Mock Draft 2013

[Vindicater]

Top five only for now.

Order taken from ESPN on 26/11/2012

1). Washington – Nerlens Noel

With Wall and Beal already set in the back court the Wizards need to go for someone larger to help move them forward. Noel is the best big man prospect at the moment and will instantly be a defensive weapon for the Wizards.

2). Detroit – Shabazz Muhammad

With Monroe and Drummond down low, this is the perfect position for Muhammed to land. He automatically becomes a huge scorer for the Pistons and pushes them towards the playoffs in year 1.

3). Toronto – Rudy Gobert

Colangelo reaches once again over to Europe to grab a big man to form a twin towers like frontcourt with Val. Gorbert is more athletic than Val and will love running the lane for Lowry.

4). Cleveland – James McAdoo

Raw but talented player who will add to the core that Cleveland are putting together. Thompson/McAdoo/Varejao is an intriguing frontline combination and offers lots of different looks.

5). New Orleans – Cody Zeller

Putting this guy alongside Davis on the frontline will have guards scared to drive into the lane. He is a great shot blocker and surprisingly efficient scorer. The only issue I see with pairing him with Davis is that neither are big bodies and the power post players of the NBA might cause some problems. The rewards however far outweigh the risks.

[djthesonicsfan]

Just remember, the notSonics are probably going to get the Toronto pick.

[Kaner]

Thompson/Varejao/McAdoo would be about the worst offensive front line in the NBA, by FAR. I'd say Cleveland will look at Poythress, Adams, Muhammad... either a C or a SF

[fredericklove]

Lol at the Toronto loving euros bias?? If Toronto does go to 3rd, it's gonna be Zeller. We need an interior scoring big that rebounds the ball as well, Andrea Bargnani doesn't fit in. He's out, Zeller in. That will be a happy day in Toronto.

[noobcake]

Thompson/Varejao/McAdoo would be about the worst offensive front line in the NBA, by FAR. I'd say Cleveland will look at Poythress, Adams, Muhammad... either a C or a SF

Cavs won't draft another potential bust in McAdoo after Thompson.

[Vindicater]

NBA DRAFT

Order taken from ESPN on 21/12/2012

1). Washington – Nerlens Noel

With Wall and Beal on the perimeter, the Wizards will look to grab Noel here to anchor their middle. Is a great defensive presence who has shown some nice offensive flashes.

2). Cleveland – Shabazz Mohammed

Although they just went with Waiters this year, I see Mohammed as just a fantastic fit next to Irving. Waiters then can become a combo guard off the bench and lead the second unit. While they will be small for another year after this pick, they will have their back court of the future set.

3). New Orleans – Cody Zeller

This is an interesting pick. Zeller alongside Davis is a shot blocking nightmare for other teams but both are skinny and will be pushed around a lot in the paint because of that. Despite this however I see Zeller as the best pick here for New Orleans who will look to build their frontcourt and hope Gordon is over the injury woes.

4). Detroit – Rudy Gorbet

While they already have Drummond and Monroe, Detroit will look to grab Gorbet here and work him into a three man rotation. He gives them a third unique big and should be able to score quite well in the NBA.

5). Charlotte – Alex Len

A massive body and aggressive nature will see Len fit great next to Biyombo down low. With Walker and Gilchrist outside the Bobcats are starting to resemble a real NBA team after a horrible run.

6). Oklahoma City (From Toronto) – Isaiah Austin

This is just unfair that OKC get to pick here and with this pick they get the chance to take a project like Austin and allow him to grow by playing against the best team in the NBA everyday in practise.

7). Sacramento – Archie Goodwin

A pure scorer and more importantly a pure shooting guard. No need to adjust his position or try to fit him in. Just play him at the 2 guard and watch him wrack up the points. This pick allows them to finally move Evans for something else.

8). Phoenix – Alex Polythress

A nice combo player who can come in and play either SF or PF for the Suns. He can score and play solid defence although he is still struggling to find a real position. Not a game changer, but a solid player to work with over the next ten years.

