2013 NBA Mock Draft 2.0
We are roughly three weeks away from the start of the 2013 NBA Draft and we here at Rant Sports are ready to dive into our official NBA Mock Draft 2.0.
The Cleveland Cavaliers remain unsure of what they will do with the top overall spot and whether or not Nerlens Noel is the best fit or if a higher value should be found via trade. Or what about the Orlando Magic who are reportedly leaning towards selecting either Ben McLemore or Victor Oladipo.
The questions and rumors run deep and they will continue to do so for the next couple of weeks. Behind the Cavaliers and Magic loom similar scenarios and trade possibilities that will likely run its course on draft night.
Date: Thursday, June 27
Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
Visit the official Rant Sports 2013 NBA Draft page by clicking HERE.
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No. 1- Cleveland Cavaliers: Nerlens Noel
Albeit Nerlens Noel is not a franchise projection, he’s the easy selection for the Cleveland Cavaliers, should they keep the No. 1 pick. Another Kentucky product off the board at the top of the chart.
No. 2- Orlando Magic: Ben McLemore
The Orlando Magic are reportedly leaning towards two players in particular with the No. 2 pick. Ben McLemore fits and is the best selection for Orlando in this position.
No. 3- Washington Wizards: Otto Porter Jr.
The Washington Wizards will have plenty of options with the No. 3 overall selection. Otto Porter Jr. gives Washington a dynamic back court to build towards the future.
No. 4- Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Bennett
It remains to be seen whether or not the Charlotte Bobcats will keep this pick. If so, they take the top prospect available at No. 4 – UNLV forward Anthony Bennett.
No. 5- Phoenix Suns: Victor Oladipo
The Phoenix Suns needs some back court depth and with Ben McLemore off the board already, Indiana high-flyer Victor Oladipo is an easy selection at No. 5.
No. 6- New Orleans Pelicans: Alex Len
Although the New Orleans Pelicans selected Anthony Davis with the No. 1 pick a year ago, you can never have too much front court depth. The Pelicans select Maryland sophomore Alex Len.
No. 7- Sacramento Kings: Cody Zeller
The Sacramento Kings need to build towards the future under new guidance and Cody Zeller has been rising up the draft boards since the NBA Combine.
No. 8- Detroit Pistons: Trey Burke
The Detroit Pistons are hoping that Michigan point guard Trey Burke slips to them at No. 8. Well, here you go – Burke to the Pistons with this selection.
No. 9- Minnesota Timberwolves: Shabazz Muhammad
There’s a lot of criticism circulating around Shabazz Muhammad but he’s a dynamite scorer whose game should translate well to the NBA. The Minnesota Timberwolves shouldn’t pass on this freshman.
No. 10- Portland Trailblazers: C.J. McCollum
C.J. McCollum is a top ten talent and there’s no way that he should slip past the Portland Trailblazers at this point. If the Trailblazers can’t move up, this would be an excellent fit moving forward.
No. 11- Philadelphia 76ers: Kelly Olynyk
The Philadelphia 76ers should have plenty of options at No. 11 if no surprises fall from the top ten. Gonzaga 7-footer Kelly Olynyk would be a nice addition to the team’s front court.
No. 12- Oklahoma City Thunder: Rudy Gobert
If the Oklahoma City Thunder aren’t sold on Kendrick Perkins inside, maybe it’s time to send a message. Rudy Gobert is a legitimate 7-footer by way of France and a worthy selection at No. 12 for Oklahoma City.
No. 13- Dallas Mavericks: Steven Adams
The Dallas Mavericks needs help inside and Pittsburgh freshman Steven Adams is quickly climbing up the draft boards. This could be a valuable selection for the Mavericks.
No. 14- Utah Jazz: Michael Carter-Williams
The Utah Jazz round out the lottery by filling a need. Michael Carter-Williams is the top point guard remaining at this point and he would easily make a great fit in Utah.
No. 15- Milwaukee Bucks: Kentvaious Caldwell-Pope
Who knows what the Milwaukee Bucks' back court might look like next season. The Bucks add Kentavious Caldwell-Pope at No. 15
No. 16- Boston Celtics: Dennis Schroeder
The Boston Celtics reportedly made a promise to German point guard Dennis Schroeder, but it has since been denied. He’s still available here though and the selection at No. 16.
No. 17- Atlanta Hawks: Mason Plumlee
If Mason Plumlee is still available at No. 17, the Atlanta Hawks need to make this pick in order to bolster their front court.
No. 18- Atlanta Hawks: Sergey Karasev
The Atlanta Hawks can add some depth and with their salary cap space, they can afford to take a chance on an international prospect at No. 18 – Russia’s Sergey Karasev is the pick.
No. 19- Cleveland Cavaliers: Dario Saric
After taking Nerlens Noel at No. 1, the Cleveland Cavaliers can take a bit of a risk at No. 19 – Croatian forward Dario Saric could be a star.
No. 20- Chicago Bulls: Gorgui Dieng
There’s not much of a chance that Gorgui Dieng falls further than the Chicago Bulls at No. 20, so that’s an easy selection here.
No. 21- Utah Jazz: Tony Mitchell
The Utah Jazz need front court help if they can’t keep Al Jefferson or Paul Millsap in free agency. Tony Mitchell will help.
No. 22- Brooklyn Nets: Jeff Withey
The Brooklyn Nets will also bolster their front court at No. 22. Kansas senior Jeff Withey is the pick.
No. 23- Indiana Pacers: Shane Larkin
The Indiana Pacers wouldn’t mind adding some depth to their back court. Miami point guard Shane Larkin adds versatility.
No. 24- New York Knicks: Jamaal Franklin
The New York Knicks need back court help after Jason Kidd’s decision to retire. Albeit Jamaal Franklin isn’t a point guard, he still boosts the rotation.
No. 25- Los Angeles Clippers: Allen Crabbe
The Los Angeles Clippers will look to add some depth to their back court and California’s Allen Crabbe could be a viable contributor in the coming years.
No. 26- Minnesota Timberwolves: Lucas Nogueira
The Minnesota Timberwolves are going to gamble here at No. 26 with Brazilian forward Lucas Nogueira.
No. 27- Denver Nuggets: Tim Hardaway Jr.
Tim Hardaway Jr. is rising up the draft board and looking like a first round pick. He’s a nice fit for the Denver Nuggets.
No. 28- San Antonio Spurs: Reggie Bullock
The San Antonio Spurs could use the depth, especially with the aging Manu Ginobili entering the summer unsigned. Reggie Bullock would be a good fit.
No. 29- Oklahoma City Thunder: Mouhammadou Jaiteh
The Oklahoma City Thunder have the pieces to take a gamble on a rising international prospect. Mouhammadou Jaiteh is worth the risk considering his upside.
No. 30- Giannis Antetokounmpo
Speaking of risk and upside, Speaking of risk and upside, Giannis Antetokounmpo is only 18 years old and he could be a nice addition for the Phoenix Suns' rebuilding future.
