2013 is upon us and so is conference play. While the top overall pick is far from determined, the rest of the first round is starting to become a little clearer. Here is our second early season (first round) mock with player descriptions and comparisons. *Team needs have not been taken into account. Our first edition (November 12) can be found here: 2013 Extended Mock Draft 1.0.
| 1. |  | Cody Zeller 6-11 240 PF/C Indiana So. | While this year’s draft may not have the sexiest #1 overall pick, it does have the "Big Handsome", who is our projected number one pick for a variety of reasons. He’s got experience over the freshmen prospects and lower risk and he’s a modern day center that thrives in the open floor as well as being able to score. He also has as good a shot as anyone at leading his team to a National title. While he has struggled some out of the gate, he remains our pick to go first. Zeller is an underrated athlete with a superior feel for the game and advanced skill set for a sophomore. NBA Comparison: LaMarcus Aldridge | |
| 2. |  |  | Ben McLemore 6-5 201 SG Kansas Fr. | McLemore has been one of the biggest surprises this season. After sitting out last season as an academic redshirt, he has been nothing short of sensational moving to the front of this year’s shooting guard class and stating a case for himself as a potential top overall pick candidate. While the feat has not been accomplished (a SG going 1) in 40 years, McLemore has a chance. He needs to improve upon his handle and ability to create shots, but he has standout athleticism and a textbook outside shot. NBA Comparison: Ray Allen |
| 3. |  |  | Shabazz Muhammad 6-6 225 SF UCLA Fr. | Shabazz is a dynamic athlete with a winner’s mentality, and also a big time scorer. He has turned living with Tourette’s Syndrome into a positive as he always seems to have something to prove and has an edge to his game. He has the same kind of mentality and motor that made MKG the 2nd overall pick in last year’s draft, though more of a scorer and less all around game. In addition to his elite level scoring ability, Shabazz’s desire and work ethic are likely to land him in the top 3-5 in this year’s draft. NBA Comparison: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist |
| 4. |  |  | Nerlens Noel 6-11 208 PF Kentucky Fr. | Has a chance to be special on defense. Noel’s length, leaping ability and cat-like reflexes make him an extraordinary shot blocker, though he needs to learn to stay more under control on pump fakes and stay out of foul trouble. He also has a knack for gathering steals as he surprisingly leads the team. His offensive game is extremely raw and may never be anything more than put back dunks and hook shots. He also needs to get a lot stronger as his upper body and legs are rail thin. He shows a willingness to hustle and play hard, which combined with his elite level athleticism is very encouraging. But his lack of offensive skill combined with an incredibly skinny frame gives his long term outlook some limitations. A case could be made that he’s got the most upside of anyone in this year’s draft. But #1 picks that are as raw offensively as Noel have not fared well. (see Michael Olowokandi or Kwame Brown). NBA Comparison: Marcus Camby |
| 5. |  |  | Anthony Bennett 6-7 240 PF UNLV Fr. | Bennett is not "Grandmama", but his size and length makes him as intriguing a prospect out of Vegas since. He doesn’t have LJ’s freakish strength or explosiveness but he’s got length that LJ did not possess. He’s got unusual touch for someone with such huge hands. Despite being 6’7, his wingspan makes him essentially a 6’9 player and he doesn’t have far to go to dunk the ball. While he lacks the foot speed to defend on the perimeter, essentially making him a stretch 4, he’s playing as well as anyone and will be in the discussion for NPOY if he keeps playing at his current level. Some scouts have even mentioned him as a potential #1 pick, though that’s probably a reach, considering the last 6’9 or under PF to go first was Kenyon Martin. NBA Comparison: Larry Johnson |
| 6. |  |  | Otto Porter 6-8 205 SF Georgetown So. | Porter is a bigtime defender and tremendous athlete. He’s very thin, but showed the ability to knock down key shots in both his freshman and now sophomore year, having hit a key basket against #1 ranked Indiana in the closing second to send it to OT. Scouts really took notice of him at the LeBron James Skills Academy in Las Vegas over the summer. While he doesn’t put up eye popping numbers, that’s understandable in the Georgetown offense. He’s made a very impressive jump from his freshman year, and despite a less than picture perfect jumpshot, he gets results. NBA Comparison: Stacey Augmon |
