2013 NBA Mock Draft: 7 Underclassmen Sure to Be Lottery Picks

The 2012 NBA draft has come to it's conclusion and the next class of NBA stars have officially found their new homes. While we could review what already is, the future is always brighter. Due to this fact, the best course of action would be to look into what could be.

The 2013 NBA draft.

With a surplus of incoming freshmen, as well as a great slew of returning players, next year's draft is set to be as influential as that of the 2012 outing. The question is, who will go where? As for the future youth, which underclassmen will shape this class?

The following 30 slides will answer just that.

Note: Draft order has been determined by previous season's Win-Loss records.

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Nerlens Noel, Kentucky Wildcats

Safe Pick: Guaranteed Lottery

Position: Center

Class: Freshman

Age: 18

Height, Weight, Wingspan:

6'11", 215 pounds, 7'4" wingspan

Why It Works

The Charlotte Bobcats landed the top two defenders in the 2012 class of draft prospects. They selected both Michael Kidd-Gilchrist of Kentucky and Jeffery Taylor out of Vanderbilt. To land the trifecta and truly build a dominant defensive unit for the future, they must select Nerlens Noel.

Noel is an outstanding shot blocker whose athletic ability and length can be likened to that of Anthony Davis. While Noel's prowess as a defender could improve, he is constantly improving as a fundamental player.

This is the clear choice for top pick in the draft.

Projected Rookie Averages

7.8 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.1 APG, 1.4 BPG, 0.7 SPG

2. Washington Wizards: Shabazz Muhammad, UCLA Bruins

Safe Pick: Guaranteed Lottery

Position: Small Forward

Class: Freshman

Age: 18

Height, Weight, Wingspan:

6'6", 223 pounds, 6'11" wingspan

Why It Works

The Washington Wizards landed Bradley Beal with the third overall draft choice in the 2012 NBA draft, which opened up the floodgates for a potentially elite perimeter attack. To round it off and form a group that could rival the Oklahoma City trio, the Wizards cannot pass up on the opportunity to bring in Shabazz Muhammad.

Many would argue that Muhammad is the best player in the nation before he's even stepped foot on an NCAA court. He's an electrifying athlete with finishing ability that can tear the gym down. He's also a ferocious rebounder whose tenacity on both ends will pay dividends for any suitor.

Muhammad is a favorite for Player of the Year and a blessing to the Wizards at No. 2.

Projected Rookie Averages

15.3 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 BPG

3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Isaiah Austin, Baylor Bears

Safe Pick: Guaranteed Lottery

Position: Power Forward

Class: Freshman

Age: 18

Height, Weight, Wingspan:

7'0", 210 pounds, 7'5" wingspan

Why It Works

Isaiah Austin is your quintessential Baylor Bear: a freak athlete with unbelievable size and length who just hasn't figured out how to put it all together. The difference here, of course, is that Austin is definitely a 4.

And a damn good one.

Austin would provide the Cavaliers with exactly what they needed: a scoring 4 who can spread the floor with his shooting or take it into the post. He's an outstanding shot blocker who would add depth to a relatively small front court and has rebounding skills that would make for a lethal combination alongside Tristan Thompson.

Projected Rookie Averages

26.4 MPG, 10.6 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.9 BPG, 1.0 SPG

4. New Orleans Hornets: Cody Zeller, Indiana Hoosiers

Safe Pick: Guaranteed Lottery

Position: Center

Class: Sophomore

Age: 19

Height, Weight, Wingspan:

6'11", 210 pounds, 6'8" wingspan

Why It Works

The New Orleans Hornets landed a future Defensive Player of the Year in Anthony Davis. What they've failed to address, however, is their need for a low-post scorer. With the opportunity to pair two of the nation's best big men from 2012, the Hornets will not pass up on Cody Zeller at No. 4.

Zeller is a very skilled player around the basket, as he's able to finish above the rim and utilize the glass from a decent range. While he is rather frail and needs to learn to play a more physical brand of basketball, (he's not quite finesse enough to take a different approach), Zeller is a true stud prospect. He has the potential to be one of the better scoring bigs in the game.

He also has the potential to form the best young back court in all of basketball.

Projected Rookie Averages

13.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.1 BPG, 0.8 SPG

5. Brooklyn Nets: James Michael McAdoo, North Carolina Tar Heels

Safe Pick: Guaranteed Lottery

Position: Forward

Class: Sophomore

Age: 19

Height, Weight, Wingspan:

6'9", 223 pounds, 7'1" wingspan

Why It Works

James Michael McAdoo is a flex forward whose defensive anticipation is off the charts. McAdoo can block shots, create turnovers and force transition buckets at any given moment. He's also one of the most fundamentally sound players in the class who can start at either the 3 or 4.

