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2013 Neon Tommy NBA Mock Draft

Sports Staff |
June 27, 2013 | 10:36 a.m. PDT

For the second year in a row, the top pick favorite (Nerlens Noel) was injured and didn't finish the college season (Bryan Horowitz/Wikimedia Commons).
For the second year in a row, the top pick favorite (Nerlens Noel) was injured and didn't finish the college season (Bryan Horowitz/Wikimedia Commons).
It's time for an annual tradition: Neon Tommy pundits making themselves look silly trying to predict how the NBA draft will unfold. But we'll be darned if we don't give it a shot anyways. This year's draft has analysts and teams especially uncertain, as the draft is more wide-open than any other draft in recent memory. As of Wednesday night, we still don't know who will be the first overall selection. That being said, here are Neon Tommy's predictions for how this year's edition will unfold. 

1) Cleveland Cavaliers- Nerlens Noel, PF/C, Kentucky

Matt Padavick: Noel is a 6-foot-10 shot-blocking machine with a 7-foot-4 wingspan that will improve the Cavs on the defensive end immediately. While he still needs to get stronger and improve his offensive skills, he provides Kyrie Irving with a big target in the middle that can eventually take the place of Anderson Varejao.

2) Orlando Magic- Otto Porter, SF, Georgetown

Law Murray: The 2012-2013 Orlando Magic were the only team in the NBA without a player drafted in the Top Ten on their roster. They're a couple of drafts from contending, so getting a solid all-around small forward like Otto Porter gives them some roster flexibility as well as versatility on the floor. Porter can score, get to the line (Orlando set an NBA record for fewest free throws made), make plays for others, rebound exceptionally well, and defend.

3) Washington Wizards- Anthony Bennett, SF/PF, UNLV

Evan Budrovich: The Washington Wizards have drafted talented guards in John Wall and Bradley Beal in two out of the last three drafts. This time around, the Wizards will look to beef up their interior play by drafting Anthony Bennett, one of the most talented forwards in the draft class. Bennett can handle the ball, shoot well from the perimeter and can get out and finish in transition. With a run-and-gun lineup in Washington, the Wizards would love to add a stretch forward that can make shots, making Bennett the perfect selection.

4) Charlotte Bobcats- Trey Burke, PG, Michigan

Darian Nourian: The 6-foot-1 guard could be considered the top point guard in this draft, and for a team that lacks scoring, Burke would be a good fit with his up-tempo play and ability to get easy shots for his teammates like he did at Michigan. While a facilitator in transition, Burke is a gifted scorer in the half court and has a variety of shots in his arsenal. He's able to spot up, go off-the-dribble, or go on off-screens, which makes him very efficient. Many have compared Burke to last year's Rookie of the Year, Damian Lillard, which demonstrates Burke's tremendous upside.

Victor Oladipo (Left) has impressed scouts since the season end, while Tim Hardaway Jr. (Right) slips out of NT's first round (Adam Glanzman/Wikimedia Commons).
Victor Oladipo (Left) has impressed scouts since the season end, while Tim Hardaway Jr. (Right) slips out of NT's first round (Adam Glanzman/Wikimedia Commons).
5) Phoenix Suns- Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana

Jacob Freedman: Phoenix needs upgrades across the board, especially at shootin guard. Shannon Brown won't cut it as a backup, let alone starter, while Oladipo brings a controlled shooting approach while also providing some tough-nosed defense to a Phoenix squad perennially notorious for being porous on the other side of the ball. He's not the solution to the franchise's problems, as the Suns will still need an elite scorer, but Oladipo will team with Goran Dragic to give the Suns' backcourt a size and strength advantage against most other squads.

6) New Orleans Pelicans- C.J. McCollum, PG/SG, Lehigh

Padavick: McCollum is a poor man’s version of Damian Lillard, as an explosive point guard who can shoot the ball and get to the basket. He will provide scoring at the point guard position, immediately backing up Greivis Vasquez (far superior to Brian Roberts) and will be a dangerous pair with Eric Gordon (if they keep him) and/or Austin Rivers.

7) Sacramento Kings- Alex Len, C, Maryland

Murray: The Sacramento Kings have a new ownership, general manager, and head coach. It's about time. Now they need some players who can help the Kings defensively, as the Kings have had the worst defense in the conference the last two seasons. DeMarcus Cousins isn't a shotblocker, and neither is Jason Thompson, so adding a 7-foot-1 player like Alex Len (2.1 blocks per game in 2012-2013) to the rotation should allow Cousins to focus even more on rebounding, where the Kings were 29th on the defensive glass.

