2013 NBA Mock Draft: Full First-Round Picks and Analysis

With exhibition games underway and the regular season starting soon, eyes are turning to what should be a fascinating 2012-2013 college basketball season, and that means that people are looking at who could make a major impact at the next level.

While this crop of players is not as highly touted as those that declared for the 2012 draft, there are a number of young stars, primarily American-born, who have the potential to be impact players at the NBA level depending on where they land. It is yet another year of stud underclassmen, but there are a handful of elite veterans who could potentially make a splash this June.

Obviously, at this juncture it is difficult to predict each team's selections with complete certainty, but bearing in mind the potential for an injury or an unexpected emergence, I have assembled a realistic look at the way the 2013 NBA draft could shake out.

Note: Since the NBA landscape looks so different for 2012-2013 than it did in 2011-2012, this draft order is a projection and is purely speculation.

No. 1: Nerlens Noel, C (Charlotte Bobcats)

Despite snagging Brendan Haywood off the waiver wire and continuing to develop Bismack Biyombo, there is no denying that the Charlotte Bobcats are desperate for the impact big man they lost out on when Anthony Davis went to New Orleans.

Although Nerlens Noel is incredibly unpolished, even less than Davis when he finished his only season at Kentucky, he is an intriguing prospect thanks to his size, athleticism and shot-blocking ability. His offensive game is incredibly raw and must be worked on considerably for him to be anything but a liability, but that can come in time.

Noel has excellent timing, can rotate well and plays aggressive, shut-down help defense around the rim. He also asserts himself on the glass and uses his body and strength well to carve out position.

Obviously, with a player like Noel there is high bust potential if he proves to be very difficult to teach or not committed to improving, but he has all the physical tools to be a dominant big man at the next level. He is a gamble worth taking for a Bobcats team looking to surround Kemba Walker and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist with as much budding talent as they can.

No. 2: Shabazz Muhammad, SG/SF (Houston Rockets)

Shabazz Muhammad was among the most heavily recruited high school players in some time, and it is widely expected that the super-talented wing will take his talents to the NBA following one season with the UCLA Bruins.

The Houston Rockets have Jeremy Lin, Jeremy Lamb and Royce White to build around on the wings, but with Kevin Martin's departure, very likely the team could use some new blood on the perimeter. Muhammad has the potential to become this discombobulated squad's franchise player.

He is a very capable scorer thanks to his strong handle and ability to get to the rim, but he is also a threat from mid-range and in the post, thanks to his size and quickness. He is not an elite defender, but he is quick on his feet and puts in a strong effort.

In his senior season at Bishop Gorman, Muhammad averaged 29.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, clearly asserting himself and making his presence felt. Houston needs a tough, offensively gifted player that can grow alongside Lin and its slew of youthful talent, making Muhammad a very logical choice for the Rockets with the second overall selection.

No. 3: Cody Zeller, PF/C (Orlando Magic)

After shipping Dwight Howard to Los Angeles for a mediocre package of talent, the Orlando Magic are desperate to find a talented player to fill the void left in the paint. While Cody Zeller is a very different player than Howard, a finesse big man with a solid offensive game, he does have significant potential and will likely be the best player available when the Magic are selecting.

The Orlando frontcourt currently consists of Glen Davis, Nikola Vucevic, Al Harrington and not much else, meaning they need someone who can step in and make an immediate impact, which Zeller is capable of doing. He averaged 15.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.2 rejections per game in his freshman season for Indiana.

He runs the floor extremely well and is capable of both finishing at the rim in transition or scoring in the post, although he certainly will need to add muscle before joining the league.

Zeller is not a physical specimen, but he knows how to use his body and length to grab tough rebounds and can carve out excellent position. He may not be the kind of once-in-a-generation big man that Howard was, but nabbing Zeller would be a solid start to Orlando's rebuilding project.

No. 4: Alex Poythress, SF (New Orleans Hornets)

There may be more talented players available at the fourth spot than Kentucky's Alex Poythress, but New Orleans desperately needs to upgrade at the small forward spot, and Poythress would provide the team with a nice offensive punch to complement Eric Gordon, Anthony Davis and Austin Rivers on that end of the court.

