Tonight is game 7 of the NBA Finals. It's been a visceral experience for me, so far. It's been the grittiest, most emotional finals I can remember since the Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in 2008. So for this reason, I will skip the subject until it's over completely and entertain you with my nerdgasm about the incoming NBA Entry Draft, which is schedule to happen a week from today, on June 27th (I'm going to live-tweet this bad boy like there's no tomorrow.
So today is the first ever official Hoops Nerd NBA mock draft. I have done a ridiculous amount of research, listened to the online buzz, used my brain and tried to anticipate the probable chaos. Whenever the stakes are considered low like this year, it's always fun and ridiculously chaotic. So given the strong improbability that there are no trades, here is my final, complete mock draft for 2013, with commentaries. I hope you enjoy!
1-Cleveland Cavaliers: Nerlens Noel (C) - It's a tough decision to draft Noel first overall, but I think the Cavaliers will pull the trigger. Two reasons motivate that thought: 1) he has considerably more upside than his closest competitor Otto Porter Jr. and 2) their front court is decent, but not strong enough to overlook a prospect like Noel. Unless they trade the pick, I think they'll pull the trigger, shift their lineup and find some space for the bouncy, shot blocking wonder.
2-Orlando Magic: Victor Oladipo (SG) - My choice here would have been Trey Burke. Despite the negative buzz, I believe in his superstar upside. But knowing how Magic's GM Rob Hennigan thinks, knowing how he loves to play chess and think ahead, I know what he'll do. He'll take the safest pick and hope to bank on next year's incredible projected crop. Oladipo is a sure bet. Best case scenario he'll transform into Andre Iguodala, worst Tony Allen. It's a win-win situation and the Magic. They get the best possible player while keeping his chances to get a game-changer in 2014.
3-Washington Wizards: Anthony Bennett (PF) - Basically, I'm expecting Ernie Grunfeld to make the wrong choice here. I believe Otto Porter Jr. is the best fit, but John Wall told the press he wants a pick-and-pop forward, so he'll get his pick-and-pop forward. Bennett will definitively contribute to the Wizards' offense, but he's somewhat of a tweener and I expect an adjustment period as Porter would have filled a greater need and would make the club seamlessly better.
4-Charlotte Bobcats: Ben McLemore (SG) - McLemore makes so much sense in Charlotte's lineup. They already have their two-way guy on the wing with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, they have a dynamic point guard in Kemba Walker, a catch-and-shoot guy with elite athleticism like Ben McLemore would bridge the gap in-between them nicely. If he slips to no.4, expect Charlotte to be all over him, expect him to start right away and get results. He would make the team instantly better and they would make McLemore's road to superstardom the shortest.
5-Phoenix Suns: Shabazz Muhammad (SF) - I understand this is a reach, but it's also a match made in heaven. The Suns' roster is a mess right now. They need help everywhere, but most important, they need to dream. They need athleticism, competitive fire and offensive prowess, which Muhammad will provide better than the grim Michael Beasley. The Suns' fanbase will be patient and loving with him, so it's why I think that on draft night, new GM Ryan McDonough will listen to his gut and take the athletic scorer. Game-changers are next year anyway, so why not give the fanbase a peak into a brighter future?
6-New Orleans Pelicans: Alex Len (C) - If Len is still available at no.6, I think the Pelicans will be all over him. Not only he'd be the best available player, but he'd be a great complement to Anthony Davis. Len is big, very big and his game has improved leaps and bounds this year. There seems to have been consistency issues, but it's difficult to say since he played with a cracked foot, which speaks in tongue about his heart. A great front court duo is something rare in the NBA and a Len-Davis duo is something you just can't pass upon.
7-Sacramento Kings: Otto Porter Jr. (SF) - It's difficult to predict what the Sacramento Kings will do this year, because their selection have made no sense whatsoever in the recent drafts. It's safe to say they won't go for a guard here and with high-profile scorers off the board, they will turn into Porter, who will be call to stop the leak caused by Tyreke Evans' eventual leaving or to start at the wing, so that Evans can play his natural position again (shooting guard). It's not a sexy selection, but it's a no none-sense one that could indicate the dissatisfied fanbase that the new ownership is aiming in the right direction for once.
8-Detroit Pistons: Trey Burke (PG) - The Pistons WILL draft the Michigan hero of last NCAA tournament if he's available. He fits their culture, he's a hard-working versatile young man and understands enough about his responsibilities as a prospect to make the jump and be a factor at the next level. I believe that he is better than Brandon Knight and Rodney Stuckey both and that he could turn them into interesting trade bait. With Trey Burke, Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe, I can see the Bad Boys potentially coming back a few years down the line.
