2013 NBA Mock Draft: Easy Choices for Every Team in Round 1

There is no consensus top pick in the 2013 NBA draft. The gap between players seemingly ticketed for the draft's lottery and the mid-to-late first round isn't that wide.

Looking for valuable role players and secondary stars is the best approach with this draft class. In a crop like this, there are only a handful of seemingly "easy" selections for teams to make.

And with the first day of the NBA pre-draft camp in the books, perhaps those selections became even easier. Many of the top players didn't participate in drills, but teams have solid measurements and have likely spoken with the players who could be their selections on draft day.

This mock draft spotlights the picks that appear to be the most logical selections in the first round.

These picks will appear in italics and feature an image and/or a video. The draft order is based on the team's final record, but the top-14 picks will change on May 21 once the NBA draft lottery has been completed.

(All height and weight references per StatSheet.com, sans international players. Their height and weights per ESPN and Draft Express)

1. Orlando Magic—Nerlens Noel—6'10" 228 pounds—PF/C, Kentucky

If the Magic win the lottery, there is only one selection that makes sense. When there are prospects of similar skill level, you always go big.

The best big man in the draft is Noel and that is who the Magic should select if they have the opportunity. He is one of the few players in the draft with the potential to be a centerpiece.

Taking Noel would give the Magic a potentially dominant defensive force for the future. The team could also stay in position to grab a more dynamic star from the much-heralded 2014 class.

Noel's injury and rawness on the offensive end will keep him from having a major impact during the 2013-14 season.

With players like Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker, Julius Randle and Marcus Smart likely available next June, the Magic could add a second and more impactful cornerstone in a year.

2. Charlotte Bobcats—Ben McLemore—6'5" 195 pounds—SG, Kansas

There are a few ways the Bobcats could go, but taking the sweet-shooting McLemore to pair with Kemba Walker would be best.

He has some difficulty creating his own shot, but he can flat-out shoot the ball. McLemore made 42 percent of his shots from three-point range.

Couple that skill with his elite athleticism and few teams wouldn't be happy to have him.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers—Anthony Bennett—6'8" 240 pounds—SF/PF, UNLV

Bennett is recovering from surgery on his rotator cuff, but he has a relatively high ceiling as a scorer. His abilities have drawn comparisons to another former UNLV alum:

Bennett averaged 16 points and eight rebounds during the 2012-13 season. His presence would give the Cavs a solid one-two punch.

4. Phoenix Suns—C.J. McCollum—6'3" 190 pounds—PG/SG, Lehigh

This may be the highest you've seen McCollum on any mock draft, but he's worthy of a top-four selection. The Suns may not ultimately pick this high, but McCollum would still be the best fit for them lower in the lottery.

The team needs a leader and a scorer; McCollum can be both. He has the ability to create for teammates and he can fill it up.

Before he was injured as a senior, McCollum averaged 23.9 points per game. There are some Jamal Crawford-like qualities to his game, but McCollum plays with a bit more control.

As far as pure scorers go, McCollum is one of the best in the draft.

5. New Orleans Pelicans—Trey Burke—6' 190 pounds—PG, Michigan

No team and player is more of a match than Burke and the Pelicans. The team needs a top-level point guard and Burke is the best pure lead guard in the draft.

Depending upon how New Orleans feels about McCollum running the show, he could leap frog Burke on their board. If that were the case and this draft order played out, the Pelicans may have to do some maneuvering to take him.

As it is now, Burke is the man. He can score (18.5), shoot it from distance (38.4 percent) and his 6.7 assists per game proves he can create for teammates.

Recently, the 20-year-old told Nick Baumgardner of MLive.com that he was "surprised" he hadn't been contacted by the Detroit Pistons for a workout.

Burke's popularity in the state of Michigan is sky-high considering he just led the Wolverines to the national championship game.

He shouldn't feel insulted or snubbed; it is likely the Pistons know if the Pelicans pick ahead of them, and there is no way Burke will be available.

