2013 NBA Mock Draft: Updated Predictions Prior to Start of NBA Finals

The 2013 NBA Finals are set, with the San Antonio Spurs and defending-champion Miami Heat settle to battle in their respective cities for the 2013 NBA title. 

While the East and West representatives get ready to do so, the other 28 teams in the league are diligently preparing their draft boards, going over free agent strategies and plotting ways to get back to the top of the totem pole next season. 

The first way to take steps toward that end game is through the 2013 draft. 

As June 27 inches closer and prospects continue to rise and fall through mock drafts and projections alike, we understand that the board is rotation and nothing is set in stone. Even the first pick, held by the Cleveland Cavaliers, is subject to change. 

With two more teams joining the mix as losers during the 2012-13 season, here's a fresh look at an updated version of my mock draft. 

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: C Nerlens Noel, Kentucky

One of the best defensive players we've seen in college in quite some time, Noel made his mark on Kentucky, the SEC and the NCAA (4.4 blocks per game) in one quick season for John Calipari and the Wildcats. 

Cleveland certainly has a high-caliber center already in place in Anderson Varejao, but his future in Ohio is anything but certain after years of injury-prone play and a contract that expires after next season. With that in mind, Cleveland can afford to fill a need for the future even though Noel likely won't be ready for the start of next season. 

2. Orlando Magic: SG Ben McLemore, Kansas

McLemore, Victor Oladipo, Otto Porter Jr. and Trey Burke have all been floated around for this pick if Noel comes off the board first to the Cavs, and all could help the Magic get better after a dreadful year in the post-Dwight Howard era. 

The young shooting guard from Kansas gets the nod here because of his immense potential, his ability to step back and knock down the three with ease from all over the court and a defensive mentality that is underrated if you re-watch his one full season with the Jayhawks. Those three characteristics (and more) are all likely on Orlando's radar. 

3. Washington Wizards: SF Otto Porter Jr., Georgetown

Washington would love to fill out its starting lineup with an NBA-ready talent like this sophomore from Georgetown, and the fact that he's been playing in the nation's capital already is an added bonus. 

The smooth, lanky forward is a noted defensive monster, does well in transition and reminds some scouts (including a self prognosis, via Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press) of former Detroit Pistons and current Memphis Grizzlies forward Tayshaun Prince. 

Filling a need while stabilizing this lineup for the future, Porter is a lock to be the No. 3 pick should he fall into Washington's lap after the first two selections are submitted. 

4. Charlotte Bobcats: SG Victor Oladipo, Indiana

Dime magazine posed this question in late May: Could Victor Oladipo be the next Michael Jordan?

Whether or not your answer to that question is yes, his Airness would do well to at least consider Oladipo with the No. 4 pick, in large part because of how impressive this young man is on and off the court and because Charlotte isn't exactly oozing with talent at shooting guard on its current roster. 

From providing defense and being given the chance to improve his scoring prowess without much threat of worry behind him on the bench, and take on a leadership role on the team right away. Paired with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist on the wing, Charlotte would have the makings of an interesting young duo with Oladipo in tow. 

5. Phoenix Suns: SF/PF Anthony Bennett, UNLV

Phoenix likely feels like the other 29 teams do about the player above, but unless they maneuver a trade to move up to No. 1 or No. 2 to grab Oladipo or McLemore, it will likely mean they are left without a true pick of the litter. 

Fortunately, 16-point, eight-rebound per-game guy Anthony Bennett is still on the board at No. 5. His playmaking ability is well documented, and although somewhat of a defensive liability at times, Bennett would be one of the most talented players on the roster right away. 

In an up-tempo offense like Phoenix, there's no telling what kind of versatility and success he could accomplish as a rookie. 

6. New Orleans Pelicans: PG Trey Burke, Michigan

Trey Burke is a playmaker, he can handle the ball about as well as anyone in this class and he should be one of the premier players at his position in the next five years. 

Before that can happen, though, he'll have to prove in New Orleans that he can take criticism, fight for a job at a young age and handle the everyday schedule of the NBA. It's a tall task to ask from a rookie, but New Orleans would love to have another guy not named Greivis Vasquez to make something happen on the court. 

Burke, Vasquez, Eric Gordon, Anthony Davis and Ryan Anderson would be an interesting, high-scoring lineup to watch out for in the Western Conference next season. 

7. Sacramento Kings: C/PF Cody Zeller, Indiana

Cody Zeller strikes me as a young man who will continue to work his tail off to get better at his position at the next level. That's exactly the kind of mindset the Kings will need to return to the playoffs, or better yet, put together a consistent season of performances from their lineups. 

