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NBA Mock Draft 2013: Cleveland Cavaliers Select Otto Porter Jr

By John Adair

Feb 11, 2013; Washington, DC,USA; Georgetown Hoyas guard Jabril Trawick (55) and forward Otto Porter (22) get introduced prior to the game against the Marquette Golden Eagles at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2013; Washington, DC,USA; Georgetown Hoyas guard Jabril Trawick (55) and forward Otto Porter (22) get introduced prior to the game against the Marquette Golden Eagles at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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21. Utah Jazz: Mason Plumlee, Duke

Utah is in desperate need of a big off the bench to replace soon-to-be starters Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors. With Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap likely walking away from the Jazz, they will lack depth in the front court. Kanter and Favors are more than capable replacements, but the strength of the Jazz was the depth of the front court with those two off the bench. Plumlee will be able to contribute right away rebounding the ball, something the Jazz will be in dire need of.

22. Brooklyn Nets: Tim Hardaway Jr., Michigan

Brooklyn is hamstrung by the contracts of both Joe Johnson and Gerald Wallace. They may decide to find a cheaper, younger route with a player that is similar to both is some ways. Hardaway is long for the shooting guard position with a good handle, the way that Johnson does, but is athletic the way that Wallace is. While not as gifted as either of them at their strengths, Hardaway is a well-rounded basketball player.

23. Indiana Pacers: Sergey Karasev, Russia

Indiana can go a lot of different ways here, and can also wait on a player to develop before expecting him to contribute consistently at a high level. With the rumors beginning to swirl around Danny Granger’s trade value, they may target a small forward to replace him and back-up Paul George. Karasev is a dead-eye three-point shooter that will allow the Pacers to play the inside-out style that they love so much.

24. New York Knicks: Allen Crabbe, California

New York shoots the ball. There is no doubt about it. They launch threes in their half court sets, in transition, and from three feet beyond the arc. Crabbe fits that style of play. He is a good shooter and would be another wing for Mike Woodson’s squad. J.R. Smith has a player option for next year and is likely to deny it, so if the Knicks choose to not pay him and let him walk, Crabbe could potentially fill that spot off the bench.

25. Los Angeles Clippers: Jeff Withey, Kansas

DeAndre Jordan fits the Clippers’ high-flying offensive, and his ability to block shots is a big asset to the team. However, Ryan Hollins and Ronnie Turiaf were the back-ups this year, with Lamar Odom even seeing some time. Withey was Kansas’ all-time leading shot-blocker and has defensive instincts that could prove valuable to an NBA that drafts him late in the first round. If Chris Paul re-signs with the Clippers, there future is pretty much set in stone around him and Blake Griffin. However, Withey is not a high-profile player that needs the ball to make a difference.

26. Minnesota Timberwolves: Giannis Antetokunmpo, Greece

With two first-round picks, the Wolves can afford to sit and wait on a player to develop his potential. If potential is what this pick is based on, Antetokunmpo is the pick. NBA scouts are already saying that he has possibly the highest ceiling of any player in the draft. If Minnesota can get him here and he reaches that potential, this could be an incredible pick.

27. Denver Nuggets: Reggie Bullock, North Carolina

Denver showed its weaknesses against the trigger-happy Warriors team. The Nuggets struggled to shoot the ball on a nightly basis. They relied on getting in to the paint time after time after time. While it did work efficiently in the regular season, everyone knows that defenses improve come the postseason. If George Karl’s team plans to take the next step, they need to add shooting. Bullock is one of the better shooting prospects in the draft and would be a good pick here.

28. San Antonio Spurs: Glen Rice Jr., Georgia Tech

Everybody knows that the Spurs are the cream of the crop when it comes to the draft and developing players. Year after year, they have late first-round picks, and year after year, they surpass all expectations given to them by scouts and experts. Rice is one of the most ready to contribute players this draft has to offer. With Kawhi Leonard emerging as an up-and-coming player, Glen Rice could be a sufficient back-up down the road.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Tony Mitchell, North Texas

Oklahoma City likes up-tempo. Oklahoma City likes athletes. Tony Mitchell is an athlete that is versatile offensively and defensively. A little undersized for the position, his athleticism and length make up for it. Mitchell was once viewed as a lottery pick, and the Thunder can afford to wait on a player to develop, especially with the 12th overall pick as well. Mitchell could be a steal if he falls this far.

30. Phoenix Suns: Isaiah Canaan, Murray State

Players from mid-major schools would typically be automatically second round picks. That isn’t the case any more. Rookie of the Year Damian Lillard was taken sixth out of Weber State. Canaan can be a quality role player and back-up to Goran Dragic as the Suns continue to try to find their niche post-Nash.

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