9). Philadelphia – Mason Plumlee

Will be a great addition next to Bynum down low. I see him as an elite level role player moving forward in the same vein as an Antonio Davis/Nick Collison.

10). Phoenix (From LA Lakers) – James McAdoo

They took Polythress at number 8 and he is a solid player who will be great pro. With the 10th pick they take a risk on McAdoo, hoping that he finally breaks out once he comes to the NBA. Phoenix should be a good fit for him.

[Vindicater]

2013 Mock Draft (Results taken from ESPN 26/01/2012)

1. Charlotte – Shabazz Muhammed
The best player available in the draft. Will fit very nicely next to Kidd-Gilchrist and help form the kind of offensive/defensive duo that can dominate teams.

2. Washington – Nerlens Noel
Big and athletic at the centre position and a player who could become a force at the defensive end. With Wall and Beal controlling the offense from the perimeter, Noel will take charge of the defense from the inside.

3. Cleveland – Cody Zeller
Will come in and take the minutes that are left after Varejao is traded in the offseason. Much like Washington with the pick before, Cleveland solidfy their frontcourt of the future to go along with their exciting backcourt of Irving/Waiters.

4. New Orleans – Alex Len
Pairing Len with Davis on the frontcourt is a daunting possibility. Lens size and speed are a rare match and if he can cut down on his silly fouls and learn to harness his aggression he and Davis will create a monster pairing down low for the Pelicans.

5. Orlando – Ben McLemore
I am unsure of what Orlando will be looking to do here to be honest. However Reddick does not seem to be part of their plans moving forward and that leaves a spot open at the shooting guard position. McLemore is not a scoring guard but will play tough defence and smart basketball and will be a stalwart of many teams in his career.

6. Phoenix – Anthony Bennett
This guy can do it all offensively. Can bang inside while also stepping outside to hit jump shots. While undersized height wise for the power forward spot, he is much like Elton Brand in that he is extremely long and this allows him to play down low.

7. Sacramento – Michael Carter-Williams
Will be an interesting selection choice for the Kings who seem to have most positions covered on paper but never on the court. Carter-Williams gives them another guard to swing between PG and SG and hopefully will allow them to move Evans finally.

8. Oklahoma City (From Toronto) – Isaiah Austin
What a luxury they have. One of the best teams in the NBA gets a lottery pick to play around with and they go for the biggest upside big man in the draft. They have the ability to bring him along slowly and will reap the rewards in years to come.

9. Detroit – Marcus Smart
He doubles up what they already have in Knight/Stuckey but hopefully they are smart enough to move those guys for Smart because this is my sleeper pick in this draft. I think he will be a great NBA player and his mix of savvy and athletic ability will make him a winner.

10. Philadelphia – Rudy Gobert
The Athletic freak of the draft. Philly will hope to pair Gobert with Bynum once he is healthy to form an athletic and dominant front court. Bynum should bring the toughness while Gorbert brings the finesse. He can already block shots at the highest level and his offense should come in time.

11. Dallas – Alex Poythress
An all-around stud at the SF position who will fit between OJ and Dirk perfectly. Has some amazing physical ability and should flourish in the veteran laden Dallas team.

12. Phoenix (From LA Lakers) – Archie Goodwin
After taking Bennett with their first pick they take a scorer on the wing with their second lottery pick. Goodwin will be a serviceable NBA scorer for many years.

13. Minnesota – C.J. McCollum
They miss out on who they really want (Goodwin) by one pick and will scramble for a good shooting guard option in the draft. The best option left at this point of the draft will be the undersized McCollum. He will help provide some spark and scoring off the bench.

14. Charlotte (From Portland) – Mason Plumlee
This is a fantastic pick at this point of the draft. Plumlee is this generations Udonis Haslem. A hard working blue collar power forward that will give you what you need for the minutes he plays. With Kidd-Gilchrist and Plumlee on the team, you know the Bobcats will be fighting games out to the bitter end every night.

