The NBA season is about to hit the All Star break, and there have been some surprises, such as the success of the Golden State Warriors, and some things that are not so surprising, like the Wizards lack of success. Every team will look to improve in the 2013 draft, and here are my predictions for who each team takes in the first round.
1. Washington Wizards: Nerlens Noel, Kentucky, Center/Power Forward.
While the Wizards are not terrible defensively, they still give up more points than they score. Noel has the ability to develop into a game changing stopper on the defensive end, as he is averaging 4.1 blocks per game in his freshman year. With Noel in the middle, Washington could be a playoff threat in the upcoming years.
Predicted rookie statistics: 11.6 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2 BPG, 51% shooting.
2. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Bennett, UNLV, Power Forward.
The Bobcats are a few pieces away from truly being a competitive team. If they get all the right pieces together, and give them time to mature together, the Bobcats could be dangerous in a few years. A lineup of Kemba Walker, Gerald Henderson, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Anthony Bennet, and Bismack Biyombo could be good after meshing for a few years.
Predicted rookie statistics: 12.3 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 48% shooting, 31% 3 point shooting.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Shabazz Muhammad, UCLA, Shooting Guard/ Small Forward.
Cleveland is a team that can really build around Kyrie Irving. A way for them to fill out their line up is to draft Muhammad, and put him at the small forward position. A great scorer, putting up just under 18 points a game, Muhammad can hit any shot he wants to take. With Muhammad, the Cavaliers’ offensive output will definitely go up.
Predicted rookie statistics: 15.9 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 44% shooting, 38% 3 point shooting.
4. Orlando Magic: Ben McLemore, Kansas, Shooting Guard.
McLemore is only a freshman, but he certainly does not play like one. He has the ability to jump out of the gym, and shoots a high percentage from everywhere. With his athleticism, and shooting ability, McLemore could come in and make a big impact for the Magic immediately. He is my pick for the 2013-2014 NBA rookie of the year.
Predicted rookie statistics: 17.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 47% shooting, 40% 3 point shooting.
5. New Orleans Hornets: Alex Len, Maryland, Center.
New Orleans will be able to have an athletic front court with the addition of Len. Having Len, Anthony Davis, and Al-Farouq Aminu for the future would make one of the longest front court trios in the NBA. Len needs to work on his rebounding skills, and bulk up a bit, but his 7’1 frame and athletic ability can really make an impact for the soon to be Pelicans.
Predicted rookie statistics: 9.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1 BPG, 51% shooting.
6. Phoenix Suns: Alex Poythress, Kentucky, Small Forward/Power Forward.
Phoenix needs to improve a lot, so they get to take the best player available. In this situation that player is Poythress. Poythress is best suited to play the small forward position in the NBA, and has the opportunity to develop into an outstanding player. Poythress shoots a ridiculous 62 percent from the field, and almost 48 percent from three. His ability to attack the rim, and pull up and shoot could be very valuable to the Suns.
Predicted rookie statistics: 11.1 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 48% shooting, 41% 3 point shooting.
7. Sacramento Kings: Michael Carter-Williams, Syracuse, Point Guard.
The Kings have a lot of players that can score the ball, but no one that can really distribute the ball well. Not one player dishes out four assists or more per game on their roster. However, Carter-Williams averages almost nine a game while scoring a respectable 12.6 points a game. While he is not outstanding defender in the grand scheme of things, he is averaging a ridiculous three steals a game, and has the athleticism to develop into a good all around defender.
Predicted rookie statistics: 8.3 PPG, 5.2 APG, 1 SPG, 38% shooting.
8. Oklahoma City Thunder (From Houston [From Toronto]): Rudy Gobert, France, Power Forward/Center.
The Thunder look like clear winners in the James Harden trade, as Kevin Martin has been playing well, and they are able to get a lottery pick here. Gobert may be the best option for them, as the 7’1 20 year old has a 7’9 wingspan, and great shot blocking instincts. He needs to get bigger, and work on his offensive skills. He shoots an insane 75.4% from the field, but that mostly comes from dunks and lay ups. He provides Oklahoma City with a player with great upside for years to come.
Predicted rookie statistics: 4.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 54% shooting.
9. Detroit Pistons: Otto Porter, Georgetown, Small Forward.
Detroit is just a few pieces away from returning to the playoffs. One of those pieces can be found here in Porter. The sophomore is one of the smarter players in college basketball with a great mid-range game. He still has a lot of potential to grow as a player, and with his already outstanding defensive ability, Porter could make an immediate impact for Detroit.
Predicted rookie statistics: 14.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1 SPG, 45% shooting.
10. Philadelphia 76ers: Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State, Shooting Guard.
Philadelphia has surprisingly dropped off significantly since their playoff run last year. The trade for Andrew Bynum has just not worked out since he has not played a minute this year, and they need more players that fit Doug Collins’ scheme. Nick Young does not really fit, but Marcus Smart does. The aggressive guard is a great defender, and contributes in every aspect of the game. His well rounded game would fit well in Philly.
Predicted rookie statistics: 11.1 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 3 APG, 41% shooting.