Perhaps they will save their call in the event they pick before New Orleans.

6. Sacramento Kings—Victor Oladipo—6'4" 215 pounds—SG, Indiana

You have to love Oladipo's physical ability. He is extremely quick off the dribble, powerfully built for a guard and he has great bounce.

He's a little short for the 2-guard position, but his motor and ability to defend would be ideal for the Kings.

7. Detroit Pistons—Otto Porter—6'8" 215 pounds—SF, Georgetown

There is so much to like about Otto Porter's game. He averaged 16.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.8 steals per contest. 

Porter also improved his three-point shooting from 22.5 percent to 42 percent from his freshman season. He's accomplished all of that and he doesn't turn 20 until June 3.

With those compliments, why would he still be on the board at No. 7?

Porter doesn't have elite athleticism and the NBA draft is largely about upside and potential. Though he is a hard-working, skilled player, he doesn't play above the rim and may find it difficult to get his own shot in the NBA.

He'll still be a very valuable player, but I think that causes him to slip. 

Detroit would be ecstatic if that comes to pass.

8. Washington Wizards—Cody Zeller—7' 240 pounds—PF/C, Indiana

Washington needs athletic bigs who can run the floor with John Wall. Aside from Noel, very few bigs are as mobile as Zeller.

His ability to be effective in transition and finish near the hoop make him a good fit with the Wizards.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves—Alex Len—7'1" 225 pounds—C, Maryland

Surgery on Len's ankle could be a bit of a red flag, but the T'Wolves will likely still take the big man from the Ukraine if he's available.

As you can tell by University of Maryland writer Alex Prewitt's tweet, there is no shortage of interest in the former Terrapins big man.

The Wolves may very well lose Nikola Pekovic in free agency and they will have a void in the middle. 

10. Portland Trail Blazers—Rudy Gobert—7'1" 220 pounds—C, France

After watching Rudy Gobert at the NBA combine on Thursday,  the Blazers would be foolish not to take him. His measurements were insane:

And his play during the drills drew rave reviews.

The mystery surrounding an athletic international prospect always creates a buzz, but when the prospect shows up and supports much of the positives you've heard, his stock rises.

As a rim protector and complement to LaMarcus Aldridge, Gobert would be a great addition in Portland.

11. Philadelphia 76ers—Shabazz Muhammad—6'5 225 pounds—SG/SF, UCLA

It takes thick skin to play in Philly and Muhammad has the temperament to handle the pressure. He's been dealing with enormous expectations since he was in high school and he has shined.

There are concerns about his ability to get his own shot consistently, but there should be no concerns about his work ethic and competitiveness.

Muhammad has been almost a shoo-in as a lottery pick since he was a prep star, but instead of skipping the drills at the pre-draft camp, he took the floor with other players clawing to get in the first round.

He averaged 17.9 points per game as a freshman and I'm convinced his instincts as a scorer will make him productive in the NBA.

For a team like the 76ers that were dead last in scoring in the 2012-13 season, Muhammad would be just what the doctor ordered.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (Toronto Raptors)—Kelly Olynyk—7' 240 pounds—C, Gonzaga

If the Thunder had another offensive presence against the Memphis Grizzlies, they may still be alive in the NBA playoffs.

Obviously it is tough losing one of the top two players on your team, but the Thunder's need for a big man who can score was evident.

Olynyk's ability to shoot the ball makes him a great pick-and-pop option for Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

13. Dallas Mavericks—Dennis Schroeder—6'2" 168 pounds—PG, Germany

Per ESPN's Chad Ford, Schroeder received a promise from a team in the first round. I see no reason why that team couldn't be the Mavericks.

Mark Cuban's bunch needs a youth injection and a dynamic perimeter presence to maximize Dirk Nowitzki's last years.

As both Schroeder and Nowitzki hail from Germany, the connection there also makes this seem like a natural landing spot.