15. Boston – Tony Mitchell
I think Boston will simply grab the best talent available with whatever pick they have and try to make it work. Mitchell has the body shape and latent skills to be a beast down low for many years. Boston will take a flyer on him putting it together.

[Vindicater]

Order taken from ESPN standings on 28/02/2013

1). Charlotte – Ben McLemore
I think Charlotte will jump on this guy due to his ability to score the basketball. With MKG running the wing next to him, Charlotte have a great tandem moving forward into the era of the NBA dominated by the wing.

2). Orlando – Shabazz Muhammed
With the big V looking good down low, the Magic will look for an exciting and big time scorer on the wing. Muhammed has some red flags, but he is as talented as anyone in this weak draft.

3). Washington – Nerlens Noel
That ACL injury is going to scare a lot of teams away. But the Washington Wizards will take the risk here. Wall has finally started to play like they always hoped he would and with Beal next him also a year better, all the Wizards lack is a dominating big man. Noel could be that force down the defensive end. He won’t be playing at the start of the season, but good things will come to those who wait with Noel.

4). Phoenix – Cody Zeller
To be honest, I have no idea what Phoenix is really trying to accomplish. Gortat seems like a great piece but I have a feeling they are itching to move him. That means they will likely go big at the draft, particularly with McLemore and Muhammed already gone. Zeller is big, athletic and shows a mean streak. If nothing else he may even be able to play next to Gortat in limited minutes when Phoenix really wants to go big.

5). New Orleans – Alex Len
What a frontcourt this guy could make with Davis. Both are absolutely great shot blockers who alter shots and drives to the basket just by being in the area. While Len has a lot of other things to work on to bring his game to NBA level. His efforts at the defensive end alone will have the Hornets happy to take him here.

6). Sacramento – Marcus Smart
The Kings and their fans seriously need a guy that they can root for without worrying about his IQ. Smart is a bull. Plays hard and has good size for the point guard position. He has some issues with shooting but hopefully these can be fixed with some NBA offseasons. The main thing is that Smart wants to play hard and he wants his teammates there with him also playing hard. The hope is that he rubs some of this off onto the likes of Cousins and Evans.

7). Cleveland – Victor Olapido
Irving is an offensive stud who can’t play defence. Dion Waiters has shown that he is perhaps better suited to being a gunner off the bench where he can attack the game in short spurts. Why not add the more mature and defensivly minded Olapido to the rotation to really start to flesh out the Cavilers core moving forward. His match of intensity and willingness to work hard will hopefully make him a fan favourite for years to come.

8). Minnesota – Anthony Bennett
Bennett is a great player to groom to play next to and behind Kevin Love. By taking him here they will signal the fact they plan to move Derrick Williams for a wing player. They really want one of Mclemore, Shabazz or Olapido but will settle for Bennett with the knowledge they can move Williams for a shooting guard later. Bennett is undersized height wise for the power position but has a huge wingspan and loves the dirty work down low which should allow Kevin Love to play as a stretch five in certain situations with AK47 playing as a big 3.

9). Detroit – Otto Porter.
With the trade of Tayshaun Prince this season, Detroit need a new small forward. Porter is a physically imposing player for the position and while still raw could form a devastating defensive combo with Drummond down low in years to come. Still needs work on his ball handling and shooting, but Detroit will take the time to develop him and reap the rewards in the future.

10). Oklahoma City (via Toronto) – Rudy Gorbert
Is there a better situation for this project big to go to? Oklahoma City have the time and the resources to nurture Gorbert and will see the results. His huge frame and quick movement as a big could pay huge dividends in the future once Perkins leaves.

11). Philadelphia – Mason Plumlee
This pick is based off the idea that Philadelphia will resign Bynum and hope he can return next season to be the dominant player he has shown he can be. Plumlee will be a serviceable power forward in the NBA and one of those guys like Udonis Haslem or Nick Collison who just seem to do the right thing to win basketball games without ever taking over a game.

