2013 NBA Mock Draft: Knicks select Murray State PG Isaiah Canaan
By Matt Shetler
11. Philadelphia 76ers
Player Name: Cody Zeller
Position, School: C, Indiana
The Sixers struggled in the low post all season, so Zeller makes some sense here. Zeller gives the Sixers some addition height and a guy that runs the floor very well. He can finish around the basket and has a nice mid-range game. He’s the best player left on the board here and could turn out to be a steal for the Sixers.
Jan 16, 2013; Villanova, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers center Steven Adams (13) shoots under pressure from Villanova Wildcats forward Maurice Sutton (25) during the second half at the Pavilion. Pitt defeated Villanova 58-43. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Toronto)
Player Name: Steven Adams
Position, School: C, Pittsburgh
The Thunder have the luxury of being patient and can take the guy with the most upside. That would be Adams, who turned in an outstanding NBA combine. He already has the NBA body, a non-stop motor and a terrific work ethic. If and when he starts figuring things out offensively, he could turn into the Thunder’s long-term answer in the middle. On the defensive end though, he’s ready to play in the NBA right now. He has the makings of a future NBA star and it makes sense for the Thunder to take a chance on him here, especially with two first-round picks and no immediate needs.
13. Dallas Mavericks
Player Name: Dennis Schroeder
Position, School: PG, Germany
Dallas may look to trade this pick to clear some cap space in order to try and attract Dwight Howard or Chris Paul. But for now, I still have them targeting a point guard of the future. The best one on the board still is Schroeder. He is lightning quick and very long. He’s not as NBA-ready as some of the other point guards in the draft, but he makes the Mavs more athletic and that has to be a priority.
14. Utah Jazz
Player Name: Shane Larkin
Position, School: PG, Miami
The Jazz have to come away with an answer for the future at point guard and they should be thrilled if either Larkin or Schroeder are available for them at No. 14. Larkin has “wowed” teams during workouts and is a great pick-and-roll guard who can find open shots for his teammates or hit open looks if he is given them.
March 15, 2013; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UCLA Bruins guard/forward Shabazz Muhammad (15) celebrates after the game against the Arizona Wildcats in the semifinal round of the Pac 12 tournament at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. UCLA defeated Arizona 66-64. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
15. Milwaukee Bucks
Player Name: Shabazz Muhammad
Position, School: SF, UCLA
Every year someone drops in the first round and this year I am projecting that to be Muhammad. While a lot of questions about his character, work ethic and ability have risen during the past few weeks, he gives the Bucks a guy that can create his own shot and finish as a shooter or near the basket, something Milwaukee desperately needs.
16. Boston Celtics
Player Name: Kelly Olynyk
Position, School: C, Gonzaga
Boston needs size and some scoring ability. Adding a guy like Olynyk, who can stretch the floor as well as play down low will be a big part of Boston’s future. Olynyk is for real on the offensive end as he can finish around the rim, put the ball on the deck and drive to the rim or knock down open jumpers.
17. Atlanta Hawks
Player Name: Rudy Gobert
Position, School: PF, France
Gobert is 7’1″ with athleticism and a 7’9″ wingspan. On paper alone, he should make an excellent NBA prospect. He is very raw and it may take him a few years to fully develop, but as the Hawks look to rebuild, he is a guy that could be a big part of their future.
18. Atlanta Hawks
Player Name: Jamaal Franklin
Position, School: SG/SF, San Diego State
Franklin can help the Hawks out a great deal by giving them a talented wing scorer. He’s a very athletic wing who rebounds, plays above the rim and can do just about everything on the floor, although his long-range shooting needs a lot of work.
19. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers)
Player Name: Sergey Karasev
Position, School: SF, Russia
Karasev is a guy who could step in and help the Cavs right away if needed. He put up impressive numbers in Russia, and Cleveland could use another sniper from beyond the arc. He has the size to play both wing positions, is a terrific shooter, has a high basketball IQ, and at 19, already has significant professional experience averaging 18.4 PPG in the Russian League. Karasev is being compared to former NBA star Toni Kukoc.
20. Chicago Bulls
Player Name: Allen Crabbe
Position, School: SG, California
The Bulls continue to search for a shooting guard who can shoot the ball and may have to reach a little here for Crabbe, as he’s probably the best one left on the board unless the Bulls want to take a stab on a guy like Archie Goodwin, who may have more upside. He’s not a good defender by any stretch of the imagination, which wouldn’t fit well with tom Thibodeau’s system, but Crabbe can shoot it and when he is hot he is very tough to contain.