[Wahoo757Participant]

Experts NBA mock draft

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft2013/story/_/id/9404686/2013-nba-draft-experts-make-their-picks-first-round

Thanks

[GrandmamaParticipant]

With the 2013 NBA draft a mere week away, Insider gathered five of its experts to draft the first round: Dave Telep, Kevin Pelton, Fran Fraschilla, David Thorpe and Amin Elhassan. They drafted in snaking order and here’s how the first round turned out.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers
The pick: Nerlens Noel, Kentucky Wildcats

When you’re picking No. 1 and thinking of taking a guy with a major injury, “Sam Bowie” comes to mind. The thought here was to take the top shot blocker and pair him with Kyrie Irving, whose passing ability instantly makes Noel a better offensive player. — Dave Telep

2. Orlando Magic
The pick: Ben McLemore, Kansas Jayhawks

I offered Dave Nikola Vucevic for Tyler Zeller to move from No. 2 to No. 1, then tried to trade down. If Orlando is forced to stay put, I prefer McLemore to Trey Burke because of the possibility of an Eric Bledsoe deal. I think PG will be an easier need to fill. — Kevin Pelton

3. Washington Wizards
The pick: Anthony Bennett, UNLV Rebels

Bennett’s ability to rebound and shoot from the perimeter as a PF will translate nicely to a team with outstanding young guards John Wall and Bradley Beal. With Bennett and Beal spacing the floor, Wall will get to the basket more easily. — Fran Fraschilla

4. Charlotte Bobcats
The pick: Victor Oladipo, Indiana Hoosiers

Oladipo might be a bad fit if he cannot become a serious scoring option, considering Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is an offensive liability. Oladipo could be a special defensive talent and with MKG gives Charlotte the future best wing defensive duo in the league. — David Thorpe

5. Phoenix Suns
The pick: Michael Carter-Williams, Syracuse Orange

The Suns get a player with upside who can contribute right away. Carter-Williams has the size and the length to allow Phoenix to play with a big backcourt with Dragic, although he’ll need to improve his perimeter shooting considerably for that vision to be realized. — Amin Elhassan

6. New Orleans Pelicans
The pick: Otto Porter, Georgetown Hoyas

New Orleans takes advantage of Porter’s slide and selects a guy who is both the best player available AND fits a need. Porter’s size, feel and defensive versatility fits the Pelicans, who are building their culture around hard workers. — A.E.

7. Sacramento Kings
The pick: Trey Burke, Michigan Wolverines

I love adding the sweet-shooting Burke to this team of gunners, especially because Burke is the true point guard that they need. His leadership will help build a winning culture. Burke can make the Kings’ talented but troubled roster better in a few different ways. — D.T.

8. Detroit Pistons
The pick: C.J. McCollum, Lehigh Mountain Hawks

I was a little disappointed with my selection (No offense, C.J.) given that my top four guard selections are all off the board and the Pistons are desperate for backcourt help. I do like McCollum’s versatility as a scorer/playmaker. –F.F.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves
The pick: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Georgia Bulldogs

Minnesota’s shopping list is obvious — a young shooting guard, preferably with size, preferably a good shooter. Caldwell-Pope fits the bill, and given how well he rates statistically, this was an easy choice with McCollum off the board. — K.P.

10. Portland Trail Blazers
The pick: Alex Len, Maryland Terrapins

This was the first “value pick” of our draft. There are many who think he’s No. 1 for the Cavs and other teams. But he slid and Portland needed a big. It was a solid meshing of need and potential for a team ready to take that chance, especially at No. 10. — D.T..

11. Philadelphia 76ers
The pick: Cody Zeller, Indiana Hoosiers

This pick took seconds to make. The 76ers have all kinds of frontcourt questions. They need someone they can trust and Zeller is tougher than advertised. He’s the best of the Zellers. All the more reason to believe he’s a guy who plays immediately in Philly. — D.T.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder
The pick: Steven Adams, Pittsburgh Panthers

I was looking for a project big who could eventually replace Kendrick Perkins in the middle. I would have preferred Adams to Len if both players were available. I think Adams has superior upside and might be capable of contributing next season off the bench. — K.P.

