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Live 2013 NBA Draft Grades (Individual)
2013 NBA Draft Grades: Trades
2013 NBA Mock Draft
2014 NBA Mock Draft
Updated: June 29, 2013.
Atlanta Hawks: C Grade
16. Lucas Nogueira, C, Brazil
17. Dennis Schroeder, PG, Germany
44. Mike Muscala, PF/C, Bucknell
47. Raul Neto, PG, Brazil
Atlanta entered the night with four picks and they jockeyed position a little bit, but still ended up adding four players, three of whom were international guys. This team is going through a lot of roster transition this off-season and were clearly looking to the future by taking Schroeder and Nogueira who both want to come to the NBA right away but probably aren’t ready to be major contributors. Neto should stay overseas for a couple more years before he comes to the NBA. I was �meh� about Muscala but he does add some offensive versatility to the frontcourt that Nogueira does not. The Hawks also picked up a future second round pick from Miami by trading their 50th pick.
Boston Celtics: D+ Grade
13. Kelly Olynyk, PF/C, Gonzaga
53. Colton Iverson, C, Colorado State
I don’t get why the Celtics traded up three spots from 16 to draft Kelly Olynyk since I can’t imagine the Timberwolves at 14 or Bucks at 15 coveting the Zags big man. They did need to add some offensive versatility to their frontcourt, but I think they could have held tight at 16 and still selected him. To me, Colton Iverson is nothing more than a big body and perhaps a third center on the roster if he even makes the team.
Brooklyn Nets: A Grade
22. Mason Plumlee, PF/C, Duke
While the Nets front office was busy nailing down the details on the monster Kevin Garnett/Paul Pierce trade, they kept it simple with the draft getting good value in Mason Plumlee who should at worst, be a rebounding/shot blocking threat off the bench.
Charlotte Hornets: F Grade
4. Cody Zeller, PF/C, Indiana
I don’t get it. With Nerlens Noel, Alex Len, and Ben McLemore all still on the board, the Bobcats took Zeller. Anyone who was willing to listen this year would hear how big of a bust I think Zeller is going to be in the NBA. He’s soft as heck and no-showed way too often for vital stretches of Hoosier games. Michael Jordan strikes again.
Chicago Bulls: B+ Grade
20. Tony Snell, SF, New Mexico
49. Erik Murphy, PF, Florida
Chicago needs to address two areas this off-season; shooting and frontcourt depth. They added both with their two picks on draft night. Snell was among a handful of wings available at 20 and might be the best fit for Tom Thibadeau because of his potential as a wing defender. Murphy is a stretch four who can shoot it from the outside which is something Chicago lacks on the current roster.
Cleveland Cavaliers: C- Grade
1. Anthony Bennett, PF, UNLV
19. Sergey Karasev, SF, Russia
33. Carrick Felix, SG, Arizona State
Cleveland certainly started the draft with a jaw-dropping bang. I’m not sure how Bennett fits with Tristan Thompson already at power forward but he does add some offensive versatility to the frontcourt which the Cavs lack. Karasev was a solid value at 19 especially since Cleveland needs shooters on the wing. Carrick Felix is a good athlete but I think there were better wings available at 33. The Cavs also dealt the 31st pick to the Blazers for a pair of future second rounders. All in all, I think Cleveland missed the ball in having four of the top 33 picks in the draft and didn’t really maximize their opportunity.
Dallas Mavericks: B+ Grade
18. Shane Larkin, PG, Miami FL
43. Ricky Ledo, SG, Providence
The Mavs flipped and flopped, moved back, moved up, and in the end wound up with two players. Dallas needs depth at guard since most of their backcourt players from last year are heading for free agency. Shane Larkin was a nice pickup at 18 and should be a solid backup in the league while the Mavs rolled the dice on Ledo in the mid-second round. Ledo is a wild card and had some red flags which is why he dropped that low, but he has lottery potential. He could really pay off for Mark Cuban in a year or two. Dallas also dumped the contract of last year’s first round pick, Jared Cunningham which frees up some more cap space.
Denver Nuggets: C- Grade
46. Erick Green, G, Virginia Tech
55. Joffery Lauvergne, F, France
The Nuggets dealt out of the first round by sending the 27th pick to Utah for 46 and cash. The Nuggets got a solid value with scoring combo guard Erick Green who was being dubbed as a late first round sleeper. I don’t see him cracking the rotation though. Denver then dealt Kosta Koufus to Memphis for Darrell Arthur and the 55th selection, Joffery Lauvergne who will probably never step foot on an NBA court.
Detroit Pistons: B Grade
8. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG, Georgia
37. Tony Mitchell, PF, North Texas
56. Peyton Siva, PG, Louisville
The Pistons had a solid draft and could end up with three guys who make the roster next season. I’m a bit surprised they went with KC-P at eight when guys like Trey Burke, Michael Carter-Williams, and C.J. McCollum were all on the board. Mitchell was a terrific get at 37 since he has lottery level potential due to his size and athleticism. Siva could be an 11th or 12th guy on the roster especially since Detroit has a pair of free agent point guards this summer.
