2013 NBA Mock Draft: Best Plays for Every NBA Team in Round 1
The 2013 NBA draft is approximately two weeks away, meaning it's time to take an updated look at how the first round will shake out.
Despite the constant dismissals of this class by detractors, these 30 selections will have a major impact on the future of the NBA and could house a number of big-time stars.
Let’s take a look at how each team should approach this draft in order to have the best shot at landing the best possible talent at the time of its selection.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Nerlens Noel, C, Kentucky
Despite some talk of other players garnering consideration for the No. 1 overall selection, the Cavs would be downright foolish to pass on Noel here.
He’s a high-upside big man with incredible rim-protection capabilities and immediately becomes one of the top-five shot-blockers in the game.
Given that he plays a position of need for this young Cleveland squad, expect them to pull the trigger on this pick come June 27.
2. Orlando Magic: Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana
Oladipo is a special talent who uses his nonstop energy and motor to impact the game as much as he does his athleticism and finesse.
The Magic need a point guard, but it’s simply too early to draft Trey Burke or Michael Carter-Williams. Expect the team to attempt to acquire one via trade or free agency.
3. Washington Wizards: Otto Porter, SF, Georgetown
Porter makes sense for the hometown Wizards, as this Hoyas star can contribute strongly in all facets of the game.
The swingman struggles at time to create his own shot, but John Wall and Bradley Beal can offset his weakness and allow him to concentrate on defense, rebounding, knocking down open jumpers and more.
4. Charlotte Bobcats: Ben McLemore, SG, Kansas
McLemore is an elite prospect that could end up becoming the best overall player in this class.
He’s capable of scoring from anywhere on the court and has a beautiful release on his jumper, but has to work on staying engaged and motivated for the duration of a game.
5. Phoenix Suns: C.J. McCollum, G, Lehigh
McCollum is a versatile guard that can man both the 1 and 2, depending on the matchups and what the situation calls for.
He’s arguably the best shooter in the class and will find a way to make an impact regardless of where he lines up in Phoenix.
6. New Orleans Pelicans: Alex Len, C, Maryland
Pairing Anthony Davis and Alex Len in the frontcourt could pay dividends for the Pelicans, as the two big men possess highly complementary skills.
While Davis is an athletic freak at the 4 who protects the rim with his ability to spring up, Len is a more deliberate 5 who utilizes low-post moves to score on offense and his size to keep his man from getting position in the paint on the other end.
7. Sacramento Kings: Anthony Bennett, PF, UNLV
Bennett represents a major value for the Kings here, as the Rebels' versatile star can line up at guard and both forward positions.
He has to work on becoming more aggressive in the low post and add polish to his back-to-the-basket game, but should be able to find significant minutes in his rookie year.
8. Detroit Pistons: Trey Burke, PG, Michigan
Burke would be a fan favorite in the Motor City, especially after leading the Wolverines to a national-championship-game appearance in March.
He would force Brandon Knight to slide to the 2, a move that would rejuvenate Detroit's backcourt and form a solid tandem to complement the team’s youth movement in the frontcourt—which features up-and-comers Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG, Georgia
KCP is the most complete off-guard in this class and may be one of the top players at his position in a few years.
This Bulldogs product can create shots off the bounce, bomb away from beyond the arc, defend his position, pass well and do everything a shooting guard should at a high level, except handle the rock.
With Ricky Rubio in the backcourt, the Timberwolves will be able to hide Caldwell-Pope’s weakness and help him develop into a star.
10. Portland Trail Blazers: Steven Adams, C, Pittsburgh
Expect the Blazers to trade out of this pick in order to acquire a veteran center for a potential playoff run next season.
If they stay put, Adams would be a strong developmental piece who could soak minutes early on due to his defensive capabilities.
The Blazers would have to hope he acquires the offense talents required to become a starter in this league down the line.
11. Philadelphia 76ers: Cody Zeller, PF, Indiana
Zeller is NBA ready, as he can run the floor like a gazelle and finish at the rim with ease.
He may never become a star, due to his low ceiling, but he could carve out a long career with a team like the 'Sixers as a rotation-caliber big man.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Toronto Raptors): Rudy Gobert, C, France
Gobert has the markings of a prototypical big-man bust, as he’s non-athletic and lacking the basic basketball skills required to play in the Association.
However, he’s huge with an even bigger wingspan, attracting the attention and intrigue of a number of general managers around the league.
A team with nothing to lose by whiffing in the lottery—such as OKC—will likely roll the dice on this Frenchman.
13. Dallas Mavericks: Dario Saric, F, Croatia
Saric may withdraw from the draft, a decision that could come back to haunt him if he follows through.
He hasn’t officially pulled his name out of the running—as per ESPN’s Chad Ford (behind Insider pay wall)—meaning the Mavs and other teams may still have a shot to nab this high-upside Croatian sensation.
If Saric wizens up and realizes that this is his best chance to become a lottery pick, the young swingman, with a high basketball IQ and a knack for passing, could eventually be a strong contributor for a rebuilding Dallas squad.
14. Utah Jazz: Michael Carter-Williams, PG, Syracuse
Carter-Williams is the best facilitator in this class, making him a perfect fit for a Utah team that is starved for unselfish play at the guard position.
This team is going to be making some major changes this summer and could see a number of inexperienced players assuming larger roles next season. Without a pass-first point guard in the lineup, their development could be stunted.