Poythress is cut from the cloth of super-athletic wings, standing 6'8" with great arms, and he is very quick when he has to be. He is capable of slashing well without the basketball and averaged a stellar 30.4 points and 7.2 rebounds in his final season at Northeast High School in Tennessee. He also has great hops and is capable of making plays above the rim.

His handle needs work, but Poythress can hit shots from outside with regularity, and he is always a threat to score in transition when running the floor. Defensively he is a work in progress, but as long as he puts in effort he will not be a liability.

Given that Al Farouq-Aminu has not exactly been impressive and Trevor Ariza is in Washington, the Hornets drafting Poythress would not be a surprise at fourth overall and he may end up as their starter early on.

No. 5: Tony Mitchell, SF (Cleveland Cavaliers)

After Omri Casspi failed to impress in his first season with Cleveland, the Cavaliers are still looking for a permanent solution at the small forward spot and could very well go with the troubled but talented Tony Mitchell out of North Texas. Mitchell has struggled with maturity issues, but there is no denying his abilities on the court.

For the 2011-2012 season, he averaged 14.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.6 dimes and three blocks per contest while shooting well both from the field and beyond the arc. He is truly a do-it-all sort of player.

Mitchell also boasts uncanny athleticism and a knack for running the floor and making plays at the rim both offensively and defensively. He should make a great complement running the floor with Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters.

A young core of Iirving, Waiters, Mitchell and Tristan Thompson, along with veterans Alonzo Gee and C.J. Miles, could be a formidable one if Mitchell lives up to his potential. If he continues to grow, he could help lead Cleveland back to NBA relevancy after a few seasons in the cellar.

No. 6: Kyle Anderson, SG (Detroit Pistons)

The Detroit Pistons have some serious talent in Brandon Knight, Greg Monroe and potentially Andre Drummond, should he pan out, but with Rodney Stuckey stagnating and Tayshaun Prince slowing down, the team could use an infusion of youth at shooting guard and small forward. Enter UCLA's Kyle Anderson.

Anderson is an extremely long perimeter player with a great handle and court vision that can play both a traditional role in the offense and work as a point-forward. He presents a unique match-up problem, as he can use his quickness against bigger forwards and his size against small guards when they are trying to defend him.

Though not a lights-out shooter, Anderson can bury an open look and is still developing his game, meaning that he has the potential to become a key piece for the Pistons if he can add some muscle to his frame and develop three-point range.

He might not be a day-one starter for Detroit, but Anderson would be a welcome addition to a Pistons team that is finally looking at a bright future for the first time in ages.

No. 7: Dario Saric, F (Sacramento Kings)

The Sacramento Kings still have a major hole at small forward, and with Tyreke Evans' contract expiring in 2013, they could use some additional scoring should they opt to part ways with the former Rookie of the Year. Croatian sensation Dario Saric is a sharpshooting forward that would be a great addition for the Kings.

Unlike many players with size nowadays, Saric's game is extremely refined, as he is a lethal shooter both from midrange and beyond the arc who can score, pass and rebound both well and consistently. His 14.1 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists for KK Zagreb in the Croatian A1 League can certainly attest to that.

Saric would likely slide into the starting small forward role should Evans leave, and he can use his size and deceptive quickness to punish his assignment.

Like many European players, he needs to be tougher and more physical on the defensive end, as he will struggle guarding bigger, stronger forwards, but there is no denying his ability to provide instant offense. Saric may never be a star, but he could emerge as a quality starter for Sacramento down the road.

No. 8: Steven Adams, C (Washington Wizards)

The Washington Wizards have both Nene and Emeka Okafor who can play center, but this is a team building for the future, and it would be wise to consider grabbing a high-upside center like Pittsburgh's Steven Adams, who can mature and grow alongside John Wall and Bradley Beal.

Adams, a New Zealand product, is easily one of the more rugged big men who should be available in the 2013 draft. He uses his height, length and strength to dominate on the glass and is capable of carving out great position and making multiple efforts on both the offensive and defensive glass.

He could stand to add some more consistent post moves to his arsenal, but he has decent hands around the rim and also runs the floor hard in order to create an easy scoring opportunity.