For the Nets, McAdoo would offer the explosive scoring presence that they need in the post. Brook Lopez is a respectable scorer but is far from an elite athlete, which calls for McAdoo to become the No. 1 front court scoring option.

It is a role that McAdoo would be happy to take on in Brooklyn.

Projected Rookie Averages

24.3 MPG, 8.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.6 BPG

6. Sacramento Kings: Alex Poythress, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Small Forward

Class: Freshman

Age: 18

Height, Weight, Wingspan:

6'8", 215 pounds, 7'0" wingspan

Why It Works

The Sacramento Kings have built a true power with their front court of DeMarcus Cousins and Thomas Robinson. The next step in returning to the postseason is landing a true 3 to play on the wing.

Alex Poythress offers the Kings just that, as he's an attack-first player who excels at finishing around the basket. His mid-range jump shot is respectable and his size and length make him a tough matchup for any defender. While he's not a Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, he's certainly a talented enough scorer to warrant this pick.

Projected Rookie Averages

15.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.2 SPG

7. Toronto Raptors: B.J. Young, Arkansas Razorbacks

Safe Pick: Guaranteed Lottery

Position: Point Guard

Class: Sophomore

Age: 19

Height, Weight, Wingspan:

6'3", 170 pounds, 6'8" wingspan

Why It Works

Jose Calderon is aging and the Toronto Raptors are looking for a young point guard of the future to replace him. While B.J. Young may not live up to the standard set of the 2012 class of point guards, the Arkansas star is the best point guard in this draft class for a laundry list of reasons.

White is a strong, physical guard who attacks the basket with the fearless pursuit of a quick two points. He's a great athlete with an explosive leap and a swift first step, making Young one of the most difficult to defend players in the draft.

Consider his abilities a near replica of Tyshawn Taylor's, but factor in a better perimeter game. B.J. Young is a stud.

Projected Rookie Averages

9.7 PPG, 5.6 APG, 2.3 RPG, 1.1 SPG

8. Golden State Warriors: Rudy Gobert, France

Position: Power Forward

Class: N/A

Age: 20

Height, Weight, Wingspan

7'1", 220 pounds, 7'9" wingspan 

Why It Works

You read that number right; Rudy Gobert has a gigantic 7'9" wingspan. Pair that with the fact that the Frenchman is a mobile big man with explosive leaping ability and you have your dream prospect.

While Gobert could clearly use some muscle on his frame, the ability to land a player with such a game-changing size cannot be passed on. While some have defied the logic, the Golden State Warriors have wasted no time in securing the latest European sensation and thus are bolstering their slightly undersized front court.

Projected Rookie Averages

10.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.7 BPG, 0.7 SPG

9. Detroit Pistons: Andre Roberson, Colorado Buffaloes

Position: Small Forward

Class: Junior

Age: 20

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'7", 195 pounds, 6'11" wingspan

Why It Works

Andre Roberson led the Pac-12 in rebounding as a small forward, pulling down 11.1 boards per contest. He also finished with averages of 11.6 points, 1.9 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. To sum his game up, Andre Roberson is a defensive menace who can be be on the offensive when needed.

Roberson is an unbelievable athlete who finishes well above and around the rim. The Colorado Buffalo does not shy away from contact and is much stronger than his lean frame would suggest. Roberson has true star potential.

Projected Rookie Averages

10.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.2 BPG, 0.8 SPG

10. Minnesota Timberwolves: Alex Abrines, Spain

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: N/A

Age: 19

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'5", 195 pounds, 6'6" wingspan

Why It Works

The Minnesota Timberwolves are in need of security at the 2, where Wesley Johnson and Wayne Ellington simply haven't panned out. In selecting Alex Abrines of Spain, the Timberwolves receive just that as the sharpshooter joins his fellow countryman, Ricky Rubio, in the Twin Cities.

The familiarity Rubio and Abrines share could be a key to this selection. Aside from the fact that the T-Wolves would receive an outstanding jump shooter with deep range, Abrines would also bring a solid ball handler, which they lack outside of Rubio.

Projected Rookie Averages

7.8 PPG, 2.3 APG, 2.1 RPG, 0.8 SPG, 38.4% 3PT

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Kyle Anderson, UCLA Bruins

Safe Pick: Guaranteed Lottery

Position: Point Forward

Class: Freshman

Age: 19

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'8", 233 pounds, 7'2" wingspan

Why It Works

The Portland Trail Blazers may not want to admit this, but they could potentially lose Nicolas Batum to a free agency. If they do, there is no better replacement than Kyle Anderson out of UCLA. If they don't, there is no better pick than selecting Kyle Anderson out of UCLA.

