NBA Mock Draft 2013 - Bold 2013 NBA Mock Draft First Round Picks

Online, June 19, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Here are the first 10 picks from the entire NBA mock draft 2013 article.

What this draft does possess is depth and elite athleticism, as several of this year's top prospects posted record-breaking numbers at the annual NBA Draft combine. No one can predict what the future holds for this incoming class of first-year players, but one thing is certain: the unpredictability starts at the top.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers - Nerlens Noel, 6-11, C/PF, Kentucky
In one of the most uncertain drafts in years, it is fitting that the drafts top prospect comes with just as many question marks. Noel is coming off a less than stellar freshman campaign at Kentucky that was cut short due to a season ending ACL tear. Before the injury, Noel was clearly the best freshman in the country with his ability to alter shots, run the floor and dominate the paint with ease.

With the memories of former injury-prone number one overall pick Greg Oden still fresh in GM's heads, it wouldn't shock me if the Cavs surprised many observers and draft the much safer wing player in McLemore instead.

2. Orlando Magic - Ben McLemore, 6-6, SG/SF, Kansas
McLemore's inspirational story growing up as an impoverished youth before blossoming as a freshman sensation at Kansas is nothing short of amazing. However some critics view this as a potential weakness as McLemore often deferred to his older teammates despite being the most talented player on the floor at all times. McLemore has prototypical size for a shooting guard and has the elite athleticism and skills to play small forward if needed. If he can develop a killer-instinct and put a team on his back, he has All-Star potential.

3. Washington Wizards - Otto Porter, 6-9, SF, Georgetown
Porter makes too much sense here, as he fits the Wizards need for a do everything small forward with size. The fact that Porter has been a locally popular figure playing for nearby Georgetown, it would be very surprising if the Wizards opted to go another direction. The only knock on Porter may be his limited upside, but there is no doubt he will make an impact on the next level.

4.Charlotte Bobcats - Alex Len, 7-1, C, Maryland
The Bobcats, er, should we say Hornets? missed out on their center of the future in Anthony Davis last year, but will gladly settle for another skinny, yet promising big man in Alex Len. Len is a highly-skilled 7-footer who can block shots, run the floor and even shoot threes if need be. If he can prove that he isn't soft in the paint, Len could have the highest ceiling of any player in this draft.

The Bobcats have been rumored to be making a big play to acquire troubled Kings' center DeMarcus Cousins. Whether or not a trade ends up coming to fruition, the Bobcats seem intent on landing a talented center to build their team around.

5. Phoenix Suns - Victor Oladipo, 6-5, SG, Indiana
Oladipo is the typical late bloomer who exploded on the scene for the Hoosiers in his junior season, and has since risen into the Top 5 of the Draft, not unlike Cleveland's surprise selection of Dion Waiters a year ago . He showed flashes of the type of explosive guard he can be all season, and compares favorably in size to Dwyane Wade with a little bit of Russell Westbrook in terms of his ability to attack the rim. If Oladipo is available here, the Suns will not be shy to pull the trigger.

6. New Orleans Pelicans - Trey Burke, 6-0, PG, Michigan
Burke had a nice Tournament run as he and the Wolverines fell one game shy of a national title to Louisville. Burke played well all season long and proved to many scouts that he was one of the top point guards in the country, including several player of the year honors. The only knock on Burke has been his size, as he stands only 6 ft. tall and just shy of 200 lbs.

The Austin Rivers experiment has been less than promising and New Orleans could use a guard with star potential. Even though the Pelicans have several guards, I see them going with the most talented player here and adding depth to their squad. Michael Carter-Williams may land in this spot as he is currently enjoying a late surge up teams' draft boards.

7. Sacramento Kings - Anthony Bennett, 6-8, SF/PF, UNLV
Simply put, Bennett is a manchild at 6-8 250 lbs., making him one of the most NBA ready prospects in the Draft. His versatility and scoring ability is what really makes him intriguing as he has the build of a power forward but the skills of a wing player. The Kings need immediate help in a lot of areas and are likely to take a long look at Michael Carter-Williams if he is available at their selection. With a new ownership group, head coach and stadium on the horizon, Sacramento cannot afford to miss on this pick.

8. Detroit Pistons - Michael Carter-Williams, 6-6, PG, Syracuse
Let's face it, Brandon Knight had a forgetful season last year (Kyrie Irving didn't help his cause), and there are still questions about whether he is the long term answer at point guard. Many experts including myself, agree that Knight is more effective playing off the ball. Michael Carter-Williams out of Syracuse is a unique point guard with tremendous size who is much better suited at running a team then the aforementioned Knight. He is a pass first playmaker who can see over defenses and pick them apart. Think of a more athletic Shaun Livingston with a better jump shot.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves - C.J. McCollum, 6-3, PG/SG, LeHigh
The McCollum/Rubio tandem may be too good to ignore, as the LeHigh guard could start putting up points opposite Rubio from day one. McCollum shocked many draft experts when he decided to come back for another year despite dispatching an Austin Rivers led Duke team in the NCAA tournament. It was there that McCollum displayed veteran poise and basketball IQ beyond his years despite coming from a small, under the radar school like LeHigh. It would not surprise me at all if McCollum was the NBA Rookie of the Year a la Damian Lillard from Weber State.

10. Portland Trail Blazers - Cody Zeller, 7-0, PF/C, Indiana
Zeller has a chance to be taken much earlier in the draft, as early as No.7 overall to Sacramento, but I will play devil's advocate here. Something tells me that Zeller will slip a few spots in the draft, despite the fact that he posted outstanding measurements at the NBA Draft combine. It was there which Zeller recorded a jaw-dropping 35.5 inch standing vertical jump, which was the highest ever recorded for a player over 6-9 at the combine (Take that Blake Griffin!). The only knock on Zeller seems to be his short arms which could put him at a slight disadvantage at the NBA level.

If you want to read the entire NBA Mock Draft 2013 article CLICK HERE.

Article written by Mike Mital for FantasyCouch.com

Related Media