13. Dallas Mavericks
The pick: Kelly Olynyk, Gonzaga Bulldogs

Some draft picks ooze long-term potential and some are ready to help immediately. Olynyk has the size, skills and smarts to help the Mavs right away. He can score around the basket and make jump shots. At worst, he adds solid frontcourt depth to a rebuilding team. — F.F.

14. Utah Jazz
The pick: Shane Larkin, Miami (FL) Hurricanes

Quickness is a huge asset on both ends of the court, and Larkin helps out Utah here. He’s going to be very good in the pick-and-roll game with the team’s young bigs and can play alongside Mo Williams as part of the second unit, giving the Jazz some punch in the second quarter. — D.T.

15. Milwaukee Bucks
The pick: Rudy Gobert, Cholet Basket (France)

In the grand scheme of things, Milwaukee isn’t going anywhere as a franchise. Gobert represents a chance to look to the future as a talented but raw big with elite physical tools. He’s a gamble, but a gamble is what the Bucks need. — A.E.

16. Boston Celtics
The pick: Shabazz Muhammad, UCLA Bruins

Much like Jared Sullinger last season, Muhammad is a player who fell out of favor with evaluators for all the things he isn’t. Boston snatches him up for what he can do: score the ball, something the Celtics desperately need. — A.E.

17. Atlanta Hawks
The pick: Gorgui Dieng, Louisville Cardinals

Atlanta likely loses Josh Smith, so they need length and athleticism. Dieng should work immediately with Al Horford as an inside-outside threat, and the two of them can anchor a strong defense. Dieng provides cheap help, which allows them to spend money elsewhere. — D.T.

18. Atlanta Hawks
The pick: Dennis Schroeder, Braunschweig (Germany)

The Hawks need help everywhere. And with point guard Jeff Teague testing the market as a restricted free agent, help in the backcourt is imperative. Schroeder, who has drawn comparisons to Rajon Rondo, is a very good fit for new coach Mike Budenholzer. — F.F.

19. Cleveland Cavaliers
The pick: Sergey Karasev, Triumph Lyubertsy (Russia)

Having added Noel, the Cavaliers could still stand to get some help on the wing. Karasev could eventually settle in at either shooting guard or small forward depending how Cleveland builds its roster. His shooting and feel allows him to complement the Cavs’ young stars. — K.P.

20. Chicago Bulls
The pick: Jeff Withey, Kansas Jayhawks

He’ll easily assimilate to the Bulls’ culture of defense and gives Tom Thibodeau another long rim protector. Three years ago, the kid couldn’t score and now he’s a viable player. He’s an ideal role player because doesn’t have the ego. Bulls brass can thank me later. — D.T.

21. Utah Jazz
The pick: Reggie Bullock, North Carolina Tar Heels

Good shooters tend to improve when they hit the NBA and carve out their niche with the big boys. Utah had a desire to address this, and Bullock’s stroke is a major asset. Mix in his attention to detail on defense and he gives you more than your typical specialist. — D.T.

22. Brooklyn Nets
The pick: Glen Rice Jr., Rio Grande Valley Vipers (NBDL)

The Nets want immediate help off the bench, and with Dieng and Withey going ahead of them, along with the other wings in this range, that leaves Rice as the best option. His pro experience in the D-League should help Rice contribute quickly in the NBA. — K.P.

23. Indiana Pacers
The pick: Isaiah Canaan, Murray State Racers

There were “high fives” in the Fraschilla draft room when Canaan was available. It is not only an area of need for them, but to get a strong, quick, savvy point guard with NBA range at No. 23 is a steal. He could turn out to be as good as any playmaker in this draft. — F.F.

