2013 NBA Draft: Best Landing Spots for Top 30 Prospects
Instead of building a mock 2013 NBA draft, we're taking the top 30 prospects and finding a destination to suit their individual needs.
As we break down each of the top players, we're looking for franchises that will best accommodate, develop and empower them.
Of course, we are keeping things realistic, and only matching these standouts with teams that have a chance of drafting them.
Where is the best landing spot for your favorite college basketball star?
Which franchises fit the major European prospects?
Steven Adams
1 of 30School: Pittsburgh
Position: Center
Year: Freshman
Vitals: 7'0", 250 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 7.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.0 blocks
Throughout the 2012-13 Big East season, Steven Adams was conservative offensively.
Despite playing more than 20 minutes per game, he attempted just 5.5 shots. He's not ready to take on heavy responsibilities as an NBA pivot man.
He would love to land somewhere in the mid-to-late first round, preferably on a team with veteran centers that can help groom him.
Playing for Tom Thibodeau and with Joakim Noah would maximize his shot-blocking potential and develop his all-around offensive repertoire.
Best Landing Spot: Chicago Bulls
Archie Goodwin
2 of 30School: Kentucky
Position: Guard
Year: Freshman
Vitals: 6'4", 200 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 14.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists
Even though he had more turnovers than assists and shot 27 percent from deep, Archie Goodwin is one of the top 30 prospects.
Why? Athleticism and youth.
No NBA team will trust him as a major playmaker, so he'll have to prove his worth as a supplementary scorer. Minnesota could use his burst of speed and strength on the wing as a reserve.
Best Landing Spot: Minnesota Timberwolves (via their second first-round pick, dependent on Victor Oladipo)
Marcus Smart
3 of 30School: Oklahoma State
Position: Guard
Year: Freshman
Vitals: 6'4", 225 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 15.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists
One of the most NBA-ready freshman in years stuffed the stat sheet for the Oklahoma State Cowboys in 2012-13.
Marcus Smart isn't the quickest or most explosive athlete around, but he compensates with his intangibles and impact on every phase of the game.
Ideally, he will get picked in the top five by a team like the Orlando Magic or Detroit Pistons.
Jose Calderon and Will Bynum will be free agents, so Smart would get ample opportunity to help Brandon Knight and work with the frontcourt of Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond.
Best Landing Spot: Detroit Pistons
Otto Porter
4 of 30School: Georgetown
Position: Forward
Year: Sophomore
Vitals: 6'8", 205 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 14.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists
Those of us who were impressed by Otto Porter's freshman campaign were even more inspired by his brilliant sophomore season.
With his versatile defense, rebounding tenacity and vastly-expanded offense, he went from promising youngster to All-American force in a hurry.
Porter figures to be a practical, multifaceted contributor in the NBA right away.
With the Cleveland Cavaliers desperate for all-around production at the small forward spot, he could see loads of success early in his career.
Best Landing Spot: Cleveland Cavaliers
Jamaal Franklin
5 of 30School: San Diego State
Position: Guard
Year: Junior
Vitals: 6'5", 205 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 16.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists
He excelled as a rebounding swingman in college, but due to his size, Jamaal Franklin projects to be a shooting guard in the NBA.
The Mountain West Conference standout can get to the rim, adjust to the defense and finish with either hand.
His catch-and-shoot mechanics aren't ideal, but they have potential.
Why not stay out west and play on a team that needs help at the No. 2 spot?
Best Landing Spot: Phoenix Suns (via their second first-round pick)
Nerlens Noel
6 of 30School: Kentucky
Position: Power Forward
Year: Freshman
Vitals: 6'10", 230 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 10.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.4 blocks
Nerlens Noel's ACL tear doesn't change the reality that he has a bright future in the NBA.
So bright, in fact, that he's considered a top-five pick by almost every prognosticator. His shot-blocking talent and mobility are highly valued at the pro level, so he will be given plenty of opportunities to shine no matter where he ends up.
Any of the lottery teams would love to have him, but what would his ideal situation be?
