2013 NBA Mock Draft: Knicks select Murray State PG Isaiah Canaan
By Matt Shetler
21. Utah Jazz (via Golden State)
Player Name: Mason Plumlee
Position, School: PF, Duke
The Jazz already added a point guard, now they need to add frontcourt help with booth Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson free agents. Plumlee is a very athletic, skilled inside scorer who is also a great rebounder. He would be a great value pick for the Jazz this late.
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.
23. Indiana Pacers
Player Name: Tony Mitchell
Position, School: SF, North Texas
The Pacers have a great starting five, but they need some players who can score off the bench. Mitchell is a risk, but he has Top 10 talent if he ever realizes his potential. He’s an elite athlete and a terrific rebounder and could fit into the Indiana rotation rather nicely if he ever puts it all together.
Nov 18, 2012; Charleston, SC, USA; Murray State Racers guard Isaiah Canaan (3) reacts after the play during the second half of the Charleston Classic Championship game against the Colorado Buffaloes at TD Arena. Buffaloes won 81-74. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
24. New York Knicks
Player Name: Isaiah Canaan
Position, School: PG, Murray State
The Knicks can target their point guard of the future in Canaan, who is almost a clone of Raymond Felton. He’s a 6’1” with a great handle and playmaking skills. Canaan is also extremely quick and has a strong frame that can absorb contact around the rim. In addition Canaan is a natural floor general and one of the best shooters in all of college basketball. He has impressed teams in a big way during workouts and should find himself in the first round.
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: Jeff Withey
Position, School: C, Kansas
Wolves’ big man Nikola Pekovic is a free agent this summer, as is his backup, Greg Stiemsma. Withey was one of the best shot-blockers in college basketball last year and could add some defensive toughness to their front line. They already got the shooter they need badly with their earlier pick, so I would expect Minnesota to target the best big man available here.
27. Denver Nuggets
Player Name: Ricky Ledo
Position, School: PG, Providence
The Nuggets are in a position where they don’t really need much (except a coach). They can take another young player that they can be patient with. Scouts feel Ledo has Top 10 talent once he develops. It’s just a case of adding more talent to an already very deep team.
Mar 17, 2013; Greensboro, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard/forward Reggie Bullock (35) with the ball as Miami (Fl) Hurricanes guard Rion Brown (15) defends in the first half during the championship game of the ACC tournament at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
28. San Antonio Spurs
Player Name: Reggie Bullock
Position, School: SF, North Carolina
The Spurs would like to find a big man here, but instead will take a chance on Bullock, who helped his stock with a very strong combine. He is a long, athletic wing that could turn into a big time scorer. Bullock has deep range on his jumper and is a versatile player who can finish well in transition.
29. Oklahoma City Thunder
Player Name: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Position, School: SF, Greece
Some say that Antetokounmpo has as much upside as any player in the draft. Without immediate needs to fill and without a player at No. 29 that could step right in and contribute, it makes sense for the Thunder to roll the dice on Antetokounmpo and give him some time to develop.
30. Phoenix Suns (via Miami)
Player Name: Glen Rice Jr.
Position, School: SG/SF, D-League
Already getting a 2-guard with the No. 5 pick, the Suns will likely target another win that can shoot the ball. After dominating the D-League last year, Rice is NBA-ready. He’s likely big enough to play the 3, which is big for the Suns.
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