2013 NBA Mock Draft

Picks represent who teams should take.  This is not an attempt to project which players teams will actually select.

1) Cavaliers: Nerlens Noel, Kentucky
That I am recommending that the Cavs take a 215-pound post player with an extremely limited offensive game coming off a major knee injury is evidence of: (a) how weak this draft is at the top and (b) how much of an impact I think Noel will have on the defensive end.

2) Magic: Ben McLemore, Kansas
Victor Oladipo may be the safer pick, but McLemore is the player in this draft who I think is most likely to play in an All-Star game.

3) Wizards: Otto Porter, Georgetown
There is a chance that Porter ends up being Wesley Johnson, but the improvement he showed between his freshman and sophomore seasons made me a believer.

4) Bobcats: Victor Oladipo, Indiana
Unless he really is the next Dwyane Wade, I think Oladipo is going to top out in the mid-teens as a scorer during his career.

5) Suns: Cody Zeller, Indiana
I believe this athletic big that can run the floor and score around the basket will continue to add range to his shot.

6) Pelicans: Trey Burke, Michigan 
Burke can be a top-15 point guard in the league in the very short term.

7) Kings: Anthony Bennett, UNLV
There is some Larry Johnson in Bennett's game, but his conditioning and the fact that his numbers took a dip in conference play worry me.

8) Pistons: Shabazz Muhammad, UCLA
Because I have not given up on Brandon Knight as a point guard and because I think the most polarizing player in the draft could provide a much-needed mean streak in Detroit.

9) Timberwolves: Tony Snell, New Mexico
I do realize that I am higher on Snell than just about anyone, but I love his outside shooting, his instincts, and his potential to be a very good defender.

10) Trailblazers: Kelly Olynyk, Gonzaga
Assuming they move LaMarcus Aldridge, the Blazers should add this versatile and hyper-efficient Gonzaga product.

11) 76ers: Alex Len, Maryland
I like Len's post-up game, but it is hard to believe he is being talked about as a potential number one pick.

12) Thunder: C.J. McCollum, Lehigh
OKC takes best player available, and McCollum is a steal at number twelve.

13) Mavericks: Dennis Schroeder, Germany
Pairing up Schroeder with Nowitzki is just too good to pass up, unless McCollum is still available. 

14) Jazz: Michael Carter-Williams, Syracuse
Great value at the end of the lottery but would also be a nice fit in Detroit, given MCW's size, if Pistons have decided Knight is a shooting guard.

15) Bucks: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Georgia
I was never blown away with Caldwell-Pope in college, but he has a nice stroke and would be a solid addition in light of Monta Ellis' impending departure. 

16) Celtics: Giannis Adetokoubo, Greece
With all of the questions in Boston, it might not be a bad idea to take this versatile international prospect and let him develop overseas while maintaining flexibility for purposes of what is sure to be a busy offseason for the Celts.

17) Hawks: Lucas Nogueira, Brazil
With two first round picks and an interest in not tying up too much cap space given the free agents the Hawks are trying to lure to ATL, this ultra-athletic Brazilian would be a good investment.

18) Hawks: Tony Mitchell, North Texas
Kind of a Josh-Smith Lite.

19) Cavaliers: Sergey Karasev, Russia
Cavs add shot-blocker in Noel and shooter in Karasev.

20) Bulls: Allen Crabbe, California
Chicago focuses on defense but could use some guys that can knock down shots.

21) Jazz: Gorgui Dieng, Louisville
Rim protector with a nice jumper from the elbow is good value at twenty-one (and would be a nice fit in Boston at sixteen if Celtics decide they want a rookie who could contribute from day one). 

22) Nets: Steven Adams, Pittsburgh
All of the athletic ability and size you look for in a post player, but to say Adams' hands are unimpressive would be an understatement.

23) Pacers: Isaiah Canaan, Murray State
Not entirely sure George Hill is a point guard, and I like Canaan more than Shane Larkin.

24) Knicks: Tim Hardaway, Michigan
Shooter with athletic ability would be nice addition to New York roster, especially if J.R. Smith leaves.

25) Clippers: Ryan Kelly, Duke
Stretch four with range who I believe can defend well enough to be a contributor on a second unit.

26) Timberwolves: Jeff Withey, Kansas
Could end up being Hasheem Thabeet, but I think he adds value to a roster through his shot-blocking.

27) Nuggets: Jamaal Franklin, San Diego State
Franklin, who reminds me of Iman Shumpert, needs to improve efficiency but impacts the game in so many ways.

28) Spurs: Rudy Gobert, France
Classic Spurs.

29) Thunder: Reggie Bullock, North Carolina
Bullock is known for his 3-point marksmanship, but he has the tools to develop an all-around game on the offensive end.

30) Suns: DeShaun Thomas, Ohio State
DeShaun gets buckets.

2 Players to Take in the 2nd Round:
Brandon Paul, Illinois
Brandon Davies, Brigham Young

2 Players to Avoid in the 1st Round:
Glen Rice, NBADL
Mason Plumlee, Duke