2013 NBA Mock Draft: What Every Team Should Do with Round One Pick

Tuesday night's NBA draft lottery took most of the guesswork out of the draft order process. We now know where each team will select, unless there are trades.

The Cleveland Cavaliers won the top pick for the second time in three years, but almost immediately announced they would entertain offers from teams interested in trading for the pick, per Brian Windhorst of ESPN.

Cleveland isn't the only team that should consider moving its first-round pick. The following mock draft conveys the smartest move for each team with a pick in the first round.

Teams that should move their pick will feature an image within the section. The text for the selection will be highlighted and a trade suggestion will be detailed.

Keep in mind, these picks and trades are based on what every team should do.

With that said, the Cavs are now on the virtual clock.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers Trade with Orlando Magic

Cavs get No. 2 pick, Kyle O'Quinn and Hedo Turkoglu

Magic get No. 1 pick (Nerlens Noel, C, Kentucky)

The Cavs could just select Noel No. 1 and call it a day. While his rim protection and rebounding are great assets, Tyler Zeller has the look of a solid starting center. Perimeter shooting and potential on the wings is far more attractive for Cleveland.

They could just select Ben McLemore and no one would really bat an eye. But chances are, if they dealt the pick to the right team, they could still take McLemore and add some other assets in the process.

The one team that had an opportunity to get the top pick that probably would have taken Noel is the Orlando Magic.

Replacing Dwight Howard as the franchise's next great big man seemed too much for them to resist. 

If the Cavs could get the Magic to part with young reserve center O'Quinn and Turkoglu, it could help both teams. The Magic would get their big man and would only be parting with a 23-year-old center in O'Quinn, who played in 57 games averaging 4.1 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.

Turkoglu makes a boatload of cash at $12 million, but he is an expiring contract. The move could make the Magic an even bigger player in the free agent market now and in the near future.

The Cavs are one of the few teams with cap room to absorb such a deal.

With Turkoglu's deal coming off the books at the end of the upcoming season, it wouldn't tie the Cavs up financially for the long haul. But it would give them a potentially productive veteran off the bench to aid in a playoff run during the 2013-14 season.

Cleveland drafted Dion Waiters in 2012, but his game is best suited for a sixth-man role.

McLemore and Kyrie Irving would form the best young backcourt (both players 25 or younger) in the NBA. In two years, they could be the best backcourt, period. 

Orlando would replace their departed building block, still have tons of money to spend in free agency this summer and in 2014 when the free agent crop could be stellar.

They would also still be in position to grab one of the potential superstars from the 2014 NBA draft. This is a win-win situation.

2. Orlando Magic (Cleveland after proposed trade) Ben McLemore (SG, Kansas)

This may be the last lottery the Cavs are in for a while. They wouldn't be ready to contend just yet, but they are certainly on their way.

3. Washington Wizards: Otto Porter (SF, Georgetown)

The NBA lottery dealt the Wizards a cruel blow. It teased the team with the top pick, but instead dealt the team the third selection.

Taking Noel would have been great for them, but with their backcourt set, the third selection doesn't have a plethora of options.

I could make a case for them trading down to take Gonzaga's Kelly Olynyk or Indiana's Cody Zeller. However, the Wizards also have the need for a do-it-all stat-stuffing guy like Porter.

The small forward out of Georgetown perhaps epitomizes this draft class more than any other player. He isn't a superstar talent, but he is very solid.

Paired with the right club, he could be a very important glue guy. 

4. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Bennett (SF/PF, UNLV)

Charlotte really needed to land in the top two to get a shot at McLemore. His outside shooting and exciting game is what the team really needs on the court and to increase commercial appeal.

This team has always struggled to score. Since its debut in the NBA, Charlotte has never averaged more than 97.1 points per game. It has also only made one playoff appearance in its existence.

With those two dubious distinctions, it is no wonder the organization has never ranked higher than 21st in attendance.

With no realistic shot at drafting McLemore outright and no real trade assets to move up to get him, the Cats—soon to be Hornets—should take Bennett.

The draft's best tweener will give the team an inside/outside scoring option. Grouped with Kemba Walker and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Bennett would be part of a fairly solid young nucleus.

5. Phoenix Suns: C.J. McCollum (PG/SG, Lehigh)

It feels weird to say this, but scoring was a problem for Phoenix. After years of being one of the NBA's best scoring teams, the Suns were 21st in the NBA in points per game.

McCollum is the best scorer in this draft.

Before he broke his foot and missed the bulk of his senior season, McCollum was averaging 23.9 points per game. Through four years, he never averaged fewer than 19.1 per game.

He did attend Lehigh, so the majority of his scoring exploits came against smaller programs. However, McCollum took every opportunity to prove his game will stand up against top programs when given the opportunity.

