2013 - Player Preview Mock Draft

[Blast Tyrant]

1) Cleveland Cavaliers
Otto Porter (SF) Georgetown – Sophomore
NBA Comparison: Wilson Chandler/ Jeff Green
If rumors are true, then Cleveland may actually be considering taking Georgetown standout Otto Porter with the first pick in the draft. Now this shouldn’t actually surprise anyone. This was the team that just one year ago picked Syracuse bench player, Dion Waiters 4th overall. They also chose Canadian Power Forward Tristan Thompson 4th overall in 2011’s draft. (A record for Canadians that may be shortly broken by Anthony Bennett, or 2014’s top prospect and recent Kansas signee, Andrew Wiggins) Both these picks were faced with scrutiny, and considered to be reaches at the time. Don’t be surprised to see the Cleveland front office go out on a limb and pick Porter in a year where there is such uncertainty at the top.

As far as what Porter brings to the Cavs, it’s exactly the opposite of that very uncertainty. He’s as safe a pick as anybody to translate well to the pros, and a perfect fit with the aforementioned Waiters, Thompson, and 2011’s 1st overall pick Kyrie Irving. His defense, rebounding, and floor spacing will be an immediate fit with what Cleveland is trying to do offensively. He doesn’t demand the ball, and can play within the flow of the offence much like Thompson, which will allow the creative backcourt duo of Irving and Waiters to thrive. The Cavs have been longing for a Small Forward ever since LeBron James’ departure in summer 2010’s Free Agency sweepstakes, and while they won’t expect Porter to fill that void, he certainly can help take their team take the large step to the post season in his rookie year.

2) Orlando Magic
Nerlens Noel (C) Kentucky – Freshman
NBA Comparison: Tyson Chandler/ Dikembe Mutumbo
Rob Hennigan’s rebuild in Orlando got off to a good start last season, with what appears to be a good haul for Dwight Howard. Rookie Forward, Moe Harkless got off to a good start to his career showing an impressive two way game, leaving many wondering how he fell as far as he did in last years highly touted draft class. He also managed to acquire double-double machine, Nikola Vucevic who in just his second season took a massive leap forwards. Aaron Afflalo made his debut with the Magic as he averaged career highs in PPG, APG, and RPG, only to see his once great FG and 3PT percentages drop to their lowest in years. The final and perhaps best move Hennigan made was the late season acquisition of Tobias Harris. Bucks fans were outraged at the deal at the time, and for good reason. Harris seemed to be the top player on Orlando down the stretch as he averaged 17 PPG with 8.5 RPG since the timely trade for expiring Shooting Guard JJ Redick.

Now Nerlens Noel is an interesting fit in Orlando, but the combonation of him and Vucevic playing together sounds very interesting to say the least. Vucevic’s rebounding ability would be magnified playing alongside a shot blocker like Noel. Orlando would have a very young and talented front court on their hands with Harris, Harkless, Vucevic, Noel and last years first round pick (and again Canadian Power Forward) Andrew Nicholson. They couid also go with McLemore or Oladipo here but I see it hard to pass on the presence Noel brings. His averages of 4.4 Blocks, 2.5 Steals, and 9.5 Rebounds per game in his Freshman season at Kentucky scream of huge defensive potential. In spite of his knee injury suffered mid season, and his combine weight of 206 lbs. he still has a chance to be a difference maker at the next level, and he may still go first to Cleveland which will surely see Porter fall below Orlando’s pick here. Noel’s injury also conveniently leaves Orlando in the business of losing games to start the season. Not a bad season to do so, when you consider the returning and incoming talent the NCAA has lined up for 2013-14.

3) Washington Wizards
Alex Len (C) Maryland – Sophomore
NBA Comparison: Andrea Bargnani/ Andris Beidrins fusion
Maryland Center Alex Len is far from a surefire starter in the NBA, but he has shown flashes of what looks to be a nice offensive repitiore. Washington has 2 veteran big men in Nene, and Emeka Okafor who can bring him along slowly in an environment he can later thrive. John Wall and Bradley Beal will need an inside scoring presence down the road, and the young Ukrainian could just be that.

Len’s game doesn’t consist of much more than athletic dunks, and tip ins. He does however have a promising jump shot, and face up game developing. He is drawing comparisons to Raptors rookie Jonas Valancuinas, but I would compare him more to the exiled Andrea Bargnani in all honesty, and I say that to no disrespect to either player. At least from an offensive perspective he shares some similar qualities like the ability to face up for a jumper or blow by for a quick dunk. He shows a much better grasp of rebounding on both ends of the floor than 2006’s 1st overall pick. However, the face up aspect of his game and ability to run the floor could allow him to become a 15+ PPG player down the line. A rare thing at the center spot in todays NBA.

4) Charlotte Bobcats
Anthony Bennett (PF) UNLV – Freshman
NBA Comparison: Amare Stoudemire/ David West
Charlotte’s history in the draft is spotty at best. Last years selection of Michael Kidd Gilchrist 2nd overall can still be justified if he is partnered with the right kind of player to mask his inability to create offense for himself. Anthony Bennett from UNLV could be just that. Arguably the best freshman in college basketball, he averaged a very effecient 16 and 8 in the incredibly tough Mountain West Conference. He would share the scoring load with point guard Kemba Walker, and give the Bobcats an upgrade at Power Forward they’ve been in need of for years.

