2013 NBA Draft: What's In It For Me?
But still, even if the draft pool consisted of only players that lit up the NIT tournament, we tune in every year. Why? Because the NBA draft is pure entertainment: outrageous suits, attractive significant others, sulking prima donnas, the Jay Bilas drinking game. This year though was especially entertaining. This was commissioner David Stern's last NBA Draft after 30 years of service, and he's milking every boo, every handshake, every photo op. If there was still skepticism that Stern is the best league commissioner in American sports, last Thursday at the Barclay Center extinguished any of it. Aside from that, we had a shocker at #1, we had trades that could change the landscape of the league, we had pop culture references from the ESPN panel of analysts, we had customized blazer linings as a new fashion trend, we had a Doc Rivers-Bill Simmons beef, we had Lucas "Bebe" Nogueira, and we had a dapper Hakeem Olajuwon cameo. And as per usual, Twitter had insider news and basketball bookworm wit to accompany us while we welcomed the NBA's future. That's always fun.
Here's the (t5!) shakedown of the 2013 lottery picks:
1. The Cleveland Cavaliers selected… Anthony Bennett, SF/PF, UNLV
Upside Potential: beastly Paul Millsap
Entrance Music: Queens Of The Stone Age - The Lost Art Of Keeping A Secret
Proposed Nickname: Anthony “Anthony Benefits” Bennett
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(t5!) Opinions!: Whoa! Out of all the mock drafts I’ve read I saw a lot of Nerlens Noel, some Ben McLemore, some Alex Len. There are experts also saying that they should draft Victor Oladipo or Otto Porter. I never read anywhere that Anthony Bennett should be drafted first overall or any indication that they were going to draft him first overall. Not that he doesn’t deserve to be, especially in a crapshoot draft like this. Bennett is an encroaching offensive force with a tremendous ability to pick-and-pop. He could turn out to be the most gifted player in this draft, but there are just other players who are safer bets. At 6’7”, he is undersized as a power forward, and at 239 lbs (and gaining), he is a little heavy as a small forward.
(t5!) Fit Analysis!: Somewhat Perfectly. Looking at the Cavaliers’ current starting lineup, their most glaring hole is at the 3, and Bennett can play that but it's not his NBA destiny. Bennett is perfect as a small ball 4, and if the Cavs can upgrade their third guard slot via free agency (let’s say, best case, Andre Iguodala), they can play a lineup with three guards, Bennett at the 4 and either Anderson Varejao or Tristan Thompson at the 5. Pick-and-rolls with Kyrie Irving for days!
(t5!) Level Of Excitement: !!!
(t5!) Correct Pick: Victor Oladipo
2. The Orlando Magic selected… Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana
Upside Potential: extremely motivated Vince Carter
Entrance Music: Bob Dylan – Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright
Proposed Nickname: Victor “The Big Dipo” Oladipo
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(t5!) Opinions!: Victor Oladipo is the safest selection of the entire draft. Worst case, his trajectory is Tony Allen with some offensive skills. Defense in basketball is mostly about will and effort, and Oladipo said in interviews that he’s absolutely excited about the chance to guard the NBA’s best scorers. Right now, his ceiling is inconclusive but he has been compared to everyone, from Dwyane Wade to Michael Jordan. Sure, the latter comparison is silly, but he does possess the killer instinct needed to become a superstar in this league.
(t5!) Fit Analysis!: As the last place team of the NBA, the Magic has a lot of cracks that need to be patched. So picking the best player available is their best strategy. If we’re evaluating today, that best player is certainly Oladipo. It's unfortunate that the rumored trade of Arron Afflalo to the Clippers for Eric Bledsoe didn't go through; the Magic would have had two scary bundles of energy in the backcourt.
(t5!) Level Of Excitement: !!!!!
(t5!) Correct Pick: Victor Oladipo
3. The Washington Wizards selected… Otto Porter, Jr., SF, Georgetown
Upside Potential: a lackadaisical Nicolas Batum
Entrance Music: Carl Craig - Landcruising
Proposed Nickname: Otto “The Bus Driver” Porter
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(t5!) Opinions!: On the surface, Porter is a fine basketball specimen: admirable size and length for a small forward, impressive shot behind the arc, above-average passing ability. But “fine” will snag you a rotation player’s salary in the NBA. Lottery teams have drafted players that can't do no wrong but can't do anything exceptional either, and for the most part, they usually turned out to be players who never see minutes.
