NBA Mock Draft 2013: Knicks target Gonzaga big man
By Matt Shetler
16. Milwaukee Bucks
Player Name: Glenn Robinson III
Position, School: SF, Michigan
Glenn Robinson played for the Bucks and now they have the opportunity to draft his son, who would help a great deal at the small forward spot. He has size and athleticism ad can finish at the rim along with being a good spot up shooter.
17. Atlanta Hawks (from Houston Rockets)
Player Name: Willie Cauley-Stein
Position, School: PF/C, Kentucky
With Josh Smith likely on his way out of Atlanta, it makes sense to add size here. He has some work to do on the offensive end of the floor but he is a package of size, speed and athleticism.
Feb 2 2013, Bloomington, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Trey Burke (3) brings the ball upcourt against the Indiana Hoosiers at Assembly Hall. Indiana defeats Michigan 81-73. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
18. Utah Jazz
Player Name: Trey Burke
Position, School: PG, Michigan
Here is a case of just not allowing a talent like Burke to fall any further. He has incredible court vision and intelligence and has the ability to score the ball as well.
19. Atlanta Hawks
Player Name: Archie Goodwin
Position, School: SG, Kentucky
The Hawks need more scoring from their guards and Goodwin can provide some legitimate perimeter scoring.
20. Brooklyn Nets
Player Name: Tony Mitchell
Position, School: SF, North Texas
Mitchell would have been a late first-round pick last season and improves that a little bit. The Nets are fortunate enough to pick the best available here and Mitchell is a guy that plays bigger than his size.
21. Chicago Bulls
Player Name: Jamaal Franklin
Position, School: SG/SF, San Diego State
Almost a perfect fit here for the Bulls, who need a long-term answer at the 2.He is only shooting 25 percent from behind the arc, but has natural scoring ability and has top-notch athleticism. He is also a very good rebounding guard, which Tom Thibodeau will love.
22. 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.
23. Utah Jazz (from Golden State Warriors)
Player Name: Tim Hardaway JR,
Position, School: SG, Michigan
The Jazz already nabbed Hardaway’s teammate in Burke, now they complete their backcourt of the future with Hardaway, who 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.
Jan 22, 2013; Winston Salem, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack forward C.J. Leslie (5) shoots free throws during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Wake defeated North Carolina State 86-84. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
24. Denver Nuggets
Player Name: C.J. Leslie
Position, School: PF, North Carolina State
Leslie isn’t having his best collegiate season, but he has tremendous athleticism and great post-moves and footwork around the basket. He will fit in nicely on a talented Nuggets squad.
25. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Memphis Grizzlies)
Player Name: Jeff Withey
Position, School: C, Kansas
Withey might not have the highest ceiling, but he is one of the top defensive big men in the country and can step in and help the ‘Wolves right away.
26. New York Knicks
Player Name: Kelly Olynyk
Position, School: C, Gonzaga
The Knicks need a big body that can contribute off the bench from day one. Olynyk has an advanced game for his age and could be useful in a Knicks rotation coming off the bench.
27. Los Angeles Clippers
Player Name: Gorgui Dieng
Position, School: C, Louisville
Dieng is very raw offensively but is one of the best defenders in the country, But his athleticism and ability to defend could fit in perfectly on this Clippers team.
28. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Miami Heat)
Player Name: Isaiah Canaan
Position, School: PG, Murray State
Canaan adds depth to the Cleveland backcourt. He is quick off the dribble and built like a tank. In addition he can score from anywhere. He is a real nice option to spell Kyrie Irving and not have the offense suffer.
29. Oklahoma City Thunder
Player Name: Myck Kabongo
Position, School: PG, Texas
There’s not much that the Thunder need, but having a legitimate backup point guard could be one thing. Who knows what they are going to get from Eric Maynor and Reggie Jackson so bringing in a talent such as Kabongo makes sense.
30. San Antonio Spurs:
Player Name: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Position, School: SG, Georgia
Caldwell-Pope is 6’5″ with long arms, fluid athleticism and a sweet shooting stroke. He is a steal at No. 30 for the Spurs and should fit right in with San Antonio’s style of play.
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