12). Dallas – Isaiah Austin
An extremely intelligent and well spoken big man who has shown flashes of brilliance in his college career thus far. He still needs a lot of work, but his offensive game has developed to the point that he will be able to score in the NBA. Dallas will take him here and enjoy the fact that he may be one of the best talents in the draft.

13). Charlotte (From Portland) – Alex Poythress
Charlotte will be keen to increase their scoring power this draft. After taking McLemore with the first pick in the draft, they will take Poythress here and use him as a scoring ¾ off the bench behind or next to Kidd/Gilchrist. His ability to scrap for loose balls and hit the offensive glass hard will help Charlotte fans forget about Crash alittle.

14). Phoenix (From LA Lakers) – C.J. McCollum
As I said earlier. I have no idea what the Suns are aiming at. After taking Len earlier in this draft, they decide to go small with their second pick. McCollum will be a 6th man type in the NBA as he does not have the skills as yet to play point guard full time but is not big enough to play shooting guard full time either. What he will bring though is explosive bursts of speed and scoring and will help the second unit of Phoenix keep the scoreboard ticking over.

15). Milwaukee – Kelly Olynyk
Olynyk is an old junior and is likely to never be an NBA star. What he has shown though is a work ethic that many coaches will love and the ability to do the little things that a winning team needs. Milwaukee will take him here and hope that he can be a productive member of their team right from day one. His big body will be useful for playing against some of the stronger teams in the NBA.

16). Atlanta (From Houston) – Archie Goodwin
A terrific slasher, Goodwin will find a spot as an explosive scorer somewhere in the NBA. If Atlanta can teach him to shoot and play defence then this will become a steal. Going to Atlanta will be good for him as he will not be needed to play heavy minutes from day one and will be able to work on the things he needs to do in practice.

17). Boston – James McAdoo
McAdoo has all the tools to become a fantastic power forward in the NBA. It is just about putting it altogether. Going to Boston will mean he can learn from one of the best in Kevin Garnett and will hopefully have the time and space he needs to go grow into a great player. If nothing else he will be fun to watch with Rondo throwing him lobs. A project to be sure.

18). Utah – Michael Carter-Williams
A slider in the draft. Carter-William’s off court issues will be a cause for concern for many NBA teams. Utah however will take him here to back up Maurice Williams and hope that he can get his act together. His size for a PG is very good and will allow him to get into traffic against smaller guards.

19). Chicago – B.J. Young
Another question mark after his suspension for breaking team rules. BJ Young is still a great prospect who if he can convince teams his head is on straight will shoot up the draft board. His quickness and strength for his size are impressive and he will form a dynamic backcourt when paired with Rose. Likely to become a sparkplug off the bench in the NBA.

20). Utah (From Golden State) – Jamaal Franklin
Three picks in a row with dodgy issues offcourt is the norm later in the first round. Franklin is an interesting prospect due to the fact that he has not really shown what he can do at the college level matched up against people his size. He will be a shooting guard in the NBA but is being forced to guard power forwards at the moment due to his teams lack of size. Utah wiltake him here and hope he can readjust to playing against people his own size once summer league and training camp begins.

[BossHoggin]

Order taken from ESPN standings on 28/02/2013

Today is 3/11

[Vindicater]

Order taken from ESPN standings on 28/02/2013

Today is 3/11

Meh...

[M-C-G]

I can't figure out why all the mockers pick PF/C for Milwaukee.

As it stands right now, Ish Smith may be our only PG OR SG signed for next year. And unless you count Moute as a SF (which he should not be), we don't have a SF signed for next year.

But if you look at PF & C we have;
Illy
Henson,
Moute,
Ayon
Gooden
Sanders
Udoh

Please take this into consideration, although I wouldn't find it shocking if the Bucks went with an all PF/C line up based on our drafts and trades and free agent signings. Hammond obviously has a fetish for 6'10" men.

[Vindicater]

1). Charlotte – Nerlens Noel
Easily the most talented player in the draft by the eye test. His injury is a concern. However Charlotte will take him, rest him for the year while stocking up on some more young talent. Next to Biyombo he could create a monster frontline defensively.