Were he to end up with the Wizards he would have time to develop as a player behind a pair of solid big men, but he could eventually become a vital part of a team like Washington that has plenty of power forwards but could use a bruising true center.

No. 9: James McAdoo, F (Portland Trail Blazers)

With LaMarcus Aldridge on the roster, the Portland Trail Blazers obviously do not need a power forward, but this is a case of a team taking the best player available, and with the departure of J.J. Hickson possible, it would not be a bad decision by the Blazers' front office.

One of very few players remaining from the 2011-2012 North Carolina Tar Heels, fans expect huge things from the athletically-gifted McAdoo, who showed glimpses of promise in a freshman season where he averaged 6.1 points and 3.9 boards per contest.

McAdoo is a great defender capable of sticking with his man thanks to his speed, and he is disciplined enough to guard both the low post and the perimeter effectively. He knows when to rotate and help out and could be groomed into a top defender at the NBA level with a little work.

He is not a great offensive player, but Portland could convert him to a small forward and rely on his slashing ability and hope he develops a more consistent jump shot. The Blazers have young talent at every position in the game, so it makes sense that they simply take the best prospect available, which could end up being James McAdoo.

No. 10: Rudy Gobert, C (Milwaukee Bucks)

By dealing Andrew Bogut, the Milwaukee Bucks created a serious void in the middle. Though the team traded for Samuel Dalembert and drafted John Henson, they still should be in the market for an elite big man. That elite big man might just be France's Rudy Gobert.

Gobert has been playing for Cholet in France, and while his statistics are far from staggering, he has shown tremendous potential as both a scorer and a defender. Milwaukee is primarily a young team and should be looking for a player that has considerable room to grow, like Gobert does.

He is an agile shot-blocker who can roam around the court and protect the basket, using his length at 7'1" extremely well. Offensively, his post scoring has improved over his professional career, although he still has plenty of work to do.

He is a strong rebounder too, although that will be more difficult in the NBA. Still, Gobert is a talented center, and there are not many of those to be found in the league nowadays, making him a great addition for the Bucks.

No. 11: LeBryan Nash, SF (Houston Rockets Via Toronto Raptors)

The Houston Rockets receive this pick from the Toronto Raptors as a part of the Kyle Lowry deal, and while Toronto will be much improved, they are still not quite good enough to sneak into the postseason. The Rockets have plenty of small forwards, but few of them have the kind of upside that LeBryan Nash does.

As a freshman for Oklahoma State, Nash averaged 13.3 points, five boards and 1.5 assists per game, albeit on mediocre 39.4 percent shooting from the floor. He has a truly NBA-ready body and looks like the quintessential small forward for the league today.

Because of his height and length, he can guard both the two and three as needed, and he has the ability to stick to his man even if he does not consistently force turnovers.

Nash needs to improve on his shot selection and not forcing the issue, obviously, but Houston is a team that should be drafting for best player available. Given his ability put the ball in the basket, there will not be many better ones available than LeBryan Nash.

No. 12: Archie Goodwin, SG (Phoenix Suns)

The Phoenix Suns actually have a pretty complete roster, but even though they traded for Wesley Johnson and re-signed Shannon Brown, the one position that could use a boost is shooting guard. Archie Goodwin is a Kentucky commit whose scoring ability will make him a high selection in 2013.

Goodwin is capable of creating his own offense with ease, as he can attack the rim thanks to his speed with the ball, and he is also a threat to pull up from anywhere on the floor. He has great range on his jump shot, making him a very difficult assignment for any wing player.

Defensively, he needs to improve his patience and not cede position for an attempt at a steal as often, but that is something he can work on in college and his first few professional years. He also will have to improve on moving without the ball, but his year with the Wildcats should help with that.

Because of his ability to score and handle the basketball, he could thrive as either a starter or a sixth man, and he would be a quality piece for Phoenix to build around in the post-Steve Nash era along with Goran Dragic, Michael Beasley and Markieff Morris.

No. 13: Isaiah Austin, PF/C (Minnesota Timberwolves)

With nagging injuries to Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio expected to carry over into the early portion of the NBA season, a playoff berth may be out of reach for this talented but inexperienced Minnesota Timberwolves team. With yet another lottery pick, the team will likely go best available and grab Baylor big man Isaiah Austin.

