2013 NBA Mock Draft: Likely Targets for Every Team in the First Round

As the NBA Finals are set to begin, all but two teams are free to concentrate on their draft strategies. The Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs likely have an idea of who they will target, but the other 28 teams are already in a offseason state of mind.

A few teams have their star player in place, so the 2013 NBA draft class is ideal. The group isn't filled with star power, but there are quite a few players who could provide contenders valuable depth or become complementary pieces.

This mock draft will reflect the players most likely to be chosen by each team. It will also spotlight players who have an opportunity to play a significant role in a playoff run next season. These selections will appear in italics and feature an image.

(All height, weight, age and wingspan references are per Draft Express.)

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Nerlens Noel (C, Kentucky)

According to ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst, we've heard talk from Cavs GM Chris Grant of moving the top pick. The Washington Post's Michael Lee claims they may end up taking Georgetown Hoyas small forward Otto Porter.

Trading the pick could be beneficial, but finding the right star player to pair with All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving could be difficult. The best move would probably be to take Kansas' Ben McLemore and move Dion Waiters to a sixth-man role, but the Cavs won't do that.

Taking Noel is the safest choice because of his upside as a defensive presence. Though he may not contribute much in his rookie season, he could pay big dividends down the road. In addition to Noel's upside, the Cavs will likely remain in play for one of the potential franchise players in the 2014 NBA draft.

ESPN's Andy Katz asks the million-dollar question?

2. Orlando Magic: Ben McLemore (SG, Kansas)

The Magic have reportedly explored the possibilities of trading Arron Afflalo to the Los Angeles Clippers for Eric Bledsoe and Caron Butler's expiring deal, per ESPN's Chad Ford (insider account required).

That move would make room for McLemore in Orlando. While I believe McLemore to be the best overall prospect in the draft, he's a jump shooter who needs another star on the floor to get him shots.

The Magic don't have that yet. Perhaps they can acquire a playmaker or post presence to open up shots for McLemore in the near future.

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

This is the spot where Porter should be drafted. The Wizards are ever so close to becoming a playoff team and Porter could be the piece that helps them take the next step.

Washington's backcourt is set with John Wall and Bradley Beal. The Wizards even have an athletic, versatile young forward in Jan Vesely who is still developing.

Drafting the do-it-all Porter would give the Wizards a glue guy.

Every playoff team needs a player like Porter. He could have the same effect on the Wizards team that Luol Deng has for the Chicago Bulls or Andre Iguodala did for the Denver Nuggets this past season.

Porter isn't spectacular in any aspect of the game, but he's good at just about everything. As a sophomore he averaged 16.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.9 steals and he shot 42 percent from three-point range.

Wall, Beal and Porter could be a very nice trio. 

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

Unless the Bobcats trade up, they are going to miss out on the players who could really help them the most. Bennett is a sensible selection here, but McLemore or Noel would have a bigger impact.

Bennett is a scoring tweener who is built like Paul Milsap, but gifted with more athleticism and more game off the dribble. He'd likely start from Day 1 at power forward and give the Bobcats an inside-outside scoring threat.

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

McCollum will be the best pure scorer to emerge from this year's draft. He can put the ball on the floor, get to the free-throw line and he's deadly from three-point range (51.9 percent as a senior).

The Suns need an offensive weapon and a lead guard. McCollum's ability to run an NBA offense are still in question, but his skills as a scoring guard are not.

Phoenix could take him here and give him an opportunity to be its point guard. If the Suns want to go with a more natural playmaker in the future, McCollum would still have major value as a sixth man or shooting guard, if the true point guard the team acquires has good size.

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

Burke to New Orleans continues to be the most obvious selection of the top 10 picks. There is some question as to whether he'll make it past the Magic and the Suns.

If he does, expect the Pelicans to pounce.

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

Sacramento needs to think about more than just on-court ability with this pick. The team's culture needs an overhaul and it has a new owner.

While grabbing a talented player is important, the Kings also need a prospect who will help move the team in the right direction in the locker room. Oladipo is that guy.

