With Thursday's 2013 NBA Draft right around the corner, your boys at Spider Dribble sat down and pounded out our version of the night's first round. It's an exciting, important night for NBA fans all across the world, and we had to throw our two cents into the hype with our official 2013 Mock Draft.
From Alex Len to those mysterious foreign dudes whose names Arvind Mahankali would have trouble sounding out, head down bottom to see just who we've got going where.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers - Nerlens Noel, C | Kentucky
Although some reports have the Cavs opting for Maryland's Alex Len with the top pick, we think a prospect like Noel is too good to pass up here. Despite his ACL injury that should keep him out until at least December, Noel is a defensive playmaker with the length and instincts to be a game-changer at the five for many years to come.
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| Will a defensive-minded Kentucky center go number one for the second straight year? |
While they could use help just about anywhere, Orlando's glaring need was in the scoring category, where the trade-blocked Arron Afflalo led the Magic at 16ppg. While Orlando does possess a few young players with sky high potential (Nikola Vucevic, Tobias Harris), an athletic, scoring wing could improve the team exponentially. Enter KU's McLemore, whose size, athleticism and stroke will make him a prototypical NBA two with high defensive potential.
3. Washington Wizards - Otto Porter, SF | Georgetown
With questions surrounding nearly all prospects and where they'll end up on draft night, this is the one pick SD was 100% sure on. With the explosive, young backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal charging the Wiz into the future and capable veteran bigs anchoring the paint, a versatile, athletic wing could round the Wizards into a force to be reckoned with in the east. Porter, measuring in at 6'9", 200lbs, is just that, and will prove to be an NBA ready pawn able to make an instant impression on an improving Washington squad.
4. Charlotte Bobcats - Alex Len, C | Maryland
Despite many believing he'll beat out Nerlens Noel for the Cavs' number one pick, we think he'll fall to number four and the lowly Charlotte Bobcats. With needs all across the board, the Hornets-to-be really couldn't go wrong here, but they invest in who some scouts suggest is the pool's highest upside player. At 7'2" with good instincts, the defensive potential is there while his impressive ability to catch and finish down low makes him a great all-around prospect.
5. Phoenix Suns - Anthony Bennett, PF | UNLV
The near unanimous choice for the field's most talented player was UNLV's tweener forward, Anthony Bennett. An explosive player who can score from anywhere on the floor, including treys, Bennett was nearly unguardable with the ball in his hands. While his defense isn't anything to write home about, scouts believe he has the physical tools and the potential to vastly improve on D. The Suns are desperate for a versatile offensive guru, and that's just what they're getting in Bennett.
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| Is the ceiling on Bennett overrated or can he become an NBA star? |
The Club formerly known as the Hornets know Robin Lopez was groomed to be more of a backup center in The Association, making the selection of a new five here an easy one. The hard part, though, was which one. While Monty Williams was praying for Alex Len to fall, the next best prospect is UI's athletic Cody Zeller. Although Zeller boasts great speed and footwork for his size, he'll have to bulk up to become an effective post scorer and defender in the punishing keys of the NBA.
7. Sacramento Kings - Trey Burke, PG | Michigan
The Kings have a number of needs, but their two most glaring lie at the point guard and small forward positions, where Isaiah Thomas and John Salmons don't seem to be mainstays of the future. With the PG talents left on the board, we expect the Kings to favor in the direction of a new floor general, a spot for which B10 Player of the Year Burke's talents fit perfectly. We also wouldn't be surprised with a CJ McCollum sighting here, either.
8. Detroit Pistons - Victor Oladipo, SG | Indiana
Joe Dumars is beaming when he sees the ultra-athletic, shutdown defenseman Oladipo still on the board at number eight. A lengthy shooting guard capable of guarding both the two and the three, teams know exactly what they're getting with Oladipo on the defensive end. Where the questions arise are his offensive game. A sure defensive stud is one thing NBA teams don't worry about taking a risk on, and if his junior season improvements are any sign of the offensive player he can become, VO could be on his way to a long, successful NBA tenure.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves - CJ McCollum, SG | Lehigh
The Wolves have been on the hunt (ha, pun) for an athletic, scoring two-man for years. After the Brandon Roy experiment failed miserably, expect Flip Saunders to continue searching for a SG and nab Lehigh's standout and perhaps the pool's most natural scorer, McCollum. At only 6'3" he's more of a tweener guard, but with a 6'7" wingspan his length is a plus.
