NBA Draft 2013: Power Ranking Top Big Men in Class
The 2013 NBA draft does not have a franchise-changing center like Anthony Davis last year.
However, there are a number of solid big men who should play in the league for a long time. Some, like Nerlens Noel of Kentucky, excel on the defensive side of the ball. Others, like Kelly Olynyk of Gonzaga, are more comfortable on the offensive side.
Either way, teams looking for a starting big man will have several options to choose from. We'll power rank the best in the class.
Nerlens Noel, Kentucky
Despite tearing his ACL in February, Nerlens Noel expects to be ready by Christmas:
This is good news for NBA teams, because Noel is the best pure center in this draft. A seven-footer with a 7"4' wingspan, Noel is an impact defender. He has terrific athleticism and blocks or alters nearly every shot that comes by him.
He's very raw on the offensive end and averaged just 10.5 points per game in college. He's limited to mostly dunks and putbacks. His offensive game won't be helped by the fact that he will miss training camp and a few months of NBA action.
Still, Noel projects as a game-changing defender in the mold of Tyson Chandler or Ben Wallace. His ability to block and alter shots is supreme, and that skill alone could be worth the first overall pick.
Alex Len, Maryland
Alex Len sure is high on himself. Despite averaging just 12 points last season, the big man told the Washington Post that, "maybe 10 years from now, I’ll be the best player out of this draft."
The 7'1" center does have excellent offensive ability, but he has yet to put it all together. In some games he showed dominant offensive potential, like one against Nerlens Noel and Kentucky in which he scored 23 points and had 12 rebounds.
However, it wasn't consistent enough, and he needs to develop more moves down low. In addition, while he has great length to be a defensive stud, he needs to learn how to stay out of foul trouble, as he averaged nearly five fouls per game.
Also, Len hasn't been able to work out due to a partial stress fracture in his left leg, an injury that required surgery.
Right now, Len is a bit of a mixed bag. He has a lot of potential, and with his skill set, it is possible that he could end up as the best player in this draft class.
But he needs to put it all together on a more consistent basis. Until that happens, he's one of the riskiest picks in the draft.
Kelly Olynyk, Gonzaga
Kelly Olynyk is probably the best offensive center in this draft class. Last year, he averaged 17.8 points per game.
Olynyk is equally comfortable in the post and out on the perimeter. His versatility on offense will make him a coveted prospect.
Also, he has an unique ability to handle the ball, which could make him intriguing for teams that like to play an up-tempo style.
On defense, Olynyk is a work in progress. While he plays with good effort, he's simply not athletic or strong enough to hang in the post.
Still, he offers teams a versatile scorer with instant offense off the bench. That should be worth at least a late lottery pick.