24. New York Knicks
The pick: Lucas Nogueira, Estudiantes (Brazil)

The Knicks are now less athletic on the front line than almost any team. Lots of banged-up old men. Nogueira gives them a chance to add a player who can help them significantly down the road. That is more important than drafting for a specific need for the upcoming season. — D.T.

25. Los Angeles Clippers
The pick: Allen Crabbe, California Golden Bears

It remains to be seen what the Clippers’ roster will look like opening night, but in the immortal words of Cotton Fitzsimmons, “you can never have too many shooters.” Crabbe is one of the best shooters in the draft, and would fit in nicely as a spacer for the Clippers. — A.E..

26. Minnesota Timberwolves
The pick: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Filathlitikos (Greece)

Antetokounmpo is just 18, but he’s already 6-foot-9 with playmaking skills to drool over. If small ball reigns in the NBA, he’s got a good mentor in Andrei Kirilenko. — A.E.

27. Denver Nuggets
The pick: Erick Green, Virginia Tech

We don’t know who the coach is, but it seems likely the Nuggets will still try to play ultrafast. Green is one of the top pace players in the draft, and he fills a need for Denver, who relies on the ageless Andre Miller more than they should. — D.T.

28. San Antonio Spurs
The pick: Tony Mitchell, North Texas Mean Green

This a great fit for both parties. The Spurs get another athletic young forward with a penchant for rebounding, and Mitchell gets a team that will nurture his prodigious talent in a professional environment and winning culture. — F.F.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder
The pick: Grant Jerrett, Arizona Wildcats

The Thunder can swing for the fences again with No. 29. Mitchell would be perfect here. After cursing Fran for taking Mitchell one pick earlier, I went with Jerrett, an intriguing yet raw prospect who combines shooting ability with rare athleticism for a stretch four. — K.P.

30. Phoenix Suns
The pick: Ryan Kelly, Duke Blue Devils

If not for the foot injury, Kelly would have shot his way into the first round. Kelly measured out at 6-11 3/4 at the combine. Who’s going to pass on a high-character, intelligent player with a proven 3-point stroke? Kelly has NBA size as a stretch player and a desired skill. — D.T.

[GrandmamaParticipant]

With the 2013 NBA draft a mere week away, Insider gathered five of its experts to draft the first round: Dave Telep, Kevin Pelton, Fran Fraschilla, David Thorpe and Amin Elhassan. They drafted in snaking order and here’s how the first round turned out.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers
The pick: Nerlens Noel, Kentucky Wildcats

When you’re picking No. 1 and thinking of taking a guy with a major injury, “Sam Bowie” comes to mind. The thought here was to take the top shot blocker and pair him with Kyrie Irving, whose passing ability instantly makes Noel a better offensive player. — Dave Telep

2. Orlando Magic
The pick: Ben McLemore, Kansas Jayhawks

I offered Dave Nikola Vucevic for Tyler Zeller to move from No. 2 to No. 1, then tried to trade down. If Orlando is forced to stay put, I prefer McLemore to Trey Burke because of the possibility of an Eric Bledsoe deal. I think PG will be an easier need to fill. — Kevin Pelton

3. Washington Wizards
The pick: Anthony Bennett, UNLV Rebels

Bennett’s ability to rebound and shoot from the perimeter as a PF will translate nicely to a team with outstanding young guards John Wall and Bradley Beal. With Bennett and Beal spacing the floor, Wall will get to the basket more easily. — Fran Fraschilla

4. Charlotte Bobcats
The pick: Victor Oladipo, Indiana Hoosiers

Oladipo might be a bad fit if he cannot become a serious scoring option, considering Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is an offensive liability. Oladipo could be a special defensive talent and with MKG gives Charlotte the future best wing defensive duo in the league. — David Thorpe

5. Phoenix Suns
The pick: Michael Carter-Williams, Syracuse Orange

The Suns get a player with upside who can contribute right away. Carter-Williams has the size and the length to allow Phoenix to play with a big backcourt with Dragic, although he’ll need to improve his perimeter shooting considerably for that vision to be realized. — Amin Elhassan

6. New Orleans Pelicans
The pick: Otto Porter, Georgetown Hoyas

New Orleans takes advantage of Porter’s slide and selects a guy who is both the best player available AND fits a need. Porter’s size, feel and defensive versatility fits the Pelicans, who are building their culture around hard workers. — A.E.