Get the picture?

Anderson is an excellent ball handler who many feel has a lot of Kevin Durant in his game. He's a smooth player whose jump shot is well above-average and has court vision similar to that of a point guard. He's as skilled a player as you'll find at his age and at this point in the draft.

Projected Rookie Averages

11.1 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.5 BPG, 1.0 SPG

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Patric Young, Florida Gators

Position: Center

Class: Junior

Age: 20

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'9", 245 pounds, 7'1" wingspan

Why It Works

The Milwaukee Bucks padded their interior defense with the selection of John Henson. They also added great athleticism with the pick and strengthened their perimeter shooting with the selection of Doron Lamb. In 2013, the Bucks must target the two positions at which they are currently weakest: the 3 and 5.

For the second consecutive draft, the Bucks should go interior defense.

Patric Young is a phenomenal athlete with an NBA-ready body. Although raw on offense, Young is as intimidating an interior defender as you'll find. He thrives in altering shots and always gains position when fighting for a rebound.

A great comparison for Young would be to a young Ben Wallace. Both stand at just 6'9" but utilize massive wingspans, elite athletic ability and calculated timing to block shots and control the glass. Being able to leap out of the gym and outmuscle your opponent always helps, as well.

13. Phoenix Suns: Archie Goodwin, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Freshman

Age: 17

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'5", 195 pounds, 6'10" wingspan

Why It Works

The Portland Trail Blazers drafted very well in 2012, landing point guard Damian Lillard, center Meyers Leonard and shooting guard Will Barton.

14. Houston Rockets: Steven Adams, Pittsburgh Panthers

Position: Power Forward/Center

Class: Freshman

Age: 18

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'10", 240 pounds, 7'3" wingspan

Why It Works

In case you haven't heard, head coach Kevin McHale loves depth. In selecting what could be the steal of the draft, McHale will get just that.

Steven Adams is capable of playing either interior position, making him the type of player that Houston has been dying to draft. His athleticism is on par with the best of them while his motor is as respected as any player at any position. This makes for a legitimate chance at a long and promising NBA career.

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Kaleb Tarczewski, Arizona Wildcats

Position: Center

Class: Freshman

Age: 19

Height, Weight, Wingspan

7'0", 240 pounds, 6'11" wingspan

Why It Works

At the 2012 NBA draft, the Philadelphia 76ers ended up with Arnett Moultrie. This fills, arguably, the biggest need on the 76ers' roster. Nevertheless, their front court is not formed nor ready for taking it to the next step.

In selecting Kaleb Tarczewski out of Arizona, the 76ers would add yet another big, mobile players who finishes well around the basket. Tarzewski is also a solid shot blocker who would complement Arnett Moultrie well, as the 76ers continue to push the tempo.

16. New York Knicks: Anthony Bennett, UNLV Rebels

Position: Power Forward

Class: Freshman

Age: 19

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'8", 230 pounds, 7'1" wingspan

Why It Works

Amar'e Stoudemire has struggled to play alongside Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks don't have much cap room to replace him. With the 16th pick in the draft, the best they can do is take a player whose stock is likely to fluctuate as the season progresses, but whose potential will remain in check.

Anthony Bennett spurned the major schools to go to UNLV. In all likelihood, this will damage his draft stock, but not enough where he'd fall much further than this. Bennett is a very athletic player who can score from anywhere on the floor and control the glass.

As long as Bennett can stay out of foul trouble, he's exactly what the Knicks need.

17. Dallas Mavericks: Myck Kabongo, Texas Longhorns

Position: Point Guard

Class: Sophomore

Age: 19

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'1", 170 pounds, 6'7" wingspan

Why It Works

Unless the Dallas Mavericks pull a rabbit out of their hat and sign Deron Williams, the 2011 NBA champions will remain in need of a point guard. With in-state prospect Myck Kabongo available on the board, that turns their need to make a decision into an obvious selection.

Kabongo is a pass-first player who can light up the scoreboard with his beautiful shooting strokes. His court vision is phenomenal, while his passing skills and decision-making are top notch. If Kabongo were to bulk up a bit, he would be an excellent NBA player.