Golden State Warriors: D Grade
30. Nemanja Nedovic, G, Serbia
Despite entering the night with no picks, the Warriors had a busy end of the first round. They sent cash and a 2014 second round pick to Minnesota for the 26th pick. Golden State then dealt back twice and ended up with the 30th overall pick which turned into Serbian combo guard, Nemanja Nedovic. That seems like a lot of jockeying for someone who was ranged as a mid-second round prospect.
Houston Rockets: B+ Grade
34. Isaiah Canaan, PG, Murray State
The target with this pick was guard depth, which Canaan certainly provides. He is more of a scoring point guard but was rumored to be moving into the first round, so he is a nice early second-round grab as a potential backup to Jeremy Lin.
Indiana Pacers: D- Grade
23. Solomon Hill, SF, Arizona
For the second straight year, the Pacers made a major reach with their first-round pick. Last year it was Miles Plumlee who barely played this past year and this time, they grab Hill who was projected by just about everybody as a second-round pick. Why didn’t Indy trade back when they could have still grabbed Hill in the early second round? I like Hill, I just don’t like him with the 23rd pick. The Pacers also sold their second round pick to Boston.
Los Angeles Clippers: A Grade
25. Reggie Bullock, SG/SF, North Carolina
When you are picking in the mid-20’s, your goal is to get a potential role player or guy with upside. The Clips achieved the former in getting a wing with good size who can knock down outside shots. With a hole at small forward, Bullock could see playing time right off the bat.
Los Angeles Lakers: C Grade
48. Ryan Kelly, PF, Duke
The Lake Show needs depth up-front with the reportedly likely departure of Dwight Howard since they don’t have a lot of size. Ryan Kelly is a stretch four which the Lakers don’t really have on their roster. I’m just not sure Kelly has the toughness or athleticism to stick in the league.
Miami Heat: C Grade
50. James Ennis, SF, Long Beach State
The Heat entered the draft without a pick but ended up dealing a future second rounder to Atlanta for James Ennis who could add some athleticism on the wing.
Memphis Grizzlies: A- Grade
41. Jamaal Franklin, SG, San Diego State
60. Janis Timmas, SG, Latvia
Jamaal Franklin was tabbed as a late teens/early twenties-type first round pick so grabbing him at 41 is a tremendous get. Memphis then dealt Darrell Arthur and 55 to Denver for Kosta Koufus who was their starting big man for most of last season. I think the Griz got the better part of that deal so overall a very nice draft night.
Milwaukee Bucks: B Grade
15. Giannis Antetokounmpo, F, Greece
38. Nate Wolters, G, South Dakota State
The “Greek kid” is one of the mysteries of the draft. He is loaded with all the words we like to throw around; potential, upside, length, athleticism, but is a very raw talent still. I’m a bit surprised the Bucks went with a project player rather than drafting a guard who can help right away. They may have addressed that need with scoring combo guard, Nate Wolters who Milwaukee moved up five spots to get.
Minnesota Timberwolves: C+ Grade
14. Shabazz Muhammad, G/F, UCLA
21. Gorgui Dieng, C, Louisville
52. Lorenzo Brown, PG, N.C. State
59. Bojan Dubljvic, F, Serbia
Flip Saunders received a lot of flack in Minnesota for his first draft with the Timberwolves but I don’t it was all that terrible. When their supposed target at #9, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was off the board, the T-Wolves swapped the pick to Utah for 14 and 21. With those picks, they added a wing scorer with good size (something they needed) and insurance at center since Nikola Pekovic. They then dealt the 26th pick and Malcolm Lee for a future second rounder and cash. Lorenzo Brown was a solid value at 52, albeit another point guard. My biggest problem with their draft is that they didn’t grab a true shooter on the wing which is a huge need for them and there were some capable role players available that they passed on.
New Orleans Pelicans: B Grade
42. Pierre Jackson, PG, Baylor
The team formerly known as the Hornets capitalized off Nerlens Noel’s slide and snagged him with the sixth overall selection. New Orleans then turned Noel around and dealt him to the Sixers for a young All-Star point guard in Jrue Holiday. However, the Pelicans also gave up a top five protected first round pick in the loaded 2014 draft. So now New Orleans has Holiday, Greivis Vasquez, and Pierre Jackson who they took at 42. That leaves them with a logjam at the point which isn’t a terrible thing. Until they move Holiday again or Vasquez, I can’t get any higher with this grade since that 2014 first rounder could be a huge asset.
New York Knicks: B+ Grade
24. Tim Hardaway Jr., SG, Michigan
The Knicks took advantage of the board adding a solid all-around player who can be a bench contributor right away. It’s not a sexy selection but certain a good value for a team that stood pat with their pick.
