2013 NBA Mock Draft: 4/30

1. Orlando Magic: Nerlens Noel, C Kentucky Fr. (6-10, 228)
If the Magic get the top pick, they'll probably be choosing between Nerlens Noel, Ben McLemore, and Trey Burke. Noel is clearly the best prospect and will immediately improve any team's defense because of his physical gifts, timing, and quick hands. Picture a more athletic Joakim Noah. I do think that Noel can play alongside Nikola Vucevic, and their games will compliment each other well.

2. Charlotte Bobcats: Ben McLemore, SG Kansas Fr. (6-5, 185)
Gerald Henderson is one of the few bright spots on Charlotte, but he is not a good shooter and can be very inconsistent. Ben McLemore can also struggle with that, but he is an outstanding shooter and transition player. McLemore is one of the few players in this draft that has a high upside but a lowish floor. Charlotte was a woeful offensive team last season and need all the help they can get on that end.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Otto Porter, SF Georgetown So. (6-8, 205)
I don't know if I think Otto Porter is worth this high of a pick, but the Cavaliers love him and the fit is undeniably great. Porter is good at everything, though not particularly elite in anything either. He'll make a great second or third fiddle with Kyrie Irving and should do a lot of the little things that teams want in order to win games.

4. Phoenix Suns: Victor Oladipo, SG Indiana Jr. (6-5, 214)
The Suns have a mess at the wing positions, with no real starting caliber players there except for Jared Dudley. Victor Oladipo is a long, very athletic player with a non-stop motor who is an amazing defender. He is still improving offensively, but seems to get better on that end every game. There isn't much safer of a pick in the draft.

5. New Orleans Pelicans: Alex Len, C Maryland So. (7-1, 255)
Trey Burke is obviously a possibility here, but Greivis Vasquez has really turned into a good NBA point guard and Alex Len is too good to pass up at this point. Len needs some time, but he is physically gifted and really skilled. This is a pick for a year or two down the line, when A Len-Anthony Davis frontline could be the best in the league.

6. Sacramento Kings: Trey Burke, PG Michigan So. (6-0, 190)
With new ownership replacing the terrible Maloofs, the Sacramento Kings will be looking to rehab their image and change the culture in Sacramento. Trey Burke would be a great step in that direction because he is a unselfish player, a hard worker, and an emotional leader. I really like Isaiah Thomas, but Burke is too good of a player to pass up on here.

7. Detroit Pistons: Shabazz Muhammad, SF UCLA Fr. (6-6, 225)
It's trendy to pile on the Shabazz Muhammad hate-train, but when it's all said and done, he'll still be a top 10 pick because he can do something that NBA teams need: score the basketball. I also think that there's a little bit of Harrison Barnes syndrome with him, evaluators are over-compensating for their love of Muhammad in high school by swinging it back the other way.

8. Washington Wizards: Anthony Bennett, PF UNLV Fr. (6-8, 240)
Anthony Bennett is one of the top three players in this draft, but because of fit he falls all the way to the Wizards at 8. The Wizards get so much of their offense from their guards, and neither Emeka Okafor nor Nene are particularly good shooters. Bennett is undersized, but long, explosive and strong. He can also score from the block to the 3-point line.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves: C.J. McCollum, SG Lehigh Sr. (6-3, 200)
The Timberwolves have been trying to find perimeter scoring for years and the search continues this offseason as Chase Budinger has struggled since coming back from injury and Brandon Roy will likely retire again. C.J. McCollum isn't big, but he is super quick, and very good finisher and can really shoot it as well. McCollum averaged 21.7 points a game over four years at Lehigh.

10. Portland Trailblazers: Cody Zeller, C Indiana So. (7-0, 240)
The Blazers drafted Meyers Leonard last year, but they still need more depth in the frontcourt. They physically challenged, but skilled Cody Zeller will be a nice compliment to the unskilled, but very athletic Leonard. Zeller is doesn't have a ton of upside, but he should be better than his brother Tyler, who averaged almost 8 points and 6 rebounds for the Cavaliers last season.

11. Philiadelphia 76ers: Kelly Olynyk, PF Gonzaga Jr. (7-0, 238)
The Sixers were pathetic in their frontcourt last season, with only Thaddeus Young and Spencer Hawes providing them with anything. Kelly Olynyk certainly has his flaws, but 7-footers with his skill level don't come along too often and the Sixers desperately need help in their frontcourt/

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Toronto): Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG Georgia So. (6-5, 205)
This a pick that the Thunder received from the Rockets in the James Harden trade. Regardless of what they decide to do with Kevin Martin and Jeremy Lamb, guys that can both shoot and defend as well as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope can will always help a team. Caldwell-Pope is also the kind of high effort, high character player that OKC loves to draft.