8) Detroit Pistons- Michael Carter-Williams, PG, Syracuse

Budrovich: The Pistons have bolstered their interior thanks to outstanding talents in Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond slipping in previous drafts. With a 6-foot-7 wingspan, Carter-Williams has the length to disrupt opposing point guards on defense, as well as the basketball I.Q. to distribute the basketball. Last season, Carter-Williams had 11 games with 10 or more assists and his 7.3 assists per game ranked third in the nation, showcasing his point-guard abilities against the stiffest competition. 

9) Minnesota Timberwolves- Rudy Gobert, C, Cholet (France)

Nourian: The 7-foot-2 Frenchman is an outstanding physical talent with a beastly wingspan of 7 feet and 9 inches and a reach of 9 feet and 7 inches. Although he is not vey skilled as a basketball player, similar to Javale McGee, his athleticism allows him to be very mobile for his size and get up over players. That advantage allows him to make great plays around the rim, whether it be slamming home dunks, blocking shots, or anchoring rebounds. He would be also be a great fit in Minnesota playing alongside Ricky Rubio.

10) Portland Trail Blazers- Ben McLemore, SG, Kansas

Freedman: After rubbing their eyes a few times to ensure it's not a mirage, the Blazers (finally) take the best player available in the sweet-shooting McLemore. He emerged as a bit of a one-year wonder, but Wesley Matthews would be much better served as a backup, and a backcourt of McLemore and Damian Lillard could rival the Warriors down the road in terms of three-point ability. Portland would be inticed by the centers left on the board, but ultimately will add another dynamic scorer to a team brimming with under-30 rotation players.

Despite so-so college stats, Steven Adams could slip into the lottery (Bryan Horowitz/Creative Commons).
Despite so-so college stats, Steven Adams could slip into the lottery (Bryan Horowitz/Creative Commons).
11) Philadelphia 76ers- Steven Adams, C, Pittsburgh

Padavick: After the disappointment of acquiring Andrew Bynum last season, Steven Adams will be a great pick up for the Sixers. Although he was limited offensively at Pitt, Adams was very efficient shooting the ball. And for what he lacks on the offensive end, he makes up for on the defensive end. Adams is a very good defensive rebounder and plays with a lot of toughness and intensity on the defensive end, and offensive skills will come in time as he works with coaches and trainers in the league. 

12) Oklahoma City Thunder- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG, Georgia

Murray: The Thunder won 60 games and a playoff series despite trading James Harden. Even though Kevin Martin (free agent) would like to return and Jeremy Lamb is on the roster, the Thunder have an opportunity to add a potentially potent wing scorer to their bench in Caldwell-Pope. Caldwell-Pope also forces a lot of turnovers, something the Thunder don't have at all off their bench. This is a best player available pick, and between Caldwell-Pope and Lamb, the Thunder can weigh their options on Martin and look at free agency to possibly upgrade on Kendrick Perkins.

13) Dallas Mavericks- Lucas Nogueira, C, Asefa Estudiantes (Spain)

Budrovich: The Dallas Mavericks are looking for size in the paint to complement Dirk Nowitzki and Chris Kaman, and the athletic Nogueira will make an immediate impact. While super raw on the offensive end, Nogueira has some professional international experience with Spain’s Liga ACB, and showcased his best stuff at the 2013 Adidas Eurocamp. Nogueira is physical specimen to say the least, with a monstrous 7-foot-6 wingspan to protect the basket.

14) Utah Jazz- Shane Larkin, PG, Miami (FL)

Nourian: Larkin led Miami to its best season in program history, but many wonder if his play will be able to transition to the NBA with his small 5-foot-11, 171-pound frame. Fortunately for Larkin, he is a tremendous shooter and ball-handler, especially off the dribble. Larkin would fit well in Utah, as he would be able to run a lot of pick and rolls with Al Jefferson, and Utah would benefit as well by adding a "true" point guard. 

