Author: Alex Lee

Tomorrow night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NBA teams will look to supplement their rosters with the best that the college and international ranks have to offer. The Heat, Warriors and Raptors are without picks, but we've already heard that a handful of selections in the 20s are for sale. With a lack of high-end talent in this prospect pool, opinions on any given player appear to vary drastically team by team. That is a recipe for unpredictability.  

Last week we published our 2013 mock draft, which you can find here. Below is our second and final version. These selections are based on what we're hearing around the league, our player evaluations, and what we perceive to be a team's draft needs. Considering the amount of trade speculation, these guidelines are important to remember. Each pick is based on the assumption that the team will not move its selection and will draft accordingly, though there is a fair amount of trade talk mixed in.

As always, we welcome your opinion in the comments section.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers - Nerlens Noel. All signs point towards the Cavs taking either Noel or Alex Len here. The Cavs have worked out nearly every player slated to go in the top 10 and have even spoken to teams about trading the pick. This helped the Len rumors reach full throttle, but I still think Cleveland ends up with Noel.
2. Orlando Magic - Victor Oladipo. If Len goes No. 1, or if the Magic land Eric Bledsoe before draft night, this pick could change.  But for now, I can't help but think Oladipo is a better choice than Ben McLemore for a team that needs a rudder. The former Hoosiers guard is an explosive athlete and already a plus defender. He's as close to a sure thing as anyone in this class.
3. Washington Wizards - Otto Porter. The Wiz are said to be intrigued by Anthony Bennett's upside, but Porter seems to be tailor-made to go with Washington's core of emerging youngsters. With John Wall healthy, the Wizards should be a playoff team next year. Porter is NBA-ready enough to help them get there.
4. Charlotte Bobcats - Alex Len. At No. 4, the Bobcats are the first team on the board that has yet to give any indication of who they're looking at. That makes sense, not only because their pick is heavily dependent on who goes first, but also because they have so many needs that any player would fit. If Len is here, he's Charlotte-bound. If not, whichever player falls out of the top three should be.
5. Phoenix Suns - C.J. McCollum. Like Dion Waiters a year ago, McCollum's stock has steadily gained steam. He's been listed as a sleeper for every team after No. 4. There seems to be too many negative reports about McLemore's workouts for there to be a smokescreen-type thing going on. He's still an option here, but I think the Suns call the Lehigh star's name in Thursday night's first big surprise.
6. New Orleans Pelicans - Ben McLemore. Once considered to be on a short list for the top pick, this represents quite a tumble for McLemore. If he falls any further, which is possible, expect teams to try to move up and grab a guy with all the physical tools to be a very good NBA two guard. But for now, the Pelicans can't pass on the Kansas star, considering their need for help on the wing.
7. Sacramento Kings – Anthony Bennett. Bennett is a steal at seven and the Kings have been linked to him throughout the predraft process, making this a no-brainer. The team could sure use an playmaking distributor, putting Trey Burke and Michael Carter-Williams in the discussion here, but Bennett's offensive potential should force Sacramento to pull the trigger on him.
8. Detroit Pistons - Trey Burke. The Pistons need a point guard and if Burke falls to them, he is the ideal fit. Many evaluators consider the talent drop-off to be significant after the top seven guys. If McCollum, or someone else not in that top group, goes earlier than expected, the Pistons will likely nab the one guy left, getting great value for the fourth straight year. Given Burke's Michigan connection, Pistons fans are probably hoping it's him that slips.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The Wolves are aggressively trying to move up, presumably in search of an impact player like Oladipo. Assuming Derrick Williams and the No. 9 pick isn't enough to trade up, I expect Minnesota to address its utter lack of long-range shooting. Caldwell-Pope is a sniper that shot over 37% from three last season while attempting seven treys per game.
10. Portland Trail Blazers – Steven Adams. The Blazers are another squad looking to move way up, especially if they think McCollum and Caldwell-Pope will be off the board as they are in this scenario. If they get stuck with this pick, expect the Blazers to go big. Cody Zeller is certainly an option, but Adams provides the Blazers with more length and could turn into the physical presence Portland needs.
11. Philadelphia 76ers - Cody Zeller. I don't think I can ever remember a pick so universally agreed upon by draftniks than Zeller to the Sixers at 11. The Sixers need scoring help and are desperate for frontcourt pieces. Zeller could be the answer to both problems. The Sixers do have a new face in Sam Hinkie at the controls, so the consensus is a little curious. If not Zeller, there are a couple of international options who could be considered here.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder - Sergey Karasev. OKC has three picks in the top 32, which always makes an international draft-and-stash selection an option. With Kevin Martin's departure possible, Karasev also fits from a positional standpoint. The 6'7" Russian is already a creative offensive player, and his athletic shortcomings should be easier to mask down the road in a backcourt led by Russell Westbrook.
13. Dallas Mavericks – Michael Carter-Williams. This pick is almost sure to be made by someone other than the Mavericks.  The Cavs want Karasev at 13, but with the Thunder taking him one pick earlier, Dallas would need to find another trade partner. MCW is easily the best player left on the board, and his penetrating style would fit alongside the shooters in Big D. That makes him the logical choice to go 13th.