7. Sacramento Kings
The pick: Trey Burke, Michigan Wolverines

I love adding the sweet-shooting Burke to this team of gunners, especially because Burke is the true point guard that they need. His leadership will help build a winning culture. Burke can make the Kings’ talented but troubled roster better in a few different ways. — D.T.

8. Detroit Pistons
The pick: C.J. McCollum, Lehigh Mountain Hawks

I was a little disappointed with my selection (No offense, C.J.) given that my top four guard selections are all off the board and the Pistons are desperate for backcourt help. I do like McCollum’s versatility as a scorer/playmaker. –F.F.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves
The pick: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Georgia Bulldogs

Minnesota’s shopping list is obvious — a young shooting guard, preferably with size, preferably a good shooter. Caldwell-Pope fits the bill, and given how well he rates statistically, this was an easy choice with McCollum off the board. — K.P.

10. Portland Trail Blazers
The pick: Alex Len, Maryland Terrapins

This was the first “value pick” of our draft. There are many who think he’s No. 1 for the Cavs and other teams. But he slid and Portland needed a big. It was a solid meshing of need and potential for a team ready to take that chance, especially at No. 10. — D.T..

11. Philadelphia 76ers
The pick: Cody Zeller, Indiana Hoosiers

This pick took seconds to make. The 76ers have all kinds of frontcourt questions. They need someone they can trust and Zeller is tougher than advertised. He’s the best of the Zellers. All the more reason to believe he’s a guy who plays immediately in Philly. — D.T.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder
The pick: Steven Adams, Pittsburgh Panthers

I was looking for a project big who could eventually replace Kendrick Perkins in the middle. I would have preferred Adams to Len if both players were available. I think Adams has superior upside and might be capable of contributing next season off the bench. — K.P.

13. Dallas Mavericks
The pick: Kelly Olynyk, Gonzaga Bulldogs

Some draft picks ooze long-term potential and some are ready to help immediately. Olynyk has the size, skills and smarts to help the Mavs right away. He can score around the basket and make jump shots. At worst, he adds solid frontcourt depth to a rebuilding team. — F.F.

14. Utah Jazz
The pick: Shane Larkin, Miami (FL) Hurricanes

Quickness is a huge asset on both ends of the court, and Larkin helps out Utah here. He’s going to be very good in the pick-and-roll game with the team’s young bigs and can play alongside Mo Williams as part of the second unit, giving the Jazz some punch in the second quarter. — D.T.

15. Milwaukee Bucks
The pick: Rudy Gobert, Cholet Basket (France)

In the grand scheme of things, Milwaukee isn’t going anywhere as a franchise. Gobert represents a chance to look to the future as a talented but raw big with elite physical tools. He’s a gamble, but a gamble is what the Bucks need. — A.E.

16. Boston Celtics
The pick: Shabazz Muhammad, UCLA Bruins

Much like Jared Sullinger last season, Muhammad is a player who fell out of favor with evaluators for all the things he isn’t. Boston snatches him up for what he can do: score the ball, something the Celtics desperately need. — A.E.

17. Atlanta Hawks
The pick: Gorgui Dieng, Louisville Cardinals

Atlanta likely loses Josh Smith, so they need length and athleticism. Dieng should work immediately with Al Horford as an inside-outside threat, and the two of them can anchor a strong defense. Dieng provides cheap help, which allows them to spend money elsewhere. — D.T.