18. Utah Jazz: Tony Mitchell, North Texas Mean Green

Position: Small Forward

Class: Sophomore

Age: 20

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'8", 220 pounds, 7'2" wingspan

Why It Works

The Utah Jazz need a consistent scoring threat from the perimeter, as Alec Burks had a rough rookie season and Gordon Hayward has promise but questionable immediate potential. Tony Mitchell could help in a major way if the 6'8" small forward brings his well-rounded game to Salt Lake.

Mitchell is a very long player with awe-inspiring athletic ability. He has a very good motor and is more than capable of defending multiple positions. While his mid-range game is shaky, he improved in the area as his freshman season progressed and offered hope that it may become more of a weapon.

Mitchell is a player who is drenched in potential. With a solid season at North Texas, the world may soon hear about it.

19. Orlando Magic: Adonis Thomas, Memphis Tigers

Position: Small Forward

Class: Sophomore

Age: 19

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'7", 217 pounds, 7'0" wingspan

Why It Works

As great of a player and personality as Hedo Turkoglu has been in Orlando, it's time to think about the future. The best possible player that the Orlando Magic could picture in this situation should look like Adonis Thomas out of Memphis.

Adonis Thomas is an explosive athlete who plays tough, physical ball in the paint and out on the perimeter. Thomas has a great feel for the game, an excellent grasp of the fundamentals and a respected motor. Thomas is also a solid mid-range jump shooter who can make you pay from anywhere out to the three-point line.

As soon as Thomas and the Memphis Tigers hit your television screen, his stock will rise. Until then, the Magic should enjoy this while it lasts.

20. Denver Nuggets: C.J. Leslie, North Carolina State Wolfpack

Position: Power Forward

Class: Junior

Age: 21

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'8", 206 pounds, 7'2" wingspan

Why It Works

C.J. Leslie is a do-it-all 4 who has led the North Carolina State Wolfpack to success that, based off of talent, they should not be having.  

Leslie is an excellent rebounder, budding shot blocker and fearless defender on the interior or perimeter. He's also an outstanding athlete who finishes well above the rim and can score the basketball from virtually anywhere on the floor.

In Denver, Leslie may just be the cure to the Nuggets' half court scoring woes.

21. Boston Celtics: Michael Carter-Williams, Syracuse Orange

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Sophomore

Age: 20

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'5", 175 pounds, 6'5" wingspan

Why It Works

The Boston Celtics are going to go through the 2012 NBA season realizing one thing: they are in desperate need of a consistent three-point shooter. To fill the potential void left by Ray Allen's departure, the Celtics will select their third Syracuse player in two years: shooting guard Michael Carter-Williams.

Carter-Williams is a deadly jump shooter with deep three-point range. He's a very aggressive scorer who is never afraid to put the ball in the air, which is what the Celtics are in need of.

Carter-Williams is also a solid defender with great range, making for a very nice pairing with either Rajon Rondo or Avery Bradley. The difference that may separate MCW from those players and other prospects on this board is that he possesses the ever-elusive killer instinct.

Carter-Williams will be special. Boston should be praying that he'll be special in a Celtics uniform.

22. Los Angeles Clippers: C.J. McCollum, Lehigh Mountain Hawks

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Senior

Age: 20

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'3", 190 pounds, 6'4" wingspan

Why It Works

It's a well-known fact that the Los Angeles Clippers have no problem starting an undersized 2. If they continue to follow this trend, there should be no one higher on their big board than Lehigh's C.J. McCollum.

The NCAA tournament star who led the Mountain Hawks to a historic upset of the Duke Blue Devils has star potential. McCollum is capable of lighting up the scoreboard at any given moment, regardless of where he is on the floor.

He's also a swipe artist who can finish in transition with the best of them.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Otto Porter, Georgetown Hoyas

Position: Small Forward

Class: Sophomore

Age: 19

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'8", 200 pounds, 6'11" wingspan

Why It Works

The Atlanta Hawks can move Joe Johnson to the 3 and start John Jenkins or they can keep Johnson at the 2 and hope to replace Marvin Williams. With one swift draft pick, the Hawks can do just that.

Otto Porter is viewed by many as an early favorite for Big East Player of the Year. The Georgetown Hoya can stroke it from anywhere on the floor, play the role of point forward and even take an opponent off of the dribble.

While Porter may not be the biggest name, he's easily the best 3 remaining on the board.

24. Los Angeles Lakers: Le'Bryan Nash, Oklahoma State Cowboys

Position: Small Forward

Class: Sophomore

Age: 20

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'8", 230 pounds, 6'8" wingspan

Why It Works

The Los Angeles Lakers remain in need of a spread-the-floor 3 who can take the perimeter pressure off of Kobe Bryant. Due to their projected selection of Le'Bryan Nash, that may just be an issue of the past.