14. Utah Jazz - Lucas Nogueira. With all the high-end point guards off the board, the Jazz will look to remedy the loss(es) of Al Jefferson and/or Paul Millsap with this selection, though it's possible they could trade up. Nogueira is long, athletic and especially agile for someone his size. The 20-year-old Brazilian has the upside to make Utah's frontcourt very formidable down the road.
15. Milwaukee Bucks – Dennis Schroeder. Shane Larkin makes a ton of sense here, but I'm sticking to my guns that Milwaukee will take the German Schroeder, who is drawing Rajon Rondo comparisons. The Bucks have a history of taking a big swing with their draft picks, and Schroeder would certainly fit that philosophy. Isaiah Canaan is a dark horse here (and going forward), as the Bucks try to replace Brandon Jennings and/or Monta Ellis.
16. Boston Celtics – Shane Larkin. I don't really see the fit here as long as Rondo is in Boston, but I also can't imagine Larkin getting past 16 at this point. It seems like everyone on the C's roster has been involved in trade rumors, and with Doc Rivers now in L.A., Boston's target position-wise is anyone's guess.  I think Shabazz Muhammad and Jamaal Franklin should be in the mix here as well.
17. Atlanta Hawks - Giannis Antetokounmpo. There may not be a consensus on the spelling of the "Greek Freak"'s last name, but many draftniks believe he's ticketed for Atlanta. And I agree that the Hawks should take a chance on the "Greek Freak" with one of these two picks if they don't package them to move up. There's a ton of risk here, but some of the reports on Antetokounmpo put him on a very short list of prospects in this class with elite potential.
18. Atlanta Hawks – Shabazz Muhammad. The Hawks should be pretty happy if they have their choice of Muhammad and Franklin with this pick, and taking both of them and passing on Adetokunbo shouldn't be outside the realm of possibility. Besides Al Horford, Atlanta's roster is in flux. Muhammad gives the club a physically mature player that could develop into a legitimate scoring threat. At the very least, he is a talented asset to include in a trade for the superstar that Atlanta covets.
19. Cleveland Cavaliers – Jamaal Franklin. Yes, I know Cleveland wants to move up for Karasev. And yes, I know they need shooting, which is why many have them landing UNC's Reggie Bullock with this pick. But Franklin is just too good of a player to pass up at No. 19 and I'm not comfortable with him falling below this, especially since it may not be the Cavs doing the selecting here.
20. Chicago Bulls - Mason Plumlee. If Franklin is somehow available here, it would probably make Tom Thibodeau very happy. If he's not, the Bulls will look to add size or shooting. Plumlee is a great value at No. 20 as a developed player that can contribute right away to a contending team. A role player of sorts on a talented Duke team, Plumlee should slide right into the Chicago rotation.  Bullock and Tim Hardaway Jr. are also possibilities here.
21. Utah Jazz – Isaiah Canaan. Between Schroeder, Larkin and Canaan, the Jazz could afford to pass on their biggest need at 14. Canaan is the only one left in this scenario, which works out well for Utah. He's a better scorer than Larkin, fittingly, as the Jazz don't have a staple at either position in their backcourt.
22. Brooklyn Nets – Tony Snell. With concerns over Gorgui Dieng's knees increasing, the Nets select Snell, legitimizing rumors of his meteoric rise up NBA boards. Snell possesses the unique combination of raw NBA tools and a polished jump shot. He should be able to defend and shoot right away, and wasn't really an alpha dog at New Mexico so he should be OK with deferring to others on offense early in his career.
23. Indiana Pacers - Reggie Bullock. No point guards make sense here, so the Pacers will likely look for shooters or value. Bullock, who is big enough to play either wing spot, provides both. I think Hardaway Jr. would be a great fit here, and Kelly Olynyk makes sense too, but Bullock's sporadic ability to light it up makes the difference.
24. New York Knicks – Tony Mitchell. The Knicks are prioritizing bringing back J.R. Smith, which makes athletic frontcourt help an even more glaring need. Mitchell might be the best athlete in this draft and comes at a discount after a mediocre sophomore season. Depending on what happens with Smith, Hardaway Jr. and Cal's Allen Crabbe could be in play here too.
25. Los Angeles Clippers - Tim Hardaway Jr. With Rivers at the helm, the Clippers will be looking for NBA-ready contributors with this pick, preferably at the guard position. Hardaway Jr. fits the bill, as his game relies more on polish than tools. He can shoot, drive and pass and should be motivated to defend on a contending team led by Chris Paul.
26. Minnesota Timberwolves – Kelly Olynyk. Pretty much every pick from here on out is for sale. If the Nets land this pick for MarShon Brooks, expect them to take Dieng.  If the Wolves keep it, they will likely target frontcourt help in the form of Gonzaga's Olynyk, who will also help their jump-shooting woes. Olynyk's versatile offensive game makes him a good value pick at No. 26. Watch out for Rudy Gobert as well.
27. Denver Nuggets - Ricky Ledo. Before Snell shot up draft boards, I thought he was perfect in Denver. Ledo's upside makes him a good consolation prize for the Nuggets. He has plenty of off-the-court problems, but Ledo is very intelligent, making him a challenging, but worthwhile project for first-time head coach Brian Shaw.
28. San Antonio Spurs - Rudy Gobert. The Spurs are desperate for size and love international players. Enter Gobert, whose 7'9" wingspan and high-level athleticism make for an excellent shot-blocking prospect. Gobert is only 20 and lacks polish and strength, but the Spurs can afford to wait out his development. Dieng fits here too.
29. Oklahoma City Thunder – Gorgui Dieng. I think Gobert could go here too if the Spurs pass, but I already have OKC taking one international prospect in Karasev at No. 12 (not that I'd put it past them to take another). While Dieng would help most with shot blocking and rebounding, his passing skills out of the post are an interesting fit in an offense with so many weapons.
30. Phoenix Suns – Glen Rice Jr. Even with McCollum in tow, I still like Rice for the Suns at No. 30. Goran Dragic and McCollum make for an undersized and defensively deficient backcourt, so taking a tough, versatile wing who defends like Rice would seem to help alleviate those concerns. Phoenix is desperate for someone to step up and solve their small forward problem.

