NBA Mock Draft (5/31)

1.Cleveland Cavaliers: Nerlens Noel, C Kentucky Fr. (6-11¾, 206)
The Cavaliers want to make the playoffs next season, but even if they get a fully healthy year from Kyrie Irving (a big if at this point), they have a have a long ways to go as a team. The future is bright, but still a little ways away. With that in mind, a player like Noel who will require a little time to recovery and rebuild his strength yet will develop into one of the best defensive players in the league, makes sense. Another option is to package this pick and some of the other many, many picks they've stocked up, and trade for veterans.

2. Orlando Magic: Trey Burke, PG Michigan So. (6-1¼, 184)
The Magic have young talent at every position but point guard, and they may look for Jameer Nelson's eventual replacement, whether they can trade him or not, he's 31 and declining alarmingly. Trey Burke reminds me of Kyrie Irving two years ago, a very skilled offensive player who lacks elite athleticism. Burke isn't as good as Irving, but he'll be a very good starting point guard for a long time.

3. Washington Wizards: Anthony Bennett, PF UCLA Fr. (6-8, 240)
The Wizards could go any number of ways here, center (Len, Noel if he falls), power forward (Bennett), small forward (Porter), or even shooting guard, you can never have to many wing scorers. However, I think Bennett makes the most sense. The Wizards were the worst offensive team in the NBA last season and they need scoring from their bigs other than Nene. Bennett has an NBA body, great explosiveness, and is very skilled. If he was 6-10 he's be the clear number 1 pick.

4. Charlotte Bobcats: Ben McLemore, SG Kansas Fr. (6-4¾, 189)
The Bobcats finished the season 28th in offensive efficiency and and 30th in defensive efficiency, so they need help all around. Ben McLemore is a tremendous shooter and has the potential to be a very good defensive player, so he should help the Bobcats in both areas. Plus, the team should be very good playing fast, with Kemba Walker, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and McLemore all outstanding transition players.

5. Phoenix Suns: Victor Oladipo SG Indiana Jr. (6-4¼, 213)
The Suns have the worst collection of shooting guards in the league, only Shannon Brown is really and NBA player and he's more of a combo guard. Victor Oladipo will provide a more permanent solution at the position, he's a freak athlete and the best perimeter defender in this draft. However, it's his jumper that will make the difference, is he the guy who shot 44% from 3 his Junior year, or they one who shot 24 his first two seasons?

6. New Orleans Pelicans: Otto Porter, SF Georgetown So. (6-8½, 198)
There are rumors that the Cavaliers and Wizards are both looking at Otto Porter in the top 3, but I'm not convinced that he has the upside worthy that high of a pick. True, he a is a low mistake player who does a lot of the little things that help you win, but like Oladipo his offensive game depends entirely on if his shooting really has improved. Porter could go higher and I wouldn't bat an eye, I just don't know if NBA teams will see it that way. In New Orleans, he'll fit in nicely at the 3 spot.

7. Sacramento Kings: Michael Carter-Williams, PG Syracuse So. (6-5¾, 184)
The Kings have finally escaped from the Maloofs, now they need to move on from Geoff Petrie and his entire team building philosophy of shoot first players. Michael Carter-Williams may have his weaknesses, namely shooting, but he is a pass-first, pure point guard with great size at 6-6 and a 41 inch vertical. His unselfish style of play will be refreshing in Sacramento. Plus, at 6-6 he has the size to guard wings and play alongside the smaller Isaiah Thomas, who might be the Kings best player.

8. Detroit Pistons: Shabazz Muhammad, SF UCLA Fr. (6-6¼, 222)
The Pistons had a lot of success last year taking Andre Drummond, who's path to the NBA has mirrored that of Shabazz Muhammad. Both were very highly regarded high school players who had disappointing Freshman seasons before declaring for the draft. Both players started to fall down draft boards and Drummond ended up going 9th to the Pistons, despite ending up being one of the best rookies in 2012. The Pistons, who really need a small forward, could take a similar chance on Muhammad.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves: Sergey Karasev, SG Russia (6-7, 197)
This may seem like somewhat of a reach, but in this draft, if you can find a rotation player it's not a reach. Sergey Karazev should be able to help right away, he can really shoot the ball and is a good passer and cutter, making him a perfect fit for what the Timberwolves are looking for. He also has played with fellow countryman Alexey Shved on the Russian national team and is very experienced despite being only 18 years old.