| 7. |  |  | Alex Len 7-1 240 C Maryland So. | Len shows the agility to get up and down the floor, make plays at the rim and the touch to knock down shots. He has been even better than advertised as we projected him as a top 10 pick before the season. While some may knock his fluidity and toughness, it’s important to remember that bigs normally take the longest to develop. For a 20 year old that’s still adjusting to American culture being away from his home in the Ukraine, he’s obviously doing very well. While being a top 5 pick is within his grasp, he appears to be a notch below the Zeller, Noel, Bennett group. NBA Comparison: Zydrunas Ilgauskas |
| 8. |  |  | Willie Cauley-Stein 6-11 240 C Kentucky Fr. | Cauley-Stein is one freshman that Coach John Calipari may push to return. Cal may try sell him on the idea that he possibly be a top 3-5 pick by returning for his sophomore year. Cauley-Stein possesses a better offensive skill set than his more highly acclaimed teammate Nerlens Noel. He also has a bigger frame and the ability to add considerably more weight. He displays excellent hands and a willingness to hustle for loose balls and get out on the break. A future pro, who could break Cal’s heart by leaving after just one season. NBA Comparison: Marcin Gortat |
| 9. |  |  | Marcus Smart 6-4 225 PG/SG Oklahoma St. Fr. | Marcus Smart’s leadership is rare for such a young player, and his energy is infectious on his teammates. He always seems to be one step ahead of the competition showing great anticipation. He’s also a highly intelligent decision maker with a great feel for the game. While he lacks stand out athleticism, his ability to impact games makes him special. He has hit some bumps in his freshman season as his outside shot has abandoned him. But look for that to improve over time as he becomes more comfortable. NBA Comparison: DaJuan Wagner |
| 10. |  |  | Michael Carter-Williams 6-6 190 PG Syracuse So. | Carter-Williams is true point guard with tremendous size. At 6’6 he reminds some of the high school version Shawn Livingston that many became so enamored with before his tragic knee injury. Though not quite the talent, MCW’s ability to set teammates up for baskets is special for a player his size. He will need to improve upon his outside shooting, but a PG with the ability to make those around them better is a rare commodity. He’s got some off court baggage (shop lifting incident) that will need to be addressed in interviews with teams. But in a down draft, Carter-Williams has top 10 potential. NBA Comparison: Shaun Livingston |
| 11. |  |  | Mason Plumlee 6-11 240 PF/C Duke Sr. | Plumlee has been one of the biggest surprises in college this year, as he’s a true NPOY candidate. He’s taken his game to another level in his senior year, showing added offensive skills around the basket, and amazing consistency. He is a better version of his brother Miles who somehow landed in the late first round in 2012. While he’s not overly skilled in the post, he is very explosive, runs the floor well and shows a willingness to fight for rebounds and play tough in the paint. NBA Comparison: Jeff Foster |
| 12. |  |  | CJ McCollum 6-3 190 PG/SG Lehigh Sr. | As a likely first rounder in 2012, some questioned McCollum’s decision to return to campus despite virtually knocking defending champion Duke out of the NCAA tournament single handedly. But his performance this season should prove that returning to school was in his best interest long term. McCollum leads the country in scoring and has been very consistent all year, averaging 3 threes made per game and shooting with incredible efficiency. He’s got a nasty crossover and ISO game, but questions linger about his ability to play the PG position. His scoring productivity seems to have come at the peril of his a/to ratio which was closer to 1.5/1 last year and 1/1 this. NBA Comparison: Stephen Curry |
| 13. |  |  | Glenn Robinson III 6-6 200 SF Michigan Fr. | Robinson has been flying under the radar nationally but you can expect that to change as Michigan is one of the few unbeaten teams in the country and Robinson is their best long term prospect. Along with the backcourt duo of Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. who are both on this mock as well, Robinson has been terrific all year. He has the ability to create shots off the dribble and has the explosiveness and strength to finish at the rim. Look for "Lil Big Dog" to be receiving more pub as the season progresses. NBA Comparison: Andre Iguodala |
| 14. |  |  | Isaiah Austin 7-0 205 PF/C Baylor Fr. | Austin has opened some eyes with his outside shooting ability and combination of length and fluidity. He’s an alluring prospect due to his ability to run the floor and knock down shots. He’s played with good intensity this season, to the surprise of some, and though he’s been a little up and down, his stats (14.5 ppg and 8.6 reb) are impressive for a freshman. His FT % and lack of trips to the line show that he needs to get stronger and tougher. He plays a finesse game, but with such a big frame, scouts appear to be enamored with his talent enough to make him a lottery selection. NBA Comparison: Jonathan Bender |