The Orlando Magic need rim protection and explosiveness in the post, so he'd be treasured there.
Best Landing Spot: Orlando Magic
C.J. McCollum
7 of 30School: Lehigh
Position: Guard
Year: Senior
Vitals: 6'3", 200 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 23.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists
Because he played on a little-known mid-major squad, C.J. McCollum is still a mystery to many casual basketball fans.
Consider yourself duly warned.
He's one of the deadliest shooters in college hoops, and prior to his foot injury, he was tearing up defenses with his array of ball-handling skills.
His 2012-13 PER? 34.7.
After an inevitable free-agent exodus in Utah, backcourt opportunities abound for the Jazz.
McCollum can take his scoring and facilitation skills to Salt Lake City and help them immediately.
Best Landing Spot: Utah Jazz
Kelly Olynyk
8 of 30School: Gonzaga
Position: Center
Year: Junior
Vitals: 7'0", 240 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 17.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists
In his breakout year for the Gonzaga Bulldogs, British Columbia standout Kelly Olynyk displayed a combination of power and finesse that NBA executives love to see.
A smooth touch from the outside and superb court sense make him an extremely efficient offensive weapon, even if his athleticism is mediocre.
The Portland Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks have him on their radars. Dallas would value his size and youth, and a late-lottery selection of Olynyk is a realistic projection.
Best Landing Spot: Dallas Mavericks
Victor Oladipo
9 of 30School: Indiana
Position: Shooting Guard
Year: Junior
Vitals: 6'5", 215 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 13.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.2 steals
Victor Oladipo's acrobatics found himself all over the court throughout Indiana's Big Ten season.
He shot 60 percent from the field and notched a blistering .670 true shooting percentage.
In addition to leading the conference in those categories, Oladipo was also tops in steals and defensive rating.
Every team would love to have an ultra-athletic impact player like Oladipo, but only one team will be blessed with his services. He's commonly projected to get selected by the New Orleans Hornets, but he might like Minnesota even better.
Best Landing Spot: Minnesota Timberwolves
Rudy Gobert
10 of 30Country: France
Position: Center
Year: (20 years old)
Vitals: 7'1", 235 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 8.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.7 blocks
We can't talk about Rudy Gobert's NBA potential without mentioning his ridiculous 7'9" wingspan.
The French phenom undoubtedly discourages more shots than he actually blocks, which is something NBA general managers will value come draft time.
Gobert's post game is limited, but he's a longer, poor-man's version of Anthony Davis in the pick-and-roll and fast break.
He knows how to dive to the rim and finish above it.
Best Landing Spot: A veteran playoff team in 18-23 range
Trey Burke
11 of 30School: Michigan
Position: Point Guard
Year: Sophomore
Vitals: 6'0", 190 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 18.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 6.7 assists
A terrific 2013 NCAA tournament boosted Trey Burke's draft stock from mid-first round to lottery lock. His leadership, clutch shooting and nose for the bucket makes up for his less-than-ideal 6'0" frame.
With the right group of weapons around him, he could be a potent offensive facilitator at the next level.
Several landing spots could suit him well, including the New Orleans Hornets, Sacramento Kings and Detroit Pistons.
So which team will allow him to shine the most? Much like Marcus Smart, Motown has the resources and opportunities.
Best Landing Spot: Detroit Pistons (dependent on Marcus Smart)
Jeff Withey
12 of 30School: Kansas
Position: Center
Year: Senior
Vitals: 7'0", 235 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 13.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.9 blocks
For most of 2012-13, Jeff Withey's draft stock was solid. Then it got an upgrade in the NCAA tourney, when he averaged 15 points, 10.7 boards and six blocks per game.
He possesses outstanding skills and instincts as a rim protector, but his future has a finite ceiling due to his below-average vertical and underwhelming upside.
Withey is barely in the top-30 group, but that's not necessarily his fault.
Backing up Tyson Chandler is an ideal scenario for him. His improved outside jumper will make an impact, while his defense will hold the fort down.