The seven-foot tall Austin is a capable offensive big man that can draw opponents out of the paint thanks to his shooting ability. He is also a solid post up threat thanks to his length and quickness relative to his size.

Because of his absurd size, he was a dominant rebounder and shot-blocker in high school, although he will need to add on significant muscle mass before he can resume that role playing against stiffer competition in the NCAA and obviously the NBA.

Austin is a natural center, but he could even play some power forward should Love be injured yet again. While there may be better fits available, it will be difficult to find a better player at the 13th overall selection than Isaiah Austin.

No. 14: Andre Roberson, F (Utah Jazz Via Golden State Warriors)

The Utah Jazz receive the Golden State Warriors' first round pick, so long as it is not in the draft's top seven, and will look to grab a potential fixture at the small forward spot. Not to bash Marvin Williams, but he simply is not the future at the three for Utah, while Colorado's Andre Roberson has the potential to be just that.

Roberson had a downright brilliant sophomore season for the Buffaloes, averaging 11.6 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game despite being just 6'7".

He is not a traditional forward, as he has little range offensively and prefers to play in the paint despite his lack of height, but he has the body and strength to offset that and compete with much longer, heavier players for rebounds and scoring opportunities at the rim.

Defensively, Roberson can guard both forward spots and shooting guard as needed and has the ability not only to come up with steals but also to block shots using his natural athletic ability and great sense of timing.

Roberson will never be much of a scorer as a professional, but with Raja Bell's time with Utah winding down, Roberson has the potential to become the Jazz's next impact defensive perimeter player.

No. 15: Adonis Thomas, SG/SF (Chicago Bulls)

Because of Derrick Rose's ACL injury the Chicago Bulls should struggle somewhat in the 2012-2013 season, but their defensive pressure will be what ultimately earns them another trip to the playoffs, albeit as an eighth seed. There is a bright side, though: the opportunity for a high draft selection like Memphis swingman Adonis Thomas.

Thomas had a good first season as a Tiger, averaging 8.8 points and 3.2 rebounds on 48.6 percent field goal shooting and 40.5 percent shooting from three. He can space the floor effectively, but if his man plays too tightly he is capable of putting the ball on the floor too.

He uses his natural athleticism to play tough defense, and his man usually struggles to get by him off the bounce thanks to his lateral quickness.

The Bulls are still in the market for a starting-caliber shooting guard. With this opportunity to take a highly coveted player, expect Chicago to draft either Adonis Thomas or possibly Archie Goodwin if he is available.

No. 16: CJ McCollum, G (Utah Jazz)

Even with Mo Williams aboard, this young Utah Jazz team needs a point guard for the future and could very well follow the recent trend of drafting a veteran player from a "mid-major" school that has absolutely demolished his competition. For Utah, that player could be Lehigh guard CJ McCollum, who rose to prominence after Lehigh upended Duke in the NCAA tournament.

He averaged 21.9 points, 6.5 rebounds 3.5 assists and 2.6 steals per game as a junior, proving to be a stellar first option for the Mountain Hawks even as defenses constantly keyed in on him.

He is capable of playing both guard spots, attacking the basket, pulling up off the dribble or making a play for his teammates. He is a complete guard and should fit nicely into the Jazz's somewhat chaotic backcourt rotation.

He is great at forcing turnovers and getting out into the open court, and while he will need to adjust to a far higher level of competition, McCollum has the potential to follow in the footsteps of Damian Lillard and Norris Cole.

No. 17: Anthony Bennett, F (Atlanta Hawks)

The Atlanta Hawks preserved cap room and earned praise from their fans for shipping Marvin Williams off to the Utah Jazz, but in the process the team lost the one true small forward on their roster. They should look to address the three position with their first round pick in 2013.

Anthony Bennett, a hyper-athletic UNLV commit capable of playing both forward spots, would make perfect sense for the Hawks to select at 17th overall.

He can be both physical and aggressive, banging in the paint and absorbing physical contact, but he is also capable of playing a more skilled role, handling the ball against slower forwards.