14. Utah Jazz—Mason Plumlee—6'11" 240 pounds—PF/C, Duke

The Jazz have two first-round selections and two major needs. They must address their point guard situation and add depth to their frontcourt.

Since the point guard position is the deepest position in this draft, the Jazz would be wise to grab their big first. Plumlee's athleticism would give both Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors a solid backup.

15. Milwaukee Bucks—Kentavious Caldwell-Pope—6'5" 205 pounds—SG, Georgia

With Monta Ellis opting out of his contract and J.J. Redick also headed for unrestricted free agency, the Bucks figure to be short at the 2-guard.

KCP is one of the top wing players in the draft because of his ability to make the three (37.3 percent) and defend (averaged two steals per game). No matter who the Bucks hire at head coach, those two qualities will be appreciated.

16. Boston Celtics—Gorgui Dieng—6'11" 240 pounds—C, Louisville

Paul Pierce may not be back with the team next season and that could lead to the departure of Kevin Garnett.

Even if Garnett doesn't leave Beantown, general manager Danny Ainge has to start thinking about the future in the middle.

The Celtics will probably continue to build their team around defense—especially if Doc Rivers is coming back—as Danny Ainge indicated on Thursday via CBS Sports Eye on Basketball.

Dieng's specialty is defensive rebounding and rim protection. Those skills are the core concepts for what the C's like to do on defense.

17. Atlanta Hawks—Jamaal Franklin—6'5" 200 pounds—SG/SF, San Diego State

Franklin may have the best motor of any player in the draft. He's a freak athletically and the combination makes him play bigger than his 6'5" frame.

He needs to work on his outside shooting (28 percent from three-point range), but he's a definite rotation player in the NBA. The Hawks need someone who plays with great energy as that hasn't always been a quality on their roster.

18. Atlanta Hawks (From Houston Rockets)—Giannis Antetokounmpo—6'9, 196 pounds—SF/PF, Greece

As the tweet above stated, Antetokounmpo also received a first-round promise from a team. The Hawks could add their second athletic and versatile wing player in as many picks.

It is unclear as to what position the 18-year-old will play in the NBA, but his length, enormous hands and ball handling apparently has at least one team enthralled.

Who says it can't be the Hawks?

19. Cleveland Cavaliers—Steven Adams—7' 250 pounds—C, Pittsburgh

Along with Gobert, no other player helped themselves more during the first day of the pre-draft camp. Adams showed excellent mobility that reminded scouts why the big man from New Zealand was once considered a potential No. 1 pick.

Take a look at what Pro Basketball Draft said about Adams after his performance at the pre-draft camp.

The Cavaliers will have time to allow him develop fully with Tyler Zeller on the roster.

But by the time the draft rolls around, they may have to use their lottery pick if they want him. Adams could be the highest riser in this class.

20. Chicago Bulls—Jeff Withey—7' 240 pounds—C, Kansas

After Jimmy Butler's emergence in the playoffs, the Bulls may be content to go big with this pick. They could always target a veteran shooting guard on the free agent market for depth.

They can't ignore their need for players behind Joakim Noah in the middle, though.

Nazr Mohammed is a free agent and he probably won't be back with the team. Withey is younger and more explosive, but he still rebounds and defends the rim the way Tom Thibodeau demands.

Say hello to the new Omer Asik.

21. Utah Jazz—(From Warriors)—Michael Carter-Williams—6'6" 185 pounds—PG, Syracuse

This probably seems very low for MCW, but if the Jazz don't take him at No. 14, it doesn't appear other teams would place point guard at the top of their list.

Utah would luck out in this scenario as they would be able to address both of their biggest needs. Plumlee and MCW would give the Jazz two high level players from elite programs.

22. Brooklyn Nets—Reggie Bullock—6'7" 225 pounds—SG/SF, North Carolina

Bullock can shoot the ball about as well as anyone in the draft. He made 43.6 percent of his three-point attempts in 2012-13.

He proved this was a strength again at the pre-draft camp. Pro Basketball Draft and Ford tweeted about his performance on Day 1.

