Ben McLemore. He's a dynamic finisher, a terrific shooter, great athlete, as well as a superb rebounder for his position. Pope improved tremendously during his tenure at Georgia, displaying the work ethic needed to succeed at the next level. The Pistons are rumored to be taking C.J. McCollum (who is another one of my favorite players in this draft) but I can't see why the Pistons would take him over Pope. Detroit has enough combo guards on their roster already and they shouldn’t add another one to the mix. Instead, Detroit should take Pope, who is clearly a two-guard and avoid restricting Calderon and Brandon Knight’s minutes or hindering Knight's development. Pope’s ability to get in passing lanes, finish through contact, and hit those wicked dribble pull-up jumpers will make teams regret passing on him.

#9 Minnesota Timberwolves: C.J. McCollum, PG/SG, Lehigh

The Timberwolves, with Ricky Rubio, J.J. Barea, Alexey Shved and Luke Ridnour, are both too small and have too many guards deserving playing time. Somebody will have to go, and the Timberwolves are primed to trade this pick, making this difficult to mock. In my opinion, McCollum is the best player left and whoever acquires this pick would draft him. If the Timberwolves stay put, they could still be attracted to McCollum’s top-notch shooting, unselfishness, basketball IQ, and ball handling. Pairing Rubio and C.J. would be fascinating provided that the log-jam in their backcourt remains unsettled.

#10 Portland Trail Blazers: Steven Adams, C, Pittsburgh

The Blazers would love to send this pick to the highest bidder, but if they stay, they'll be looking to add some depth in the frontcourt. J.J. Hickson will soon be gone and Portland needs a player to complement Meyers Leonard, or eventually replace Aldridge. Adams was far from dominant at Pittsburgh, but is a team-first player, solid defender, great rebounder, all-around hustle player, and hedges screens like a man on bath salts⁴. Think of him as a really poor-man’s Joakim Noah. Like MC Hammer poor. Adams could be a good rotational player from day one, and maybe develop into something more down the line.

#11 Philadelphia 76ers: Cody Zeller, PF/C, Indiana

This pick is almost unanimous among mock drafts, and I have to believe that they are on to something. The 76ers are in a tough position with Andrew Bynum, and Zeller could help remedy the situation⁵. If Bynum leaves, Zeller is the man who fills that gap and termporarily keeps people in Philly from lighting the Wells Fargo Center on fire. If Bynum stays, Zeller complements him like a fine wine complements cheese. Zeller has the shooting ability to stretch the court, allowing Bynum to operate in the post, and he also has the ability to feed Bynum on lobs. I’m legitimately worried about how Zeller will deal with the length and speed of the NBA, seeing as how he struggled with NBA talent mightily in college. (Exhibit A: Their sweet 16 loss to Syracuse). Still, Zeller at pick #11, is too much value to pass up on.

#12 Oklahoma City Thunder: Shabazz Muhammad, SF/SG, UCLA

Alright, this pick makes almost too much sense. Remember how well the Thunder operated when they had a crafty, ball-dominant, lefty shooting guard in the sixth man role? Remember when they stupidly traded him away? Ok, well, what if they could draft a crafty, ball-dominant, lefty shooting guard who, according to ESPN, was considered the number one high school player in America not very long ago. Now, I’m not saying that Shabazz will be as good as James Harden. In fact, I actually think that Muhammad is going to be a huge bust. Still, he is arguably the best player available at this juncture in a position of need for OKC. With the right coaching and a change in attitude on the court, Muhammad could be exactly what the doctor ordered for the Thunder.

#13 Dallas Mavericks: Sergey Kasarev, SF, Triumph Moscow

If the Mavericks keep this pick, it will either be Kasarev or Michael Carter-Williams. If they trade this pick to Cleveland, which seems very possible, the pick will be Kasarev. So, to be safe, I will project Kasarev at pick 13. The son of a coach, the Russian small forward possesses a remarkable feel for the game, which complements both his savvy passing and deadly jump shot. Since the Mavericks are trying to load up on as much cap room as possible, Sergey would probably stay overseas for a season before joining Dirk and company. On the other hand, Kasarev could make a killing knocking down corner threes from Kyrie Irving’s dribble penetrations and kick outs.