11. Phoenix Suns (From Los Angeles Lakers): Archie Goodwin, Kentucky, Shooting Guard.
Phoenix has the potential to get two Kentucky products in the first round, and it could set them up with a much more athletic team. Goodwin is a fantastic physical specimen with the ability to attack the basket relentlessly. He is also able to pass proficiently, and can truly develop into a good shooter as well.
Predicted rookie statistics: 10 PPG, 3.1 APG, 2.6 RPG, 41 % shooting.
12. Dallas Mavericks: James Michael McAdoo, UNC, Small Forward/Power Forward.
The Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki era is coming to a close soon enough, and Dallas has to start rebuilding. McAdoo is a player that could prove to be a game changer in the NBA, and the Mavs should snatch him up here. Some people are critical of McAdoo, but the expectations for him at UNC were unfair. The sophomore is still averaging a respectable 14.6 points per game, and 8.4 rebounds a game. His athleticism and potential make him a valuable prospect.
Predicted rookie statistics: 8.9 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.3 APG, 43% shooting.
13. Minnesota Timberwolves: C.J. McCollum, Lehigh, Point Guard/Shooting Guard.
Damien Lillard’s success out of a small school could cause teams to take a chance on McCollum. His scoring ability would provide Minnesota with some much needed scoring. With the spark of McCollum, who is shooting just under 50 percent from the field, and over 50 percent from three, and some other pieces, the Timberwolves could be poised to make a playoff run.
Predicted rookie statistics: 13.1 PPG, 3.2 APG, 46% shooting, 41% 3 point shooting.
14. Boston Celtics: Mason Plumlee, Duke, Power Forward/ Center.
Boston has potential front court problems next year as Jared Sullinger’s back that raised a red flag before the draft proved to justify the red flag, as it will cause him to miss the rest of the season. Fab Melo is nowhere near NBA ready, and if the Celtics do not end up trading Kevin Garnett, he will be their only truly reliable post presence next year. The Celtics need to draft a player that will fit their system, and the smart, experienced, and athletic Plumlee fits the bill.
Predicted rookie statistics: 7.6 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1 BPG, 53% shooting.
15. Charlotte Bobcats (From Portland Trail Blazers): Isaiah Austin, Baylor, Center.
Charlotte is in a position here to draft the best player available. They are pretty set at every starting position, not with an ideal player, but no immediate starters would be available for them here. Austin’s 7’1 frame is ideal, but he needs to add bulk to his body. Austin has range, and an offensive game, but also needs to improve defensively before reaching his potential.
Predicted rookie statistics: 6.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG, .4 BPG, 44% shooting.
16. Atlanta Hawks (From Houston Rockets): Victor Oladipo, Indiana, Shooting Guard.
Oladipo is a physical freak. Not only that, but he is efficient, and smart on the floor. His defense is also outstanding. If he can work on his passing skills, he will be an absolute stud at the NBA level. He would provide the Hawks with a lot of excitement, and a player that can be molded into a star.
Predicted rookie statistics: 7.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 48% shooting, 37% 3 point shooting.
17. Utah Jazz: Trey Burke, Michigan, Point Guard.
The Jazz have not had an exciting point guard since Deron Williams was traded away, and they have the opportunity to draft a playmaker here. Burke plays with fire, and has a burning desire to win. With Utah’s plethora of big men, Burke could eventually turn into the missing piece.
Predicted rookie statistics: 10.6 PPG, 4.9 APG, 43% shooting, 33% 3 point shooting.
18. Milwaukee Bucks: Glen Robinson III, Michigan, Small Forward.
The Bucks could use a physical forward who is able to put the ball on the floor and drive. They also need to try to convince Brandon Jennings to stay in Milwaukee, and the only way to do that is to make the team better. Robinson is athletic, tough, and can be molded into an excellent player.
Predicted rookie statistics: 6.4 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 48% shooting, 32% 3 point shooting.
19. Atlanta Hawks: Tony Mitchell, North Texas, Small Forward/ Power Forward.
One way or another it seems like Josh Smith will be heading out of Atlanta sooner rather than later. Be it by trade or free agency, the Hawks should look for a player to replace Smith, and a clone of Josh Smith will be available here in Tony Mitchell. Mitchell is an amazing athlete, and like Smith, he also makes poor decisions sometimes, but he could be just what the Hawks need.
Predicted rookie statistics: 8.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 44% shooting.
20. Brooklyn Nets: Dario Saric, Croatia, Small Forward/ Power Forward.
The Nets just need to get deeper after their very solid starting five. Saric is a prototypical European small forward. He is 6’10 and about 225 pounds, so he needs to add to his frame, but he has the ability to shoot from anywhere on the court, and can play beneath the basket once he adds weight.
Predicted rookie statistics: 4.2 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 47% shooting, 34% 3 point shooting.
21. Indiana Pacers: Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky, Power Forward/Center.
Indiana is a legitimate playoff threat, but needs some more depth. Cauley-Stein is a bit of a project, but his athleticism is apparent. A high school wide receiver, the Kentucky big man only plays just under 20 minutes a game, but averages 12.8 points per game, 10 rebounds per game, and 3.3 blocks per game per 36 minutes. If Indiana hones his skills more over his first couple years in the league, he could be a very solid player.
