2013 NBA Mock Draft: New York Knicks select Murray State PG Isaiah Canaan
By Matt Shetler
16. Utah Jazz
Player Name: Michael Carter-Williams
Position, School: PG, Syracuse
The Jazz could stand to improve their backcourt and adding a big point guard like Carter-Williams helps. He is the type of player that makes everyone better. He’s another guy whose numbers have taken a hit as of late, but his length and size for a natural point guard are too tough to pass on this deep in the draft.
17. Atlanta Hawks (via Houston)
Player Name: Isaiah Austin
Position, School: PF/C, Baylor
March. 2, 2013; Spokane, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Kelly Olynyk (13) makes a basket against Portland Pilots center Thomas van der Mars (12) during the first half at the McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
The Hawks need frontcourt help with Josh Smith likely on his way out. Austin is 7’0″ and talented, but similar to Smith he spends most of the time out on the perimeter shooting threes. But he also plays great interior defense, averaging 9.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. He does lack strength and bulk, but his skill set will be tough to pass on.
18. Boston Celtics
Player Name: Kelly Olynyk
Position, School: C, Gonzaga
The Celtics need to continue to add big bodies until they find one that can contribute. Olynyk has an advanced game for his age and could be useful in a Celtics rotation coming off the bench right away.
19. 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. Franklin is only shooting 26 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. He’s averaging 17 points and over nine rebounds per game and producing some highlights in the process.
20. Utah Jazz (via Golden State)
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 Jazz are fortunate enough to pick the best available here and Mitchell is a guy that plays bigger than his size. His production has dropped this year, but he has all of the physical tools to succeed in the NBA.
21. Atlanta Hawks
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 lengthy, athletic shooting guard who can score on the perimeter and defend opposing wings. His stock will continue to rise as Caldwell-Pope has been outstanding for the Bulldogs this season.
22. Brooklyn Nets
Player Name: Alex Poythress
Position, School: SF, Kentucky
Poythress can finish and at 6’8” with excellent athleticism, Poythress’ ability to face the rim should fit in nicely on a Nets team who needs some production from the wing. He’s a project but has a very high ceiling and could produce off the Nets bench for now. Poythress may take a while to realize his potential but his upside is that of a top 10 guy. This late in the draft it makes sense for a good team to take a chance on his enormous talent.
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, 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.
Feb 18, 2012; Murray, KY, USA; Murray State Racers guard Isaiah Canaan (3) brings the ball up court against the St. Mary
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.
25. Denver Nuggets
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 Nuggets team. Denver doesn’t need much at the moment, so they can afford to take their time with him similar to the way they have with last year’s draft picks Evan Fournier and Quincy Miller.
26. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Memphis Grizzlies)
Player Name: Allen Crabbe
Position, School: SF/PF, California
Crabbe has serious offensive skills to go along with good size and great instincts. He can play either the 2 or the 3 and can finish around the rim along with being a deadly shooter, Crabbe can offer an instant upgrade in terms of production from the wing.
27. 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.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder
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 Thunder’s interior defense right away. OKC doesn’t need to add much, so bringing in a guy like Withey, who just does the little things that winning teams need is a nice addition this late.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Miami)
Player Name: Myck Kabongo
Position, School: PG, Texas
The Cavs are really stockpiling some young talent and Kabongo could be a good fit here as a backup to Irving. His draft stock has been up and down, but he can be a good playmaker and efficient scorer if he every puts things together consistently.
30. San Antonio Spurs
Player Name: Archie Goodwin
Position, School: SG, Kentucky
The Spurs can continue to get younger and Godwin would fit in nicely on Gregg Popovich’s squad as he can finish from the off guard spot and while he is only shooting 25 percent from behind the arc, the Spurs can be patient with him as he has a ton of talent.
First Five Out
Markel Brown, Oklahoma State
Patric Young, Florida
Lorenzo Brown, North Carolina State
Nate Wolters, South Dakota State
Mike Muscala, Bucknell
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