#14 Utah Jazz: Michael Carter-Williams, PG, Syracuse

The Jazz need a point guard as bad as people need oxygen, America needs Twinkies, and Brennan needs Dale. The Jazz have no creators on offense and no one who makes their teammates better. Standing 6ft 6, Carter-Williams is the giant answer they need at the point. With the ability to dribble by defenders, pass around, and even over, defenders, MCW would add a new dimension to the Jazz attack. He will be able to get Randy Foye his open jumpers, hit Favors in transition, and get Kanter the ball on the low block. What will inevitably determine if the Syracuse point guard has a successful career is the development of his jump shot. Right now, teams will sag off him and go under pick and rolls, which will make it harder to exploit any defense he faces. But if Carter-Williams can become a threat from deep (and transition from the 2-3 zone of Jim Boehim to a man to man defense) he could become an All-Star.

#15 Milwaukee Bucks: Jamaal Franklin, SG, San Diego State

With Monta Ellis on his way out, the Bucks need some help on the wings and on the defensive perimeter. Franklin has a nearly 7 foot wingspan and rivals Oladipo as the best perimeter defender in this class. Furthermore, Franklin has a motor with no off-switch, evidenced by his tenacious defense and his undying aggression in attacking the hoop. Since he is so athletically gifted and aggressive, he goes to the charity stripe at a magnificent rate and shoots 79 percent. Jamaal led his team in scoring, rebounding, assists, and steals, displaying both the versatility and reliability of his game. The only thing holding the SDSU alum from the top 10 is his jumper. Franklin shot only 28 percent form deep in his final college season, which will cause some spacing issues early on. If he can improve his shot, like another former Aztec, Kawhi Leonard⁶, he could become a blossoming star in the NBA.

#16 Boston Celtics: Dennis Schroeder, PG, New Yorker Phantoms- Germany

Boston is in total flux right now. They have no coach, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce seem to have one foot out the door, and Rajon Rondo may or may not be a part of the next great Celtics team. With no clear direction for the franchise (aside from downward) Boston should play it safe and draft the best player on their board. Schroeder, who is my favorite PG in this class, is very athletic, an adept defender, and gifted with the ball in his hands. Schroeder’s in-and-out dribble can turn his defender’s legs into Jell-O. If Rondo stays, Schroeder can be productive as his backup, and if Rondo goes, a Schroeder and Avery Bradley backcourt is an intriguing duo.

#17 Atlanta Hawks: Giannis Adetokunbo, SF, Filathlitikos-Greece

“The Greak Freek” is one of the most polarizing players in this draft class. Some think that he has the combination of skills, versatility, and athleticism to succeed sensationally in the NBA. Others tend to worry about his lack of production against far inferior talent than what he will face on the NBA hardwood. Similarly to Dallas, Atlanta is trying to save every possible dollar, so drafting and stashing Adetokunbo in Greece for a year or two will provide them with even more financial flexibility. Over that time, Giannis will need to elevate his play to match his potential. The court vision and handles at the Greek Freak’s disposal is rare for a 6-9 small forward and if he bulks up, he could be a future gem for Atlanta.

#18 Atlanta Hawks: Kelly Olynyk, PF/C, Gonzaga

The Atlanta Hawks, barring a trade, will have back-to-back picks right outside the lottery, and with Zaza Pachulia and Josh Smith entering free agency, the Hawks also need someone to help out Al Horford down low. Olynyk, who could be taken as high as pick 12, is a very polished big man with strong perimeter skills and defensive awareness. He’s not flashy and is pretty close to a finished product, but that doesn’t make him a bad pick. Olynyk could be a solid bench player for years in Atlanta, stretching the court with his shooting ability, defending the pick-and-roll, and being a better version of an “energy guy”. When you consider the risk they are taking in the “Greek Freak”, it would be wise to take a player who is a known commodity so that they don’t leave this draft empty handed.

#19 Cleveland Cavaliers: Reggie Bullock, SF, UNC

If the Cavaliers keep this pick, they are either going to take a swingman or a foreigner they can stash overseas, like Rudy Gobert. If this pick goes to Dallas, like I think it will, expect Shane Larkin to hear his name called by David Stern. Bullock would be a tremendous fit at small forward in Cleveland because he is a legitimate threat from downtown and is willing to sacrifice on the defensive end. I think Bullock can be a great role player in the NBA and would be a step in the right direction for the Cavaliers.