The case for DeMarcus Cousins already being in town is obvious—but as you saw with Vasquez above and will see below in other cities, you don't always avoid taking players because starters are in place. Talent creates competition, which creates depth, which is crucial to success in the NBA. 

Zeller would be a welcome addition to the suddenly blue-collar Kings' effort to rebuild this franchise into a winning machine once again. 

8. Detroit Pistons: SF/SG Shabazz Muhammad, UCLA

I fully expect Detroit to be on the horn with teams in the top five during the first part of the draft, but that strategy doesn't always lead to a trade for a player of interest. 

If it doesn't the one thing I've failed to account for in a few of my last mocks is that Detroit is in the market for some playmaking on the perimeter without sacrificing the development of young star point guard Brandon Knight. 

With Shabazz Muhammad the last true combo wing on the board, Detroit could take a gamble on his baggage and no-assist game simply because it's hard to find a scorer like this anywhere else in free agency or the rest of the draft if the Pistons were to take another guard or even trade down. 

9. Minnesota Timberwolves: C Alex Len, Maryland

Alex Len is considered a fringe top-five prospect by some, but players slip through the cracks every year in drafts and this guy is one that might do just that on draft night. 

Averaging over 11 points and seven rebounds during the second of his two years at Maryland, Len proved that he's a capable big men with plenty of room for growth. He averaged 2.1 blocks per game in both of his seasons at Maryland, and showed a nice presence around the rim when fed the ball in stretches. 

For Minnesota, losing Nikola Pekovic is a real possibility, and although the T'Wolves need help at guard, there isn't another center in this draft that will be available at No. 26 that has the upside of a guy like Len. 

10. Portland Trail Blazers: C/PF Kelly Olynyk, Gonzaga

Portland will likely list depth at all five positions as a major concern heading into the draft, so getting a skilled player who can step in right away and provide that depth will be a point of emphasis at No. 10. 

The Blazers can find that in Kelly Olynyk, a rugged forward/center prospect from Gonzaga who really impressed in his second-to-last season of eligibility for the Zags. With a good mid-range game and a solid body to bang around in the post, Olynyk is somewhat of an interesting prospect because he played against "lesser" competition in college. 

That won't stop teams from evaluating him in workouts over the next month, and as noted by Doug Smith of the Toronto Star, he carries a rare skill-set with him to the pros. 

11. Philadelphia 76ers: PG/SG Michael Carter-Williams, Syracuse

Syracuse guard Michael Carter-Williams is an intriguing prospect for the NBA draft in large part because of his size (6'6") and anticipated ability to play both guard positions at the next level. 

Philadelphia might not be an ideal fit because the 76ers clearly lack shooting and playmaking from the two-guard spot heading into free agency, but as a backup guard off the bench and one that will primarily handle the ball as the backup point guard, MCW makes sense behind Jrue Holiday at No. 11. 

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via TOR): C Gorgui Dieng, Louisville

Holding steadfast with a few of my last predictions, Gorgui Dieng stays put at No. 12 with respect to the Thunder. 

Needing a long-term option at center with only Kendrick Perkins and Hasheem Thabeet around to put up a fight, Oklahoma City would be wise to grab a center who can contribute soon, understand his role and rarely needs the ball. 

Dieng is all three of those things, and would give the Thunder another option down low should they decide to try and part ways with Perkins or lose trust in Thabeet. 

13. Dallas Mavericks: PG/SG C.J. McCollum, Lehigh

When it comes to scoring off the bench, the Mavericks were set with Vince Carter and Darren Collison last season. That doesn't mean the Mavs didn't miss Jason Terry, but luckily, a pure college scorer is available right now with pick No. 13. 

Should the Mavs choose to keep this pick, it would be wise to take a look at the senior guard from Lehigh if he drops this far down the board. He was averaging 23.1 points per game before an injury cut his senior year short, and that kind of scoring output is valuable at any level. 

Needing production on offense and guys to fill out the roster (Dallas has six currently under contract) McCollum would be a nice pickup if he fell to No. 13. 

14. Utah Jazz: PG Shane Larkin, Miami

With a clear need at point guard heading into the offseason, Shane Larkin's name is not one mentioned when you go back and revisit the 2013 draft back a year ago. 

That's the nature of the beast, and after a stellar year with the Hurricanes and a solid NBA combine workout, Larkin finds himself as one of the best PGs available behind Michigan star Burke. 