Oklahoma City Thunder: C+ Grade
12. Steven Adams, C, Pitt
26. Andre Roberson, SF, Colorado
32. Alex Abrines, SG, Spain
40. Grant Jerrett, PF, Arizona
I actually nailed three of these picks in my mock draft which I’m rather proud of. Adams has the potential to be the Thunder’s starting center in two years and was worth the risk at 12. I had Roberson as a mid-second round prospect but Sam Presti actually moved up to grab him which seems strange. Abrines might be a role player in a year or two as well while OKC acquired Jerrett who will need to spend some time in the D-League before he is NBA ready. While they got quality talent, they draft four �project/potential/upside� guys which doesn’t help them in the immediate future and holds back their grade.
Orlando Magic: B+ Grade
2. Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana
51. Romero Osby, PF, Oklahoma
Long term, I think Orlando is going to be very happy with their selection of Oladipo at No. 2 since they know what they will be getting out of their pick. There is certainty that he will bring defense, energy, and athleticism to the floor. If his offensive game continues to develop, he will be a cornerstone of their franchise for years to come. Osby wasn’t targeted as a draft pick by most but does at least add some toughness to the floor if he makes the team.
Philadelphia 76ers: C- Grade
6. Nerlens Noel, PF/C, Kentucky
11. Michael Carter-Williams, PG, Syracuse
54. Arsalan Kazemi, PF, Oregon
Among the biggest shockers of the draft was Nerlens Noel falling to No. 6 and then the Sixers trading All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday to the Hornets for Noel and a 2014 first-round pick (in a loaded draft). Philadelphia is definitely transitioning to a re-building effort, but I can’t believe they gave up a young player like Holiday for a big man coming off a torn ACL. The selection of Michael Carter-Williams will help fill the void of Holiday and he was a solid grab at 11. There is going to be some growing pains and struggles this season in Philly, but the team is clearly building for the future.
Phoenix Suns: C- Grade
5. Alex Len, C, Maryland
29. Archie Goodwin, SG, Kentucky
57. Alex Oriakhi, PF, Missouri
I’m just not a Len believer. I know he is 7’1 but nothing he showed me at Maryland puts him as a top five prospect in my eyes, even in this draft. If Phoenix is patient, Archie Goodwin could be a solid steal with a few years of development. I don’t see Oriakhi making the team since the Suns already has Luis Scola and the Morris twins at power forward.
Portland Trail Blazers: A+ Grade
10. C.J. McCollum, G, Lehigh
31. Allen Crabbe, SG, California
39. Jeff Withey, C, Kansas
45. Marko Todorovic, PF, Serbia
I love what Portland did. They added three experienced college players who should all be able to come in and play a role off what was the worst bench in the NBA last year. McCollum and Crabbe provide them needed outside shooters and I really like the Crabbe pick since I had him as a late-teens type prospect. At the very worst, Withey is a back-up center in the league and might replace Meyers Leonard as the second string center.
Sacramento Kings: B+ Grade
7. Ben McLemore, SG, Kansas
36. Ray McCallum, PG, Detroit
The new management in Sac-town might have hit a homerun when McLemore fell into their laps at 7. It was really a no-brainer decision regardless of the concerns people have about some of his intangibles. He simply has too much talent to pass up at 7, especially in this weaker draft. I don’t love the McCallum pick since it seems to just clog up the depth at guard.
San Antonio Spurs: A- Grade
28. Livio Jean-Charles, PF France
58. Deshaun Thomas, SF, Ohio State
It’s hard to not like a Spurs draft since they always seem to draft guys who they can develop into solid role players or foreign prospects who end up being contributors in a few years. Jean-Charles was a solid grab at 28 while Thomas was a terrific value at 58 and will certainly have a chip on his shoulder for the very near future.
Toronto Raptors: INC Grade
The Raptors didn’t have a selection in the 2013 NBA Draft.
Utah Jazz: A Grade
9. Trey Burke, PG, Michigan
27. Rudy Gobert, C, France
I really like what Utah did by trading 14 and 21 to move up and grab Trey Burke who could very well be their starting point next season and possibly for the next decade. He’s already the early favorite to win NBA Rookie of the Year. Utah then dealt its second-rounder and cash to re-acquire another first-rounder and grabbed a young big guy with a lot of upside who could easily be a rim protector in a year or two and an even bigger contributor if his offensive game develops.
Washington Wizards: A+ Grade
3. Otto Porter, SF, Georgetown
35. Glen Rice Jr., SG, NBADL
The Wizards hit a home run with this draft by getting a versatile, do it all forward in Porter who can step in right away and be a great fit alongside John Wall and Bradley Beal. He is going to be a solid pro and have a long career. The Wiz then traded up to get Glen Rice Jr. at 35, and he is an NBA-ready scorer who adds some needed depth at guard and will be a scoring option off the bench.
Go to 2013 NBA Draft Grades (Individual)
Go to 2013 NBA Draft Grades: Trades
Go to 2013 NBA Mock Draft
Go to 2014 NBA Mock Draft
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Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
Send Paul an e-mail here: [email protected].
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