NBA Draft 2013: Latest Big Board and Top 30 Projections for Week of May 29
There is less than one month until the 2013 NBA draft takes place, which means that this a perfect opportunity to take a look at the latest big board and update our list of top-30 prospects.
Not much has changed since last week, as the scouting combine is in the books and private team workouts are in full swing.
However, there’s still a few big movers and shakers this week, so keep reading in order to find out who they are along with some updated analysis on each of these potential NBA draft picks.
Last week’s big board can be found here. Please note that this is not a mock draft, but an overall ranking based on grade. The grade for each prospect is based on combine performance, production in college (or overseas), and NBA projections on a curve.
No. 1: Nerlens Noel, PF/C, Kentucky (Remains No. 1)
Noel may not be the surest No. 1 pick in draft history, but the Cleveland Cavaliers would be hard-pressed to find another prospect worthy of selecting over the Wildcats star.
Even if he has to miss an extended amount of time during his rookie campaign and won’t be able to significantly contribute until he adds some weight to his 206-pound frame, Noel is the right call at the top of the class.
The big man is simply oozing with upside on both ends of the court and already possesses All-NBA shot-blocking skills.
Grade: A+
No. 2: Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana (Up from from No. 3)
Oladipo is an athletic freak that can impact the game without the ball in his hands, using his defense and hustle to inspire teammates and lock-down the opposition.
He’s a safe bet to become a quality player at the next level, which is why every club will have the Hoosiers product near the top of their big board and are likely to give him heavy draft consideration.
Grade: A+
No. 3: Ben McLemore, SG, Kansas (Down from No. 2)
McLemore will find a home within the first few picks come draft day, largely due to his elite shooting skills, upside as a franchise scorer and world-class athleticism.
However, until he finds a way to become a more reliable and consistent weapon, the Jayhawks star will struggle in the NBA. There’s no way that McLemore can succeed while checking out mentally for large stretches at a time, as he did late in the regular season and into the NCAA tournament.
Grade: A
No. 4: Otto Porter, SF, Georgetown (Remains No. 4)
Porter is an all-around player that will undoubtedly end up becoming an integral part of an NBA roster.
The Hoyas swingman can do a bit of everything at a high level, although he doesn’t truly excel in one particular area. Regardless, his capabilities on defense, as a complimentary offensive weapon and as a hustle guy make Porter a home run selection in the early lottery.
Grade: A
No. 5: Trey Burke, PG, Michigan (Remains No. 5)
Despite Burke’s epic showing during March Madness, scouts are beginning to wonder if this young man has the athleticism required to handle point guard duties in the NBA.
He certainly has the scoring chops and passing skills, but his quickness and size aren’t what you will see in a prototypical, Grade-A prospect at the position.
However, given his prior success and intangibles, those scouts would be wise not to bet against the Wolverines superstar, and Burke will definitely become the steal of the draft if he falls outside the top-10.
Grade: A
No. 6: Anthony Bennett, SF/PF, UNLV (Remains No. 6)
If Bennett were a few inches taller, he’d likely be challenging Noel for the rights to be picked first in 2013.
However, the tweener forward has strength and scoring skills to play down low, while also being capable of sliding over to the small forward spot. As a 3, the UNLV product is capable of defending his counterpart and either taking his man off the dribble or firing away from deep.
Grade: A-
No. 7: C.J. McCollum, SG, Lehigh (Remains No. 7)
McCollum is a pure scorer, plain and simple. He’s not going to wow anyone with his size, but he’s proven, time and time again, that he can put the ball through the bottom of the net.
Whether he lines up at the point or as an undersized shooting guard, as a starter or coming off the bench, this young man out of Lehigh will find a way to make an impact in the NBA.
Grade: A-
No. 8: Michael Carter-Williams, PG, Syracuse (Up from No. 9)
Carter-Williams is one of the top passers we’ve seen in recent years, but his game has two serious flaws.