The Jazz aren't set at point guard, and in fact, they have a dearth of floor generals if you look at their free agent situation. Larkin might be a reach at No. 14 to some, but for the young Jazz—who have young pieces all over the roster—getting a point guard to mold wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. 

15. Milwaukee Bucks: PG Dennis Schroeder, Germany

Speaking of point guards, Dennis Schroeder is a guy you need to pay attention to when researching the best at that position in this draft. 

Although he's relatively unknown, Schroeder has a lightning-quick first step, improving jump shot and he makes plays—no matter who is guarding him or the lineup on the court. 

With Milwaukee facing point guard extinction the next two seasons depending upon the Brandon Jennings/Monta Ellis situation, Schroeder is a quality backup/point guard of the future to start molding for the upstart Bucks. 

16. Boston Celtics: C/PF Mason Plumlee, Duke

Boston is in a precarious position with some of the contracts on its roster, making this draft important for Danny Ainge to keep Boston in playoff contention next year. Rajon Rondo will be back, sure, but aging Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett will account for roughly 35 percent of the team's cap number heading into the 2013-14 campaign. 

I see Boston as a team that might want to trade down, pick up a future first and maybe offload one of those contracts in this draft, but if not, the team can find depth down low and a future starter in Mason Plumlee. The Duke legend works hard on the glass, plays above the rim and will get better on defense with time—fans in Boston should love him. 

17. Atlanta Hawks: SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Georgia

There's no guarantee a scorer like KCP falls down the board this far, but if he does, a logical landing spot for his services would be in Atlanta with the Hawks. 

Playing for Georgia the last two seasons, not only is this a geographical fit, but Atlanta is likely going to have to retool at every positions. With two straight picks, the Hawks can afford to take a shooting guard here even though last year's first-round pick—John Jenkins—will be under contract. 

18. Atlanta Hawks (via HOU): C Rudy Gobert, France

With that second pick, the Hawks can buy into the rave reviews on French center Rudy Gobert. The young big man has a 7'2" listed height, a 7'9" wingspan and a 9'7" standing reach—numbers that should make your jaw drop. 

When you're done gawking, look up some more tape on this young man and notice how his role as a rim protector, pick-and-roll specialist and improving offensive threat would fit with the Hawks, who would then be able to move Al Horford to power forward for good. 

19. Cleveland Cavaliers (via LAL): SF Dario Saric, Croatia

The Croatia teenager has gotten rave reviews from some, and the Cleveland Cavaliers would feel vindicated for not taking Porter if Saric was on the board at No. 19. 

A playmaker who can handle the ball, shoot the jump shot via isolation and play his natural position (SF) well, the 6'10" Saric would fill a need at small forward on the Cleveland roster and add some three-point shooting, to boot. 

Although he's only shooting roughly 30 percent right now behind the arc for his Croatian team, Saric is the kind of Danilo Gallinari-type player that is hard to find in any draft. 

20. Chicago Bulls: SG Allen Crabbe, California

As the Bulls reflect on this season and get ready for another (hopefully with Derrick Rose back at the starting point guard spot) I have a feeling they'll want to address the bench with respect to scoring responsibilities. 

Nate Robinson was great, and Marco Belinelli came on strong during the postseason. But with Jimmy Butler expected to man the starting two-guard spot moving forward, the Bulls are somewhat devoid of a scoring option on the bench. 

Enter Allen Crabbe, a three-year man from Cal who shot nearly 46 percent from the field and another 38 percent from three in his final year with the Golden Bears. At over 18 points per game, too, Crabbe could anchor that job for a team expected to come full-circle if Rose returns to the lineup.

21. Utah Jazz (via GS): C Steven Adams, Pittsburgh

With the point guard position shored up, the Jazz can face the reality that one of the two big men expected to hit the open market (Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap) likely won't be returning to the team next year. 

With Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter ready to take on more responsibility, the Jazz can afford to take a center who needs some steady playing time and mentoring to develop. Adams is just that, though his ceiling remains high in pre-draft rankings and he did well at Pitt despite being in a brand-new environment as a freshman last year. 

22. Brooklyn Nets: SG/SF Tony Snell, New Mexico

Tony Snell has jumped off several draft boards over the past few weeks, largely because he's in the mold of Kawhi Leonard with slightly more athleticism but a less NBA-ready game coming out of college. 

For the Nets, who will likely have to face facts with Gerald Wallace and Jerry Stackhouse soon, grabbing some depth on the wing would be nice. Snell is a legitimate 6'7", plays high-caliber defense and is ready to perform at the next level on a nightly basis. At No. 22, he could wind up being a steal. 