9-Minnesota Timberwolves: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG) - KCP is one of my favorite prospects in this year's draft, one I'm most enthusiastic about. He is a terrific, versatile shooter, a threatening defensive presence and a ridiculous athlete. Scouts are underrating his upside. I think Minnesota is the right home for him. Alongside diming pistolero Ricky Rubio, they will terrorize the NBA. The T-Wolves have been on the verge of being good for years and KCP might be the missing piece to the puzzle.
10-Portland Trail Blazers: C.J McCollum (SG) - About just every mock draft has him in Portland and for good reason. They need more offense and McCollum could pick up where Damian Lillard leaves off, from the bench. He's an amazing shooter, with a terrific crossover move but shaky defense, due to his lack of athleticism. This of him as a spin off Jamal Crawford. At this point in the draft, you'd be crazy to pass up on him.
11-Philadelphia 76ers: Cody Zeller (C) - Since the Andrew Bynum fiasco, the Sixers have been starving for a competent presence in the low-post. Zeller is athletic, not overly physical and can score. The fans need someone who can make an immediate impact, so Zeller will be their man.
12-Oklahoma City Thunder: Steven Adams (C) - Apparently both parties are crazy about one another, so if Adams is available, I doubt Sam Presti will let him pass by. Adams has made a huge impression at last month's combine and OKC badly need a new center. Ideal destination for the young New Zealander.
13-Dallas Mavericks: Michael Carter-Williams (PG) - Dallas let everybody know that if Carter-Williams wasn't available at 13, they would trade their picks. I think he will be though and that he'll take over starting point guard duties right away in this bizarre franchise.
14-Utah Jazz: Dennis Schoeder (PG) - Utah is in dire need for a new point guard and it'll boil down to Schoeder or Shane Larkin. I think they'll play safe and select the bigger guy, who scored on the biggest stage, so far.
15-Milwakee Bucks: Jamaal Franklin (SG) - Milwakee is in a tough spot and I think they'll reach for a shooter. Franklin apparently destroyed the team workout since his ankle injury healed and therefore is the best option at this point. If Monta Ellis indeed leaves, he'll start right away.
16-Boston Celtics: Giannis Adetokunbo (SF) - There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Celtics right now, so I believe they'll ride the feeling of the moment and take the intriguing Adetokunbo gamble. They've been interested in him for a while, now.
17-Atlanta Hawks: Tony Mitchell (PF) - Nine years ago, the Hawks took a gamble on an intriguing prospect around the same position, his name was Josh Smith. As Smith is about to leave, history is bound to repeat and Mitchell is perfect soften the blow of his departure.
18-Atlanta Hawks: Mason Plumlee (C) - Rebounder, above-the-rim finisher, tremendous athlete, he is what the Hawks need to complement the work of Al Horford in the low post. He would thrive in an organization where his role is well-defined and Atlanta can give him that.
19-Cleveland Cavaliers: Sergey Karasev (SF) - Apparently, Karasev turns into a mad shooting scientist when coming off screens. Since the Cavs drafted a center already, they would still need a wing player. Karasev makes sense here.
20-Chicago Bulls: Gorgui Dieng (C) - Pains me to admit it, but if my boy Dieng is available at 20, the Bulls will take him. They need someone to swap Joakim Noah without feeling endangered. Someone who will understand their defensive culture. Dieng will.
21-Utah Jazz: Kelly Olynyk (C) - At this point in the draft, many will turn to the best prospect available. Olynyk's poor athleticism will turn off many, but somebody is bound to buy, Utah will look to stash Olynyk behind Enes Kanter and give themselves options for the future.
22-Brooklyn Nets: C.J Lesie (PF) - The Nets missed an efficient, versatile power forward like they missed a limb, last year. Given my total lack of confidence into their vision, I think Leslie is ready-enough and could develop into being this guy, for them.
23-Indiana Pacers: Shane Larkin (PG) - George Hill is a solid point guard, but he's not great. Larkin is still somewhat shrouded in mystery, but he has the potential to be great. The Pacers can allow themselves to take a gamble after a tremendous year and I think they will.
24-New York Knicks: Ricardo Ledo (SG) - I think if they cannot get Dieng, my Knicks will make a gamble for the second-biggest enigma in this draft, "Ricky" Ledo. He hasn't played this year, but he has impressed everybody since the combine.
25-Los Angeles Clippers: Tony Snell (SF) - I can see the Clippers select Snell, a strong shooter and a good, reliable two-way player, much in the mold of San Antonio's Kawhi Leonard. They have the pieces already, but they need players like Snell to glue things together.