2). Orlando – Ben McLemore
Orlando will be desperate for scoring on the wings come draft time and will likely take McLemore to take the minutes left by Reddick at the trade deadline. McLemore has not had the best NCAA tournament but showed enough in the regular season to show he will be a good scorer in the NBA.

3). Cleveland – Cody Zeller
His offensive abilities will mesh well with Thompson down low. Personally I think this will end up being a bad pick as I think Zeller will be little more than a serviceable NBA Pro but I think the Cavs will take him here.

4). Phoenix – Anthony Bennett
Will add much needed toughness and scoring ability to the Suns roster. Although the suns already have an abundance of power forwards, none of them own the talent or work ethic that Bennett has shown. If they keep Gortat, Bennett will prove a nice foil on the low block.

5). Detroit – Marcus Smart
I did not know really what the Pistons would be looking for here. My first gut instinct was Shabazz but the more I thought about a Smart/Knight backcourt the more I liked it. I don’t think either player is a true point guard but I think that between them they can handle that role and will create matchup nightmares for other teams.

6). Sacramento – Victor Olapido
Sacramento fans have been crying out for a player like this for years. A guy who will come in, put his uniform on and play hard from the first minute of the game. His defensive intensity and winning attitude will be a breath of fresh air in Sacramento and will hopefully wear off on guys like Cousins and Evans.

7). New Orleans – Otto Porter
A great shooter and fundamentals guy, Porter will hopefully mesh well between Gordon and Davis. He does not need the ball to be a scorer so won’t step on anyone’s toes.

8). Minnesota – Shabazz Muhammad
Seen his stock plummet in the last few months. Muhammad still has the makings of a great NBA scorer. T-Wolves are so desperate for anyone who can create their own shot from the 2 guard position that they will take less than 5 seconds to pick Muhammad at this point.

9). Washington – Rudy Gorbert
Despite being burned on the Vesely pick, I see the wizards going overseas again here to nab Gorbert. Extremely athletic. They can play him behind Okafor for a season and hope he learns the NBA game. Is a major project, but could pay off big 2 or 3 years down the line.

10). Oklahoma City (From Toronto) – Alex Len
Len would be a great backup for Perkins moving forward for the Thunder. He is huge and very quick for his size. Defensively he has shown glimpses of what he can do but needs to cut down on his fouls. Offensively he still needs a lot of work, although has shown good passing skills.

11). Philadelphia – Mason Plumlee
If Bynum is fully healthy then Plumlee becomes a great partner for him up forward. If not, Plumlee still shows the toughness and nose for the ball that the Philadelphia fans will love. Holiday and Turner will love Plumlee setting screens for them.

12). Portland – Kelly Olynyk
Has jumped up draft boards with his work late in the season and so far in the NCAA tournament. A good offensive player who needs to work harder at the defensive end. Has shown the willingness to get better so I have no doubt he will be a serviceable NBA big man for years to come.

13). Utah – Trey Burke
Utah will take the best point guard available here and Burke is that. He is small for an NBA point guard but is lightning quick and can run a team well. With the size Utah have up top they can afford to carry an undersized point guard and will live with Burkes shortcomings at the defensive end as long as he keeps them explosive down the offensive end.

14). Dallas – Isaiah Austin
A project. Dallas will take their time with Austin and bring him along slowly. Has one of the highest ceilings in this draft. Unfortunately he also has one of the lowest floors. IN such a weak draft, Dallas will take the bet he realises his potential.

15). Milwaukee – Michael Carter-Williams
Much like Utah, Milwaukee will be desperate for help at the point guard position. Has great height at the position which means he can play next to Monta. He weighs next to nothing though. Good crt awareness but needs to work on shooting form.

16). Cleveland (From LA Lakers) – Alex Poythress
An extremely talented player. He just never seemed to put it together at Kentucky. Will love running the floor with Irving and if he learns to use his physical abilities at the defensive end he will form a great frontline with Thompson/Zeller.