13. Dallas Mavericks: Michael Carter-Williams, PG Syracuse So. (6-6, 185)
I don't like having Michael Carter-Williams falling this far, he is very talented but there aren't a ton of teams looking for a point guard in the top 10. This is a great fit for him though because he won't have to do too much and will be able to fall into more of a distributor role, something he is comfortable with. MCW has a lot of Jason Kidd in his game, and like Kidd he needs to make himself into a better jump-shooter.

14. Utah Jazz: Shane Larkin, PG Miami So. (5-11, 176)
The Jazz have been searching for a point guard ever since Deron Williams was traded and last season they reached an all time low at the position. This teams has a lot of talent, but they've been held down by that position for too long. Shane Larkin is one of the 5-7 best players in this draft, he is a point guard with everything but size. He is a super quick, pure point with a deep, accurate jumper.

15. Milwaukee Bucks: Jamaal Franklin, SG San Diego State Jr. (6-5, 205)
I doubt the Bucks bring back Monta Ellis and will likely try to resign J.J. Redick. If they do, then they will still need another 2 guard and Jamaal Franklin would be a great fit. Franklin is one of my favorite players in this draft because of his relentless motor and amazing physical gifts. He isn't a good shooter, but can do everything else on a basketball court.

16. Boston Celtics: Mason Plumlee, F/C Duke Sr. (6-10, 235)
The Celtics were a dreadful defensive rebounding team last season and they really need to improve in the offseason. I'm not as bullish as some on Plumlee, but he can undeniably crash the defensive boards and should really help the Celtics on that end.

17. Atlanta Hawks: Allen Crabbe, SG California Jr. (6-6, 210)
There's a good chance that the Hawks will look like a dramatically different team next season (thank goodness) and shooting guard will become an area of need. Kyle Korver and Dahntay Jones will be free agency, leaving John Jenkins as the only true two guard on the team. Allen Crabbe can be very frustrating sometimes, but when he's into the game his is a great scorer.

18. Atlanta Hawks (from Houston): Rudy Gobert, PF France (7-1, 235)
With the second of their back-to-back picks the Hawks can afford to take a chance and there isn't a risk in this draft with a bigger reward than Rudy Gobert. As long as they come (7-9 wingspan), Gobert has the tools to be a dominant player, however he is also very raw and will take a little time to develop, whether that be in the NBA or overseas is yet to be seen.

19. Cleveland Cavaliers (from L.A. Lakers): Sergey Karasev, SG Russia (6-7, 197)
The Cavaliers have so many first round picks coming up, I don't know if they'll use this one in such a weak draft, so a Euro stash makes sense. However, a smart, skilled wing like Sergey Karazev step in from day one and help the Cavs with his shooting and playmaking ability.

20. Chicago Bulls: Gorgui Dieng, C Louisville Jr. (6-11, 245)
After losing Omer Asik to the Rockets, the Bulls were in desperate need of a backup to Joakim Noah who can also start in a pinch when Noah inevitably gets injured. Gorgui Dieng is sort of a poor man's Noah who can block shots, rebound, hit a mid-range jumper, and pass from the high post. Unless one of the better scoring guards fall to Chicago, this pick will make the most sense.

21. Utah Jazz (from Golden State): Dennis Schroeder, PG Germany (6-2, 168)
I wouldn't be surprised to see the Jazz, who have pretty much everything else, double-dip at point guard, it's that big of a need. All of their veteran point and combo guards are free agents and none were very effective. Obviously, turning over your team to two rookie point guards is risky, but in the long run could pay off, especially with Schroeder, who has a lot of Rajon Rondo in his game.

22. Brooklyn Nets: Steven Adams, C Pittsburgh Fr. (7-0, 250)
Brook Lopez is one of the best centers in the league, but he doesn't have anyone to back him up whatsoever. Andray Blatche is a free agent, really a power forward, and Andray Blatche. Steven Adams is as raw as they come on the offensive end, but he is physically gifted and a really good rebounder and shot blocker. Also at only 19 he has a good chance to get better on offense.

23. Indiana Pacers: Archie Goodwin, SG Kentucky Fr. (6-5, 195)
Since 2010, the usually risk averse Pacers have taken some gambles on athletically talented players with some rawness and they very well could go that way again this season. Archie Goodwin is as explosive and quick as anyone in this draft, however his jumper needs a lot of work and he can get out of control. Sort of this draft's Tony Wroten (who went 25 last draft).

24. New York Knicks: B.J. Young, Arkansas So. (6-3, 180)
One of the most explosive offensive players in the draft, B.J. Young could have been a lottery pick last season, but decided to come back for another year and struggled some. However, some of that is a misconception, Young was actually improved in every area except his jumpshot, which abandoned him. Young is much more scorer than distributor, but he should be able to provide a scoring punch off the bench for New York, who's backup guards are a combined 76 years old.