Predicted rookie statistics: 4.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 54% shooting.
22. Denver Nuggets: Jamaal Franklin, San Diego State, Shooting Guard.
Denver can really draft wherever they want here, but my gut says they will go with a guard in this situation. Franklin is athletic, and really likes to score, so he would fit in very well in Denver’s high scoring offense. He also grabs just under 10 rebounds a game, which is another factor of his athletic ability. He needs to increase his shooting percentages, and make smarter decisions, but he could make an exciting role player for Denver.
Predicted rookie statistics: 5.9 PPG, 3 RPG, 1.2 APG, 39% shooting.
23. Chicago Bulls: Rasheed Sulaimon, Duke, Shooting Guard.
Sulaimon would give the Bulls a player they have needed for years, a player capable of creating his own shot. He needs time to improve, and since Tom Thibodeau does not play rookies often, he will get that time. He has the ability to become a great defender as well, and with his overall willingness to get better, he could succeed in Chicago as Derrick Rose’s backcourt running mate.
Predicted rookie statistics: 3.4 PPG, .9 APG, 42% shooting, 36% 3 point shooting.
24. Utah Jazz (From Brooklyn [From Golden State]): Kelly Olynyk, Gonzaga, Power Forward/Center.
Utah is going to either trade away Al Jefferson, or lose him in free agency after the year is up. Enes Kanter will step up as a starting center, but the Jazz will need a backup for Kanter, and Olynyk could be that. He needs to add a lot of weight, but he can stretch the floor, and has a decently proficient post game.
Predicted rookie statistics: 5 PPG, 4 RPG, .4 BPG, 56% shooting.
25. Minnesota Timberwolves (From Houston [From Memphis]): C.J. Leslie, North Carolina State, Power Forward.
Minnesota needs to keep bringing in help around Kevin Love, and C.J. Leslie is the best player available at this point. He could be a good back up to Love, and even play a little small forward, hopefully succeeding where Derrick Williams has not lived up to expectations. Leslie needs to develop a jump shot, but has a lot of potential.
Predicted rookie statistics: 5.8 PPG, 3.1 RPG, .5 BPG, 49% shooting.
26. New York Knicks: Jeff Withey, Kansas, Center.
New York has a bench that is full of older players. Their front court needs to get some backups that are not close to retirement, and Withey could fit that bill. The senior is averaging over four blocks a game. Withey plays like Tyson Chandler on offense, he dunks the ball, and hits some layups. The 7 footer could be a quality backup, and after learning from Chandler, eventually take over the starting role.
Predicted rookie statistics: 4.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1 BPG, 53% shooting.
27. Cleveland Cavaliers (From Miami): Lorenzo Brown, North Carolina State, Point Guard.
Cleveland will actually have a pretty good starting five next season, so the attention turns to the bench. Both Shaun Livingston and Josh Selby are capable NBA players, but Brown is a player that could be an upgrade over at least Selby for now. Brown can get to the basket, and with his 6’5 frame, he has no problem finishing. He needs to develop a jumper, but he would be solid in running a second unit offense.
Predicted rookie statistics: 5.3 PPG, 2.6 APG, 42% shooting, 30% 3 point shooting.
28. Los Angeles Clippers: Sergey Karasev, Russia, Small Forward.
Los Angeles is just a few pieces away from challenging the Thunder and the Spurs for the best team in the West. Right now, their roster is full of average small forwards, and the young Karasev could make an impact for the Clippers. Though he has an awkward shot, he has NBA three point range, and can space the floor. He’s not athletic like the other members of Lob City, but he can attack the basket and get to the free throw line.
Predicted rookie statistics: 6.6 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 45% shooting, 37% 3 point shooting.
29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Deshaun Thomas, Ohio State, Small Forward.
Oklahoma City does not have any glaring needs, but it would be nice to have a good backup for Kevin Durant. Durant plays nearly 40 minutes a game, and the amount of time he spends on the court leaves him more susceptible to injuries, and exhaustion. Thomas is scoring just under 20 points a game at Ohio State, and has improved his three point jumper. He could provide nice insurance for the Thunder, and develop into a quality back up.
Predicted rookie statistics: 2.4 PPG, 1 RPG, 44% shooting, 35% 3 point shooting.
30. San Antonio Spurs: Tim Hardaway Jr., Michigan, Shooting Guard.
San Antonio has had a big three in Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili that has been more than effective. All three have significant miles on them, and Ginobili is a free agent after this season. Hardaway could be a nice pick up here, as he has a nice shot, and can score. He is not as crafty as Ginobili with the ball, but over time could develop into a fundamental piece of the Spurs’ rotation.
Predicted rookie statistics: 4.8 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 47% shooting, 39% 3 point shooting.
That is my first edition of my 2013 NBA first round mock draft! Comments, questions, suggestions? Leave a comment in the comments section, and I will get back to you!