| 15. |  |  | Archie Goodwin 6-4 190 SG Kentucky Fr. | Archie is a standout athlete with the speed to get by almost any defender. His length (6’10 wingspan) makes up for his lack of ideal SG size at 6’4. Two years at Kentucky would do him well, but with the Harrison Twins on the way, he appears to be in the fast lane to the NBA and could be selected in the mid-first round on upside. His stint playing the PG position for UK when Harrow was out dispelled any delusions about him as an NBA combo or PG. As with most freshmen: maturity, decision making and consistency remain question marks. NBA Comparison: Tyreke Evans |
| 16. | |  | Alex Poythress 6-7 239 SF/PF Kentucky Fr. | Poythress started the season off well, but his energy level and consistency have trailed off considerably. At this point his skill level as a small forward remains extremely raw as most of his buckets come from his elite athleticism, and he is most effective in around the basket. He needs to develop into a better ball handler and passer. He does attack the glass and has shown some ability to knock down the 3 ball, despite not getting much arc on his shot. He could be a candidate to return to school, a la Terrence Jones as his freshman season has lacked consistency. NBA Comparison: Thad Young |
| 17. |  |  | Dario Saric 6-10 230 PF Split Croatia 1994 | Saric is an immensely skilled forward who was point guard in his junior years but due to his growth has become a forward. He lacks the foot speed to defend on the wing which means that he should look to put weight on and become a power forward. He has tremendous ball handling and feel for the game, but whether or not he has the quickness to utilize that is the question. He still has a lot of work to do on his jump shot, but his desire to be great makes him the top international prospect for this years draft, despite some physical limitations. NBA Comparison: Dejan Bodiroga |
| 18. |  |  | Rudy Gobert 7-1 230 C France 1992 | Gobert has struggled to put up consistent numbers in the French League. So the question is whether teams will be willing to look past the lack of productivity and draft him on potential. He has ridiculous length with a reported 7 foot 9 wingspan. He has good shooting touch and also appears to have a body that will allow him to add strength and eventually battle in the paint in the NBA. His mobility and athleticism are average by NBA standards and he still needs to get much tougher. NBA Comparison: Shawn Bradley |
| 19. |  |  | Tony Mitchell 2586 6-8 235 SF/PF North Texas So. | Mitchell has struggled to improve upon his freshman season, putting up essentially the same numbers and has fallen from his lofty preseason projections into the later half of the first round. He is a unique player as he combines freakish length (7-foot-3 wingspan) and explosiveness with intriguing perimeter skills. He surprised many by returning to North Texas despite first round projections. He seems to be convinced that he’s a 3, and despite his chiseled physique he apparently does not enjoy battling in the paint. Scouts still aren’t certain what position he projects to but figure that his strengths are best utilized playing at the 4. NBA Comparison: Derrick Williams |
| 20. |  |  | James McAdoo 6-9 235 SF/PF UNC So. | McAdoo has really struggled with his adjustment into team leader and go to player. He lacks intensity and aggressiveness and despite his elite level athleticism, his lack of a true NBA position could prove costly. McAdoo was considered a possible lottery pick had he entered the 2012 draft after his freshman year. He lacks the speed to beat opponents on the perimeter and the strength to overpower NBA bigs. He gets a lot of baskets on talent, but there are legitimate concerns about how his skills translate to the next level. McAdoo has time to turn things around, but has not made the progress many expected before this season. NBA Comparison: Michael Beasley |
| 21. |  |  | Trey Burke 6-0 180 PG Michigan So. | Burke has been lights out this year, without question one of the top PGs in the nation. His 6’5 wingspan helps him offset his 6’0 frame. His leadership and toughness is special and despite being undersized, he’s got one of the biggest hearts around. If Michigan continues to play well throughout March, Burke stands a good chance to be a first rounder. NBA Comparison: Travis Best |
| 22. |  |  | Andre Roberson 6-7 210 SF/PF Colorado Jr. | Roberson is an elite level athlete whose perimeter skills are a work in progress. He rebounds the ball especially well but in order to make it in the NBA he will have to play the 3. Roberson’s outside shooting and ball handling ability have shown slight improvement but it’s his ability to defend and rebound that makes him so intriguing. NBA Comparison: Matt Barnes |