He’s an inadequate jump shooter and relatively raw finisher at the rim, plus has to work on his somewhat shaky handle. If the 6’6” prospect can improve in those areas, he could be one of—if not—the best players in this class.
Grade: A-
No. 9: Cody Zeller, C, Indiana (Down from No. 8)
Zeller improved his stock at the combine, as his athletic tests and measurements were special and look to be top-10 worthy in this weak draft.
While he may never become a bona fide star, the Indiana big is a ready-to-contribute prospect that can run the floor and finish around the rim at an acceptable level.
Grade: A-
No. 10: Dario Saric, SF, Croatia (Remains No. 10)
Saric is a great selection for a late-lottery team looking to roll the dice on a potential superstar.
The Croatian sensation has long arms and a high basketball I.Q., but the 19-year-old is still a bit of development and gym time away from making the leap to American shores.
Grade: B+
No. 11: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG, Georgia (Up from No.14)
KCP is capable of doing everything most modern NBA franchises are either lacking or use a platoon for at the off-guard position.
This Bulldogs star can create his own shot, bomb away from well beyond the arc, get to the cup, defend athletic wings, make the smart pass and more. Don’t be shocked if he sneaks into the top-10 come draft day.
Grade: B+
No. 12: Alex Len, C, Maryland (Remains No. 12)
Len isn’t the most polished prospect, but his upside is undeniable.
If he can continue developing his back-to-the-basket game, in combination with an unstoppable 7’1” frame, this Terps star may just wind up as the best big man selected in 2013.
Grade: B+
No. 13: Steven Adams, C, Pittsburgh (Up from No. 15)
Adams is another player that shot up the big boards at the Chicago-based scouting combine.
He lived up to expectations in the measurement department and did better than expected in drills and athletic tests.
Although he’s still projected as nothing more than a defender coming out of Pittsburgh, he could pick up some semblance of an offensive game and become a starting center in this league.
Grade: B
No. 14: Shabazz Muhammad, SF, UCLA (Down from No. 11)
Muhammad is one of the most polarizing players in this class, as the UCLA swingman seems to either be a franchise scorer that oozes upside, or an older-than-expected prospect that has the markings of a surefire bust—depending on who you are asking.
The true answer is probably somewhere in the middle, as this young man could become a great scorer but doesn’t project to be much of a contributor in other facets of the game.
Grade: B
No. 15: Gorgui Dieng, C, Louisville (Down from No. 13)
At age 23, Dieng isn’t exactly the kind of high-ceiling, developmental project that most teams are considering in this lottery.
However, any squad that feels it is missing a serviceable big man in the frontcourt should give this Cardinals center a look. Dieng is an intelligent low-post passer, great rim protector, solid athlete and has the size to defend his position.
Grade: B-
No. 16: Kelly Olynyk, C, Gonzaga (Remains No. 16)
The ‘Zags big man did himself no favors at the combine, confirming to onlookers that he’s a mediocre athlete with short arms.
However, Olynyk never found success at the collegiate level based on his agility or leaping skills, but rather he relied upon his crafty face-up game and range on his jumper. Those talents translate seamlessly to the next level.
Grade: B-
No. 17: Jamaal Franklin, SG, San Diego State (Up from No. 21)
Franklin has freakish athleticism and incredible rebounding skills for an off-guard, making him one of the most intriguing prospects in this class.
The one thing setting him back is his jump shot, as the Aztecs star simply doesn’t have a reliable enough jumper to make defenders respect him on the perimeter.
If he can fix his mechanics and up his shooting percentages to something respectable, Franklin may be one of the biggest steals in the draft.
Grade: B-
No. 18: Mason Plumlee, PF, Duke (Down from No. 17)
Plumlee is a hard-working, blue-collar garbage man that will find a way to help the team that drafts him on a nightly basis.
Whether he’s going after every rebound, putting back errant shots, chasing down loose balls or aggressively defending, this Blue Devils senior will earn minutes and make a difference.
Grade: C+
No. 19: Dennis Schroeder, PG, Germany (Remains No. 19)
Schroeder has some nice upside and could be the first point guard off the board after Burke and Carter-Williams.