18. Atlanta Hawks
The pick: Dennis Schroeder, Braunschweig (Germany)

The Hawks need help everywhere. And with point guard Jeff Teague testing the market as a restricted free agent, help in the backcourt is imperative. Schroeder, who has drawn comparisons to Rajon Rondo, is a very good fit for new coach Mike Budenholzer. — F.F.

19. Cleveland Cavaliers
The pick: Sergey Karasev, Triumph Lyubertsy (Russia)

Having added Noel, the Cavaliers could still stand to get some help on the wing. Karasev could eventually settle in at either shooting guard or small forward depending how Cleveland builds its roster. His shooting and feel allows him to complement the Cavs’ young stars. — K.P.

20. Chicago Bulls
The pick: Jeff Withey, Kansas Jayhawks

He’ll easily assimilate to the Bulls’ culture of defense and gives Tom Thibodeau another long rim protector. Three years ago, the kid couldn’t score and now he’s a viable player. He’s an ideal role player because doesn’t have the ego. Bulls brass can thank me later. — D.T.

21. Utah Jazz
The pick: Reggie Bullock, North Carolina Tar Heels

Good shooters tend to improve when they hit the NBA and carve out their niche with the big boys. Utah had a desire to address this, and Bullock’s stroke is a major asset. Mix in his attention to detail on defense and he gives you more than your typical specialist. — D.T.

22. Brooklyn Nets
The pick: Glen Rice Jr., Rio Grande Valley Vipers (NBDL)

The Nets want immediate help off the bench, and with Dieng and Withey going ahead of them, along with the other wings in this range, that leaves Rice as the best option. His pro experience in the D-League should help Rice contribute quickly in the NBA. — K.P.

23. Indiana Pacers
The pick: Isaiah Canaan, Murray State Racers

There were “high fives” in the Fraschilla draft room when Canaan was available. It is not only an area of need for them, but to get a strong, quick, savvy point guard with NBA range at No. 23 is a steal. He could turn out to be as good as any playmaker in this draft. — F.F.

24. New York Knicks
The pick: Lucas Nogueira, Estudiantes (Brazil)

The Knicks are now less athletic on the front line than almost any team. Lots of banged-up old men. Nogueira gives them a chance to add a player who can help them significantly down the road. That is more important than drafting for a specific need for the upcoming season. — D.T.

25. Los Angeles Clippers
The pick: Allen Crabbe, California Golden Bears

It remains to be seen what the Clippers’ roster will look like opening night, but in the immortal words of Cotton Fitzsimmons, “you can never have too many shooters.” Crabbe is one of the best shooters in the draft, and would fit in nicely as a spacer for the Clippers. — A.E..

26. Minnesota Timberwolves
The pick: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Filathlitikos (Greece)

Antetokounmpo is just 18, but he’s already 6-foot-9 with playmaking skills to drool over. If small ball reigns in the NBA, he’s got a good mentor in Andrei Kirilenko. — A.E.

27. Denver Nuggets
The pick: Erick Green, Virginia Tech

We don’t know who the coach is, but it seems likely the Nuggets will still try to play ultrafast. Green is one of the top pace players in the draft, and he fills a need for Denver, who relies on the ageless Andre Miller more than they should. — D.T.

28. San Antonio Spurs
The pick: Tony Mitchell, North Texas Mean Green

This a great fit for both parties. The Spurs get another athletic young forward with a penchant for rebounding, and Mitchell gets a team that will nurture his prodigious talent in a professional environment and winning culture. — F.F.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder
The pick: Grant Jerrett, Arizona Wildcats

The Thunder can swing for the fences again with No. 29. Mitchell would be perfect here. After cursing Fran for taking Mitchell one pick earlier, I went with Jerrett, an intriguing yet raw prospect who combines shooting ability with rare athleticism for a stretch four. — K.P.

30. Phoenix Suns
The pick: Ryan Kelly, Duke Blue Devils

If not for the foot injury, Kelly would have shot his way into the first round. Kelly measured out at 6-11 3/4 at the combine. Who’s going to pass on a high-character, intelligent player with a proven 3-point stroke? Kelly has NBA size as a stretch player and a desired skill. — D.T.