The knock on Bennett is that he’s undersized for the 4 spot, but I disagree. He’s more than strong enough for a Freshman, and is only going to get stronger with an already wide set of shoulders, and solid core strength. His wingspan measured at 7’1” which is a good sign for a guy who’s been dubbed as “too short” yet has athleticism and skills that have been touted so highly. Bennett shows the ability to score in a multitude of ways, and is probably the most complete offensive player in this years draft. He can score off the dribble,with a jumpshot, or off the ball with smartly timed cuts much like Kidd Gilchrist. The two of them would form a very athletic duo on the wing, and could be an exiting force for years to come. A lot of these two developing could be dependent on how Walker improves as a playmaker. A big improvement from Walker in that regard could lead to a lot of good looks for Bennett, and a legitimate shot at Rookie of the Year. His ability to score as well as rebound at a high rate shows he can be an effective Power Forward much like Carlos Boozer, David Lee, Paul Millsap, among other “undersized” 4’s playing at a high level in the modern day. Don’t be surprised to see David Stern calling Bennett’s name earlier than this, and don’t be surprised if the Phoenix Suns really want him too.

5) Phoenix Suns
Ben McLemore (SG) Kansas – Freshman
NBA Comparison: Jason Richardson
Kansas Freshman Ben McLemore is another guy I see who has a real shot for that Rookie of the Year prize, especially if he ends up in a place like Phoenix that could maximize his touches and development offensively. The Suns are in a state of Post-Nash transition much like what the Magic are going through, the only difference, is they don’t have assets to show for it. They do have a wealth of cap room, but I would expect a slow growth around Goran Dragic, and possibly Bill Self’s product. Phoenix realistically could be trying to pair the sharp shooting McLemore with Self’s 2014 project Andrew Wiggins as a dynamic duo going forwards.

The Freshman who spent an extra season on campus prior to playing for the Jayhawks, has showed a picturesque stroke on his jumpshot and should have no problem adjusting to the NBA’s 3 point line. He showed good athleticism at the combine, though Indiana Junior and defensive specialist Victor Oladipo tested much better. I don’t think that this will stop teams from salivating over McLemore’s scoring potential, which has quietly become a rarity at the league’s Shooting Guard spot. He is a risky pick much like fellow swingmen Evan Turner, Wes Johnson, and the formerly mentioned Dion Waiters were the past few seasons. On the other side, the dividends of having a potential 15-20 PPG player at a position that it is a rarity at (much like Len at the Center spot) may cause a team to bite even earlier than this. I have seen McLemore mocked as high as first on some mocks, but in no way do I see the Cavs taking him.

Up for my next review:
6) New Orleans Hornets – Cody Zeller (PF) Indiana - Sophomore
7) Sacramento Kings – Trey Burke (PG) Michigan – Sophomore
8) Detroit Pistons - Michael Carter Williams (PG) Syracuse – Sophomore
9) Minnesota Timberwolves - Victor Oladipo (SG) Indiana – Junior
10) Portland Trailblazers - Gorgui Dieng (C) Louisville – Senior
11) Philadelphia 76ers - Tim Hardaway Jr. (SG) Michigan – Sophomore
12) Oklahoma City Thunder - Steven Adams (C) Pittsburgh - Freshman
13) Dallas Mavericks –CJ McCollum (PG/SG) Lehigh – Senior
14) Utah Jazz - Dennis Schroeder (PG) Germany – Born in 93

3rd and Final Review:
Picks 15-30

[M-C-G]

As a Bucks fan, I have to be really happy with getting Shabazz level talent. Personally, I would probably prefer rolling the dice on Giannis (you know, assuming I had access to scouting reports/depts) if you think he can be a star.

But if it shook out this way, Shabazz would fill a huge need.

[KF10]

If the Kings draft Burke, they have to part away with one of their guys in their current guard rotation i.e. Evans, Thomas, Thornton, Douglas and Jimmer

That said, they have to take Burke if he falls to #6, if not, the other team after them will take him instead.

[Blast Tyrant]

I agree, I just can't see them drafting big. Muhammed is just way too poor a fit with the Kings too. PG seems the way they'll go.

[djthesonicsfan]

Please tell Portland not to draft Dieng so the notSonics can get him.

[HeartBreakKid]

As a Bucks fan, I have to be really happy with getting Shabazz level talent. Personally, I would probably prefer rolling the dice on Giannis (you know, assuming I had access to scouting reports/depts) if you think he can be a star.

But if it shook out this way, Shabazz would fill a huge need.

Your team doesn't have enough perimeter chuckers?

[wildvikeswolves]

Oladipo at 9 would be amazing

[GopherIt!]

This mock rocks!

It's been a long time since the TWolves rock and rolled,
It's been a long time since Sota did the Stroll.
Ooh, let me get it back, let me get it back,
Let me get it back, baby, where I come from.
It's been a long time, been a long time,
Been a long lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely time. Yes it has.

[Blast Tyrant]

Updated original post! Team by team preview for the top 5 - post combine.

Previews coming for remaining lottery teams as well as the playoff teams!!!

As always, comments and critique welcomed!