Cody Zeller is humble and skilled, but does he have the size to contend in the paint in the NBA? (YHoshua/Creative Commons)
Cody Zeller is humble and skilled, but does he have the size to contend in the paint in the NBA? (YHoshua/Creative Commons)
15) Milwaukee Bucks- Cody Zeller, PF/C, Indiana

Freedman: Larry Sanders is a rebounding-gobbling, shot-blocking machine. Same with John Henson. That makes Zeller, he of the pick-and-pop jump shot and old-school post skills, fit right in to complement those two in the Bucks frontcourt. Milwaukee might have voids to fill with the departure of Monta Ellis and/or Brandon Jennings, but perimeter scoring can be more easily replaced. Zeller won't quite be Andrew Bogut, but he's a steal outside of the lottery and will constantly challenge NBA big men with his mobile, potent-shooting game. 

16) Boston Celtics- Shabazz Muhammad, SF, UCLA

Padavick: With the uncertainty of Paul Pierce’s future in Boston, an athletic wing player will give the Celtics security at the small forward position. Muhammad is a natural scorer that can both shoot and get to the rim. Some believe he is a risky pick, but it would be hard to pass up on this type of player in the middle of the first round. He would have no pressure and would start the season behind Jeff Green or Pierce (if he stays), not being expected to contribute a lot right away as he polishes his game.

17) Atlanta Hawks- Gorgui Dieng, C, Louisville

Murray: It's no secret that the Hawks want Dwight Howard in free agency, and they may try and sell one of their two first-round picks to clear space. Howard doesn't appear to be coming home, but that's not why the Hawks should get Gorgui Dieng here. Even if the Hawks miraculously acquire Howard, they'll need another center given Zaza Pachulia's contract and health concerns. Dieng could be a quality defender with enough ability to let Al Horford get more time at power forward.

18) Atlanta Hawks- Ricardo Ledo, SG, Providence

Freedman: While he never played at Providence thanks to some eligibility issues, Ledo has been knocking scouts' socks off left and right since the college season finished. The Hawks already have Lou Williams, and Ledo could serve as an understudy, as Williams too had only played against high school competition before entering the NBA. The upside is high for Ledo as a shooting guard with high-level ball-handling skills, and with Dieng a safer pick, Atlanta might as well try to capture some draft magic with their second choice.

19) Cleveland Cavaliers- Dennis Schroeder, PG, Phantoms Braunschweig (Germany)

Nourian: The Cavs would be adding another scoring threat off the dribble to take some pressure off the scoring on Kyrie Irving should they elect to take the German point guard with their other first round pick. Schroeder is super speedy, especially in the open court, uses his huge 6-foot-7 wingspan, and is also very lethal in the lane, allowing him to penetrate and find open teammates. He also has great ball handling skills, which means he doesn't turnover the ball very much, a trait essential for the success of any elite NBA point guard. 

20) Chicago Bulls- Tony Snell, SG/SF, New Mexico

Freedman: I have the sense that the Bulls are trying to move on from Luol Deng, thanks to Jimmy Butler's emergence. Snell would therefore become a 6-foot-7 two guard, one who would space the floor perfectly to find countless open jump shots if Derrick Rose comes back and can drive to the basket like he did in his MVP season. Snell earned a bit of a rep for not always having his head in the game, a problem that the tutelage of Tom Thibideau could likely cure. 

Kelly Olynyk's stock has fallen, but goes to a Jazz team with a front court in turmoil (SD Dirk/Wikimedia Commons).
Kelly Olynyk's stock has fallen, but goes to a Jazz team with a front court in turmoil (SD Dirk/Wikimedia Commons).
21) Utah Jazz- Kelly Olynyk, C, Gonzaga

Padavick: With both Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap becoming free agents this summer, the Jazz need to pick up a big man. Olynyk is a very fundamentally skilled big man that can score on the block with outstanding post moves. He can also play out on the perimeter, as he has shown that he can pass the ball and knock down the mid-range shot. He is also an exceptional free throw shooter and with some work, looks like he could be a Mehmet Okur-type big that can step out and hit the three ball.

22) Brooklyn Nets- Jamaal Franklin, SG/SF, San Diego State

Murray: The 2012-2013 Brooklyn Nets rarely ran last year (28th in pace), but new head coach Jason Kidd wants to run like the New Jersey teams he led to the Finals ten years ago. He could use some young athletes on the wing, something that doesn't describe 2001 draftees "Iso-Joe" Johnson or Gerald "Crash" Wallace anymore. At the very least, Jamaal Franklin could give the Nets a dynamic athlete who can also defend the perimeter (Nets were 25th in turnovers forced) and rebound as he develops his game.