| 23. | |  | Kentavious Caldwell-Pope 6-5 205 SG Georgia So. | A smooth 2-guard with a chance to be a first rounder if he can improve his efficiency. Caldwell Pope’s shooting numbers were disappointing in his freshman season, but he has shown improvement in his sophomore year. An underrated athlete with the ability to get to the rack as well as create and knock down shots on the perimeter. NBA Comparison: Michael Redd |
| 24. |  |  | Isaiah Canaan 6-1 191 PG Murray St. Sr. | Canaan is a much different player with his Murray State team than outside of it. In the summer, he struggled mightily to run the point guard position at both the LeBron James Skills Academy and adidas Nations. He’s got the strength and physique of a tail back and is an instant offense type of scorer. Canaan also gets high marks in his character and four years of experience also works in his favor. Teams will definitely want to see how well he runs the point away from the Racers team in workouts. NBA Comparison: Vinnie Johnson |
| 25. | |  | Myck Kabongo 6-1 180 PG Texas So. | Kabongo lost 2/3 of his sophomore season to the NCAA, but should have enough time to show scouts that he’s a first round talent. He’ll be eligible on February 13th, after missing 23 games. He’s is a jet quick point guard with a playground handle. In today’s NBA, that elite level speed makes him an intriguing prospect. He struggled to live up to expectations as a freshman and as quite a few detractors. If he could ever develop a consistent jumpshot, he would be deadly. NBA Comparison: Mike Conley Jr. |
| 26. | |  | CJ Wilcox 6-5 195 SG Washington Jr. | Washington no longer has Tony Wroten and Terrence Ross who both ended up being first round picks in the 2012 draft, so it has become Wilcox’s team. He’s one of the nation’s purist shooters and also an underrated athlete. While not the high flying, dunker of his teammates of a season ago, he’s got some solid quickness and athleticism in his own right. Shooters of his caliber are always a welcomed commodity in the league. NBA Comparison: Hubert Davis |
| 27. | |  | Tim Hardaway Jr 6-5 190 SG Michigan Jr. | Hardaway Jr. shows a professional approach to the game with consistent effort at all times. He has a well developed offensive game with great elevation and form on his shot. The big knock on him has always been foot speed as he lacks a great first step to beat opponents off the dribble. He grew up around the game, and that is apparent with his focus and feel for the game. Hardaway’s first round chances likely will hinge on a big performance in March, both personally and as a team. NBA Comparison: Jarvis Hayes |
| 28. |  |  | Doug McDermott 6-7 225 SF Creighton Jr. | McDermott is a NPOY candidate and once again one of the most prolific players in the country, which should get him looks in the mid to late first round. He’s not very athletic, but as an elite shooter some scouts envision him in a role similar to a Kyle Korver. McDermott still plays more as a 4 than a 3 and he’ll need to transition completely to the SF position to make it in the NBA. NBA Comparison: Luke Babbitt |
| 29. |  |  | Jeff Withey 7-0 235 C Kansas Sr. | Withey certainly appears to have shot blocking potential for the NBA. The all time block record holder for the NCAA tourney has seen his game steadily progress as he’s become a factor on the offensive end as well. Detractors will point to the fact that it took him so long to make an impact in college and that he’s beating up on players 2-3 years younger than himself. He lacks great foot speed and dexterity, but appears to be an ideal future back up in the league for years to come. NBA Comparison: Cherokee Parks |
| 30. | |  | Lucas Nogueira 7-0 220 PF/C Brazil 1992 | Noguera is extremely raw but players with his size and agility are rare. He had a breakout performance at the Copa America U18 tournament in 2010 and some NBA scouts came away saying he had top 5 pick potential. He lost most of that hype with a dreadful showing at the 2011 adidas Eurocamp in Treviso, but this season he’s playing in Spain for Estudiantes and regaining momentum. He’s so long and athletic, it’s just a matter of his desire. "Bebe" developed a reputation for being soft and lazy, but over the past year it’s apparent that he’s focused and working to get stronger and develop his game. He’s got some touch on his shot, but his strength and toughness must improve, along with defensive intensity. NBA Comparison: Samuel Dalembert |
If the Celtics pick Mason
If the Celtics pick Mason Plumee. I will lose my damn mind.
CHad ford certainly isnt
CHad ford certainly isnt buying the zeller hype, cant blame him. Odds are stacked that a player of his complexion and nationality are worthy of such a pick.
Zeller
Cody Zeller is Greek with bad acne?