NBA Mock Draft 2013: Cleveland Cavaliers Select Alex Len
By John Adair
21. Utah Jazz: Reggie Bullock, North Carolina
Utah will likely draft a big man with one of their two first-round picks. In this scenario, they already drafted Adams, so the Jazz could look to add some depth to the back court later in the first round. Gordon Hayward took a step back this season, and Bullock’s ability to shoot from distance could be helpful immediately.
22. Brooklyn Nets: Giannis Antetokunmpo, Greece
Antetokunmpo has one of the highest ceilings of any player in the draft. If he is available at No.22, you better believe he will be tough for a Brooklyn team trying to reach the next level to pass on.
23. Indiana Pacers: Tim Hardaway Jr., Michigan
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 Danny Granger possibly on his way out, the Pacers will need to add some length and skill at one of the wing positions. Hardaway has the potential to develop into a solid NBA player, and if anyone is capable of developing him it may be Frank Vogel. Take Lance Stephenson for instance.
24. New York Knicks: Dennis Schroeder, Germany
New York needs to add a point guard either via the draft, trade, or free agency. Raymond Felton will be back, but Jason Kidd is now the head coach in Brooklyn, and Pablo Prigioni’s future is unknown. Schroeder is a pure point guard, and would easily be the best one available at this spot.
25. Los Angeles Clippers: Jeff Withey, Kansas
With the latest rumors having DeAndre Jordan possibly landing in Boston and Eric Bledsoe potentially on the way out as well, the Clippers will need to add depth to both the center and point guard positions. Isaiah Canaan could be the pick here, but in this scenario, I have them taking Withey.
26. Minnesota Timberwolves: Sergey Karasev, Russia
Karasev has good size for the small forward position at 6’7″ and also possesses the ability to shoot the ball from deep, something Flip Saunders has openly made known he wants to add.
27. Denver Nuggets: Glen Rice Jr., Georgia Tech
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 the Kroeneke’s team plans to take the next step, they need to add shooting.Rice is one of the better shooting prospects in the draft and would be a good pick here.
28. San Antonio Spurs: Tony Snell, New Mexico
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. Snell is another guy that could fit into the Spurs system for wing players. With the ability to shoot the three and defend, he has to be that much more enticing for Gregg Popovich.
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.