23) Indiana Pacers- Allen Crabbe, SG, California

Budrovich: Indiana fell one game short of the NBA Finals in large part due to their insufficient bench scoring. Crabbe was the most prolific scorer in the Pac-12, averaging 18.4 points on 45 percent shooting while making nearly 35 percent of his shots from downtown. Although consistency is an issue, Crabbe can shoot the basketball from any spot on the court, whether off screens or by creating his own shot. With depth at the shooting guard position Crabbe would not play major minutes, but his sparkplug impact could spread the court for the Pacers inside-out attack on offense.

24) New York Knicks- Mason Plumlee, PF, Duke

Nourian: Plumlee did not fall short of expectations, as he came back for his senior season at Duke and averaged a career-best 19 points per game in his final year. He has really developed a good post game, coming from him easily being able to seal off his defenders and creating space using his size. He clearly has the physical size to play in the paint with elite NBA players, but many scouts still question his athleticism, which has resulted in Plumlee being taken advantage on a lot of pick-and-rolls in the past. 

25) Los Angeles Clippers- Glen Rice Jr., SG, Rio Grande Valley Vipers (NBADL)

Freedman: In the wake of Aaron Hernandez (I know, wrong sport), teams are focusing more and more on character issues, which is why Rice Jr.'s checkered past at Georgia Tech has caused him to slip. The Clippers just traded a future first round pick for Doc Rivers, so Rice Jr. will likely come in with a small role, learning from Rivers and Chris Paul on maturity and the NBA. Rice Jr. will learn the ropes, then be thrown in as a cheaper alternative to Caron Butler and possibly Chauncey Billups. He'll ride the pine for a year or two, but he fits the defintion of a 'sleeper'.

Reggie Bullock is a much cheaper option than Andrei Kirilenko for the T-Wolves (Roza Arzola/Wikimedia Commons).
Reggie Bullock is a much cheaper option than Andrei Kirilenko for the T-Wolves (Roza Arzola/Wikimedia Commons).
26) Minnesota Timberwolves- Reggie Bullock, SG/SF, North Carolina

Padavick: Bullock is an outstanding three-point shooter, something that the Wolves are lacking at the shooting guard position. He shot 44 percent on 5.8 attempts per game at UNC last season. He has a quick release, and is a smart player that moves well without the ball. He takes care of the ball and can be a great scoring option second to Kevin Love in Minny and with Rubio directing the offense, Bullock will be put in positions to succeed and will bring more athleticism to the shooting guard position.

27) Denver Nuggets- Tony Mitchell, SF/PF, North Texas

Murray: Yet another team with a contract situation (shooting guard Andre Iguodala) that would probably love to sell this pick as opposed to guaranteeing a contract. That said, the Nuggets are another team that saw what it's like to see depth exposed in the postseason. The Nuggets allowed the most offensive rebounds in the league, and it would have been nice to be able to have a healthy Kenneth Faried. Anthony Randolph is the only backup power forward in Denver, so Tony Mitchell could get a shot at showing he can be a better pro than college player here.

28) San Antonio Spurs- Trevor Mbawke, PF/C, Minnesota

Budrovich: San Antonio adds a dynamic and versatile forward with freakish athleticism in Mbakwe, as the Golden Gopher was a shot blocking machine in with an incredible 7-foot-4 wingspan and monstrous hands to protect the basket. The greatest gift Mbawke would provide for the Spurs would be his surprisingly strong low-post game. He has shown an ability throughout college to use speed, power and a shooting touch to play at the NBA level, and would give the Spurs bench some sorely needed toughness and tenacity.

29) Oklahoma City Thunder- Mike Muscala, PF/C, Bucknell

Nourian: The 6-foot-11 Muscala averaged a double-double, bringing in 18.7 points and 11.1 rebounds per game in his final year at Bucknell, and is therefore a player with tremendous upside. For his size, he can do just about anything, whether it is shooting the ball, blocking shots, or going up for rebounds. He also has a tremendous post presence that will make him a force to be reckoned with in the paint. He especially impressed scouts at the combine with his amazing speed, agility, and athleticism for his size, and would make a good fit in Oklahoma City as a backup center behind Kendrick Perkins. 

30) Phoenix Suns- Giannis Adetokunpo, SF, Basket Zaragoza 2002 (Spain)

Freedman: Because the first round of every NBA Draft should end with an international player that no one besides Fran Fraschilla had heard of a month ago, nor can pronounce.



 

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