With the 2013 NBA Draft only a week away, we've ramped up our draft coverage considerably over the past month. Along the way, it has been become evident that while this draft is devoid of star power, it is flush with solid prospects who project to crack NBA rotations in the near future. Every team in the first round, from 1 to 30, has a chance to add a contributor. That can't be said of most drafts, and it makes this one fun to predict. 

Below is the first version of the 2013 Hoops Rumors mock draft. Our mock is based on not only what we're hearing, but also what we consider to be a given team's needs. A lot can happen between now and June 27th, so be sure to check back next week for our final mock. Each pick is based on the assumption that the team will not trade their selection, and where applicable, player names are linked to that player's Prospect Profile entry.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers – Nerlens Noel. I'm not buying into the Alex Len rumors just yet, but I do believe the Cavs are shopping this pick. It has been awhile since such a lack of excitement surrounded the No. 1 selection, which is probably fueling the fire behind the Len buzz. Noel was considered the consensus pick a week ago for a reason and, in the end, should be first off the board.
   
2. Orlando Magic – Victor Oladipo. While the Magic have some nice young pieces, none of them really project as imposing offensive threats. Ben McLemore also makes some sense here, but Oladipo is more likely to turn into the alpha dog that this roster so desperately needs. If the Magic trade out of this spot, they could look to land a point guard.
   
3. Washington Wizards – Otto Porter. This fit seems too good to be true for the Wizards.  In Porter, Washington gets a long and versatile wing. With John Wall and Bradley Beal locked in at the guard spots for the foreseeable future, the former Hoya won't be under pressure to score right away, which should help him contribute right away in a city he knows well.
   
4. Charlotte Bobcats – Alex Len. It's quite simple. Len has what the Bobcats need most: Talent. When you finish with a 21-61 record a year after going 7-59, you don't have any needs. Because everything is a need. A primary scorer would be nice to pick up here, but again, Charlotte can't afford to do anything but take the best player on the board. Len is exactly that if he's available at No. 4.
   
5. Phoenix Suns – Anthony Bennett. If you take a peek at the Suns depth chart, you'll notice there is something missing; a power forward. That makes Bennett the perfect blend of fit and value at No. 5 for the Suns, who are desperate to develop some type of identity. While he won't help a middling Phoenix defense, Bennett has the offensive skills to lead the Suns in scoring down the line. McLemore is also an option here.
   