Best Landing Spot: New York Knicks
Anthony Bennett
13 of 30School: UNLV
Position: Forward
Year: Freshman
Vitals: 6'8", 240 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 16.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.2 blocks
UNLV's physical specimen Anthony Bennett terrorized the Mountain West in 2012-13 with his rebounding prowess, impressive vertical and offensive versatility.
He's light on his feet, hard to contain on the glass and quite capable away from the basket.
Consequently, he rose from the late first-round to the top five in most mocks.
In New Orleans, the Hornets have a true power forward in Anthony Davis and a "shooting forward" in Ryan Anderson. Adding Bennett's combo-forward talents would be a great match for the prospect and the club.
He could step in and play substantial minutes on an upward-trending franchise.
Best Landing Spot: New Orleans Hornets
Doug McDermott
14 of 30School: Creighton
Position: Forward
Year: Junior
Vitals: 6'8", 225 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 23.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists
Although his scoring skills and extensive repertoire are unquestioned, Doug McDermott remains an NBA question mark due to his slow foot speed, aerial ineptitude and mediocre college opponents.
Fortunately, his inside-outside offensive dominance will force late first-round clubs to take a flyer on him.
McDermott's best bet to find a high draft slot and a solid role in the league lies in Brooklyn.
Bleacher Report NBA draft master Jonathan Wasserman explains why Doug McDermott will find a niche:
"Brooklyn desperately needs a wing who can spread the floor for the guards, because Keith Bogans and Jerry Stackhouse are just not threatening enough.
"
Where small forward Gerald Wallace is lacking, McDermott can fill in with offensive efficiency.
Best Landing Spot: Brooklyn Nets
Ben McLemore
15 of 30School: Kansas
Position: Shooting Guard
Year: Freshman
Vitals: 6'5", 185 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 15.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists
As far as 2013 guards go, Ben McLemore is the surest bet and a can't miss prospect.
He exhibited the capability to lead Kansas offensively, even if he occasionally disappeared. McLemore's NBA-ready jumper opened up driving lanes that he subsequently took advantage of.
The most realistic projections include the Charlotte Bobcats and the Orlando Magic, with the Bobcats being the more ideal landing spot. Why? Because they don't have a No. 2 guard with both size and shooting skills.
He'd instantly be featured and would produce.
Best Landing Spot: Charlotte Bobcats
Shane Larkin
16 of 30School: Miami
Position: Point Guard
Year: Sophomore
Vitals: 5'11", 175 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 14.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists
Miami Hurricanes standout Shane Larkin hasn't declared for the draft yet, which is a reflection that he's a late-first round option at best.
Don't sleep on him, though.
He's shifty, creative and brilliant in the pick-and-roll. Larkin is also particularly efficient, posting just 2.3 turnovers per contest and shooting 41 percent from distance despite a high volume of shots.
He'd be pleased to sneak into the first round on a squad in need of a backup point guard.
After Cleveland grabs him with their second first-round pick, he can back up Kyrie Irving.
Best Landing Spot: Cleveland Cavaliers (with their second first-round pick)
Cody Zeller
17 of 30School: Indiana
Position: Power Forward
Year: Sophomore
Vitals: 7'0" 240 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 16.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.3 blocks
Originally thought to be a top-three pick, Indiana pivot man Cody Zeller lost some traction due to inconsistency and occasional lapses in assertiveness.
He's still a lottery prospect due to his length, footwork and advanced post skills.
If Trey Burke and Marcus Smart are gone by the time Sacramento picks, Zeller would love to be the skilled power forward the Kings were hoping Thomas Robinson would be.
Best Landing Spot: Sacramento Kings
Giannis Adetokunbo
18 of 30Country: Greece
Position: Forward
Year: (18 years old)
Vitals: 6'9", 195 pounds
Giannis Adetokunbo's upside on both ends of the floor is scary, especially when you consider his youth and length.
He'll be able to guard multiple positions in the NBA, thrive in the open floor and finish over almost anyone. In addition, Adetokunbo's court awareness is much better than most youngsters with his physical gifts.