He’s an excellent penetrator that can either finish at the rim or kick it out to an open teammate, depending on what the situation calls for. Factor in his impressive athleticism and instincts, and you are looking at a solid prospect in the mid-to-late first round.
Grade: C+
No. 20: Jeff Withey, C, Kansas (Remains No. 20)
Withey’s likely not going to blossom into some offensive powerhouse, but his shot-blocking, defense and rim protection skills are good enough to carve out a long career in the Association.
Expect the Jayhawks big man to come off the bench for a contending team and give some respectable minutes on a nightly basis.
Grade: C+
No. 21: Allen Crabbe, SG, California (Down from No. 18)
Crabbe is a streaky shooter that can fill it up from beyond the arc when he gets dialed in.
He has to work on his defensive effort and shot selection, but this gunner projects as a solid scoring option coming off the pine. Any club with an under-manned second unit should consider Crabbe in late June.
Grade: C
No. 22: Shane Larkin, PG, Miami (Up from No. 23)
Larkin’s athleticism has vaulted him into the first round, although his size (5'11") certainly leaves something to be desired.
Regardless, his Hurricanes star should be able to make his mark at the next level. Whether he’s blowing past his defenders or being utilized to guard some of the quicker point guards in the league, he should find a way to succeed.
Grade: C
No. 23: Sergey Karasev, SG, Russia (Down from No. 22)
Karasev is a long-range sniper that will have no problems making the journey from Russia to the United States with most of his skills intact.
While the level of competition may be higher in the NBA, the difficulty level of knocking down open shots remains the same.
Grade: C
No. 24: Glen Rice Jr., SG, D-League (Remains No. 24)
Rice Jr. may not be teeming with upside or have the highest ceiling, but he could provide instant support in his rookie year due to his D-League experience.
This young man has been playing against NBA-caliber opponents and displayed a solid knack for scoring, rebounding and facilitating during his time with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
Grade: C
No. 25: Tony Mitchell, SF, North Texas (Up from No. 27)
Mitchell is a two-way forward that can defend both the 3 and the 4.
He was supposed to pan out as a natural, smooth scorer, but that hasn’t happened for the Mean Green star just yet. Regardless, due to his athletic abilities, defensive tendencies and rebounding level, this youngster should find a home at the end of the first round.
Grade: C
No. 26: Giannis Adetokunbo, SF, Greece (Down from No. 23)
The “Greek Freak” possesses undeniable talents as a passer and an athlete with his 6’9” frame.
However, outside of that, there isn’t much known about this international man of mystery. This won’t matter in the latter portions of the draft, though, when at least one general manager will decide that he wants to roll the dice on his upside.
Grade: C-
No. 27: Tim Hardaway Jr., SG, Michigan (Down from No. 25)
Hardaway Jr. is a skilled scorer that isn’t afraid to pull up from anywhere on the court to attempt a shot.
That’s gotten him into some trouble, but once this Wolverines star can nail down his shot selection and improve his handles, he could be a menace to deal with in the NBA.
Grade: C-
No. 28: Reggie Bullock, SG/SF, UNC (Unranked last week)
Bullock’s combine performance was good enough to help him land a guaranteed contract in June’s draft.
The big shooting guard is a stout rebounder, solid shooter and quality locker room guy.
Grade: D+
No. 29: Rudy Gobert, PF/C, France (Up from No. 30)
Gobert’s sheer size alone (7'2") makes him almost a lock for the first round, but he has to improve if he’s going to become an NBA-level talent.
The Frenchman isn’t much of an athlete, but he can nearly reach the basket standing upright with a 9’7” reach.
Grade: D+
No. 30: Lucas Nogueira, C, Brazil (Down from No. 29)
Nogueira is a fun prospect to watch, as the sinewy big man is always looking to block a shot or make a highlight-reel defensive play.
If he develops his offensive game, this Brazilian may become a serviceable rotation player at the next level
Grade: D+
