2013 NBA Mock Draft: Final Version 1st Round
By Tony Fischer
#11 Philadelhpa 76er’s – Steven Adams – Center – Pittsburg
Adams has the size to play NBA center but does the 7 foot freshmen out of Pittsburgh have the skill. The knock on Adams is that he has never played against high level competition but most think he can handle it. He is also a good defender and shot blocker. He is a true 5 and has a tremendous ceiling and the ability to be an a great NBA center.
#12 Oklahoma City Thunder – Lucas Noqueria – Center – Brazil
The Oklahoma City Thunder can afford to take a project. They don’t need Noqueria right away so they can afford to let this raw talent develop overseas. The 7 foot Nouqueria has prototypical body type for a NBA big man and has a big upside. OKC was said to have interest in Steven Adams so if he is on the board don’t be surprised if they take him. The Thunder may also package this pick with their 29th to trade up into the top 5.
#13 Dallas Mavericks – Sergey Karasev – Small Forward – Russia
The Mavericks are still trying to trade this pick. That said Karasev could go as high as #10. If he does look for the Maverick to cotinue the international trend and choose Rudy Gobert. Gobert compares to Bradly as an NBA player so why not. Here is what NBAdraft.net says about Karasevs offensive ability:
"Sweet shooting lefty with a great deal of scoring acumen … Needs very little room to get his shot off, great at stretching the floor … Strong basketball IQ for a player who is yet to turn 20 … Has solid court vision/imagination and is a willing passer … Some ability to put the ball on the floor in the half court set"
#14 Utah Jazz – CJ McCollum – Shooting Guard – Lehigh
The only reason McCollum falls here is team need. In fact the Pistons may take him at eight if Orlando draft Trey Burke.
#15 Milwaukee Bucks – Shane Larkin – Point Guard – Miami
The bucks entire back court is headed into free agency so they need some depth at the guard position. Larkin had a great combine. He is undersized but could develop into a nice insurance policy for the Bucks.