He's a hard-working, defensive-minded player who the team could only hope would rub off on his teammates.

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

Despite what some critics say about Muhammad, the kid can score. Detroit has its bigs of the future in place and needs an offensive-minded wing player who can get buckets.

He's an extremely competitive on both sides of the floor and he wants to be great.

Muhammad averaged 17.9 points per game as a freshman. He isn't as efficient off the dribble as he is as a spot-up shooter, but he's a hard worker who won't settle for deficiencies in his game. He has an Alpha Male attitude that needs to be tweaked a bit, but he's still just 20 years old.

He has a lot of maturing left to do, but the potential to be a 15-to-18 point per game scorer is there. As Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe continue to develop, the Pistons could be in line for a sizable improvement during the 2013-14 season.

Obviously, the ongoing search for a new head coach will be a major factor. Maurice Cheeks appears to be emerging as a favorite, per Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press.

That said, if the team selects Muhammad, don't be surprised to seem it make a run at the seventh or eighth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves: Alex Len (C, Maryland)

Kelly Olynyk would be a better pick for the T'Wolves, but Len seems to be held in higher regard around the league. I like Len's upside, but he strikes me as a player who may never reach his full potential.

With Olynyk, you know what you're going to get. He's a skilled big with good vision as a passer, a nice touch from outside and solid footwork in the low and high post.

However, if Len stays healthy and proves me wrong, the Wolves could absorb the potential loss of Nikola Pekovic to free agency.

10. Portland Trail Blazers: Kelly Olynyk (C, Gonzaga)

Olynyk isn't the type of defensive presence in the middle the Blazers truly need. That's why trading down would be advisable for them.

With LaMarcus Aldridge in place, the team doesn't need another finesse big man. As I mentioned above, I like Olynyk's game, but not as much in Portland.

That said, if the Blazers don't trade the pick, Olynyk is still the best big who wouldn't be considered a reach at No. 10.

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

The best pick for the 76ers would be McCollum, but since I predict he'll be off the board by the No. 11 pick, this prediction will have to go elsewhere.

McCollum could have given the Sixers great scoring punch off the bench. He could even play alongside Jrue Holiday in the same backcourt.

At any rate, Zeller still has value here for Philly. The team needs athletic bigs who can excel in transition. Few—if any—bigs in this draft are as athletic as Zeller. He too would help the woeful Sixers offense.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Toronto Raptors) : Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (G, Georgia)

KCP would not only be part of a deep playoff run if he were drafted by the Thunder, he could play a major role for a team that reaches the NBA Finals in his rookie season.

The Thunder could very well lose Kevin Martin in free agency. His departure would create a void at the the shooting guard position. The team has Jeremy Lamb, but he was unable to earn any minutes in his rookie season.

KCP could offer the Thunder a mixture of what Thabo Sefolosha and Martin offered the team this past season. KCP is an athletic finisher who is also a proficient spot-up shooter. He made 37 percent of his three-point attempts as a sophomore.

He's also a good on-ball defender who plays the passing lanes well. He collected two steals per contest at Georgia during the 2012-13 season. He would be an excellent selection for the Thunder at No. 12.

13. Dallas Mavericks: Dario Saric (SF/PF, Croatia)

All signs seem to point to the Mavs moving this pick, per Tim MacMahon of ESPN. Dallas wants to make sure it has cap room to make a run at Dwight Howard.

The obligation to sign a lottery pick would tie up valuable cash.

If the Mavs do keep the pick, selecting an international player like Saric makes sense. His game is versatile like former NBA player Toni Kukoc, but his buyout situation could be complicated.

Dallas could also allow Saric to learn from Dirk Nowitzki.

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

Utah has only one point guard under contract, so it has to make the lead guard position a priority. MCW has a rare combination of size (6'5") and athleticism for the point guard slot.

His 29 percent three-point shooting is a concern, but a jump shot is the easiest skill to add.

If he develops this aspect of his game, Carter-Williams could be one of the best players from this draft in three years.

