2013 NBA Mock Draft: Projected Lottery Picks: The 2013 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 27, and with the recent lottery setting the order for the top 14 picks, it is time for the teams to start scouting and interviewing potential prospects. While the combine is already in the books, individual workouts are yet to come, and nothing is set in stone, including the No. 1 pick. That being said, only five players start for each NBA team so it is pretty easy to identify a team’s biggest need, which helps narrow the list of potential candidates. With that in mind, here is an early look at the possible picks for each team in the lottery for the 2013 NBA Draft. Also, after you are done, we invite you to enjoy live betting odds on the biggest events today.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Nerlens Noel, Center, Kentucky
He needs to pack on muscle and develop an offensive game, but Noel’s shot blocking ability and defensive presence are just what the doctor ordered for a Cleveland defense that ranked second last in blocks and allowed opponents to shoot an NBA-best 47.6 percent from the field last year.
2. Orlando Magic: Ben McLemore, Shooting Guard, Kansas
With a young core of big men already on the roster, McLemore’s perimeter shooting ability alone fits a major need for the Magic. Throw in his huge offensive upside, and Orlando won’t be able to pass on McLemore.
3. Washington Wizards: Anthony Bennett, Forward, UNLV
Bennett has a classic “tweener” body, but he is a physical beast and has a man’s game on the offensive end. Washington already has John Wall and Bradley Beal to take care of the perimeter scoring, and Bennett will do the same in the frontcourt.
4. Charlotte Bobcats: Otto Porter, Small Forward, Georgetown
For a team that can score or stop other teams from scoring, Porter’s two-way game and overall all-around skillset make a lot of sense for Charlotte. He may not have the highest ceiling, but for a Bobcats’ roster completely bereft of talent, playing it safe isn’t the worst approach either.
5. Phoenix Suns: Victor Oladipo, Shooting Guard, Indiana
Oladipo may never develop into a go-to scorer, but he will be a major upgrade on the wing for Phoenix in terms of athleticism and defense immediately. He should stuff the stat sheet in the NBA for a long time even if he doesn’t develop a great offensive arsenal.
6. New Orleans Pelicans: Alex Len, Center, Maryland
Anthony Davis is the future of the franchise, but adding a true center with a big body like Len will make sure Davis doesn’t have to bang around in the post on defense all the time. Len should contribute on defense and the boards immediately, and if he develops a consistent offensive game in the post, it will be icing on the cake.
7. Sacramento Kings: Trey Burke, Point Guard, Michigan
The Kings have been lacking a leader and an offensive identity for a while, and Burke could satisfy both needs. Whether he is setting up teammates with his penetration and passing ability or hitting clutch shots as he did throughout Michigan’s run to the NCAA title game, Burke is a proven playmaker.
8. Detroit Pistons: C.J. McCollum, Shooting Guard, Lehigh
Detroit’s frontcourt is loaded with upside, but the team needs some perimeter firepower to support its young big men. McCollum is an explosive scorer on the wing with the ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc, get to the foul line and everything in between.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves: Cody Zeller, Power Forward, Indiana
A perimeter shooter would be ideal, but with McCollum off the board, Zeller’s not a terrible consolation prize. After all, an athletic big man that can run the floor is a nice weapon for Ricky Rubio to have at his disposal.
10. Portland Trailblazers: Shabazz Muhammad, Small Forward, UCLA
Muhammad has become one of the most debated and scrutinized prospects in the draft. However, there is no denying his ability to put the ball in the basket. Playing alongside Damian Lillard, LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Batum, Muhammad can slide in as the No. 4 scoring option while he refines his game.
11. Philadelphia 76ers: Steven Adams, Center, Pittsburgh
It is becoming clear that Andrew Bynum can’t be counted on to stay healthy, which leaves Philadelphia in need of a big man that can score the ball. Adams will need some time to develop, but the true seven-footer has a decent touch around and a lot of upside.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Kelly Olynyk, Power Forward, Gonzaga
He doesn’t have the muscle to make a huge impact on the defensive end or the glass, but Olynyk has a versatile offensive skill set for a big guy, and he will complement the defensive-minded Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka in the Thunder frontcourt.
13. Dallas Mavericks: Dennis Schroeder, Point Guard, Germany
Look for the Mavericks to be active in free agency as they try to make another title run or two before Dirk Nowitzki calls it quits, and Schroeder is a fairly polished point guard prospect that can step in and run the Dallas offense as a rookie.
14. Utah Jazz: Michael Carter-Williams, Point Guard, Syracuse
While the success of his NBA career will ultimately be determined by whether or not he develops a jump shot, Carter-Williams has too much upside to slip any further, especially when the Jazz need a point a guard. His 6’6” frame and athletic ability make it easy for him to get into the lane and find teammates, and Utah’s arsenal of talented big men will be immediate beneficiaries.
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