10. Portland Trailblazers: Alex Len, C Maryland So. (7-1, 255)
LaMarcus Aldridge has had to carry the load when it comes to frontcourt scoring for years and the Trailblazers need to find another big who can dependably score. Last year they drafted Meyers Leonard, but he is more of a defensive player and has a long way to go on the offensive end. Alex Len could easily go in the top 5, but his foot injury and inability to work out before the draft could cause him to fall, despite being huge and very skilled.

11. Philadelphia 76ers: Cody Zeller, PF Indiana So. (7-0¼, 230)
Cody Zeller's combine performance in the athletic testing apparently made everyone forget his struggles against length and athleticism, or that despite being the fourth tallest player at the combine, Zeller had the 20th highest standing reach. Still, Zeller is very skilled and will be really help Philadelphia's anemic offense and giving them the true power forward they've lacked since Elton Brand departed.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Toronto): C.J. McCollom, SG Lehigh Sr. (6-3¼, 197)
After losing Russell Westbrook to injury, the Thunder really struggled to score offensively. Even with Westbrook fully healthy, they may need to replace Kevin Martin. Jeremy Lamb will be part of that, but McCollom gives them a different dynamic as a scoring combo guard with a polished offensive game. McCollom can get to the rim, as well as hit outside shots and draw fouls.

13. Dallas Mavericks: Dario Saric, SF Croatia (6-10, 225)
The hot rumor is that the Mavericks really want to sign Dwight Howard and are trying to save present payroll by any means possible. Their first desire would be to trade the pick, but if they can't they'll likely try and pick up a prospect that they can store overseas while saving money to go after Howard. Saric needs to improve his shooting and defense, but players his size with Saric's passing ability is rare.

14. Utah Jazz: Shane Larkin, PG Miami So. (5-11½, 171)
I've been a big fan of Larkin's for quite a while, and his off-the-charts athletic testing only added to my belief that the only thing that he lacks is size. Larkin is a pure point guard with great ball-handling, court vision, and NBA range on his jumper as well as tough defensive acumen.  If he was 6-2, he'd be a top 5 pick. Utah is in desperate need of a point guard and they'd get a good one in Larkin.

15. Milwaukee Bucks: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG Georgia So. (6-5½, 204)
The Bucks can lose both Monta Ellis and J.J. Redick to free agency, leaving Mike Dunleavy Jr. as their only shooting guard. Caldwell-Pope is a classic 3-and-D player who should really help the Bucks defend on the perimeter and spread the floor for Brandon Jennings, as well as their assortment of bigs. The Bucks have a big job ahead putting their team back together, both a solid role player like Caldwell-Pope should really help them along. 

16. Boston Celtics: Kelly Olynyk, PF Gonzaga Jr. (7-0, 234)
All this could change depending on what trades the Celtics make, but as the roster is currently constituted, they really need someone who can get shots at the rim, as right now Rajon Rondo (who is coming off a torn ACL) is the only player who can consistently get shots in the paint. Kelly Olynyk is very skilled, and what he lacks in physical upside, he more than makes up for in skill upside. Right now he can score in high and low post and handle the ball, but he also has a very good stroke and should be able to hit 3s and be a stretch four for them.

17. Atlanta Hawks: Steven Adams, C Pittsburgh Fr. (7-0, 255)
The Hawks have been wanting to move Al Horford to power forward, which is his natural position, for a while now. Now that Josh Smith is very likely to move on, they can make this a reality. Steven Adams would fit nicely next to Horford, who can bear the scoring load, while Adams does the dirty work on the boards and defensively. Offensively, Adams has a long ways to go, but he should be able to step in as a purely rebounding/defensive player.

18. Atlanta Hawks (from Houston): Jamaal Franklin, SG San Diego State Jr. (6-5¼, 191)
Last draft the Hawks picked John Jenkins, who really doesn't do much but shoot the 3 well. Jamaal Franklin on the other hand, does everything but shoot the 3 well. He is an athletic freak who is elite rebounding, defending, and finishing. He'll fit nicely in the backcourt with Lou Williams and Jeff Teague.