25. Los Angeles Clippers: Dario Saric, SF Croatia (6-10, 223)
The Clippers aren't the type of team that is likely to take a college player and have them be any more than a bench warmer for the next couple season, so why not take a more talented Euro who can come over in a season or two and be ready to contribute? Dario Saric is smart and skilled, though perhaps a little bit overrated at this point.

26. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Memphis): Alex Abrines, SG Spain (6-6, 205)
Like Utah, I wouldn't be surprised to see Minnesota double dip at a position of dire need. While C.J. McCollum is more of a combo guard, the athletic Alex Abrines is a pure 2 guard who can handle and shoot. It's a plus too that he is from Spain, as is Ricky Rubio, which should help to ease the transition for the young guard.

27. Denver Nuggets: Giannis Adetokunbo, SF Greece (6-9, 215)
The Nuggets are such a deep team that they are likely to draft a Euro player that they can stash overseas and develop for a couple of seasons. Giannis Adetokunbo is quite a ways away from being able to play in the NBA, but he has really high upside as a long, athletic point forward type.

28. San Antonio Spurs: Livio Jean-Charles, PF France (6-9, 217)
The Spurs are one of the best organizations in the NBA because they know what they are looking for and are able to consistently find pieces that fit their team. Livio Jean-Charles is a perfect fit for the Spurs because he is long, athletic, and has a great motor. He finishes well and is an improving jump shooter, a perfect fit as a back up big man for this team.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Tony Mitchell, PF North Texas So. (6-8, 235)
After adding another scorer with their lottery pick from the Raptors, the Thunder can afford to take a flyer on an strong, athletic forward coming off a down season. Mitchell needs a lot of work, but his physical tools rank up there with the best in the draft.

30. Phoenix Suns (from Miami): Jeff Withey, C Kansas Sr. (7-0, 235)
Regardless of whether or not the disgruntled Marcin Gortat is still in town next season, the Suns will still be in need of a center as Jermaine O'Neal will most likely retire or not be brought back. I don't love Jeff Withey, but he has an undeniable NBA skill: he can block shots (286 blocked shots the last two seasons).

Phil Pressey Scouting Report

A preseason All-American pick for many this year, Phil Pressey and his Missouri team didn't live up to expectations. Now, he's decided to forgo his Senior season to enter the NBA Draft, does he have the game to make it in the Association?

Strengths: Phil Pressey is a pass first point guard with very good court vision and passing ability. He is able to run the pick-and-roll, and find teammates effectively. Though he will need to get stronger in order take contact at the rim, Pressey has decent bulk for his size. Pressey should look to Kyle Lowry as an example of how to form his body. Athletically, he is a very explosive leaper (look up the YouTube video of him dunking over a guy in high school) and has great quickness and is an above-average ballhandler. His ability to penetrate and find teammates should translate well to the NBA. He has a nice, easy stroke as a shooter and can hit an NBA 3-pointer. Very good transition player. He gives good effort defensively and gets a lot of steals (2 a game over the course of his career). By all accounts, Pressey is a great kid and a strong leader on and off the court.



Weaknesses: There's no doubt that Pressey is undersized for a point guard. He's been measured at 5-11 in shoes, which would make him one of the shortest point guards in the NBA. Though plenty of players have succeeded at Pressey's height or shorter, it is definitely more challenging  He's had trouble finishing over size in college, and that won't get easier for him in the NBA. Pressey isn't a great shooter yet, and that is something he must improve on in the NBA if he wants to make it. Overall, he hasn't been a very efficient scorer, with only 38% field goal percentage. He can also be pretty turnover prone (3.5 a game) and can try to do too much a times. Defensively, again size will be an issue, though if he can get stronger, he has the quickness and athleticism to at least be average at that end. One oddity about his Junior season was that he really struggled down the stretch, completely falling apart occasionally for no apparent reason.

Overall: Whether Pressey can succeed in the NBA, it will hinge on his ability to make 3s and cut turnovers. Shooting will be especially important, he needs to be able to keep defenders honest so they he'll be able to get into the lane and create for teammates. I think Pressey gets drafted in the second round and makes a team, eventually carving out a role as a backup point guard that pushes the pace and runs pick-and-roll. Isaiah Thomas was a better scorer than Pressey, but isn't nearly the passer, I think their careers will take similar arcs. Again, this is all providing he improves his shooting, which is something Thomas did, by the way.

Russ Smith Scouting Report

After winning a National Championship with Louisville and leading his team in scoring at 18.7 points per game, Russ Smith has declared for the NBA draft, forgoing his eligibility for the Cardinals. But how does this flashy, college scorer translate to the NBA?

