2013 NBA Mock Draft

With the NBA Draft order finalized, the Cleveland Cavaliers have won yet again, hoping to strike gold one more time like they did with Kyrie Irving in 2011 and Lebron James 10 years ago. This is a very talented yet young draft class, highlighted by standout freshmen, Michigan’s Trey Burke and Kansas’s Ben McLemore, along with the convalescent Kentucky big man, Nerlens Noel. The only downside of winning this year’s lottery is it may be a year too early, as highly touted and number one ranked incoming freshman, Andrew Wiggins, will likely enter the draft next year.

1.     Cavaliers- Ben McLemore, Kansas SG

Though almost every other mock draft will not agree with me, McLemore is my projected #1 pick. Kyrie Irving needs someone to work with up top, and Nerlens Noel coming off his injury is too much of a liability for a first round pick. Perhaps this can lead to Lebron’s return to Cleveland?

2.     Magic- Nerlens Noel, Kansas PF

John Calipari’s latest one and done player did not even finish his one due to injury, but the Magic will not be able to pass up on the class’s best available talent, not to mention a possible replacement for Dwight Howard. Only issues would be his history of leg injuries through both high school and college.

3.     Wizards- Anthony Bennett, UNLV PF

As the third freshman in my mock draft’s first three picks, Bennett provides some help and lightens the load for John Wall. Bennett was able to average over 16 points and 8 rebounds a game, in just 27 minutes of floor time.

4.     Bobcats- Trey Burke, Michigan PG

As the oldest player taken thus far, the reigning AP Player of the Year will provide a spark to the miserable franchise. Burke’s exceptional ball handling abilities, offensive prowess, and speed on the court might be able to fill some seats in Time Warner Cable Arena.

5.     Suns- Otto Porter, Georgetown SF

Another sophomore, Porter provides a great basketball mind, proving he is able to create shots and open up the floor. Porter shows an excellent basketball IQ, and would be able to help Jared Dudley and Goran Dragic with some rebounds down low.

6.     Pelicans- Victor Oladipo, Indiana SG

Oladipo’s defense would help any team, along with his high shooting percentages. The junior’s lockdown defense can make up for his streaky offense. Oladipo will likely replace Al-Farouq Aminu at the wing on quite a disadvantaged and Chris Paul-less team.

7.     Kings-Alex Len, Maryland C

The Ukrainian born Len uses his size to his advantage while moving around the floor well. However, Sacramento could bring Len in to make a statement to troubled young center, Damarcus Cousins about his attitude. If Cousins does change, Len can be traded to numerous teams looking for a center with his size and athleticism. If Cousins does not, the Kings have a physically gifted center in Len and drop the emotional roller coaster in Cousins.

8.     Pistons- Michael Carter-Williams, Syracuse PG

Detroit needs someone to run their offense and make shots. Brandon Young has played strong but would be better suited as a role player. At 6’6’’, Carter-Williams has a size advantage over most opposing point guards, while providing versatility in covering shooting guards. If Carter-Williams develops a bigger build, along with a more refined jump shot, he can become a Jason Kidd like player.

9.     Timberwolves- C.J. McCollum, Lehigh SG

In his four years in college, McCollum averaged over 19 points a game, including an outstanding performance in last year’s preliminary round defeat of Duke. McCollum has exceptional ball control to get by defenders to go with his proficient shooting. Going into next season, Minnesota will be much healthier which allows them to take a chance on an undersized secondary ball handler like McCollum.

10. Trail Blazers- Cody Zeller, Indiana C

If the Kings pass on Zeller to take Len, the Hoosier big man will most likely be Portland bound. At 7 feet tall, Zeller is unusually athletic and runs the floor with a good basketball mind, as a rough combination of Len and Porter.

11-12. 76ers and Thunder- Kelly Olynyk, Gonzaga PF; Mason Plumlee, Duke PF

This pick will likely be a variation between these two very similar power forwards. Both Olynyk and Plumlee are athletic for their size but are not physically able to become elite NBA centers. The main difference between these picks is one will vie for a championship alongside Durant and Westbrook, while the other struggles on a rebuilding 76ers team with Jrue Holliday.

      13.             Mavericks- Shabazz Muhammad, UCLA SG

Mark Cuban takes the fellow high profiled Muhammad to add a big name to a Dallas team coming off a down year. With only a few players returning to next year’s roster the Mavericks could use Muhammad in an effort to combine his and Dirk Nowitzki’s intensity and offensive abilities to spark a return to the playoffs.

      14.              Jazz- Shane Larkin, Miami PG

With the final pick in the lottery round, the Jazz look for someone to run their offense. At 5’11’’, Larkin is capable of keeping up with bigger opponents. At the draft combine, Larkin had the best sprint time and a 44-inch vertical. Larkin has potential to develop into a Nate Robinson/Rajon Rondo like court general.