19. Cleveland Cavaliers (from L.A. Lakers): Mason Plumlee, C Duke Sr. (7-0½, 238)
If the Cavaliers draft Noel at 1, and don't like any of the small forward options at 19, I'd expect them to take another big for depth. Mason Plumlee can backup both center and power forward and should really help Cleveland's rebound and post defense. I don't love Plumlee's upside or help and perimeter defense, but he is a safe pick as a big man.

20. Chicago Bulls: Rudy Gobert, C France (7-2, 238)
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. Rudy Gobert is a freakish specimen, has a 7-8.5 wingspan and a 9-7 standing reach. He isn't an explosive athlete, but with his length you don't have to. Tom Thibodeau will salivate over Gobert's defensive potential. Unless one of the better scoring guards fall to Chicago, a back up big makes the most sense.

21. Utah Jazz (from Golden State): Allen Crabbe, SG California Jr. (6-6¼, 197)
After point guard, the Utah's biggest need is shooting. They shot a decent percentage, but were in the bottom ten in the league in both makes and attempts and a third of those makes came from free agent Randy Foye. Allen Crabbe is a very good shooter who measured well with very good size and length (6-9.25 wingspan) for a 2 guard.

22. Brooklyn Nets: Tony Mitchell, PF North Texas So. (6-8¾, 236) 
Though they had a successful season, the Nets still have a number of holes on their roster, particularly at power forward, where both Kris Humphries and Reggie Evans are really just one trick (rebounding) ponies. Tony Mitchell is a beastly athletic specimen with strength, length, and athleticism. He needs to refine his skills some and learn to play up to his potential, but there's no denying he's one of the most talented players in this draft.

23. Indiana Pacers: Dennis Schroeder, Germany (6-2, 165)
It's amazing how far the Pacers have made it in the playoffs despite having an almost completely useless bench, particularly in the guard department. Dennis Schroeder could easily go as high as 14 to the Jazz, so he's a great value at this point. Plus, because of George Hill's defensive ability, he can slide over to the two and Hill and Schroeder can play together.

24. New York Knicks: Tim Hardaway Jr, SG Michigan Jr. (6-6¼, 199)
The Knicks need to find more scoring and the need to find another shooting guard. J.R. Smith can come off the bench, but they put so much pressure on him to be the secondary scorer that he becomes almost more of a negative. Tim Hardaway Jr. is a good shooter and can score in a number of ways. With him as the starter and Smith coming off the bench, it should create more of a balance.

25. Los Angeles Clippers: Glen Rice Jr, SG NBDL (6-5¾, 211)
Priority number 1 for the Clippers is bringing back Chris Paul, but next on the list is upgrading the shooting guard position. Free Agent Chauncey Billups will likely be gone and Willie Green isn't going to cut it. Glen Rice Jr is a classic 3-and-D guy who will provide the Clippers with floor spacing and perimeter defense.

26. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Memphis): Gorgui Dieng, C Louisville Jr. (6-10¾, 230)
The Timberwolves will do everything they can to bring back Nikola Pekovic, but even if they do they'll still need depth behind him. Gorgui Dieng is the perfect backup center because he can rebound, finish, and is a very good defensive player. Dieng's age will limit his upside, but his passing ability will fit very well in the Timberwolves system.

27. Denver Nuggets: Giannis Antetokounmpo, SF Greece (6-9, 215)
The Nuggets have a loaded roster, so unless they think there's a player at this pick who can really help them, taking a player to stash overseas for a couple of years makes sense. Giannis Antetokounmpo is extremely raw and inexperienced, but he's got the size, length, athleticism, as well as the an emerging skillset that could make him a very good player in a couple of years.

28. San Antonio Spurs: Lucas Noguira, C Brazil (6-11, 218)
The Spurs are always looking for undervalued talent to help fill out their roster and they'll have a choice of several different options here. Lucas Noguira is a physically talented but raw player at this point. Tiago Splitter is locked in at center for the Spurs, but Noguira's defensive ability would be a nice addition off the bench.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Alex Abrines, SG Spain (6-6, 195)
This could be a big man, but with a full roster, the Thunder may elect to draft a Euro that they can stash overseas, or bring over if they find the roster space. Alex Abrines is a very good shooter, who can also handle the ball. He is also a good athlete and projects to be a Rudy Fernandez type player down the line. Really, only inexperience is holding him back from being drafted much higher.