(t5!) Fit Analysis!: The Wizards need a small forward, they got a small forward. But the gap between Porter and their current small forwards is not that discernable. They can probably fill that need better by finding a player in the free agent market; the problem is that they don’t have any cap space to sign one.
(t5!) Level Of Excitement: !!
(t5!) Correct Pick: Otto Porter, Jr.
4. The Charlotte Bobcats selected… Cody Zeller, C, Indiana
Upside Potential: herbivore Chris Bosh
Entrance Music: Art Brut – My Little Brother
Proposed Nickname: Cody “Lil’ Bro” Zeller
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(t5!) Opinions!: It’s the drawback of the desire for more post-secondary education. He was being projected as a can’t-miss top 10 pick in last year’s NBA draft, but wanting one more year of college ball has caused him to drop in the eyes of many NBA decision-makers. It probably because they were given more chances to see his defensive woes. If Noel’s torn ACL and Alex Len’s stress fracture weren’t scaring GMs, Zeller would’ve probably dropped out of the top 10. On the plus side, he is massively better than his older brothers, Tyler and Luke, who are also playing in the NBA. He can brag about that when they get together on holidays.
(t5!) Fit Analysis!: Well, I don't know. If you asked me last week, I would've told you that between him, Noel, and Len, he’s the most adept at stretching the floor and playing in the high post, and thus, the ideal pairing for an offensively challenged big like Bismack Biyombo. But today, they just signed center Al Jefferson, who should see starter minutes for the Bobcats. I would like to synchronize a high-low alliance between Zeller and a terrific low post player like Jefferson and I would bring Biyombo off the bench, but I'm not sure if that's the strategy they had in mind. But whatever plan they come up with, it's not like I'll be staying up late at night watching the Bobcats on league pass anyway.
(t5!) Level Of Excitement: !
(t5!) Correct Pick: Nerlens Noel
5. The Phoenix Suns selected… Alex Len, C, Maryland
Upside Potential: flimsy Brook Lopez
Entrance Music: The Decemberist – The Gymnast, High Above The Ground
Proposed Nickname: Alex “Pummel Horse” Len
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(t5!) Opinions!: The fact that he used to be a gymnast when he was in Ukraine is my favorite tidbit about him. I don’t how exactly that can translate into a fruitful NBA career, but I love it like I love that Jeff Skinner used to be a figure skater. I don’t know, however, if I like the fact that he wasn’t included in the first, second, or third team of any of the NCAA All-American lists.
(t5!) Fit Analysis!: We have no idea where Len’s career is going to end up; he can be the next Rik Smits or the next Chris Mihm. But Nerlens Noel has a much higher upside, and if you’re a bottom-dweller in the NBA, you go for the player with the potential for the most rewards. I would’ve liked the topflight training staff to work on Noel’s injuries too.
(t5!) Level Of Excitement: !!!
(t5!) Correct Pick: Nerlens Noel
6. The New Orleans Pelicans selected… Nerlens Noel, C, Kentucky, and then traded him to the Philadelphia 76ers
Upside Potential: superstar level Birdman Andersen
Entrance Music: Jawbox – Accident Prone
Proposed Nickname: Nerlens “All W” Noel
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(t5!) Opinions!: Nerlens Noel in a Pelicans uniform would’ve been exciting, since we would've gotten to see a block party between him and another Kentucky alum, last year’s first overall pick, Anthony Davis. Noel as a Sixer, where he’s the second best player behind an inconsistent Evan Turner, will be unexceptional. Even if he ends up playing 82 games, they will still be one of the worst teams in the East. But, hey, they had a good sense of top-5 protecting the draft pick they included in this trade, so they positioned themselves to grab an elite player from a really prodigious 2014 draft pool. Moreover, Noel is probably unable to suit up until December because of his torn ACL. So I’m postponing my excitement
(t5!) Fit Analysis!: It depends if Andrew Bynum is dealt away or not, but I’m assuming they don’t trade for Noel if they think Bynum plans to play home games in Philadelphia.