His slender frame and inexperience makes him unlikely to be an instant-producer. But that's okay, because he's closely linked to the Boston Celtics and would develop well under the tutelage of Paul Pierce and Jeff Green.
Best Landing Spot: Boston Celtics
Michael Carter-Williams
19 of 30School: Syracuse
Position: Point Guard
Year: Sophomore
Vitals: 6'5" 185 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 11.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 7.3 assists
After demolishing the competition early in the 2012-13 season, Michael Carter-Williams saw mixed results during the Big East conference slate.
His inconsistent performance against major-conference opponents doesn't change his size, agility and upside. Carter-Williams' floor general talent ceiling is high, but his underachievement basement is low.
The Utah Jazz might be his most likely destination, however he might wilt under the pressure of running their system.
In an ideal world, he would provide size and skill to a team with lower short-term playoff expectations.
Best Landing Spot: Sacramento Kings (dependent on Trey Burke)
Tony Mitchell
20 of 30School: North Texas
Position: Power Forward
Year: Sophomore
Vitals: 6'8" 235 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 13.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.7 blocks
Unfortunately, Tony Mitchell's statistics sank across the board despite an increase in playing time.
That hurts his draft value tremendously.
His lottery-worthy physical tools are now relegated to the late first round because of his mediocre production against mid-major competition.
Look for clubs like the Denver Nuggets or Los Angeles Clippers to bring him in as a reserve.
Best Landing Spot: Los Angeles Clippers
Shabazz Muhammad
21 of 30School: UCLA
Position: Guard-Forward
Year: Freshman
Vitals: 6'6" 225 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 17.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 0.9 assists
Shabazz Muhammad isn't quite as NBA-ready as we hoped, and that contributed to his slight downward trend.
His projected landing spot can only fall so far, because he's still an electrifying wing who can slash to the tin or toss it from long range. If his ball-handling improves, especially his right hand, he could be an NBA star.
The Oklahoma City Thunder could snag him using the Toronto Raptors' lottery slot, while the Minnesota Timberwolves and Washington Wizards are other possible destinations.
Washington would provide the best combination of responsibilities and opportunities.
Best Landing Spot: Washington Wizards
Mitch McGary
22 of 30School: Michigan
Position: Power Forward
Year: Freshman
Vitals: 6'10" 250 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 7.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals
March Madness revealed that Mitch McGary is close to a complete package as far as power forwards go.
Power? Shooting? Passing? Rebounding?
Yes, yes, yes and yes.
If he enters the draft, he'd love to shoulder a decent role on a winning team.
The Atlanta Hawks have all sorts of spots opening up heading into the fall of 2013, so it's a prime scenario for McGary.
Best Landing Spot: Atlanta Hawks
Mason Plumlee
23 of 30School: Duke
Position: Power Forward
Year: Senior
Vitals: 6'10" 235 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 17.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.4 blocks
Duke star Mason Plumlee didn't improve his draft-day value by returning for his senior year, but he did establish himself as one of the premiere post players in college hoops.
As a result, he's guaranteed not to plummet.
He possesses a smooth set of basic post skills, exceptional hand-eye-coordination and vertical agility.
Which team is the best match for him?
The Portland Trail Blazers, who are looking for athleticism and depth in their frontcourt. If they're placed toward the bottom of the lottery, it could be a great fit.
Best Landing Spot: Portland Trail Blazers
Isaiah Austin
24 of 30School: Baylor
Position: Forward
Year: Freshman
Vitals: 7'1" 220 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 13.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.7 blocks
Because he was inconsistent in conference play and Baylor underachieved in the Big 12, Isaiah Austin's projections tumbled during the winter.
He did salvage some pride to close out the season, coming up big in the NIT semifinals and finals. In the title game against Iowa, he scored 15 points, grabbed eight boards, dished four assists and swatted five shots.
Austin's length and versatility are tempting, but his wiry frame is concerning.