30. Phoenix Suns (from Miami): Reggie Bullock, G/F North Carolina Jr. (6-7, 200)
The Suns really need to add at least two, if not three more wing players to their roster. Reggie Bullock is yet another 3-and-D player who is limited as a creator, but should provide defense, shooting, and rebounding for the Suns.

Potential NBA Draft Role Players: Point Guards

"Steady Back-Ups"
Ray McCallum, Detroit Jr. (6-1¾, 191)
McCallum was a high level recruit out of High School who decided to go to small school Detroit to play for his father. He fits in as a role player because he is very smart, doesn't turn the ball over and knows how to run a team. McCallum can push the tempo and doesn't lack upside either, he registered a 40-inch vertical and can certainly improve his shooting. (just 32% from 3 last season)

Phil Pressey, Missouri Jr. (5-11½, 177)
A pure point guard with tremendous quickness and court vision, Phil Pressey is probably that small and not a good enough shooter or finisher to be a starter. However, he is great at penetrating and finding shooters and should develop into good pick-and-role player. Pressey needs to improve his shooting however and work on cutting down on turnovers.

Matthew Dellavadova, St. Mary's Sr. (6-4, 185)
I don't know if Dellavadova gets drafted, but he should be and could really help a team as a backup point guard. Dellavadova is a 38% career shooter and possible the best pick-and-roll point guard in the draft. His shooting will force team go over screens, which will allow him to get into the lane and find players. Dellavadova is limited athletically, but has a great skill level.

Nate Wolters, South Dakota State Sr. (6-4¾, 196)
Wolters isn't super long or explosive, but he has great size for a point guard, is very smart, and can get to the rim. He is also a good shooter and crafty finisher. Wolters may struggle on the defensive end but his size will help and he can be a solid scorer and distributor of the bench.

"Change of Pace"
Peyton Siva, Louisville Sr. (6-1, 181)
Peyton Siva is the type of player you look at based on what he can do, not what he can't do. Yes, he lack of shooting will likely hold him back, but he is a tremendous defender, extremely quick and athletic (41.5 inch vert) and has great court vision. He can get into the lane with ease and really push the pace in transition. Siva can be a little wild, but has improved in that respect, lowering his turnovers from his year 3 to 4.

B.J. Young, Arkansas So. (6-3½, 179)
After a stellar Freshman season, B.J. Young was viewed as a potential lottery pick. However, after his second season, he's now considered a bubble first rounder in a much weaker draft. The reason for this falls almost fully on his jumpshot, which regressed badly. In every other way, he got better, polishing up the rest of his offensive game and becoming a better point guard. Physically, he is tremendous and can get to the rim at will. Even if the jumpshot never comes back, he can carve out a successful career as a scoring backup.

Pierre Jackson, Baylor Sr. (5-10½, 176)
Nate Robinson's success this season as well as Isaiah Thomas in Sacramento has really opened the door for sub 6-foot guys in the NBA. Jackson is an incredible athlete with quickness and elite leaping ability who can really get into the lane and actually has pretty good court vision. Jackson has a chance to carve out a Robinson-like career, with the upside of a starting point guard like Thomas.

Isaiah Canaan, Murray State Sr. (6-0, 188)
An experienced, skilled scoring guard Isaiah Canaan has been one of the best scorers in the country the last two seasons (20.3 points per game) including good performances against higher level competition than Murray State normally faces. Canaan is quick, fast, and athletic but best of all he is a very good shooter (career 42% 3-point shooter), which will be his calling card in the NBA.

Erick Green, Virginia Tech Sr. (6-3, 178)
Aside from a larger track-record, the question can be raised, what exactly the difference is between Erick Green and C.J. McCollom. They are both very good scoring guards, basically the same size, length while Green may actually be a better athlete.  They've basically shot the 3-ball the same the last two seasons, while Green has had a beter assist to turnover ratio. I'm not saying Green should go ahead of McCollom, but the fact that the question should be raised means Green is worthy of consideration by teams.

Ian Clarke, Belmont Sr. (6-2, 185)
42% career 3-point shooters who are also excellent defenders are rare commodities in the NBA Draft, so though he may be a long-shot to get drafted, there's no reason Ian Clarke can't carve out a career as a backup point guard. Clarke is a terrific athlete and has great length for his size.