(t5!) Level Of Excitement: !!! (for now)
(t5!) Correct Pick: Nerlens Noel
7. The Sacramento Kings selected… Ben McLemore, SG, Kansas
Upside Potential: Mitch Richmond with hops
Entrance Music: Wilco – Poor Places
Proposed Nickname: Ben “Wings” McLemore
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(t5!) Opinions!: Ben McLemore might be the best prospect in this draft. The 6’5” guard can shoot the lights out and can jump out of the gym. The reason why he dropped all the way to #7 is because teams don’t want to take a risk on a player who seemed disinterested for long stretches of game time and a player who had a sketchy upbringing. Put McLemore in a situation that James Harden had in Oklahoma City and his game will flourish. Put McLemore in a situation that Harden has in Houston and he will fold under the pressure of being the go-to-guy. Everything is up in the air still in Sacramento. They do have an unpredictable player like DeMarcus Cousins as the face of the franchise and they are under a brand new management and have a brand new coaching staff (former Golden State Warriors assistant Mike Malone), so it’s too early to tell whether or not the McLemore project will pan out.
(t5!) Fit Analysis!: If there’s one thing the Kings have an abundance of for sure, it’s guards who love to shoot. Unfortunately, shooting is McLemore’s greatest asset. Even if he had all the self-confidence and motivation in the world, do you think John Salmons, Marcus Thornton, and Isiah Thomas will give up the percentage of their shoots to a rookie? If McLemore is the second coming of Mitch Richmond, sure, but for now, it's still unlikely.
(t5!) Level Of Excitement: !!!!
(t5!) Correct Pick: Ben McLemore
8. The Detroit Pistons selected… Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG, Georgia
Upside Potential: benchwarming Allan Houston
Entrance Music: Al Green – Tired Of Being Alone
Proposed Nickname: Kentavious “Disease” Caldwell-Pope
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(t5!) Opinions!: I don’t know much about Kentavious, but two things that I know about him: one, that name is spectacular, and two, his college team had a record of 15-17, which ostensibly doesn’t sound noteworthy until you consider the fact that he most likely won 13 of those 15 games all by himself. The kid can score even when entire defenses are gearing to stop him. Although the pros will be much tougher for sure, so let’s see how he performs when Tony Allen or Andre Iguodala is chasing him around the perimeter.
(t5!) Fit Analysis!: Well, he doesn't really. If the Pistons are attempting to transform Brandon Knight into a two-guard, then they should’ve drafted a point guard to fill that vacated spot, and there are three pleasant point guards still on the table.
(t5!) Level Of Excitement: !!
(t5!) Correct Pick: Michael Carter-Williams
9. The Minnesota Timberwolves selected… Trey Burke, PG, Michigan then traded him to the Utah Jazz
Upside Potential: Travis Best with a higher basketball IQ
Entrance Music: jj – Big Hearts, Big Dreams
Proposed Nickname: Trey “Bien” Burke
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(t5!) Opinions!: Out of all the players in this draft class, Trey Burke had the best March Madness performance. His stock skyrocketed after Michigan’s appearance in the NCAA championship, starting off as a late first-round prospect and ending up into a lottery pick. Traditionally, there are two sides to coins like this. On one hand, Burke demonstrated that he doesn’t crumble under the weight of pressure. On the other hand, teams are basing their decisions on a very small sample size.
(t5!) Fit Analysis!: In Utah, absolutely! The Utah Jazz could’ve been a playoff team last season if they had a point guard to run the pick-and-roll, control the pace, and hit the open man. If any other team drafted Burke, he would be coming off the bench. Utah is the perfect situation for him.
(t5!) Level Of Excitement: !!!!!
(t5!) Correct Pick: Trey Burke
10. The Portland Trail Blazers select… C.J. McCollum, PG, Lehigh
Upside Potential: heady Jason Terry
Entrance Music: Curtis Mayfield – Never Say You Can’t Survive
Proposed Nickname: C.J. “The Pillar” McCollum
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(t5!) Opinions!: Two years ago, if a players attended all four years of college, it means that there is something wrong he’s trying to hide. Two years ago, if a player attended a mid-major, it means that he’s not good enough to run with the big boys. All of those preconceptions were shattered by last season’s Rookie of the Year, Damian Lillard, proving that seniors from smaller problems are coming in the NBA more seasoned and with a chip on their shoulder. McCollum was also a senior playing in the Patriot League, and if it wasn’t for Lillard, he would’ve been drafted late in the first round. Now he has a chance to prove doubters wrong.