[Wahoo757Participant]

Wow, that’s certainly…different. Len 10? Ryan Kelly and Grant Jerrett 1st rounders? Interesting.

[Wahoo757Participant]

Wow, that’s certainly…different. Len 10? Ryan Kelly and Grant Jerrett 1st rounders? Interesting.

[FutureNBAGMParticipant]

Hardaway falling out of the first round? I dont think so

[FutureNBAGMParticipant]

Hardaway falling out of the first round? I dont think so

[DolanCareParticipant]

Kevin Pelton is an idiot. He never backs up his opinions with actual arguments. He just says opinions because he has a feeling.

It makes absolutely ZERO sense for the Thunder to take Grant Jerrett. The Thunder have pick 32 as well. Chances are he’ll be there, so why not take someone actually in that range.

[DolanCareParticipant]

Kevin Pelton is an idiot. He never backs up his opinions with actual arguments. He just says opinions because he has a feeling.

It makes absolutely ZERO sense for the Thunder to take Grant Jerrett. The Thunder have pick 32 as well. Chances are he’ll be there, so why not take someone actually in that range.

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

Why would the Suns want MCW? They just drafted Marshall last year. What an expert pick Amin Elhassan.

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

Why would the Suns want MCW? They just drafted Marshall last year. What an expert pick Amin Elhassan.

[ItsRainingNegsParticipant]

Just… No.

[ItsRainingNegsParticipant]

Just… No.

[GrovesinternationalParticipant]

He offered Vucevic for Zeller to move up 1 pick in a draft where there is no clear top prospect and cleveland and Orlando have, for the most part, different needs. I’m glad he isn’t our real GM or every Magic fan would be on suicide watch

[GrovesinternationalParticipant]

He offered Vucevic for Zeller to move up 1 pick in a draft where there is no clear top prospect and cleveland and Orlando have, for the most part, different needs. I’m glad he isn’t our real GM or every Magic fan would be on suicide watch

[TRC1991Participant]

the worst mock ive ever seen

[TRC1991Participant]

the worst mock ive ever seen

[GottaBeTheShoesParticipant]

I think most people on here can make a more accurate mock than that..

[machu46Participant]

This isn’t really a mock at all. It’s what THEY would do, not what they think the teams will actually do.

[machu46Participant]

This isn’t really a mock at all. It’s what THEY would do, not what they think the teams will actually do.

[GottaBeTheShoesParticipant]

I think most people on here can make a more accurate mock than that..

[MagikKnickParticipant]

These guys get paid for this?

[MagikKnickParticipant]

These guys get paid for this?

[AmiableBaller34Participant]

MCW will not get drafted over Otto Porter…Also, for some reason, I can’t see Isaiah Canaan becoming the best player in this draft. What a terrible mock draft. Also I would be shocked if OKC didn’t move up a couple spots in that scenario to draft Len. While Adams is good, he might never be the low post scorer Len could be.

[AmiableBaller34Participant]

MCW will not get drafted over Otto Porter…Also, for some reason, I can’t see Isaiah Canaan becoming the best player in this draft. What a terrible mock draft. Also I would be shocked if OKC didn’t move up a couple spots in that scenario to draft Len. While Adams is good, he might never be the low post scorer Len could be.

[Bigstinky34Participant]

Gobert to Milwaukee makes absolutely no sense… They have plenty of big men and desperately need guards and wing players…

[Bigstinky34Participant]

Gobert to Milwaukee makes absolutely no sense… They have plenty of big men and desperately need guards and wing players…

[casaresParticipant]

Drunk Mock

[casaresParticipant]

Drunk Mock

[ProudGrandpaParticipant]

ESPN is awesome, but their NBA Draft coverage guys really disappoint me. Long live the .Net!

[ProudGrandpaParticipant]

ESPN is awesome, but their NBA Draft coverage guys really disappoint me. Long live the .Net!

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