26-Minnesota Timberwolves: Rudy Gobert (C) - Gobert is a chance for anybody to take, but I can see his understated, defensive-minded game being a nice complement to Kevin Love's down-and-dirty business. I like his upside better than let's say, Jeff Withey.
27-Denver Nuggets: Allan Crabbe (SG) - The Nuggets found much to their own demise during the last playoffs. that you never have enough spot-up shooting. It's pretty much the only thing Crabbe brings to the table, but it'll be enough for an already well-oiled machine.
28-San Antonio Spurs: Lucas Nogueira (C) - They slowly need to start thinking about the future and Tiago Splitter will just not cut it as a starting center. I can see Nogueira being an interesting option. He's more nimble and can bang down-low.
29-Oklahoma City Thunder: Reggie Bullock (SF) - This one is also written in the clouds. Bad shooting coming off the bench hurt Oklahoma City against Memphis during the playoffs and Bullock has tremendous range and beautiful form on his jumper.
30-Phoenix Suns: Jackie Carmichael (PF) - I think he is too good not to squirm his way into the first round. What team wouldn't like a Carlos Boozer-like player on their roster? I'm sure the Suns would take that bet.
Round 2
31-Cleveland Cavaliers: Tim Hardaway Jr. (SG) - Streaky, but best shooter available at that point.
32-Oklahoma City Thunder: Erick Green (PG) - The more offense off the bench, the better.
33-Cleveland Cavaliers: Jeff Withey (C) - Limited, but is an interesting defensive option.
34-Houston Rockets: Glen Rice Jr. (SF) - Chandler Parsons and him should cause a lot of headache together.
35-Philadelphia 76ers: Deshaun Thomas (PF) - I believe they'll opt to boost their front court presence all the way.
36-Sacramento Kings: Isaiah Canaan (PG) - He will unfairly slip, but he should find a home alongside the other Isaiah.
37-Detroit Pistons: Livio Jean-Charles (SF) - At this point, the risk is 100% worth the gamble.
38-Washington Wizards: Brandon Paul (SG) - Ernie is bound to do bizarre, unexpected moves.
39-Portland Trail Blazers: Mike Muscala (C) - He's an interesting fallback option if Meyers Leonard amounts to nothing.
40-Portland Trail Blazers: Nate Wolters (PG) - A safe pick, bound to become a reliable bench player.
41-Memphis Grizzlies: Archie Goodwin (SG) - He's been disappointing, but he has steal upside.
42-Philadelphis 76ers: Lorenzo Brown (PG) - By far the best player available at that point.
43-Milwakee Bucks: Peyton Siva (PG) - They badly need a leader figure in the back court.
44-Dallas Mavericks: Colton Iverson (C) - The appeal of an undervalued big is too great to pass for Dallas.
45-Portland Trail Blazers: Kenny Kadji (PF) - They have many late pick, so they can afford to take a chance.
46-Utah Jazz: James Ennis (SF) - Another undervalued kid that someone will take a chance on.
47-Atlanta Hawks: Pierre Jackson (PG) - A scorer and a spark plug off the bench.
48-Los Angeles Lakers: Adonis Thomas (SF) - I don't think they care much about this pick.
49-Chicago Bulls: Marko Todorovic (C) - Draft-and-stash would be the winning option, that low.
50-Atlanta Hawks: Seth Curry (SG) - One team is bound to get curious about the current NBA's alpha male shooter's brother.
51-Orlando Magic: Erik Murphy (PF) - Best player available, but D-League bound.
52-Minnesota Timberwolves: Myck Kabongo (PG) - It doesn't matter if he was disappointing, his selection will enable the T-Wolves to give J.J Barea his pink slip.
53-Indiana Pacers: DeWayne Dedmond (C) - An intriguing substitute to Roy Hibbert.
54-Washington Wizards: Phil Pressey (PG) - Ernie.
55-Memphis Grizzlies: Nemanja Nedovic (SG) - The Grizzs are in good position to do a Manu-Ginobili-Dice-Roll here.
56-Detroit Pistons: Trevor Mbakwe (PF) - Not a terrific value in general, but this far he could be a nice surprise.
57-Phoenix Suns: Ray McCallum (PG) - Not a bad player at all, just one that's bound to slip far.
58-San Antonio Spurs: Richard Howell (PF) - Undersized, but this is a detail at this rank.
59-Minnesota Timberwolves: Vander Blue (SG) - Has the talent to make you look like a genius.
60-Memphis Grizzlies: Andre Roberson (SF) - Another mysterious kid who could be all or nothing.
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