(t5!) Fit Analysis!: Now McCollum gets a chance to occupy the backcourt with Lillard, who he happens to be friends with. McCollum is a remarkable combo guard and his destiny in the league is to become an unstoppable sixth man. So he’s basically fulfilling his destiny early in Portland.
(t5!) Level Of Excitement: !!!!!
(t5!) Correct Pick: C.J. McCollum
11. The Philadelphia 76ers selected… Michael Carter-Williams, PG, Syracuse
Upside Potential: young man Andre Miller
Entrance Music: Scorpions - Wind Of Change
Proposed Nickname: Michael “Hyphen Beast” Carter-Williams
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(t5!) Opinions!: Because the Sixers had to gave up Jrue Holiday, their all-star starting point guard, to New Orleans in exchange for Nerlens Noel, they had to quickly find a new one to fill the void. Thank heavens that out of all the point guards in the draft, Carter-Williams has the best point guard instincts. At 6’5”, he has a geometric advantage over all of the point guards in this draft. He should see Nerlens Noel and Evan Turner—and who knows, maybe Andrew Wiggins—better than Trey Burke or C.J. McCollum.
(t5!) Fit Analysis!: He may not be in the same caliber as Jrue Holiday, but he should be able to run Philadelphia’s offense well. The problem for them now is that Jrue Holiday scored 17.7 points for them per game last season. I’m not sure if Carter-Williams can score that much. I don't know if they have other players in the roster that can pick up the slack either.
(t5!) Level Of Excitement: !!!
(t5!) Correct Pick: Michael Carter-Williams
12. The Oklahoma Thunder selected… Steven Adams, C, Pittsburgh
Upside Potential: Zaza Pachulia of New Zealand
Entrance Music: Men At Work - Down Under
Proposed Nickname: Steven “Thunder From Down Under” Adams
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(t5!) Opinions!: To paraphrase the immortal Jason Collins, he’s big and he has six hard fouls. Now he may end up being offensively gifted or a defensive colossus, but the last time the Thunder was in a lottery, they took Cole Aldrich, a player who is somewhat in the same mold as Adams, and he turned out to be a bust. So pardon me for not being overly enthusiastic.
(t5!) Fit Analysis!: Again, everyone needs a big with six hard fouls, even teams in the D-League.
(t5!) Level Of Excitement: !
(t5!) Correct Pick: Shane Larkin
13. The Dallas Mavericks selected… Kelly Olynyk, C, Gonzaga, then traded him to the Boston Celtics
Upside Potential: stretched out Luis Scola
Entrance Music: Saint Etienne - Tankerville
Proposed Nickname: Kelly “Kam-hoops” Olynyk
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(t5!) Opinions!: To paraphrase the immortal Jason Collins, he’s big and he has six hard fouls. He is a little bit more offensively adept than “Gomez” Adams, but he also tends to disappear defensively. But extra points for Olynyk because he’s from Kamloops.
(t5!) Fit analysis! If the Celtics are planning to lose a lot of games next season, then Kelly Olynyk is their ideal starting center.
(t5!) Level Of Excitement: !
(t5!) Correct Pick: Giannis Antetokounmpo
14. The Utah Jazz selected… Shabazz Muhammad, SF, UCLA, then traded him to the Minnesota Timberwolves
Upside Potential: taller, slower, dumber James Harden
Entrance Music: Shabazz Palaces – Are You…Can You…Were You? (Felt)
Proposed Nickname: Shabazz “Palaces” Muhammad
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(t5!) Opinions!: Shabazz started the last NCAA season as a Top 3 prospect, but because of his disinterested showing and this controversy involving him faking his real age, NBA GMs questioned his character. His value dropped to a point where he wasn’t even invited to the NBA draft green room. With that said, teams passing on him may be the best thing that happened to him at this point of his career. If it’s in him, he should develop a scrappy underdog mentality, which is exactly what happened to other players who were overlooked because of their “bad attitude”, like Monta Ellis or Lance Stephenson.
(t5!) Fit Analysis!: The Timberwolves finished in 25th in Offensive Rating last season, so if they expect Muhammad to light it up against the other team’s second unit for 14 minutes per game, I think Muhammad is the perfect fit.
(t5!) Level Of Excitement: !!!
(t5!) Correct Pick: Shabazz Muhammad
See you next year! Long live Stern!
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