Bennett will also provide long-distance shooting, as he has a consistent jump shot that he can knock down with regularity. Though he played power forward in high school and should do so in college, his 6'7" frame lends itself more to small forward,

Bennett will take his licks early in the NBA, but a versatile player like him is the kind a team wants to get out of the draft, and he has the potential to break the rotation immediately for Atlanta.

No. 18: Alex Len, C (Dallas Mavericks)

Plenty of people are very high on Maryland's 7'1" center Alex Len, calling him a potential lottery prospect thanks to his size and defensive abilities. While I would be hesitant to label him a lottery selection this early, landing in the mid-first round is perfectly plausible, especially when a Dallas Mavericks team in need of a young center is picking.

Len missed the early part of Maryland's 2011-2012 season but came on strong, averaging a respectable six points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game in just 21.2 minutes per game. He is expected to see his playing time skyrocket, and with that so should his production.

Len is not a great scorer, but he uses his size very well to block and alter shots, something that should travel well to the next level. He is also capable of asserting himself on the glass and of banging in the paint if necessary.

The Mavericks' frontcourt of Dirk Nowitzki, Elton Brand and Chris Kaman looks good this year, but Brand and Kaman are on one-year deals, meaning the team will need to reload once the season ends. With Dallas' title window closing, expect them to take a player like Len that can be a major force down the road.

No. 19: Jeff Withey, C (Brooklyn Nets)

With the tandem of Deron Williams and Joe Johnson, the Brooklyn Nets have one of the league's best backcourts, but the team could use some depth up front behind Brook Lopez, who struggled mightily with injuries in the lockout shortened season.

One possibility for the team is to draft Kansas senior Jeff Withey, who broke out in a major way during 2011-2012 when he averaged nine points, 6.3 boards and 3.6 stuffs for the Jayhawks in his first season seeing consistently heavy minutes.

He will again be one of the nation's top shot blockers thanks to his size, timing and ability to rotate and help out a teammate that was beat off the dribble. As a scorer, he can finish at the rim and has a decent post up game that he can go to.

Withey would provide the Nets with a physical, rugged presence behind Lopez, and he could even make a few starts out of necessity if the big man goes down again. Do not be surprised to see Brooklyn take Withey with its first draft choice in its new home.

No. 20: Myck Kabongo, PG (Miami Heat Via Philadelphia 76ers)

The Miami Heat receive the Philadelphia 76ers 2013 first-round pick after dealing them Arnett Moultrie on draft day in 2012 and will likely use the additional selection to grab Myck Kabongo, a Texas point guard who fills a positional need for the reigning champions.

Kabongo had a solid freshman season, averaging 9.6 points, three rebounds and 5.2 dimes per game while running the Longhorns' offense. With more talent around him, he is expected by many to take a major leap in 2012-2013.

Unlike many point guards nowadays, Kabongo is primarily a playmaker who looks for open teammates instead of calling his own number. His explosiveness and moves off the dribble allow him to break down a defense and get in the paint.

He can use his quick hands to force turnovers, and though he needs to work on his efficiency as a shooter, Kabongo could potentially be Miami's starting point guard in the near future thanks to his athleticism and ability to draw defenders. At the very least, he would make a great change-of-pace substitute off the pine for the Heat.

No. 21: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Minnesota Timberwolves Via Memphis Grizzlies)

The Minnesota Timberwolves receive this pick from the Memphis Grizzlies and though they have Brandon Roy locked up through 2014, it is unclear how much the former All-Star will be able to give them on a nightly basis, meaning drafting a young shooting guard would be the safe decision.

Georgia's Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, in addition to owning college basketball's best name, is a very reliable scorer who should slide in nicely at the 2-guard spot beside Ricky Rubio.

KCP averaged 13.2 points and 5.2 boards in 2011-2012, and though his shooting percentages were nothing special, he still has significant promise as a scoring wing thanks to his slashing ability and his knack for getting into the paint.

He is also a tremendous athlete and an improving defender with a keen ability to read passing lanes and a solid sense of man-to-man defense.

Pope will be a work in progress should he join the league after his sophomore season, but the talent and the drive is there for him to become a very good shooting guard as a professional, and he would provide Minnesota with great insurance should their gamble on Roy not pan out as hoped.

