2013 NBA Mock Draft: Post NCAA Tournament Edition
By Matt Shetler
21. Utah Jazz (via Golden State)
Player Name: Nate Wolters
Position, School: PG, South Dakota State
Wolters is a reach here for the Jazz but they need to add a point guard and he is a very talented one. He’s got good size at 6”4 and has excellent point guard skills. He sees the floor well, has a high basketball IQ and is a terrific passer. He’s also a good shooter and has success getting to the lane.
22. Brooklyn Nets
Player Name: Gorgui Dieng
Position, School: C, Louisville
Dieng is not only an impressive rebounder, defender and shot-blocker, but he improved offensively throughout the season. The Nets could really use a backup 5 and would benefit from Dieng’s shot-blocking abilities.
Mar 2, 2013; Omaha, NE, USA; Creighton Bluejays forward Doug McDermott (3) celebrates with guard Jahenns Manigat (12) during the second half of their game against the Wichita State Shockers at the CenturyLink Center. Mandatory Credit: Dave Weaver-USA Today Sports
23. Indiana Pacers
Player Name: Doug McDermott
Position, School: SF, Creighton
The Pacers need scoring and McDermott is the answer for that. He can come off the bench and give the Pacers much needed scoring punch. The guy can fill it up. He just dropped 41 in his final home game of the regular season. The best case scenario is that turns out to be a guy who can create his own shot as well as be a productive catch and shoot player. The worst case is that he becomes a Kyle Korver type of sniper. Either way he could be a good fit in Indiana.
24. New York Knicks
Player Name: Isaiah Austin
Position, School: PF/C, Baylor
The Knicks need some size off the bench as you see from the fact that their aging frontcourt has broken down health-wise this season. Austin is a project and was once viewed as a surefire Top 10 pick. He didn’t have the best season this year but at No. 24 he’s not a bad gamble for the Knicks. He’s an athletic specimen who has the potential to be a monster on both sides of the floor, but he may take some time. However if Austin reaches his potential he will be a steal this late.
25. Los Angeles Clippers
Player Name: Tim Hardaway JR.
Position, School: SG, Michigan
The Clippers can target a shooting guard who can score the ball, which would add even more depth to an already deep team as well as some youth for the future. Hardaway Jr. has the perfect build for an NBA 2-guard- a 6’5” frame, long arms and fluid athleticism, not to mention he can score points in bunches.
26. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Memphis Grizzlies)
Player Name: Mitch McGary
Position, School: PF/C, Michigan
I’m not as high on McGary as most may be, even though he had a very good NCAA Tournament. He’s a guy that could use another year of school, but he possesses the skills to become a double-double machine in the future. He’s athletic and does a lot of things well. If he stays in school he will be a definite lottery pick next season and could end up being one anyway this year. But I need to see more to think he’s not a one-hit wonder. This late though, it’s a smart pick for the ‘Wolves to add depth and roll the dice on his potential.
27. Denver Nuggets
Player Name: Tony Mitchell
Position, School: SF/PF, North Texas
Mitchell has some work to do in terms of developing a consistent all-round game, but athletically he is NBA-ready. The Nuggets could use some more frontcourt help and Mitchell is the type of athlete that could thrive in George Karl’s system once he puts it all together.
February 12, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Archie Goodwin (10) reacts after he slam dunks against the Florida Gators during the first half at the Stephen C. O
28. Oklahoma City Thunder
Player Name: Archie Goodwin
Position, School: SG, Kentucky
The Thunder are able to address both of their needs this draft. After grabbing the big man Len early on, they take a stab on a replacement for Harden. They already have Jeremy Lamb developing, but it makes sense to take a stab on Goodwin. He has the talent and can develop into a top flight scorer within time. He could have benefitted from another year of school, but he is worth a gamble this late.
29. San Antonio Spurs
Player Name: Kyle Anderson
Position, School: PF, UCLA
Anderson can handle the ball well for a big man and is a very good passer and rebounder, just the type of player Gregg Popovich likes.
30. Phoenix Suns (via Miami)
Player Name: Jeff Withey
Position, School: C, Kansas
Withey should have gone higher, but sometimes the fit isn’t there. He’s not great on the on the offensive end, but he’s a dominant shot-blocker who stays out of foul trouble. He’s worth a look this late for the Suns.
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