23. Indiana Pacers: SG Jamaal Franklin, San Diego State

Like the Bulls, the Pacers know first-hand that while their depth and strength in the frontcourt is a big plus against the Miami Heat, their depth at the guard position is not. 

Although a healthy Danny Granger and another year of Orlando Johnson would help the rotation, there's no guarantee what Indiana does with either of those players.

Without a starting-caliber point guard available and very few capable of providing Indiana with a significant upgrade over D.J. Augustin, the Pacers would be better off nabbing a spark plug on offense to compete and bolster the bench. 

24. New York Knicks: SG Tim Hardaway Jr., Michigan

Jason Kidd's retirement reaffirms that New York needs to address the guard position via either the draft, free agency or re-signing some of their own. 

With the centers available not exactly the kind that are going to push Tyson Chandler for time right away, the Knicks might be better off finding a three-point marksman for the bench and the second unit in a guy like Tim Hardaway Jr. 

A standout at Michigan last year, Hardaway has NBA bloodlines and the pedigree to get above the rim when he needs to. The Knicks are anything but guard-heavy heading into this offseason, and this young man is one of the best few guards available. 

25. Los Angeles Clippers: SF/PF Tony Mitchell, North Texas

The Clippers have no shortage of high-flying athletes on their roster right now, but depth will be thin behind Blake Griffin and Caron Butler heading into the draft. 

One player no one is questioning the athleticism of is North Texas standout sophomore Tony Mitchell, who lost some luster after a rough second year in college but did not lose his first-round name after the combine and workouts. 

Adding depth and potential to a roster that will need to make short-term, low-value contracts a high priority anyway, Mitchell would be a nice addition to the team heading into training camp. 

26. Minnesota Timberwolves (via MEM): SG/SF Sergey Karasev, Russia

Sergey Karasev is a standout shooting guard from Russia who should be considered a first-rounder unless something crazy happens in the last five picks of the opening round. 

From outside shooting to basketball IQ, the sky is the limit for this 6'7", left-handed wing, and he would be a great fit alongside countryman Andrei Kirilenko next season as the T'Wolves try to rebuild the wing positions from the ground up. 

27. Denver Nuggets: SF Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greece

The Nuggets took an international player with their first round pick in 2013 (Evan Fournier), and there's little doubt they would do it again if they could find a player who makes the team better in the long-term. 

Denver is also all about versatility, and there's no draft pick—you heard that right—that has the potential to be a versatile forward/guard/post/do-it-all player at the NBA level once his game develops a bit more. 

With a couple of the team's wings up for free agency (Andre Iguodala, Corey Brewer) the Nuggets might be left with some holes to fill moving forward. Although very raw, Antetokounmpo is a nice draft-and-stash guy with an eye toward two or three years from now. 

28. San Antonio Spurs: C Lucas Nogueira, Brazil

The Spurs are a perfect place for a guy like Sergey Karasev, but that's alright—there's plenty of other international guys on the board who would help San Antonio start rebuilding down the road. 

One such guy is Lucas Nogueira, a Brazilian center who has impressed us on tape with his ability to block shots and play above the rim. "Raw" is the word of choice here, and that's a word that won't bother the Spurs—Tiago Splitter is playing great and Tim Duncan has at least another year. 

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: PG Pierre Jackson, Baylor

Pierre Jackson makes his first appearance on a mock draft of mine in this selection prediction, largely because a closer study of his game and the state of the point guard situation in this draft continues to draw more questions than answers. 

One thing that isn't a question—Pierre Jackson can flat-out ball. 

Although undersized, Jackson has shades of J.J. Barea and Jameer Nelson in his game, plays with intensity on both ends and isn't afraid to take the big shot if his team needs it—all things that make him a valuable backup point guard right away. Although the Thunder have Reggie Jackson, they also have Perry Jones III, and plenty of room to keep developing for the future. 

30. Phoenix Suns (via MIA): SG/SF Reggie Bullock, North Carolina

With Anthony Bennett in tow after pick No. 5, the Suns will still have to address either the center spot or a wing position with their second pick of the first round, and Reggie Bullock is a guy continuing to draw attention out of UNC. 

Playing in 100 games in three seasons for Roy Williams, Bullock's 38.7 career clip from three is only surpassed by the fact that he shot an unreal 43.6 mark from the outside during his final college season. 

If his stats from his junior season—13.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists per game—hold up during his first couple of NBA seasons, then the Suns have a steal at the bottom of the first round. 

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