2013 NBA Mock Draft: Knicks select Tony Mitchell in final mock
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: Sergey Karasev
Position, School: SF, Russia
All signs point to Dallas trading this pick on drafting an international player they could potentially stash for a year. Karasev is one of the more NBA-ready players in this draft, which he showed in Russia’s top league as its leading scorer. Though he doesn’t have All-Star upside, Karasev has the IQ, shooting accuracy and facilitating instincts to be a valuable contributor to a winning rotation.
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.
15. Milwaukee Bucks
Player Name: Dennis Schroeder
Position, School: PG, Germany
The Bucks may target a point guard here with the future of Brandon Jennings in question. 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 Bucks more athletic and that has to be a priority.
16. Boston Celtics
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
Player Name: Shabazz Muhammad
Position, School: SF, UCLA
Now that the Celtics appear fully inn rebuild mode, expect Danny Ainge to make a splash. Despite all the negative hype surrounding Muhammad, he is too intriguing for Ainge to pass on. His scoring ability and upside are something the Celtics can’t pass on, especially since it looks like Paul Pierce will no longer be in Celtics green.
17. Atlanta Hawks
Player Name: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Position, School: SF, Greece
Some say that Antetokounmpo has as much upside as any player in the draft. With a rebuild in process and some cap room to attract free agents, it makes sense for the Hawks to roll the dice on Antetokounmpo and give him some time to develop.
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: Reggie Bullock
Position, School: SF, North Carolina
If the Cavs draft either Len or Noel No. 1 and can’t move up to No. 13 to select Karasev, I would expect them to add some much needed shooting here and Bullock is likely very high on their radar. Physically he is an NBA-ready small forward who can do a lot of things well and would fit in nicely on a team already loaded with young talent.
20. Chicago Bulls
Player Name: Tony Snell
Position, School: SF, New Mexico
Sure the Bulls could use a scorer at the 2, but with Jimmy Butler likely to move to the backcourt full-time, the Bulls need help at the 3. Snell is called a poor man’s Scottie Pippen and could be a good fit in Chicago. He has a 7’0” wingspan and is an outstanding defender, which is something Tom Thibodeau will love, but Snell’s best strength may be shooting the ball, something else the Bulls really need more of.