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| Can Lehigh's bigtime scorer translate his talents to the NBA? |
Like the Pelicans, the Trail Blazers are definitely heading into draft night with center as their number one priority. While many experts expect Zeller to go here, we're expecting him to be long gone already, opening the door for the raw, yet talented Steven Adams. Although JJ Hickson was a nice surprise last season, he's probably not starting center quality, making Adams and 2012 first rounder Meyers Leonard a nice, young duo up front.
11. Philadelphia 76ers - Gorgui Dieng, C | Louisville
12. Oklahoma City Thunder - Kelly Olynyk, C | Gonzaga
Sam Presti and the stacked Thunder don't have any real pressing needs, but with the hugely overpaid yet disappointing Kendrick Perkins anchoring the lineup, a change is likely imminent. Out of Gonzaga, Olynyk is an interesting prospect, who has an impressive perimeter skill set for a seven footer. Questions lie in his defensive potential, where he is very undersized due to a short 6'9" wingspan.
13. Dallas Mavericks - Michael Carter-Williams, PG | Syracuse
While many believe the Mavs will try to move this pick in order to make a run at a marquee free-agent (I'm Dwight Howard?), if Mark Cuban keeps it, point guard or center will be the way to go. If any of the previous bigs are left, expect them to pull the trigger, but since we're guessing they won't be, MCW is a great pick for the Mavericks. With Mike James and Darren Collison currently running the floor, an upgrade should be a priority. Although Carter-Williams' jumpshot is a definite turnoff, his size and intangibles make him an attractive prospect.
14. Utah Jazz - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG | Georgia
Caldwell-Pope is one of the 2013 draft class' most prolific scorers, yet he remains under the radar due to Georgia's disappointing campaigns. He boasts typical SG size with a 6'5" frame and a 6'8" wingspan but his athleticism and versatility offensively is what makes him stand out. The Jazz could use both a PG and SG here, but are glad to land KCP at 14 and will wait just seven picks before undoubtedly choosing a floor general at 21.
15. Milwaukee Bucks - Shabazz Muhammad, SG | UCLA
Once thought to potentially become the NBA's next big star, Shabazz Muhammad's name has only faded since he arrived at UCLA. Justifiably bashed for his selfish play (he only averaged 0.9 assists per game last season in LA) and his off the court incidents, Muhammad will catch an opportunity with the Bucks, whose offense will be hurting next season after Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis inevitably bolt for new squads.
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| Can Muhammad overcome selfish play and off-court issues to become the league's next big scorer? |
The C's biggest need lies in the paint, where a defensive rim protector and offensive weapon could man the frontcourt next to the on-the-way-out KG. However, Plumlee is a little undersized to be as effective on D as he was for Coach K. Don't be surprised if Boston opts for France's lengthier Rudy Gobert to play the same role.
17. Atlanta Hawks - Rudy Gobert, C | France
With Josh Smith likely gone, the Hawks will move centerpiece Al Horford to his more natural position of PF, leaving the five spot wide open for Mike Budenholzer's new squad. While Gobert wasn't their first choice, the center heavy lottery left slim pickings for Atlanta. A project that will likely spend a year or two overseas, Gobert has an insane 7'9" wingspan, making him an invaluable defensive anchor who can also catch and finish on the offensive end.
18. Atlanta Hawks - Tony Mitchell, PF | North Texas
Often viewed as one of the field's most talented players, the Hawks will be looking for a player like Mitchell to eventually replace the always threatening Josh Smith, whether it's next season or further down the road. Mitchell is a classic tweener, who measures in at 6'9" but plays more like a small forward. His athleticism, skill set and length make him an attractive prospect who could turn into a Paul George-esque talent in this league.