6. New Orleans Pelicans – Ben McLemore. McLemore is slipping down some draft boards due to a number of unimpressive workouts. With Eric Gordon a candidate to be moved (or injured), the talented guard from Kansas could bring similar outside shooting prowess to New Orleans, as well as the tools to turn into an above-average NBA defender.
   
7. Sacramento Kings – Michael Carter-Williams. On a team overstocked with shoot-first guys, the play-making and unselfishness of Carter-Williams seems like a logical fit. The Kings supposedly love UCLA's Shabazz Muhammad – not surprising considering their recent draft history – but with new ownership, I'm betting they go in a different direction.
   
8. Detroit Pistons – Trey Burke. In what is becoming a yearly occurrence, the Pistons get another draft day steal late in the top ten with Burke, the NCAA's Player of the Year. Detroit needs a floor general to run its offense, and Burke allows Brandon Knight to slide to the two while also providing leadership and attitude to a young core that needs it.  The fact that he went to Michigan is icing on the cake.
   
9. Minnesota Timberwolves – C.J. McCollum. No team in the NBA shot worse from behind the arc than the T-Wolves last year, making McCollum a no-brainer at No. 9. For all his faults – lack of size and speed, weak competition, uncertainty surrounding which guard spot he will play – the emergence of Stephen Curry as a legitimate superstar did nothing but help McCollum's draft stock.  Most draftniks have Kentavious Caldwell-Pope penciled in here, but McCollum is the better prospect.
   
10. Portland Trail Blazers – Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The Blazers starting five played more minutes than any other group last year, making depth the team's primary need. That gives Portland a bevy of options here, but perimeter shooting still figures to be the priority and Caldwell-Pope provides that in spades (as does McCollum if he's available). Portland also needs to beef up inside, making any of the centers projected in the teens a possibility too.
    
