NBA Draft 2013: Coaches and GMs Who Will Find Franchise Players
The 2013 NBA draft may not hold as much star power as the draft 10 years ago, but that doesn't mean there aren't stars to be had.
Here's a look at the teams I see drafting future stars, complete with the coaches and general managers of each.
Mike Brown, Chris Grant, Cleveland Cavaliers (No. 1): Nerlens Noel, PF/C, Kentucky
There's still some debate surrounding who the Cavaliers will pick at No. 1 overall, but, when it comes down to it, Nerlens Noel has star potential as a shot-blocker and a rebounder. He averaged 4.4 blocks in 24 games in his freshman season at Kentucky.
The Cavaliers still have veteran Anderson Varejao at center, but Noel could provide depth in the short term and eventually supplant Varejao. Noel still needs to work on his offensive game, but it's hard to pass up a true paint protector.
Jacque Vaughn, Rob Hennigan, Orlando Magic (No. 2): Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana
The Magic could go with Kansas shooting guard Ben McLemore here, but Victor Oladipo is more of a sure thing, in my opinion. Not only is Oladipo an outstanding defender, he has the potential to be a complete player, evidenced by his spike in field-goal percentage last season at Indiana.
Beyond that, Oladipo's work ethic (which undeniably allowed him to increase his shooting percentage from 47 percent to 59 percent in two years at Indiana) is unquestioned. His character is off the charts.
Maurice Cheeks, Joe Dumars, Detroit Pistons (No. 8): Anthony Bennett, PF, UNLV
New coach Maurice Cheeks will be looking to add a franchise player in Detroit. If Anthony Bennett drops here, there is plenty to like about the 6'8", 240-pound big man.
Bennett not only has the power to play in the post, he has the athleticism and explosiveness to play at small forward. Beyond his versatility, he comes complete with an inside-outside game, outstanding rebounding skills and good range (he shot 38 percent from downtown last season at UNLV).
Bennett will only provide more depth in Detroit's powerful young frontcourt, with the potential to fill in at small forward. He's a tough, strong big man who should appeal to Joe Dumars, a member of Detroit's "Bad Boys" in the '80s and '90s.