19. Cleveland Cavaliers - Giannis Adetokunbo, SF | Greece
One of the draft pool's most mysterious players, we expect the Cavs to take a flyer on the 6'9" athlete, who, given their core of Irving, Thompson, and now Noel, can afford to stash a project overseas for a year or two. With a 7'2" wingspan, Adetokunbo is one of the longest players in the draft who could prove to be a defensive superstar after a few seasons of improvement and experience.
20. Chicago Bulls - Allen Crabbe, SG | California
Even with a 100% healthy Derrick Rose returning next season, the Chicago Bulls will be in need of some added scoring with Nate Robinson, Marco Belinelli and Rip Hamilton all seeming to be headed elsewhere. The pure shooting Crabbe expanded his offensive game during his time at Cal, evolving into a more complete scorer who could also excel on D given his 6'6" frame and gifted athleticism.
21. Utah Jazz - Shane Larkin, PG | Miami (FL)
Utah's biggest need lies at the point, but with plenty of PG options remaining they addressed the two position with their 14th overall pick. They are happy to see Miami's small yet ultra-quick Larkin fall to them at 21, where he could prove to be an effective ball-handler and pick-and-roll creator for the Jazz.
22. Brooklyn Nets - Erick Green, PG | Virginia Tech
One of the 2013 draft class' most underrated prospects, is a bigtime scorer who can shoot the trey or take defenders off the dribble. The 2012 ACC Player of the Year will replace CJ Watson as Deron Williams' primary backup, but could one day become a starting score-first point in the NBA.
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| Can VT's Erick Green be the draft's biggest steal? |
The UNC wing with an undeniable stroke and an NBA ready body could provide instant scoring off the bench for a Pacers team who came one win short of a Finals appearance. His size and length give him great defensive potential; pair that with his scoring ability and Indiana nabbed a steal in Bullock.
24. New York Knicks - Lucas Nogueira, C | Brazil
As a top three team in the East, the Knicks are in a position to draft and stash, which is exactly what they'll do with Brazilian big Nogueria. With A'mare's knees very unreliable and Tyson Chandler not getting any younger, a future frontcourt replacement could be addressed Thursday. Nogueira has rim-protecting potential with solid offensive tools that will be much improved given more experience.
25. Los Angeles Clippers - Jamaal Franklin, SG | San Diego State
If the rumored Arron Afflalo deal comes to fruition, expect the Clips to go big with this pick. If not, Franklin fits into Doc Rivers' scheme nicely as a versatile player who can excel on both O and D. If he can develop any sort of jumper, the Kawhi Leonard understudy could end up being one of the draft's biggest steals.
26. Minnesota Timberwolves - Ricky Ledo, SG | Providence
Perhaps the biggest mystery of the draft pool, Ledo declared for the draft having played zero games in his college career. Even without any NCAA experience, scouts know he has NBA talent and a league ready body. The major questions, though, lie in his off the court problems and his ability to be a good, coachable teammate. With their second first rounder, the T-Wolves show just how desperate they are for a quality wing in taking Ledo.
27. Denver Nuggets - Dennis Schroeder, PG | Germany
Another mystery from overseas, Schroeder has been all over experts' boards, going as high as 14th to Utah or even falling into the second round. Denver has a solid roster when healthy, but with backup PG Andre Miller only getting older, a revamp behind Ty Lawson is necessary.
28. San Antonio Spurs - Mike Muscala, C | Bucknell
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| Does the Patriot League standout deserve a higher pick? |
The stacked Thunder's search for a Kendrick Perkins replacement continues with Withey, whose defensive prowess is evident. However, with prolific scorers Durant and Westbrook, Withey's offensive woes won't be as evident if he lands in OKC.
30. Phoenix Suns - Tony Snell, SG | New Mexico
Jared Dudley and PJ Tucker just weren't cutting it as the wings in Phoenix, and Snell could eventually replace one of the two. The three point specialist would provide instant offense for the Suns, who ranked a lowly 21st in the NBA in scoring at only 95 points per contest.
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