15. Milwaukee Bucks: Dennis Schroeder (PG, Milwaukee)

Both Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis are free agents. The Bucks may bring one of them back. Per ESPN's Marc Stein, the team may favor Ellis over Jennings.

That would mean Milwaukee could target a point guard with this pick. While the Bucks may favor MCW here, I predict the Jazz won't let him slip by them.

Schroeder has great length for the position at 6'2" with a 6'7.25" wingspan. He's extremely quick and he's a natural playmaker. Rumors from NBADraft.net have surfaced that the Boston Celtics made Schroeder a draft promise. Gery Woerfel of the Journal Times reports that promise has been subsequently denied by Schroeder's agent.

The Bucks don't have to allow Schroeder to fall in the Celtics' lap. He could be the replacement for Jennings if the team chases Ellis.

16. Boston Celtics: Steven Adams (C Pittsburgh)

With ESPN's Jackie MacMullan hearing that Kevin Garnett is likely to return to the Celtics (h/t CSNNE.com), Boston will still have its productive and influential veteran big man for at least a year.

KG would be the perfect player to help mentor Adams. The latter's offensive skills and overall basketball I.Q. is limited, but he has clear physical tools.

More impressive than his physical gifts is his work ethic and willingness to learn. Celtics fans may not love Adams right away, but if the team drafts him, he could be an excellent player in two or three years.

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

If Franklin weren't injured, he'd probably be one of the hottest names in the pre-draft process. Check out this comparison from Umair Khan from BulletsForever.com.

I understand the comparison, but Franklin's upside is even higher than Butler's.

He isn't a great shooter, but he's a superior athlete who will give max effort on both sides of the floor. If he can get a dependable jump shot, he could become an All-Star.

Yes, you read that right.

18. Atlanta Hawks (via Houston Rockets) Giannis Antetokounmpo (SF, Greece)

With back-to-back picks in the first round, the Hawks seem to be in the best position to take a player like Antetokounmpo. He's 6'9" with incredible length and hand size.

The 19-year-old has also displayed excellent ball-handling ability and good athleticism. He may have the most upside of any player in the draft, but there is still so much that is unknown about him.

Because of the Hawks multiple picks in a draft without clear superstars, this is the perfect spot to take a risk.

19. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Reggie Bullock (SF/SG, North Carolina)

Tony Snell is getting more love in some mock drafts, but Bullock has shined in workouts and he has a better motor. Inside Carolina tweeted this quote from an individual in the Denver Nuggets' front office:

Both players have legit size for the small forward position, but Bullock will be the better defender and the better overall athlete. He and Alonzo Gee would give the Cavs a solid rotation of small forwards.

I'm in total agreement with CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein's assessment:

20. Chicago Bulls: Tim Hardaway Jr. (SG, Michigan)

The 2013-14 season is the year the Bulls should be in position to make their most serious run at an NBA title. With Derrick Rose healthy and a core of Deng, Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer presumably returning, the team is in great position to combat the Heat and Indiana Pacers.

Of course, they still need a shooting guard to take pressure off Rose. Perhaps the aforementioned Jimmy Butler is that guy. Butler played very well down the stretch of the regular season and in the playoffs.

That said, the Bulls still need depth and shooters. Hardaway Jr. has been impressive in the pre-draft process and we all know he can shoot the ball. If the Bulls select him here, he could be a valuable bench contributor or even a starter for the team.

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

The point guard position is top priority for Utah, but assuming they address that with the 13th pick, the team could use the 21st selection to add depth to their frontcourt.

Al Jefferson and Millsap are both free agents and it would seem the Jazz want to make room for Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter. Drafting Mason Plumlee would provide the team another athletic big man for the future.

22. Brooklyn Nets: Tony Snell (SF, New Mexico)

Gerald Wallace played hurt much of last season, but his inability to make outside shots hurts the Nets' offense. A small forward who can better stretch the floor for Deron Williams and Brook Lopez would be a better fit.

Snell is that type of guy, though the low-motor perception would scare me away. The Nets needs impact players and I'm not sure Snell is going to be that.