His 30 points in the 2012 NCAA tournament against Duke keyed one of March Madness' biggest upsets. He also had 36 points this past season against Baylor.

McCollum is no joke and the recent success of the Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard (Weber State) and Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (Davidson) proves small schools can produce stars.

6. New Orleans Pelicans: Trey Burke (G, Michigan)

The Pelicans should be able to get their guy unless someone moves up to snag him. Their only worry could be the Magic if they stay put at No. 2 and decide to build around a lead guard.

Aside from that, Burke is the best fit for a team that already has Eric Gordon and Anthony Davis.

Greivis Vasquez was third in the NBA in assists per game, but he's best suited as a backup point guard on a team that hopes to ascend into the playoffs.

Burke's ability to create for his teammates (6.7 assists per game) and make the outside shot (38 percent from three-point range) makes him an ideal fit.

7. Sacramento Kings: Victor Oladipo (G, Indiana)

Now that we know the team is staying in Sacramento, this organization needs to change its culture. That starts with head coach Keith Smart—who I'm not sure is capable—but from there it has to flow into the players the Kings draft.

Oladipo is a hard-working, defensive-minded player who just happens to be a freakish athlete. 

The current Kings roster doesn't have anyone who fits that description. Can Oladipo contribute on the floor immediately with his defense, rebounding and quick first step?

Of course, but he can also help to change the environment with his leadership and intangibles.

8. Detroit Pistons: Shabazz Muhammad (G-F, UCLA)

Critics are way too harsh on Muhammad. He gets blasted for everything from an age controversy, to perceived selfishness, poor shooting and only slightly above-average NBA athleticism.

While there is some level of truth to all those things, none of it changes the fact that Muhammad got great results as a freshman at UCLA,

He averaged 17.9 points per game and proved himself to be more of a shot-creating scorer than a sharpshooter. If you understand the difference, then you know not to put too much stock in his shooting struggles at the NBA combine.

The Pistons need a perimeter player who can get buckets. Muhammad can do that for sure and no one is going to outwork him or compete harder.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kelly Olynyk (C, Gonzaga)

There is a need in Minnesota for shooters, but the T'Wolves could stand to add a center like Olynyk. He's the most skilled big man in the draft. He is an adept passer from the high post and he could be a great pick-and-pop option for Ricky Rubio.

With Nikola Pekovic headed for free agency, the T'Wolves could take Olynyk as a replacement or potential backup.

10. Portland Trail Blazers: Alex Len (C, Maryland)

Trail Blazers fans may cringe at the team selecting another big man with an injury in the lottery, but Portland needs to find a center to pair with LaMarcus Aldridge.

Len has good size, athleticism and some scouts love his potential. Ideally, the Blazers could go for more of a defensive force in the middle, but it would be hard to argue with this selection.

11. Philadelphia 76ers: Cody Zeller (F/C, Indiana)

As a team tied for last in points per game, the 76ers need to add a prospect who can score. Zeller has some upside there in the halfcourt, but primarily his ability to run the floor is what is most attractive.

At seven feet tall, Zeller is one of the most athletic big men in the draft.

His presence would create transition opportunities for a team that struggles to score when the game is slowed down.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Toronto Raptors) Trade with Chicago Bulls

Oklahoma City gets Luol Deng and a second-round pick

Chicago gets No. 12 pick (Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG, Georgia), Kendrick Perkins and Perry Jones III

Some Bulls fans may scoff at the thought of moving "Gluol," but the Bulls can't afford to pay him, Derrick Rose, Carlos Boozer, Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson after next season.

Deng's contract is set to expire at that time.

The team will probably try to gauge whether he'll sign an extension for less money; if he isn't willing to, the Bulls could be faced with seeing him walk away for nothing at the end of the 2013-14 season.

The smartest move would be to trade him.

Jimmy Butler stepped up all season and in Deng's absence in the playoffs. Chicago can afford to part ways with Deng if they are able to secure other assets.

The Thunder probably won't be able to find a player at No. 12 who can really help them now. With Kevin Durant, a healthy Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka, they have their nucleus built to contend.

With Kevin Martin likely leaving via free agency, the team will have a need for a secondary scorer off the bench. Deng hasn't played the role since he was a rookie, but he could be a great asset to the Thunder on both ends of the floor.

Parting with Jones III should be of no major consequence, he averaged just 2.3 points per game in 38 contests. Perkins has given the team plenty of toughness and low-post defense, but the Thunder could absorb his departure.

Perkins' history with Bulls' coach Tom Thibodeau would make him a desirable backup to Joakim Noah.

KCP would give the Bulls a Three and D player to man the wings defensively and shoot the three ball. This again is a trade that helps both teams.