Strengths: First off, Russ Smith is as quick as they come, most college defenders were unable to keep him in front of them in the half court. Smith is an advanced ballhandler and can use a variety of moves, though most of the time his quickness will get him by at the college level. In transition, Smith is a nightmare, blazing, one-man-fastbreak who will run the ball down opponents backs in the open floor. Smith is a good leaper who can get off the ground quickly and hang in the air, able to contort his body well. There's no denying that Smith can get his own shot and get open looks when he wants. He is a streaky shooter who can get hot from deep and hit several in a row. Smith also has a knack for picking up steals (2.1 a game) and is a willing defender who will pressure the ball. He can draw fouls a high rate as well. Smith is extremely well liked by his teammates and a leader on his team.

Weaknesses: To begin with Smith is severely undersized for his position of 2 guard, listed 6-1, he's more
likely 6-0 or 5-11 as well as being around 160-170 range in weight, that's Kemba Walker range for size (though Walker is a little taller), and Walker has had trouble finishing at the NBA level, as will Smith at that size, especially since he already struggles at the college level. Walker went 9th overall in 2011, but he's a point guard, Smith is far from that. He thinks shoot first, second, and third and hasn't shown much ability create for teammates. I don't think he's a selfish player, so much as scoring is what he is good at, therefore that's what he does. Smith's shot selection at times is also pretty poor, he can get hot from 3, but overall shot  it at just 33% from deep, yet he still took 189 threes over the course of the season. Overall, the shot selection problem led to an efficiency problem, as Smith only shot it at 41% on the year, and that's not going to go up in the NBA. The other issue regarding Smith's size is his defense, he will be physically overmatched defensively against NBA point guards, let alone NBA two guards, his natural position. Can be turnover prone as well, will force things.

Overall: Smith is a very undersized, somewhat one-dimensional scorer who needs to either become a much, much better shooter or improve his point guard skills and shot selection because undersized, low-effieciency 2 guards don't last. He'll need to make himself into a Jason Terry-type of player if he wants to make it in this league. I think Smith gets drafted in the second round and makes it on an NBA roster, but where he goes from there will be to him.

Steven Adams Scouting Report

Despite saying after Pittsburgh's loss to Wichita State that he was returning to school for next season, New Zealand native Steven Adams did a turn around and has declared for the NBA Draft. Here are some of his strengths and weaknesses as an NBA prospect...

Strengths: Physically, Adams looks like an NBA player, he has great size (7-0), an NBA body that is very impressive when you take into account that he only 19. Like almost all prospects, Adams needs to add strength and bulk, but his size at 240+ pounds is better than most and he has the frame to get big enough for an NBA center. He also has long arms and very large hands, which he uses for catching passes and rebounds well. Athletically, he is above-average for his size and has good second bounce. Where Adams provides his biggest value is as a rebounder and defender. On the boards, he averaged 6.3 boards in only 23.4 minutes, he has basically the same rebound rate as Mason Plumlee overall, but is much better on the offensive glass. That is Adams best attribute, comparing him to Plumlee, despite playing 499 less minutes, Adams only grabbed 9 less boards (99 to 90). Part of that is Plumlee not being a great offensive rebounder, but Adams is still an impressive offensive rebounder. On defense, Adams is a very tough as a post defender and is willing to bang inside. He is already strong for his age and should get stronger, developing into a very good one-on-one interior defender. Adams is also very good blocking shots despite again, limited minutes, averaging 2 game, this is something else that should translate to the next level for Adams. As should his motor, which runs hot constantly. Not overly foul prone either. Also, has been known to sport a mustache.

Weaknesses: There is no other way to put this, Adams is extremely raw on the offensive end. Aside from
uncontested shots close to the basket, at this point he doesn't offer much else on offense. Even close shots, when facing contact or length, can give Adams some troubles. Obviously, as an 19 year old playing basketball in American for the first time on a consistent basis, Adams is expected to be raw and given his tools, he does have the chance to improve. Though improvement is likely, he is a ways away however and youth doesn't always mean upside, for example Kendrick Perkins and Kwame Brown both came straight out of High School as big, strong, athletes, but neither developed into an offensive threat at all (in 20 combined seasons, Brown and Perkins have two years averaging double digits). All that to say, despite having very good tools, it's not a given that Adams will become and offensive player. Adams is a stiffish mover as well, which is a worry if he is going to continue to pack on weight, it could impede his movement at the next level. Though he plays very hard and is always hustling on defense, he still has a ways to go as far as learning how to play smart on that end of the floor. Awareness is also a concern.

Overall: With Adams, you have a potential ace post defender, rebounder, and post defender who will be a major work-in-progress on offense. To me, that at least gives him a career as backup center in the NBA, with the possibility of being a solid starter combining above-average defense with average offense. But again, it all comes down to if that offense develops. Of the three backup center types available in the late first, I'd have Adams ranked above Jeff Withey but behind Gorgui Dieng.