#20 Chicago Bulls: Tim Hardaway Jr., SG, Michigan

The Bulls need to find a legimatie two-guard to pair with Derrick Rose because, frankly, Marco Belinelli and Rip Hamilton aren’t cutting it. While playing at Michigan, Hardaway found his niche, benefiting from the attention that his star point guard, Trey Burke, commanded. In Chi-Town, Hardaway would play the same role. Hardaway is multi-faceted on offense, able to hit a three pointer, drive to the basket, or make a pull-up jumper. Hardaway has shown the potential to be a plus-defender due to his solid frame and athleticism. Additionally, Timmy is a good rebounder for his position, which is pivotal to coach Thibodeau. His ability to be a factor in all facets of the game is what makes me believe the Bulls will pull the trigger on Hardaway at pick #20.

#21 Utah Jazz: Mason Plumlee, C, Duke

With Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap entering free agency, there is ample playing time available for Mason Plumlee. Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter getting the starting nods in Utah will allow Plumlee to have the role that he belongs as a bench contributor. Miles' younger brother is a good shot blocker, terrific athlete, and strong rebounder. He also possesses a surprisingly artful low post game, headlined by an above average jump hook. Mason also has a incredible work ethic, which is evident when you consider that his free throw percentage jumped 15 percent (53% to 68%) from his junior to senior seasons. I’m a bit concerned with Plumlee’s ability to guard heavy centers. He really struggled with Reggie Johnson down in Miami and constantly gave up great post position to Alex Len and other ACC centers. If Plumlee can bulk up, and develop a respectable mid-range jump shot, he would be a strong back-up center.

#22 Brooklyn Nets: Ricardo "Ricky" Ledo, SG, Providence

Ledo did not play a single second at Providence this year because he was ruled academically ineligible, making him the biggest unknown in this draft. However, he has been tearing up his pre-draft workouts and has quickly risen into the late first round discussion. During these workouts, Ledo has displayed the lethal three point shot and quickness that made him a high school phenom. Brooklyn needs some wing help off of the bench and Ledo could end up being one of the steals of the draft. Yet, Brooklyn hasn’t fared well with their last SG out of Providence (MarShon Brooks) and Jason Kidd may be hesitant to make his first selection as a head coach in the NBA such a controversial one. Even though I’m not completely sold on this pick, I think the Nets will realize that Ricky Ledo is a lottery talent who is still available in the early twenties.

#23 Indiana Pacers: Shane Larkin, PG, Miami

If you watched just one Pacers playoff game this year, then you probably noticed how desperate the Pacers are for ball handlers. D.J. Augustin was a major disappointment off of the bench and Lance Stephenson is not exactly “trustworthy” or “consistent”. Taking Larkin at pick 23 is highway robbery considering I almost slotted him to the Jazz at pick 14. If Larkin was three or four inches taller he would probably be picked over Trey Burke. Forgetting about his height, Larkin is tough and quick with a smooth shooting stroke and strong leadership qualities. Oh, and he also has a 44 inch vertical leap. Never forget about his 44 inch vertical leap.

#24 New York Knicks: Myck Kabongo, PG, Texas

Glen Grunwald, Mike Woodson, and the whole Knicks crew would be devastated to see Shane Larkin taken one pick before them, and by the team that knocked them out of the playoffs no less! The Knicks appear to be focused on finding a point guard in the first round of this draft and in this mock scenario, it would come down to Nate Wolters and Kabongo. Since I am personally higher on Myck, and I heard that he had a great workout in NY, I am going to slot him here. Wolters is just too un-athletic, too limited defensively, and too slow. I do respect Wolters’ craftiness, play-making, and jump shooting, but I’m unsure if he can create space for himself at the next level. Kabongo, conversely, is the kind of change of pace point guard that the Knicks need off of the bench, one who can ignite a fast break and attack the rack off of screens. I also believe that Allen Crabbe, Tony Mitchell, and Gorgui Dieng would be fit well here.

#25 LA Clippers: Jeff Withey, C, Kansas

This pick is all about fit. The Clippers, with Doc Rivers, are in a win-at-all-costs mode. I believe that Rudy Gobert and Gorgui Dieng are probably better prospects, but Withey is the better fit for the Clips roster. Since DeAndre Jordan can’t close out games because he is a worse foul-shooter than Kevin James is an actor, the Clippers need to find a player who can make up for Jordan’s shot blocking ability while being able to hit free throws. Withey blocked 3.9 shots per game at Kansas and shot 71.4% from the line. He has a great wingspan (7-2) and impeccable timing that is developed from his volleyball background. Withey is an uber efficient player and can be a solid role player in LA from day one.