15. Milwaukee Bucks: Kelly Olynyk, C, Gonzaga
Olynyk will help the Bucks change things up and add some offensive firepower to their defensive-minded stable of bigs.
He’s not going to wow anyone with his athleticism or add much in terms of protecting the rim, but this ‘Zags star can stretch the floor, hit consistently out to the three-point line and open things up for the struggling guards in Milwaukee.
16. Boston Celtics: Shabazz Muhammad, SF, UCLA
Muhammad is a natural successor to Paul Pierce in Boston, as the left-handed swingman from UCLA is one of the best pure scorers in the class.
His ceiling has been lowered after the age scandal, and there are questions about his ability to be anything more than a point producer at the next level, but the C’s would be getting a steal for a player that could eventually take over as the franchise scorer.
17. Atlanta Hawks: Jamaal Franklin, SG, San Diego State
Franklin is an athletic freak that rebounds well for his position and possesses a motor that just will not quit.
What he’s missing is a reliable jump shot, which is something that the Hawks should be willing to gamble on. If he eventually develops this and adds it to his repertoire, the Aztecs star will be a major steal at No. 17.
18. Atlanta Hawks (via Houston Rockets): Gorgui Dieng, C, Louisville
Dieng could help the Hawks become a more versatile team by allowing Al Horford to slide to his natural power-forward spot when he’s on the floor.
The 23-year-old big man may not have a high ceiling, but he can protect the rim, block shots, defend his position and pass extremely well from the low post.
19. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Tony Mitchell, PF, North Texas
Mitchell is a versatile forward that can guard both 3s and 4s, plus use his athleticism to jump over most big men to grab rebounds.
If he ever reaches his ceiling as the Kevin Durant-like scorer he was projected to be out of high school, this Mean Green product could turn out to be something special.
20. Chicago Bulls: Tim Hardaway Jr., SG, Michigan
Hardaway Jr. has the size and range to start in the Bulls backcourt next to Derrick Rose.
While his shot selection is questionable and his handle is rather poor for a guard, that’s nothing that time in the gym can’t fix. Regardless, this Michigan man will mostly be used as a spot-up shooter to stretch opposing defenses and keep them honest.
21. Utah Jazz (via Golden State Warriors): Jeff Withey, C, Kansas
Withey has some issues on the offensive end but should be able to carve out a long career in the NBA due to his size and skills.
The Jayhawks product is a legit 7-footer that can swat shots and serve as a deterrent to opposing penetrators in the paint. He’ll likely end up as a backup in Utah, logging minutes behind Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors—the projected starters next season.
22. Brooklyn Nets: Mason Plumlee, PF, Duke
Plumlee is a hard-working power forward who will give his all every minute he’s on the court.
He may not be the most talented prospect, but he’s going to swing games with his energy and hustle. The Blue Devils senior makes for a nice depth option in the Brooklyn backcourt.
23. Indiana Pacers: Shane Larkin, PG, Miami
The Pacers' weak second unit was exposed in the postseason, and the difference between starter George Hill and backup D.J. Augustin was day and night. The latter was simply awful, and the team must upgrade via the draft.
Larkin was the most athletically impressive performer at the combine and should be able to help Indiana by igniting the break and keeping control of the ball whilst picking up the pace.
24. New York Knicks: Allen Crabbe, SG, California
Crabbe is a long-range specialist that can fill it up when he’s feeling it.
While J.R. Smith is expected to re-sign, he would provide a contingency plan in case the sixth man of the year spurns the Knickerbockers.
If they are both rostered, the Cal star should be able to soak some mop-up minutes at the end of the bench and eventually take the reins from Smith.
25. Los Angeles Clippers: Dennis Schroeder, PG, Germany
Schroeder is a speedy point guard that can easily get to the rack and finish, although he has to work on his passing.
The Clips may lose Chris Paul in free agency or trade Eric Bledsoe for a veteran, making this German a perfect insurance policy.
26. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Memphis Grizzlies): Sergey Karasev, SF, Russia
Karasev is a long-range shooter that could immediately jump to the NBA and begin knocking down treys.
He’d feel right at home in Minnesota, as the T-Wolves employ fellow Russian-national-team players Alexey Shved and Andrei Kirilenko.
27. Denver Nuggets: Giannis Adetokunbo, SF, Greece
The Greek Freak may be a half-decade or more from competing in the NBA, but he could eventually take the league by storm.
Expect a squad like Denver—which has plenty of talent already on the roster—to take a stab on this long-term project and hope he develops into the superstar it needs to become a bona fide championship threat.
28. San Antonio Spurs: Glen Rice Jr., SG, D-League
The Spurs could use another versatile shooter that can rebound and pass well while playing either the 2 or 3.
Rice Jr. has had some character issues, but should thrive in a strong locker room like San Antonio’s.
29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Lucas Nogueira, C, Brazil
Nogueira has the physical ability to become an NBA contributor, but hasn’t found a way to put it all together on the court yet.
The Thunder should be in the market for an eventual replacement for Kendrick Perkins, making this high-risk, high-reward prospect a worthwhile gamble.
30. Phoenix Suns (via Miami Heat): Tony Snell, G/F, New Mexico
Snell is an uber-athletic shooter that should be able to jump right into the Suns' swingman rotation.
Although he has a lot to work on in other areas outside his three-point sniping, this New Mexico star clearly has the athleticism and size required to star in the NBA.