The Nets desperately need a player who can make perimeter shots consistently. Bullock fits the need.

23. Indiana Pacers—Shane Larkin—5'11" 178 pounds—PG, Miami

George Hill has been great for the Pacers all season and especially in the playoffs. However, D.J. Augustin is set to be a free agent and that will leave Indiana especially thin at lead guard.

Larkin's ability to create for teammates (4.6 assists) and his three-point shooting (40.6) would make him a solid backup for Hill.

24. New York Knicks—Lucas Nogueira—6'11" 215 pounds—PF/C, Brazil

The Knicks would probably prefer Dieng, Withey or Adams, but there is no doubt that have to add youth and depth in the middle.

New York is ancient at center and durability has become a concern for defensive stalwart Tyson Chandler.

Noguiera is a project, but providing 10 to 15 minutes off the bench while learning from Chandler would be huge.

25. Los Angeles Clippers—Sergey Karasev—6'7" 197 pounds—SG/SF, Russia

The Clips have to re-sign Chris Paul first and foremost. From there a big man to spell DeAndre Jordan would be nice, but pickings may be slim at this point.

Instead, the team could snag a dependable catch-and-shoot guy like Karasev. Karasev would likely see a lot of opportunities playing off CP3 and Blake Griffin.

26. Minnesota Timberwolves (From the Memphis Grizzlies)—Tim Hardaway Jr.—6’5” 195 pounds—SG, Michigan

With Ricky Rubio at the point and Kevin Love playing his inside-out game, the Wolves need someone to space the floor.

Minnesota was devoid of a gunner from the outside last season, but Hardaway Jr.'s skill set could fill that void. This could be a perfect match for the Wolves this late in the first round.

27. Denver Nuggets—Dario Saric—6'10" 225 pounds—SF/PF, Croatia

The Nuggets need to re-sign Andre Igoudala almost as much as the Clips need to re-ink Paul. But before that business is attended to, Denver could select Saric with this pick.

The selection could be a means of covering themselves in the event Iggy moves on. Saric is primarily an offensive player, so the team would still miss Iguodala's defense.

However, he would give teams a potential matchup problem because of his size and perimeter-based skill set.

28. San Antonio Spurs—James Ennis—6'7" 210 pounds—SF/SG, Long Beach State

Ennis' athleticism can't be questioned. He cleared 6'11" in the high jump, so his ability to play above the rim is evident.

He worked hard to improve his outside shot and it showed last season. He made 35 percent of his threes and was a force on the defensive end.

The Spurs are great at selecting players who can contribute later in the draft. Ennis could be the next example.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder—Glen Rice Jr.—6'6" 200 pounds—SG, Georgia Tech

The Thunder could easily lose Kevin Martin to free agency. If that happens, the team will need another scoring option off the bench.

Rice Jr. has been impressing scouts of late. He played in the D-League last season and averaged 25 points and 9.5 rebounds per game during the postseason.

His NBA body and solid athleticism will stand out to teams. As a late first-round pick, he could be a steal for a team looking for a role player.

30. Phoenix Suns (From the Miami Heat)—Tony Mitchell—6'8" 235 pounds—SF/PF, North Texas

Mitchell has superb overall athleticism and strength. He's a little undersized for the power forward spot, but his perimeter skills aren't quite as developed as teams may want for a small forward.

If he can develop a solid outside shot to augment his rebounding and transition proficiency, he would help the Suns a great deal.

Phoenix can take the best player available here. If it selects McCollum with it's first pick, it may as well look to the frontcourt for this selection.

Don’t forget to catch the 2013 NBA Draft Combine action on Thursday, May 16th and Friday, May 17th. The event will be broadcast both days from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET on ESPNU and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET on ESPN 2.

For reairs of the NBA Combine, NBATV will be airing Day 1 coverage on Saturday, May 18 at 12pm ET. Day 2 replays will be Sunday May 19th at 12pm ET.

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