*FAN SUBMISSION by Jack Bolesta of College Park, MD. Follow him on Twitter @jackbolesta.*
The 2013 NBA Lottery is over and now we must wait until Thursday June 27, 2013 for the NBA Draft to officially begin. Just like prior drafts, there can be giant let downs or the draft could be a turning point for a franchise. Here is a prediction of the Top 10 2013 NBA Draft picks based on team’s needs and position in the draft.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
Pick: Nerlens Noel
HGT:6-11 WGT: 215 POS: Center
The Cleveland Cavaliers have a young backcourt that does a pretty good job shooting with, Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters. What the Cavaliers need is a big man, who can be another scoring option, play defense and grab rebounds. The Cavaliers only averaged 41 rebounds a game, a static that if increase will offensive productivity. Noel is a very strong shot blocker and very good around finishing around the rim as well. Though Noel’s one and done season was cut short to injury, he is planning to be fully recovered by the time the season starts. Noel seems to be a risk though and he did not participate in the NBA combine. Hopefully, he won’t be a bust or have to start his NBA career late due to injury. The Cavs have mentioned interest in trading their number 1 pick but we will have to wait to find out.
2. Orlando Magic
Pick: Ben McLemore
HGT: 6-5 WGT:195 POS: Shooting Guard
A lot has been going on in Orlando, since the departure of Dwight ‘Superman’ Howard. The Magic need a leader and center piece for their franchise. Ben McLemore seems like the type of leader the Magic could use on the court. McLemore has increased the production in his perimeter game and could potentially be a team’s go-to player for scoring. During the 2012-2013 regular season, the Magic ranked 24th only averaging 94.1 PPG. The Magic are in need of some shooters and McLemore may be the best shooter in the draft.
3. Washington Wizards
Pick: Otto Porter
HGT: 6-8 WGT:200 POS: Small Forward
The Washington Wizards lucked out winning the 3rd overall draft pick in the 2013 NBA draft. They need help at the small forward position. The Washington Wizards also have a thing for drafting local players. Otto Porter, who played college basketball in D.C., seems like the perfect fit. With a young backcourt in John Wall (No.1 Pick) and Bradley Beal (No.2 Pick), the Wizards are growing slowing and the addition of Otto Porter would go a long way. The Wizards finished the season with a -2.6 points differential. A scorer and rebounder at the three spot is just what the Wizards need. If all goes well, Washington could potentially grab the 7th or 8th seed come the 2014 playoffs.
4. Charlotte Bobcats
Pick: Anthony Bennett
HGT: 6-8 WGT:240 POS: Power Forward
The Charlotte Bobcats finished with the second worst regular season record at 21-61, just one game better than the Orlando Magic. The Bobcats can never seem to get a break or the number 1 pick that they need. The Bobcats need to draft big; they are currently lacking talent and skill. Bennett could help the Bobcats, he is a big player who can handle the ball and shoot very well for his size. Bennett’s recent shoulder surgery may push him back a few picks but if teams are will to bet of Noel, I do not see anything wrong with betting on Bennett.
Courtesy: CNN/Sports Illustrated
5. Phoenix Suns
Pick: Victor Oladipo
HGT: 6-4 WGT:216 POS: SG
The Phoenix Suns need a lot of help as they are looking to rebuild what seems like a lost franchise. This shooting guard, out of Indiana, is a great candidate for becoming the face of the Sun’s organization. Oladipo had the second highest maximum leap at the combine with 42 inches. I’m looking forward to what this player can achieve in the NBA.
6. New Orleans Pelicans
Pick: Alex Len
HGT: 7-1 WGT: 225 POS: Center
The New Orleans Pelicans are also another team going through changes. This is a young team and last year, the Pelicans were able to grab Anthony Davis. Alex Len could be the perfect complement to their young, franchise big man. Alex Len is a legit center who can shoot, pass and rebound well. He needs to improve his consistency in his type of play but hopefully that will be worked out in the NBA. Alex Len has potential to be an All-Star center.
7. Sacramento Kings
Pick: Shabazz Muhammad
HGT: 6-6 WGT:222 POS: Small Forward
The decision has been made and the Kings are staying in Sacramento. This season, the they traded away Thomas Robison, their 5th overall draft pick from the 2012 NBA Draft. The Kings biggest need is in the small forward position. Muhammad is an elite and gifted scorer. If Muhammad does not go earlier, this would be a great pick for the Kings.
8. Detroit Pistons
Pick: Cody Zeller
HGT: 7-0 WGT: 230 POS: Center
What the Detroit Pistons need is a new head coach. On the floor, they need better wings but are lacking in size. Cody Zeller could help the Pistons with their size and rebounding. Because the Pistons already have Brandon Knight bringing the ball up, I think it make more sense to draft a big player. Zeller showed off his athletic ability at the draft combine and many scouts have begun to wake up and notice Zeller, who seems like a sleeper. Zeller can play the 4 or the 5 and adds flexibility to the Pistons roster. He reminds me of a smaller Pau Gasol.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves
Pick: C.J. McCollum
HGT:6-3 WGT: 197 POS: PG
The Minnesota Timberwolves have a lot of needs according to Flip Saunders. According to sources though, the Timberwolves will be focusing on 3-point shooting this draft. During the regular season, the Timberwolves shot a league worst, .305% from beyond the arc. McCollum is steal healing a foot injury but scouts do not seemed to worried. Last year, he shot a 51.7% from 3point range.
10. Portland Trailblazers
Pick: Steven Adams
HGT:7-0 WGT:225 POS: Center
The Portland Trailblazers’ worst statistics of the 2012-2013 NBA season was that they ranked dead last in points off the bench, only averaging 18.5 pointer per game, off the bench. Though it would be nice to get a guard to complement Damian Lillard, the Trailblazers are in great need of a center. A big would help produce more protection around the rim for the Blazers. Steven Adams is an ideal big man for Portland as he would make a big contribution on the defensive end which could create transition production for Lillard. Ever since Greg Oden, the Blazers have been hurting for a big player.
All statistics credited to NBA.com and Draftexpress.com