11. Philadelphia 76ers – Cody Zeller. Zeller seems to be the consensus pick for Philly here, and for good reason. He fits their need for size, can contribute almost right away and can play alongside Andrew Bynum in the unlikely scenario Bynum is brought back. I think Lucas Nogueira is a sleeper here too, considering new GM Sam Hinkie's affinity for the international market. The 76ers have picks 35 and 42 to add a shooter.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder – Steven Adams. As usual, the Thunder are in a great position with picks 12, 29 and 32. And as usual, that affords them the luxury to draft for the long term. Pitt's Adams fits that plan, as a talented center that has major upside. Any of the more polished centers – Dieng, Olynyk, Plumlee – fit too, but I'd be shocked if OKC drafted for the present.
13. Dallas Mavericks – Sergey Karasev. So we know there is a very good chance that the Mavs move this pick in their never-ending quest to land a superstar free agent. If they don't trade it, they'll likely take an international prospect who can be stashed overseas without counting against their cap. Karasev fits the bill there, as did Dario Saric before he withdrew from the draft.
14. Utah Jazz – Mason Plumlee. The Jazz want a point guard and a have two picks in the first round to land one. They have been linked to Shane Larkin and Dennis Schroeder, but with only the Bucks also needing a point guard before 21, Utah will likely add to its impressive group of young bigs here with the NBA-ready Plumlee. Nogueira is a possibility as well.
15. Milwaukee Bucks – Dennis Schroeder. With Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis hitting the open market, the Bucks need to shore up their backcourt. This pick should hinge on what the Jazz do at 14. While Larkin is the safer selection, Milwaukee has a history of swinging for the fences in the draft and that will continue with 19-year-old Schroeder, who has two years of pro ball in Germany under his belt. Don't be surprised if Isaiah Canaan's name starts to get play somewhere around here.
16. Boston Celtics – Shabazz Muhammad. Should Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett land in Los Angeles, it would send the Celtics directly into rebuilding mode. There is a chance someone gambles on the enigmatic Muhammad before this pick, but if not, the risk is worth the potential reward here for the C's. Muhammad has the talent to become an impact scorer.
17. Atlanta Hawks - Giannis Antetokounmpo. With back-to-back picks and a roster totally dependent on what happens in free agency, the Hawks should roll the dice on the "Greek Freak" at 17 or 18. Antetokounmpo, ultra-talented with a gigantic ceiling, is only 18 and has wowed scouts at several workouts, even drawing some guarded Kevin Durant comparisons.
18. Atlanta Hawks – Jamaal Franklin. I am shocked that many draftniks have Franklin falling into the 20s. I don't see a promising wing on the Hawks roster and I don't see a better prospect, other than maybe Larkin, on the board here. If the Hawks can, in fact, lure a star or two to town, Franklin makes even more sense as a NBA-ready contributor who stands an excellent chance of developing into a good role player. Former Aztec Kawhi Leonard's success with the Spurs can only help Franklin's stock.
19. Cleveland Cavaliers – Reggie Bullock. After taking Noel at No. 1, Cleveland will be looking for a shooter to pair with Dion Waiters on the wing. Bullock shot over 43% from deep for the Tar Heels last year and at 21 years old, is ready to help the emerging Cavs now. Watch out for Cal's Allen Crabbe here too.
20. Chicago Bulls – Tim Hardaway Jr. Even with Jimmy Butler blossoming in the absence of Derrick Rose, the Bulls are still tasked with adding some offensive firepower to go with Tom Thibodeau's trademark defense. Hardaway Jr. gives them a polished scoring threat who can create his own shot or help find one for a teammate. Rose's injury makes a young point guard a logical pick here as well.
21. Utah Jazz – Shane Larkin. The Jazz will be thrilled if this scenario plays out next Thursday, as Larkin solves their point guard problem as a creator and shot-maker. Larkin captained a veteran Miami squad as a sophomore, showing leadership abilities that could prove valuable on a young and impressionable Jazz team. If Utah snags a point guard at 14, this pick will likely be a big. The Jazz have kicked the tires on Nogueira.
22. Brooklyn Nets – Gorgui Dieng. While Brooklyn already does a decent job with rebounding and shot blocking, Dieng makes too much sense here for a team trying to win now. He won't contribute much on offense, but the Louisville star is 23 and should help on defense next year. He can clean the glass and alter shots in the lane, and would appear to fit with Brook Lopez. The fact that he's a good passer for a big is a bonus.
23. Indiana Pacers - Lucas Nogueira. At 23, the Pacers can't let the tumbling Nogueira fall any farther. The 20-year-old Brazilian, longer than most seven-footers, is agile and athletic. He is ready to block shots in the NBA now, but landing on a good team like Indiana is probably best for him, because the rest of his game isn't ready. Roy Hibbert isn't a bad guy to learn from either.
24. New York Knicks – Tony Mitchell. The word is that the Knicks are infatuated with Mitchell, who had a semi-disappointing season for North Texas after a stellar freshman campaign. Mitchell is a very explosive jumper that would give the Knicks' frontcourt an element of athleticism it has lacked of late. He is a great rebounder and his vertical leap allows him to block shots better than most guys his height.
25. Los Angeles Clippers – Ricky Ledo. This pick could end up in Boston, but if it doesn't, expect L.A. to target a shot-making wing. Ledo is climbing draft boards after workouts and bringing him under the wing of Chris Paul could do wonders to alleviate his off-the-court concerns. Ledo is the type of talent who could be in the mix 10 picks higher by next Thursday.
26. Minnesota Timberwolves – Kelly Olynyk. With McCollum in tow at No. 9, the Wolves' shooting woes should be solved, so they'll likely target frontcourt depth here. Rudy Gobert seems to fit, but this team has the pieces to contend soon, making Olynyk the more suitable choice. The Zags big man has the polish to produce on offense next season, and may even help Minnesota's perimeter game eventually.
27. Denver Nuggets – Tony Snell. Andre Iguodala is officially a free agent.  What better way to replace him than with Snell, who owns a similar skill set and can also shoot. At a long 6'7", Snell possesses athleticism and defensive prowess. While he wasn't a great college player, his NBA tools have forced teams to take notice. His stock is on the rise.
28. San Antonio Spurs – Isaiah Canaan. Retaining Gary Neal beyond next year is getting more expensive with every playoff game. Canaan would be super value here for the Spurs, who seem like they nab an underrated, advanced college player like this every year. As mentioned above, Canaan is getting some looks in the middle of the first, but he fits better with a more established team.
29. Oklahoma City Thunder - Allen Crabbe. The Thunder also have the 32nd pick and it is likely that they will use either that pick or this one on an international draft-and-stash. I have them taking Adams as a project of sorts at No. 12, so Crabbe fits well in OKC here as a replacement for Kevin Martin, should he leave. Crabbe isn't a great athlete, but you don't need to be if you're in a backcourt with Russell Westbrook. Otherwise, the Cal guard does have a pretty complete offensive game.
30. Phoenix Suns – Glen Rice Jr. The Suns have a logjam of mediocrity at the small forward position, but none of those guys look like the long term answer in Phoenix. After taking Bennett at No. 5, the Suns could add a tough, versatile wing to that mix by opting for Rice. The 22-year-old is NBA-ready after dominating the D-League last season, and would also provide Phoenix with a much-needed plus defender.