13. Dallas Mavericks: Dennis Schroeder (PG, Germany)

Mark Cuban's club needs youth and athleticism. Schroeder has the size and speed to be a force at the point-guard position. With no superstar prospect at this point in the draft, the Mavs would be free to take the best player available.

Schroeder's upside is high and his German nationality doesn't hurt his case for landing with the Mavs. It would seem that a chemistry and mentorship from Dirk Nowitzki could help Schroeder make a smooth transition.

14. Utah Jazz: Michael Carter-Williams (G, Syracuse)

Alec Burks is the only point guard the Jazz currently have under contract, They need to add a player who can ultimately be the starter at the position.

MCW is an excellent athlete who also has great size (6'6") for the position. He's a natural point guard, but he does need to improve his outside shooting.

His 29 percent three-point accuracy will be a problem. Still, the size and athleticism combination is too much to pass up for a team in need at the position.

15. Milwaukee Bucks: Dario Saric, (SF/PF Croatia)

This may very well turn out to be a draft-and-stash pick, but Saric's instincts and skill level have drawn rave reviews.

At 6'10", he has excellent ball-handling, passing and shooting skills. Even though he may not be ready to come to the NBA next season, his assets could be worth waiting for.

The Bucks have some needs at 2-guard, but none of the available options figure to outweigh Saric's upside. 

16. Boston Celtics Trade with Los Angeles Clippers

The Celtics get Clippers' 2013 (No. 25) and 2014 first-round pick and Eric Bledsoe

The Clippers get Kevin Garnett and No. 16 pick (Tony Snell SF, New Mexico)

Boston's old nucleus is destined to disband. Rumors are swirling that Paul Pierce won't be back and that could lead to Garnett signing off on a trade.

Los Angeles is probably the only city KG would go to.

The Celtics would be able to obtain an athletic young point guard in Bledsoe who is due to make just $2.6 million next season. They would also gain a pick in the 2014 draft to add value.

By doing this, the C's will likely be headed for the lottery next year. In a deep 2014 class, Boston would have two picks to help establish the next era.

The Clippers need bigs and interior toughness. Garnett would supply that and more for at least a year or two. This is a team looking to win now and convince Chris Paul to re-sign long term. This move would undoubtedly get his attention.

Drafting a long-armed shooter like Snell would give the Clippers more versatility and scoring. 

17. Atlanta Hawks: Jamaal Franklin (SG/SF, San Diego State) 

With the first of back-to-back selections, the Hawks would be wise to take Franklin. Beyond being a freakish wing that rebounds like a power forward (9.5 boards per game as a junior), Franklin has perhaps the draft's best motor.

He has the confidence to take and make big shots, even though his outside shooting needs a lot of work (28 percent three-point shooting).

Because of his work ethic and athleticism, I love his upside. The Hawks roster lacks players who play with a sense of urgency. Franklin could bring that underrated dynamic.

18. Atlanta Hawks (via Houston Rockets) trade to Minnesota Timberwolves

 

Hawks get Timberwolves' No. 26 pick in 2013 and Derrick Williams

Timberwolves get No. 18 pick (Giannis Antetokounmpo, SF, Greece)  and John Jenkins

ESPN's Chad Ford tweeted that Giannis Antetokounmpo had a first-round promise.

We don't know what team was behind it; even if the Wolves weren't the team, new general manager Flip Saunders could still have his sights set on the young man from Greece.

The 19-year-old with the abnormally large hands is still a work in progress. But his upside seems phenomenal based on reports and the video we've seen of him.

Still, he may not be ready to play in the NBA just yet. If all pans out, he could be one of the best draft-and-stash players in recent memory.

As I mentioned previously, Minnesota needs shooters. Through the second half of the season, Jenkins proved he could be a valuable spot-up gunner. He made 38 percent of his three-point shots in 61 games for the Hawks.

Williams has never been able to reach his full potential in Minnesota. A change of scenery could do wonders for the former No. 2 pick overall. Becoming a part of the new-look Hawks should give him every opportunity to play big minutes since Josh Smith is all but certain to leave via free agency.

He is only set to make $5 million next season. If he didn't pan out for the Hawks, he has a team option after the 2014-15 season.

19. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Tim Hardaway Jr. (SG, Michigan)

Hardaway Jr. was one of the most impressive players at the NBA combine.

Everyone knew he could shoot the ball, but he proved himself to be a better athlete than some give him credit for.

His role will still be as a spot-up shooter in the NBA, but that fits in perfectly for the Cavs. As a reserve, Hardaway could provide valuable scoring off the bench. 

20.  Chicago Bulls: Reggie Bullock (SG/SF, NBA D-League)

With the Bulls having already moved Deng and acquired Perkins in this scenario, the team would be free to add a shooter.  

Bullock is one of the draft's best bombers (44 percent from three-point range). At 6'7" and 215 pounds, he also has the size, strength and athleticism to defend.