No. 22: Otto Porter, SF (New York Knicks)

One look at the New York Knicks' depth chart and it is blatantly clear how little depth the team has at the small forward spot behind Carmelo Anthony. The tandem of Chris Copeland and James White simply will not get it done, and given New York's financial constraints, it makes sense that the team draft a reserve three like Georgetown's Otto Porter.

Porter is not a three-point bomber, but he can consistently create his own offense and bury his share of mid-range jumpers. He is good at slipping his man while cutting but can also handle the ball and make plays if necessary.

He puts in great effort on the boards, making multiple efforts and battling hard against players who are larger or stronger than he is. He will be able to have an impact at the NBA level crashing the glass from the perimeter and using his long arms to his advantage.

Porter has the talent to blossom into a good NBA player capable of playing both small forward and shooting guard, meaning that he could potentially be a part of New York's post-Anthony rebuilding project.

No. 23: Rakeem Christmas, PF (Denver Nuggets)

The Denver Nuggets have no shortage of talented players, but the team could use a little depth behind Kenneth Faried and JaVale McGee, making the addition of an athletic power forward like Syracuse's Rakeem Christmas a logical choice.

Christmas was used sparingly in his freshman season with the Orange, averaging 2.8 points, 2.9 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game, but figures to have a much larger role with the team now that Kris Joseph and Fab Melo are in the NBA.

Christmas' athleticism should fit well with this uptempo Nuggets squad, and he has the ability to make plays at the rim, absorb contact and be aggressive on the offensive and defensive glass.

He has potential as a shot-blocker too, and while he needs to develop a sense of when not to gamble to avoid fouling, he is still brimming with potential.

Christmas would likely be stashed by Denver for a year or two, but if he is available when the Nuggets are picking they may surprise some people and go with the Syracuse forward to round-out their frontcourt rotation.

No. 24: Trey Burke, PG (Indiana Pacers)

Trey Burke was among the best freshman in college basketball during the 2011-2012 season, and he is expected to do big things as Michigan's starting point guard this coming season. At the next level, Burke projects as a late first-round pick to a team like the Indiana Pacers that needs some depth at point guard.

Indiana has D.J. Augustin, but he is only on a one-year deal. With an extension looming for Paul George, the Pacers should look to draft a reserve guard like Burke who can contribute consistently but not clog up valuable salary cap room.

Burke averaged 14.8 points and 4.6 dimes per game for the Wolverines, using his tight handle and phenomenal speed to collapse a defense and make plays at the rim or for his teammates. He is among the nation's best guards at finding his way to the rim.

His lack of size and strength will be difficult to overcome as a professional, but Burke would be perfect playing 15-20 minutes per night behind George Hill, and he has the potential for a long, productive NBA career.

No. 25: Mason Plumlee, PF (Los Angeles Clippers)

Obviously, Blake Griffin is the power forward of the present and future for the Los Angeles Clippers, but the team currently has Lamar Odom backing him up and could use some young legs behind their high-flying star. Duke's Mason Plumlee is among college basketball's most consistent big men and could fit in nicely behind Griffin on the bench.

Plumlee is an excellent athlete with a great feel for the game who is capable of scoring in the post, attacking the glass and even passing off the block and finding cutters.

If need be, he can even attack off the dribble, although that will be much tougher in the NBA than it was at the collegiate level. Still, Plumlee is far from an unskilled big man, and he also can run the floor and finish at the rim with ease.

Because of his strength and rebounding ability, he could even see time with Griffin, but he should primarily see reserve minutes while keeping the intensity level high until the Clippers' star power forward hits the floor again. Plumlee is not starter material, but he could carve out a very nice niche as a bench big man.

No. 26: Reggie Bullock, SG (San Antonio Spurs)

San Antonio has depth at every position on the court, but Manu Ginobili is aging and has struggled with injuries recently, making the shooting guard position somewhat of a priority for the Spurs. Though the team will be picking late in the draft yet again, UNC's Reggie Bullock should be available.

Bullock is far from a star, but he is an elite role player capable of knocking down three-pointers with regularity, and he works both spotting up and off the bounce. He shot a very respectable 38.2 percent from beyond the arc in 2011-2012.

