NBA Mock Draft 2013: Full First-Round Draft Order and Analysis

16. Boston Celtics: Steven Adams, Center, Pittsburgh

Paul Pierce believes that he has played his last game in Celtic-green. Kevin Garnett is expected to be out if Paul Pierce is. If that’s the case, Jeff Green could step in as Pierce’s replacement and while Jared Sullinger has the favor of Doc Rivers and the Celtics’ front office, his defensive presence is not strong enough for the center position.

Steven Adams will need a few years to pan out. Do not expect Adams to be a huge contributor right away at the next level. Potential is a funny thing in the NBA Draft. More often than not, teams place more value on potential than previous production.

Adams has the potential to be a very good all-around center in the association, particularly at the defensive end. The Pitt center has great length that allows him to be an impressive shot-blocker and rebounder.

Boston is one of the best in the business when it comes to developing players. If Doc Rivers and company can develop Steven Adams into the player that most believe he can be, it won’t be that long before the Celtics are legitimate contenders again.

17. Atlanta Hawks: Sergey Karasev, Small Forward, Russia

Josh Smith is an unrestricted free agent this summer and is in hope of earning a max-contract. With his future undetermined, the Hawks have to draft expecting him not to return.

If Smith is not in Atlanta next season, Sergey Karasev could be a logical replacement. Karasev has decent size for a small forward at 6’7″ but brings a lot to the table offensively. Not only is he a deadly shooter from deep, but he has shown the capability to take on more of a complimentary role with his unselfishness and savvy passing.

As the son of a former player and coach, Karasev has an impressive basketball IQ. With intelligence and a feel for the game beyond his ears, it may make for an easier transition to the NBA than for most.

18. Atlanta Hawks (from Houston): Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Shooting Guard, Georgia

Along with Josh Smith, Devin Harris is an unrestricted free agent this summer and is not expected to return. With Jeff Teague running the point guard and second-year man John Jenkins expected to start at the two, Caldwell-Pope will be brought in for depth and to potentially challenge Jenkins for the starting spot.

Caldwell-Pope has good size at 6’6″, 205 pounds for a shooting guard. He can do a little bit of everything; score, defend, and rebound. Playing for Georgia, Caldwell-Pope was the focal point of their offense every contest. Seeing how he translates into more of a role player will be something to keep an eye on.

19. Cleveland Cavaliers (from L.A. Lakers): Jamaal Franklin, Shooting Guard, San Diego St.

Cleveland is currently set to pick first overall. However, with two picks in the first-round, it is rumored they are looking to move down from the first pick or acquire another player.

If the Cavs do pick first and select Nerlens Noel, a swingman would make sense later in the first-round. Jamaal Franklin can play either the two or three and provide depth at both positions or potentially start in place of Alonzo Gee.

Jamaal Franklin is probably a year away from contributing consistently in the NBA. Playing at a lower level of competition at San Diego State may hurt him. It may not though, and he may succeed right off the bat.

Take this year’s Rookie of the Year Damian Lillard for instance. He was drafted out of Weber State.

20. Chicago Bulls: Gorgui Dieng, Center, Louisville

If Gorgui Dieng is available when the Bulls are on the clock, there couldn’t be a more perfect fit for either team.

Carlos Boozer may not be back with the team next year in favor of finally making Taj Gibson a starter. Regardless, the team took a big loss at the defensive end when Joakim Noah was out due to injury or just on the bench.

After losing Omer Asik to Houston last season, the Bulls lost the anchor to their second-unit defense. Asik has proven to be more than a second-stringer with the Rockets, and the difference that he made on the Bulls in 2011-2012 was more evident after he left.

Dieng is a defensive stopper with an NBA-ready frame that could help fix the problem. At 6’11”, 240 pounds, he clogs up the paint and gives the opposing team nothing easy. He cleans up on the defensive glass, rarely giving up second chances. Dieng would also be given the opportunity to play for a contender with a defensive mindset and a defensive mastermind in Tom Thibideau.

21. Utah Jazz (from Golden State): Shane Larkin, Point Guard, Miami

Larkin had the best combine of any player in the draft and may have drastically helped his stock.

Mo Williams future with the Jazz is unclear, and regardless, Larkin would add much needed depth and scoring.

22. Brooklyn Nets: Dario Saric, Small Forward, Croatia

At 6’10”, Saric posses the unique skill set of ball handling ability and court vision. He can play the power forward position in small-ball situations. Could he be Gerald Wallace’s potential replacement?

23. Indiana Pacers: Tony Mitchell, Power Forward, North Texas

Tony Mitchell took a step back in every way during his sophomore season at North Texas. His upside still relies on his incredible physical tools, including a 7’3″ wingspan despite standing at just 6’9″.

24. New York Knicks: Erick Green, Guard, Virginia Tech

Green was the leading scorer in the nation a season ago and can fill it up in any way possible for a guard. The Knicks strength is on offense, but they need more consistency outside of Carmelo Anthony. Green possesses the ability to create his own offense off the dribble. Jason Kidd and Pablo Prigioni also are rumored to likely not be back, and Raymond Felton isn’t getting younger.

25. Minnesota Timberwolves: Reggie Bullock, Small Forward, North Carolina

Flip Saunders said he is stressing shooting this offseason to compliment his core of young players. Earlier in the first round, I had the Wolves taking C.J. McCollum. This time around, I have them taking Bullock, another three-point shooter out of UNC that can stretch the floor.

26. Los Angeles Clippers: Archie Goodwin, Guard, Kentucky

Chauncey Billups is set on continuing to play, but at his age and with his injury, is he worth the risk? Also, many teams are expected to make trade offers surrounding around Eric Bledsoe. If one or the other is gone or expected to be gone, the Clippers should take the best guard available. In this case, that is Archie Goodwin.

27. Denver Nuggets: Jeff Withey, Center, Kansas

Withey was the all-time leading shot-blocker at Kansas. While not extremely athletic, his timing and knowledge of defense led to being in the right place at the right time on a consistent basis. With George Karl never knowing what he’s going to get out of JaVale McGee, a consistent role player at center may be refreshing for the Coach of the Year.

28. San Antonio Spurs: Allen Crabbe, Shooting Guard, California

Manu Ginobili is playing incredible thus far in the playoffs. He still isn’t getting any younger, and he is constantly dealing with injuries. Crabbe is another threat in transition that is extremely good in catch-and-shoot situations. Nobody will replace Ginobili, but someone has to step up to shoulder more of the load as he gets older.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Glen Rice, Small Forward, Rio Grand Valley

Rio Grande Valley won the D-League championship after sweeping the Santa Cruz Warriors, and Rice was the best player on the court in the series, averaging 29 points, 11.5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks per game. Rice is somewhat of a question mark coming out of the D-League, but could be a potential high-reward, low-risk prospect.

30. Phoenix Suns (from Miami): Tim Hardaway Jr., Shooting Guard, Michigan

Hardaway has length that could make him an above-average defender on the perimeter. He is also extremely effective in the open court; he runs the floor well, fills lanes correctly, and finishes well around the rim.