If you're going to play for Thibodeau, you had better be able to defend.

21.  Utah Jazz (via Golden State Warriors): Mason Plumlee (F/C, Duke)

With Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap possibly leaving via free agency, the Jazz could use depth on the frontcourt.

Plumlee's length and athleticism would match well with Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter. The threesome could make for a solid rotation of young big men.

22. Brooklyn Nets: Allen Crabbe (SG/SF, California)

The wiry shooter from California did well for himself at the NBA combine. He shot the ball which confirmed what most scouts believed, but he also showed solid athleticism.

Brooklyn needs shooters to space the floor for Deron Williams and Brook Lopez. It was very apparent that the team lacked outside shooting against the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the playoffs.

Gerald Wallace was forced to take entirely too many shots from deep. He was predictably ineffective.

As a team, the Nets shot just 31 percent from the arc in the series. This is an area the team must address.

23. Indiana Pacers: Shane Larkin (G, Miami)

Larkin was the star of the NBA combine.

His 44-inch vertical and speed were on full display. Beyond those physical gifts, teams already knew Larkin could shoot the ball well (41 percent from three-point range) and create (4.6 assists per game).

With D.J. Augustin headed for free agency, the Pacers could be left with little to nothing behind George Hill.

Larkin would be an excellent choice as his backup.

24. New York Knicks: Jeff Withey (C, Kansas)

Tyson Chandler and Co. were one of the most elderly frontcourts in the NBA. The Knicks have to add depth and youth in the paint.

The Pacers pushed them around inside and the Knicks simply didn't have the muscle or energy inside to stop it. Withey is a big-body rim protector who could ultimately succeed Chandler as the team's starting center.

In the immediate, he would give the team something they didn't have this season: a dependable backup center.

25.  Los Angeles Clippers (Boston after proposed trade) Gorgui Dieng (C, Louisville)

Even though the Celtics will have parted ways with Garnett in this scenario, they could still snag a young rim protector with the Clippers' pick.

Dieng's defense was one of the most valuable aspects of Louisville's national championship run. It would be great if he could be tutored by Garnett in his early years, but you can't have everything.

He'd still be a nice secondary building block for the Celtics' future.

26.  Minnesota Timberwolves (Atlanta after proposed trade)  (Steven Adams, C, Pittsburgh)

Even if the Hawks are able to lure Dwight Howard to Atlanta, making sure he has an adequate backup is important. Al Horford is better suited for the power forward spot and the team would have a wealth of talented bigs at their disposal.

Adams is still very raw—especially offensively—but he would benefit from playing against Howard in practice.

If D12 doesn't come back home to Atlanta, taking Adams makes even more sense. He could ultimately grow into the starting center role.

Adams performed well at the NBA combine, which could push his stock out of the Hawks' range for this pick.

27.  Denver Nuggets: Sergey Karasev (G, Russia)

Denver is athletic and versatile on the perimeter, but they don't have an abundance of shooters. Shooting just happens to be Karasev's specialty.

The 6'7" lefty drained 49 percent of his threes during the Eurocup this past season. He isn't a great athlete, but with the Nuggets looking for players to spread the floor, Karasev would prove to be a smart choice.

28.  San Antonio Spurs: Erick Green (PG/SG, Virginia Tech)

George Hill originally made a splash as Tony Parker's backup and injury replacement during the 2009-10 season. Hill started 43 games for the Spurs in a scoring point guard role and his career has blossomed since.

Green could play a similar role for the Spurs if he was selected here.

As a senior, he scored 25 points per game in the ACC; he also dished out 3.8 assists. As a sixth man, he could play a valuable role spelling Parker or even taking over for the aging Manu Ginobili.

Spurs fans may not want to accept it, but Manu is a unrestricted free agent coming off a $14 million salary in 2012-13. He's 35 years old and set for a massive pay cut to stay with the Spurs, or he'll have to move on.

Either way, the Spurs would be wise to get his replacement on the roster.

29.  Oklahoma City Thunder: Rudy Gobert (C, France)

To say Gobert is long is like saying LeBron James is pretty good. The Frenchman is 7'2" with a 7'9" wingspan.

In this mock draft, the Thunder would have moved Perkins, so adding another defensive-minded big man would be smart.

Gobert has more length and much more upside than Perkins. Even if he's not ready to come to the NBA this season, he's worth developing overseas for a season or two.

30.  Phoenix Suns (via Miami Heat): Tony Mitchell (SF/PF, North Texas)

With the final pick in the first round and needs at nearly every position, the Suns can just take the best player available. Mitchell is an incredible athlete who could be a ferocious rebounder, defender and finisher around the basket.

If he can accept his niche as that type of a player, he could have a nice impact in the league. He's definitely worth taking at this point in the draft for Phoenix.

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