On the defensive end, he is physical and scrappy, using his body to keep opposing wings from driving and making them work for every shot. Thanks to his athleticism, he can cover ground quickly and has the talent to be a very good defender at the professional level.

Bullock can't replace what Ginobili gives the team offensively, but he could help extend the Argentinian star's career by providing relief minutes off the bench and taking some defensive pressure off of him.

No. 27: Doug McDermott, SF (Boston Celtics)

The Boston Celtics have begun thinking about life after Paul Pierce retires by retaining Jeff Green for four years, but the team could use some depth and scoring punch off the bench at the small forward spot. Creighton's Doug McDermott is by no means an athletic freak, but he is a very solid and sound basketball player that would mesh well with this team.

McDermott can score from anywhere on the court and in a variety of ways. He averaged 22.9 points and 8.2 boards last season on 60.1 percent shooting from the floor and 48.6 percent from three-point territory.

He has a smooth jump shot that he can stroke from anywhere on the floor and is seemingly incapable of taking a low-percentage or difficult shot, always being methodical and waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

McDermott does not have tremendous upside, but he has a great basketball IQ and could fill a bench scorer role very well for a team with a veteran culture like Boston. At this point in the draft, a solid contributor is really all a team can ask for, and McDermott is certainly solid.

No. 28: CJ Leslie, F (Phoenix Suns Via Los Angeles Lakers)

This pick belongs to the Phoenix Suns as part of their trade with the Los Angeles Lakers that sent Steve Nash to L.A. and sent four draft picks to the Suns as compensation. With this pick the team should look to add another frontcourt athlete, and NC State's CJ Leslie would be a perfect addition.

Leslie surprised many by returning for his junior season with the Wolfpack after a sophomore campaign where he averaged 14.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game on 52.5 percent shooting. One more season with this very talented State squad should be enough for Leslie to make the leap.

He has improved the skill aspects of his game, like shooting the ball and scoring in the post, complementing his natural athletic ability. Leslie is also a nightmare on the break and on the boards, even with his thin frame.

Should Michael Beasley be his usual erratic self or Luis Scola struggle with age or injury, Leslie has the potential to provide quality minutes for Phoenix, even in his rookie season, thanks to his experience in college.

No. 29: Wayne Blackshear, SG (Oklahoma City Thunder)

James Harden's future with the franchise is murky, and Oklahoma City is facing a difficult position with as a small market team with the salary cap, meaning that they should look to grab a high-octane shooting guard with their 2013 first-rounder.

Enter Wayne Blackshear. The Louisville guard missed the brunt of his freshman season due to injuries, but he is expected to be a crucial contributor for a Cardinals squad many believe is an NCAA Championship contender.

Blackshear is lightening quick and can attack the basket, but he also has a fairly accurate jumper that a defense must respect, which can open up driving lanes. He thrives in an uptempo style of play and would fit in very well with the young guns of Oklahoma City.

On defense he can read passing lanes and knock balls loose, creating transition opportunities. At least at the collegiate level ,he could guard the two and three, although we'll see if that's the case in the NBA.

Blackshear is brimming with potential and could be next in a long line of shrewd draft choices by Sam Presti and the Thunder front office.

No. 30: Alex Oriakhi, PF/C (Cleveland Cavaliers Via Miami Heat)

This pick of the Miami Heat will go to the Cleveland Cavaliers due to the 2010 LeBron James trade. Because it will likely be among the lowest first-rounders in the league, expect the Cavs to take a player with little upside that may be able to contribute immediately.

Alex Oriakhi, a two-position frontcourt player who spent three seasons at Connecticut before transferring to Missouri, is a logical choice here, given Cleveland's need for frontcourt depth and Oriakhi's NBA ready body.

He is a mature player who knows what it takes to win big, having been a key piece in UConn's national championship run. For the 2011-2012 season, he averaged a decent 6.7 points, 4.8 boards and 1.3 blocks per game, but should have a bounce-back campaign for the Tigers as he will see plenty of time on the court.

Oriakhi will never be an NBA starter, but he should provide some nice relief minutes for Tristan Thompson and could surprise a few people with his motor and athleticism.