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

The Pacers pushed the team I believe will win the NBA Finals to the brink. Indiana won't lose most of its key parts and it should get a healthy Danny Granger back for next season.

The team could elect to trade his expiring contract for assets, perhaps even a higher draft pick, but as it stands they will again be solid next season.

Backup point guard D.J. Augustin is a free agent and drafting Larkin could allow the Pacers to fill the void inexpensively.

Larkin wowed everyone with his performance at the NBA combine. He's a natural leader and floor general. He would give the Pacers a more capable backup for George Hill next season.

24. New York Knicks: Gorgui Dieng (C, Louisville)

The Pacers almost did to the Heat what they did to the Knicks. The physical Pacers bullied the shorthanded Knicks on the inside. Much of that can be attributed to Tyson Chandler's physical ailments and the advanced age of the rest of the Knicks' big men.

New York must get younger in the frontcourt and that should start with selecting a rim protector like Dieng.

He could make an immediate impact as Chandler's backup, but he could also start when Chandler needs a night off. The Knicks need another dependable scorer, but they aren't likely to find that at this stage of the first round.

Shoring up the interior defense is the smartest approach.

25. Los Angeles Clippers: Jeff Withey (C, Kansas)

Assuming the Clippers retain Chris Paul, the team's No. 1 priority should be adding depth in the middle. DeAndre Jordan's penchant for falling into foul trouble and his inability to make free throws is an issue. Acquiring another big man is a necessity if the Clippers are going to seriously contend.

Jordan did lead the league in field goal percentage in 2012-13, but he shot just 38 percent from the free-throw line.

Withey is a big-bodied rim protector who is more skilled than Jordan, but not as athletic. He knows how to defend in the post and close to the basket without fouling.

Though his free-throw percentage dipped to 55 percent in his senior season, it is still better than Jordan's. In addition to that, Withey made 79 percent of his attempts as a sophomore, so the ability is there.

Withey wouldn't supplant  Jordan as starter, but he could definitely take some of his minutes.

26. Minnesota Timberwolves: Sergey Karasev (G, Russia)

Minnesota needs shooters to spread the floor and Karasev has garnered a reputation as one of the draft's best. Despite struggling in a recent workout, few will doubt his ability to consistently make the NBA three-pointer.

The Wolves should beware stocking their team with less-than-stellar athletes on the perimeter, though.

While Ricky Rubio may be able to create opportunities for Karasev as a spot-up shooter, he and the 19-year-old Russian could struggle defensively.

27. Denver Nuggets: Erick Green (PG/SG, Virginia Tech)

Andre Miller is 37 years old, so the Nuggets need to look for another capable point guard to work in tandem with Ty Lawson.

Green is more of a scorer than a true point guard, so his skill set is an even better fit with Lawson. The two could play together or Green could come off the bench for instant offense.

He scored 25 points per game as a senior for Virginia Tech. He's a real sleeper for the team that drafts him late in the first round.

28. San Antonio Spurs: Lucas Nogueira (C/PF, Brazil)

At some point, Tim Duncan is going to retire...I think. When he does, the Spurs need to have bigs capable of stepping up. Tiago Splitter and Nogueira could ultimately form an All-Brazilian PF/C combination.

The Spurs have always had good luck with international players. Taking Nogueira could continue the trend.

The 20-year-old is long and athletic, but his offensive skills are very raw. Because of his length (6'11" with 7'4.94" wingspan) and dexterity, he could make an immediate impact as a shot blocker.

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

Adding size on the inside is always a good idea late in the first round. Gobert's otherworldly length makes him an intriguing prospect—He has a 7'9" wingspan to augment his 7'2" height.

With Gobert, Serge Ibaka, Kendrick Perkins and Hasheem Thabeet, the Thunder would have the requisite size to give a team like Miami troubles in a series.

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

When a team is picking this late in the first round, taking the best player available is always advisable. When you need a little bit of everything like the Suns, it makes even more sense.

Mitchell is one of the draft's best athletes, but he needs to embrace a role as a defender/rebounder to maximize his potential.

If he does, he has the tools to be one of the most impactful defensive players in the draft.

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