#26 Minnesota Timberwolves: Rudy Gobert, C, Cholet-France

The Timberwolves need a backup center behind the Superman villain burly center, Nikola Pekovic. Or in case Pekovic leaves during free agency, an insurance policy that doesn't suck. Gobert is a freak of nature, with a 7ft 9 inch wingspan. Not a typo. And a 9ft 7 inch standing reach. Again, not a typo. Gobert would be perfect for cleaning up the defensive messes that Kevin Love causes and would be a change of pace from Pekovic. Also, Rubio and Gobert would make a lethal alley-oop combo. Gobert needs to develop a post-game and add a lot of weight, but he has the makings of a defensive menace, and that is very valuable at pick 26.

#27 Denver Nuggets: Isaiah Canaan, PG, Murray State

The Nuggets have a very deep roster at every position so it’s not easy to project a pick for them. The one area of need that I do spot is at backup point guard. While Andre Miller is one of the best backups in the league, he is 37 years old, and unless he is Benjamin Button, he's not getting any younger. Canaan, who had a very productive career at Murray State, could learn the craft from Miller than eventually take the reins as the primary backup to Ty Lawson.

#28 San Antonio Spurs: Lucas Noegueira, C, Estudiantes- Brazil

Tiago Splitter is a free agent and is about to get overpaid by some team looking for some “Spurs Magic”. As a result, the Spurs would be wise to find his replacement in the draft and potentially save themselves six or seven million dollars a year. Noegueira could replace his fellow Brazilian as an impact big man in the Spurs rotation. Lucas does not have the offensive polish that Splitter has, but he is a better shot-blocker, athlete, and pick-and-roll finisher. Also this doesn’t happen to Noegueira. And if you look at the Spurs track record with foreign players, if they end up picking him, there's a good chance he'll end up being a quality player.

#29 Oklahoma City Thunder: Gorgui Dieng, C, Louisville

With Kendrick Perkins resembling an NBA player less and less every day, it is obvious that the Thunder need some new blood at the center spot. Dieng is thin, but is also a gifted shot blocker who, when paired with Serge Ibaka, would immediately form one of the scariest combination's in the NBA. Most importantly, Dieng displayed his soft mid-range jump shot during March Madness which makes him the pefect option at center for OKC. With Dieng instead of Perkins, he driving lanes won’t be as clogged and they won’t have to sacrifice defense or size for jump shooting. Dieng will allow Scott Brooks to be more flexible and creative with his rotation and could help bring OKC (along with Shabazz Muhammad and a healthy Russell Westbrook) an NBA championship.

#30 Phoenix Suns: Tony Mitchell, PF, North Texas

The Phoenix Suns need to hit home-runs this draft, they can’t be settling for infield singles. Sure, Mike Muscala and Allen Crabbe are both safer picks who could earn playing time quickly in Arizona, but Mitchell is a top three athlete with lottery talent. The only reason he's being taken so low is because of his sub-par production in college. And although his production is partly his own fault, the coaching change skill level of his teammates at North Texas are important to keep in mind when evaluating his disappointing production at the college level. Mitchell needs to improve his shot selection and work harder, but if he does, the Suns could have found a future starter with the last pick of the first round.

FOOTNOTES

1-      Someone needs to think of a catchy moniker for NBA teams intentionally losing games to get Andrew Wiggins (a la “Suck for Luck”). And while you're thinking, here are some complimentary Andrew Wiggins highlights.

2-      Wall, Beal, and Bennett sounds like a great name for a Law Firm. “Wall, Beal, and Bennett, where the verdict is a SLAAAAM DUNK!”

3-      Nearly a 6'8" wingspan, a 42 inch vertical, and plays like this are just some of McLemore’s great gifts

4-      In a good way though

5-      I mean, as long as he doesn’t have this haircut. Right?

6-      Jamaal Franklin and Kawhi Leonard’s stats from their final seasons at San Diego State are remarkably similar. Take a look:

	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	3FG%	FT%
Kawhi Leonard	15.5	10.6	2.5	1.4	0.6	44.4	29.1	75.9
Jamaal Franklin	16.6	9.4	3.3	1.6	0.7	40.4	27.9	79.0