Nash is an outstanding scorer who does well in the catch-and-shoot, but thrives off the dibble. He's strong enough to get past a defender and draw contact, as well as post up a weaker defender. Although he may seem like a star player who could take away from Bryant's touches, Nash is actually an unselfish player who could take away from Bryant's double-teams.

25. Houston Rockets (via Grizzlies): Jeff Withey, Kansas Jayhawks

Position: Center

Class: Senior

Age: 22

Height, Weight, Wingspan

7'0", 235 pounds, 7'3" wingspan

Why It Works

The Houston Rockets added their potential franchise center in Steven Adams, but remain weak in terms of depth at the position. By selecting Jeff Withey with the 25th pick in the draft, the Rockets not only land a reserve, but one of the best shot blockers in the nation.

Withey made a name for himself during the NCAA tournament, as he topped 10 blocks in the Sweet Sixteen and again flirted with the feat in the Final Four, where he recorded seven. As long as Withey can improve his mobility and crash the boards with more efficiency, the Rockets will end up with a serious steal at No. 25.

26. Indiana Pacers: Ricardo Ledo, Providence Friars

Position: Point Guard

Class: Freshman

Age: 18

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'6", 180 pounds, 6'7" wingspan 

Why It Works

The Indiana Pacers need a point guard who still step up when they need him most and lead their team to victory. Fortunately for the Pacers, Ricardo Ledo may just be the best big game point guard in the nation.

Ledo is a big, powerful point guard who can get to the basket with authority and command. He's very athletic and has great bounce off of his slash. While some may suggest Ledo is better as a 2 or 3, he is at his best when the ball is in his hands and he can orchestrate the offense.

Indiana lucks out here.

27. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Heat:) Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Sophomore

Age: 19

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'5", 190 pounds, 6'6" wingspan

Why It Works

The Cleveland Cavaliers landed a legitimate star in Dion Waiters. Unfortunately, they remain weak at the 2 in terms of depth and could certainly use a spot-up shooter for Kyrie Irving to dump off to on a drive-and-dish.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will offer the Cavaliers just that, as he is lethal from anywhere on the floor. He has beautiful form and a quick release that is nearly impossible to defend. Assuming he improves on the defensive end of the floor, the fact that Caldwell-Pope can also take opponents off of the dribble could make him a legitimate Sixth Man.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Wayne Blackshear, Louisville Cardinals

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Sophomore

Age: 20

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'5", 200 pounds, 6'9" wingspan

Why It Works

With James Harden poised to hit free agency upon the conclusion of the 2013 NBA season, the Oklahoma City Thunder are likely to utilize the draft as a weapon to rebuild. The first step they take here is selecting Wayne Blackshear out of Louisville.

Blackshear is a proven winner who came up in the clutch on more than a handful of occasions throughout Louisville's magical Final Four run in 2012. He's a very strong, very physical wing who attacks the rim with power and explodes off of a one or two-foot leap.

Blackshear is a forceful finisher at the rim. He's also a solid jump shooter who can light it up when on his game. He may not be James Harden, but he has the physical tools necessary to break out in a major way.

29. Chicago Bulls: P.J. Hairston, North Carolina Tar Heels

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Sophomore

Age: 19

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'5", 220 pounds, 6'9" wingspan

Why It Works

After passing on a shooting guard to select point guard Marquis Teague in the 2012 NBA draft, the Chicago Bulls have set themselves up for big night in 2013. To start the evening, the Bulls will go after soon to be standout P.J. Hairston of the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Hairston is a very big, very strong and very powerful 2-guard. While his ball handling skills need work, he does have a powerful drive to the basket and is more than capable of finishing above the rim. Hairston is also a solid jump shooter with deep range.

Considering P.J. Hairston's current skill level, upside and physical gifts, it's hard to imagine the Bulls passing on such an opportunity.

30. San Antonio Spurs: Elijah Johnson, Kansas Jayhawks

Position: Point Guard

Class: Senior

Age: 

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'4", 195 pounds, 6'5" wingspan

Why It Works

The San Antonio Spurs may not want to admit it, but it's time to start building for the future. The best place to start is at the point, where they have an opportunity to select a proven winner in Elijah Johnson.

The Kansas guard played well in the NCAA Tournament and appears to be poised for a breakout season at the college ranks.

Elijah Johnson has blazing speed in the open court and superior athleticism. He finishes well around the basket, creates turnovers with his defense and even displays the ability to shift between the point and 2. Between his versatility and individual areas of contribution, this is a pick that you have to love for the Spurs' future.