2013 NBA Mock Draft: Projections for Next Year's Elite Stars
The 2012 NBA draft may have happened less than 12 hours ago, but it’s never too early to start thinking ahead to next year.
There are a ton of potential superstars that remained in a college, and there are even more that are preparing for their freshman seasons.
Let’s take a look at some of the best of these in our initial 2013 first-round mock draft.
1. Charlotte Bobcats: Nerlens Noel, PF/C, Kentucky
Noel is a freakish athlete that may just be the next Anthony Davis in terms of his shot-blocking ability and defense.
He made the wise call to go to Kentucky and play under coach John Calipari, who will certainly help hone this young man’s skills and make him a contender for the No. 1 pick.
2. Washington Wizards: James McAdoo, F, North Carolina
McAdoo would have been a lottery pick if he had declared in 2012, but he elected to go back to school.
Barring an injury or some unforeseeably awful play, another year in college should only boost his stock even further.
He’s got a lot of skill and projects to be a stud at either forward position in the NBA.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Cody Zeller, PF/C, Indiana
Zeller was another potential 2012 lottery pick that opted to remain in college. He’s now got a chance to go as early as No. 1 but may fall, depending on his performance this season.
His upside and continually improving game will definitely have him going in the top three.
4. New Orleans Hornets: Alex Poythress, F, Kentucky
Poythress can get to the rim and rebound like a beast. He’s another superstar Kentucky recruit that will have his stock boosted by being a part of a great program.
5. Sacramento Kings: Shabazz Muhammad, G/F, UCLA
This star recruit chose to take his talents to Los Angeles as part of a great UCLA recruiting class. He’s got incredible size for an NBA SG and is an immensely gifted athlete, as well.
6. Brooklyn Nets: Isaiah Austin, C, Baylor
The Baylor recruit may be the most athletic 7-footer in this class.
If his talents are as good as advertised next season, he could go earlier than this.
7. Golden State Warriors: Tony Mitchell, SF, North Texas
Mitchell decided to stay in school after testing the waters this season, and it might just pay off. He’s a supremely high-upside SF that has shades of Kevin Durant in his game.
8. Toronto Raptors: Adonis Thomas, SF, Memphis
The Memphis athlete has a great mid-range game and the ability to get to the rim consistently. If his motor is truly as great as many believe, he’ll make a solid swingman in the pros.
9. Detroit Pistons: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG, Georgia
Caldwell-Pope can knock down any shot on the floor and has range beyond the three-point line in the NBA.
A team that needs a sniper will gladly take him in the top 10.
10. Minnesota Timberwolves: C.J. Leslie, F, NC State
Leslie was going to be a first-rounder but decided to stick with the Wolfpack. He’s got the full package as a swingman, which includes ability to score, defend and rebound.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Archie Goodwin, SG, Kentucky
Here is another Kentucky recruit that could easily go in the lottery if he has a good season and gets big minutes playing the 2.
He’s drawn comparisons to Joe Johnson for his size and versatility.
12. Milwaukee Bucks: Steven Adams, C, Pittsburgh
Adams has monstrous size, at 7’1” and 245 pounds. If he shows skills that match up with his immense height and frame, he’s a lottery lock.
13. Phoenix Suns: B.J. Young, G, Arkansas
This combo guard can simply get it done.
He managed to shoot 50 percent from the field during his freshman season while scoring 15.3 PPG and dishing out quite a few assists along the way.
14. Houston Rockets: Myck Kabongo, PG, Texas
Kabongo is a pass-first PG that a number of teams in the NBA would love to have.
After seeing the success of Rajon Rondo, many franchises believe their point guards do not need to be brilliant scorers to impact the game.
15. Philadelphia 76ers: Anthony Bennett, F, UNLV
Bennett is a modern forward that can play outside or bang down low. He’s an okay defender, as well, and should be a decent NBA player.
16. New York Knicks: Kyle Anderson, SF, UCLA
Anderson is another UCLA product that has a bright future. He’s got the ability to handle the rock while possessing the standard swingman skill set.
17. Dallas Mavericks: Patric Young, C, Florida
Young was projected to be a first-rounder in 2012 but opted to stay with the Gators.
He’s got a combination of size and defense which many teams would love from a big.
18. Utah Jazz: Lorenzo Brown, G, NC State
Brown is a point guard that is more of an undersized SG. He looks to get his buckets first before passing, but has the handles to pull it off.
19. Orlando Magic: C.J. McCollum, G, Lehigh
McCollum’s NCAA tournament run proved he has the chops and confidence to hang in the NBA from such a small school.
He’s got nice handles and lights-out scoring ability.
20. Denver Nuggets: Reggie Bullock, SG, North Carolina
This young man has NBA range on his trey, ball-handling ability, court vision and a basketball IQ.
He’s a solid all-around guard prospect.
21. Boston Celtics: Ryan Harrow, PG, Kentucky
Harrow is a highly touted transfer from NC State that will be playing for the defending national champions this season.
He’s got a chance to lead them to greatness and become a first-round pick.
22. Los Angeles Clippers: Jamaal Franklin, SG, San Diego State
SDSU had a nice season, and Franklin was a large reason for it as an explosive scorer and great rebounder for his position.
23. Atlanta Hawks: Otto Porter, SF, Georgetown
Porter’s mid-range game and size make him an intriguing mid-to-late pick in the first round of the 2013 NBA draft.
He’s got to show some improvement this season in his overall ability to go higher.
24. Los Angeles Lakers: Isaiah Canaan, PG, Murray State
This undersized guard just knows how to score. He is best when driving and either dishing or laying it in.
25. Memphis Grizzlies: Mike Moser, SF, UNLV
Moser can grab boards, score and do all the little things required of an NBA-caliber swingman.
26. Indiana Pacers: Jeff Withey, C, Kansas
Withey emerged during the 2012 NCAA tournament as a great post defender and excellent shot-blocker.
If he can continue to improve in 2012-13, he’ll be a first-rounder for sure.
27. Miami Heat: Dario Saric, F, Croatia
Saric is a solid prospect for a contender to stash in Europe if it is happy with its roster.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Tim Hardaway Jr., SG, Michigan
The son of the former NBA superstar still has a lot of development to do, but his pedigree and raw skills are certainly present.
29. Chicago Bulls: DeShaun Thomas, SF, Ohio State
Thomas was a key contributor for the Buckeyes last season, and if he can continue to star without Jared Sullinger around, he could become a late first-round pick.
30. San Antonio Spurs: Le’Bryan Nash, SF, Oklahoma State
If Nash can interview well and prove himself on the court, he’s going to go much higher than No. 30.
He’s got a lot of character concerns to work past right now.