He still has a chance to land in the middle of the first round, and he could succeed with the Milwaukee Bucks as a versatile option compared to Ersan Ilyasova or Luc Mbah a Moute.
Best Landing Spot: Milwaukee Bucks
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
25 of 30School: Georgia
Position: Shooting Guard
Year: Sophomore
Vitals: 6'5" 205 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 18.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists
An inefficient freshman campaign led to an ultra-productive, highly-efficient sophomore season for SEC standout Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
He established himself as a legitimate pro shooting guard prospect by hitting 38 percent of his 7.0 triples per game.
The best-case scenario for him would be a featured role in the fluctuating Phoenix Suns organization.
Best Landing Spot: Phoenix Suns (via their second first-round pick, dependent on Jamaal Franklin)
James McAdoo
26 of 30School: North Carolina
Position: Forward
Year: Sophomore
Vitals: 6'9" 230 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 14.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals
Don't blame James Michael McAdoo for falling short of expectations, because his sophomore expectations were probably too high.
He was unable to carry the North Carolina Tar Heels as far as experts hoped, and a series of poor games during ACC play severely hurt his resume.
The other factor affecting his outlook is his 'tweener" status: He's not big and strong enough to be an NBA power forward, and certainly not skilled enough to survive on the wing.
A couple of potential departures in Indiana could make him a key cog on the Pacers.
Best Landing Spot: Indiana Pacers
Glenn Robinson III
27 of 30School: Michigan
Position: Forward
Year: Freshman
Vitals: 6'6" 210 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 11.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.1 blocks
Don't expect Glenn Robinson III to be massively productive when he enters the NBA, but if he finds the right team, his swingman skills will develop and eventually flourish.
His jumper and perimeter finesse won't blow anyone away at the next level. Fortunately, his physical gifts and instincts in the open floor will impress. Robinson can finish around the hoop as effectively as anyone in this class.
If Oklahoma City's lottery placement (via the Raptors) is somewhere between No. 7 and No. 10, he would be a sensational pickup.
His role in OKC could be one of simultaneous development and contribution.
Best Landing Spot: Oklahoma City Thunder
Sergey Karasev
28 of 30Country: Russia
Position: Small Forward
Year: (19 years old)
Vitals: 6'7" 205 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 16.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.4 blocks
He doesn't have sky-high potential, but Sergey Karasev is an attractive option late in the first round because of his offensive creativity and versatility.
Highlights and film show that he's comfortable in a myriad of situations and can score from anywhere on the floor.
Out of the teams likely picking 20-30, the one that can best maximize his talents is the San Antonio Spurs.
Their international reputation is simply stunning.
Best Landing Spot: San Antonio Spurs
Gorgui Dieng
29 of 30School: Louisville
Position: Center
Year: Junior
Vitals: 6'11" 245 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 9.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.5 blocks
Gorgui Dieng's offensive improvement in 2012-13 was noticeable enough for him to be considered a serviceable pro big man.
Defensively, there aren't any questions about his talent, tools and approach. As long as he stays disciplined, he'll be an effective interior stopper in the NBA.
Depending on what happens to Jeff Withey, Dieng could find himself in the Big Apple, perfecting his defense with Tyson Chandler and polishing his offense with Amar'e Stoudemire.
Best Landing Spot: New York Knicks (dependent on Jeff Withey)
Alex Len
30 of 30School: Maryland
Position: Center
Year: Sophomore
Vitals: 7'1" 255 pounds
2012-13 Per-Game Stats: 11.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.1 blocks
Don't be disappointed in Alex Len's 7.8 rebounds as a seven-footer.
Instead, remember that he played a modest 26 minutes per game and still placed second in the ACC in offensive rebounds.
He's not a can't-miss stud or Anthony Davis-type player, but it would be shocking if he fell out of the top 10. Len has too much upside on both sides of the ball for that to happen.
Various mock drafts have him all over the place, so it all depends on how the lottery shakes out. If the Philadelphia 76ers end up somewhere between No. 7 and No. 10, they'll use him to fill their void at center.
Best Landing Spot: Philadelphia 76ers
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