17). Boston – Archie Goodwin
Goodwin is a natural scorer of the basketball. He will benefit greatly from going to Boston and learning from guys like Peirce and KG in their last few years in the NBA. He should fit nicely onto the second unit of the Celtics to give them some scoring punch off the bench.

18). Atlanta - Gorgui Dieng
While his scoring game leaves much to be desired, Dieng shows a clear skillset as a third big man. He has good passing, rebounding and help side defence will earn him minutes on a thing Hawks frontline needing the extra help.

19). Chicago – James McAdoo
Chicago really will and see what happens with Rose over the last bit of the season. If Rose looks like he will need a lot more time next season as well to recover fully they may go with a guard here. However I think McAdoo’s potential will be too much to pass up. Boozer is likely gone at seasons end so McAdoo helps with their depth at the 4 spot.

20). Atlanta (From Houston) – Jamaal Franklin
After going big with Dieng two picks before this, Atlanta will continue to add players who are tough and unheralded. Franklin has had to play out of position all season but has shown he can guard bigger players. In the NBA he will be a shooting guard who can play as a three for small periods. Atlanta fans will love his hustle.

21). Utah (From Golden State) – BJ Young
With two first rounders, Utah can afford to take a swing on BJ Young. He has elite level scoring talent and defensive potential. However he has some serious character issues that will scare a lot of teams away. If he can mature in the next 2-3 years and get his head straight, this will turn out to be the steal of the draft.

22). Brooklyn – Jeff Withy
Withy has one clear identifiable skill at the moment. He can play man defence in the post very well. That alone will earn him some minutes in an NBA lacking such defenders. He moves well without the basketball and if he can learn to hit a mid range jumper on offense he will have a long and productive career as a journeyman centre.

23). Indiana – CJ McCollum
The major slider of the draft. I think teams will be scared due to the fact that he has no real position. He can score very well but lacks the size to guard shooting guards in the NBA. He can play the point but also lacks the safety you want in a point guard with the ball. Indiana will happily take him if he falls to them and use him as a sparkplug third guard off the bench.

24). New York – Tony Mitchell
A supreme athlete. He will run the floor as much as possible and create some buzz around the Garden. He has some issues though maturety wise and this may not be the best place for him. New York will take him here and hope he can learn from Amare about how to turn his athletic ability into a force.

25). Minnesota (From Memphis) – Dario Saric
Minnesota will not want to add another player at this point in the draft after taking Muhammad earlier. Saric is a tall and lanky European who will benefit from another season or two overseas. He has good ball skills for his size and if he continues to work on his shooting range will make an intriguing prospect once he matures.

26). LA Clippers - Sergey Karasev
Karasev, unlike Saric taken directly before him, will likely be NBA ready come the NBA season. The Clippers will take a shot at his overall basketball skills and flexibility in terms of position and role and use him as good bench depth.

27). Denver - Mouhammadou Jaiteh
Denver sports incredible depth at the moment. Because of this they will take the biggest project to come on the draft scene in a long time in Jaiteh. This kid could be anything. He has the physical size and athletic ability to be a dominant rebounder/shot blocker in the NBA. He needs a lot of work however and will likely spend next season and maybe the one after that refining his game in France.

28). Oklahoma City - Giannis Adetokunbo
As is the case in most weak drafts, we start to see a trend of young europeons who can be stashed overseas towards the end of the first round. Adetokunbo is a do it all player in the mold of Boris Diaw. If he gets anywhere near being that good Oklahoma City will have a brilliant swingman to come off the bench in a couple of season time.

29). San Antonio – Lucas Nogueira
And yet another raw international player, this time from South America. This is San Antonio we are talking about. So we know there scouts and talent evaluators will do the right thing by Nogueria and we will see him in the NBA at some point. His size and length will make him a defensive role player.

30). Phoenix (From Miami) – Allen Crabbe
A great jump shooter with little to no other real skills. Crabbe will camp on the three point line and keep teams honest. Phoenix will take him and hope Dragic and Gortat can hit him with open looks at his shot.