2013 NBA lottery mock (02/28/13)

Here’s my best guess at how the draft shakes out by June. That includes guessing who picks in the top 3

1. Orlando Magic – PG Marcus Smart

Rob Hennigan has been stockpiling feel for the game heavy players. Is he hunting market inefficiency wabbits? Smart fits that profile and they need a franchise PG. As crazy as it seems, Otto Porter is a dark horse here as his feel is as impressive as anyone’s.

2. Phoenix Suns – SG Ben McLemore

The Suns are desperate for a blue chip SG or SF. McLemore can be a franchise scorer and Goran Dragic’s drive and kick game compliments him.

3. Charlotte Bobcats – PF Nerlens Noel

The Bobcats are far enough away to wait for Noel’s recovery and development. The Rich Cho picks Kemba Walker, Bismack Biyombo and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist favor athleticism and defense, which Noel and Victor Oladipo fit the most.

4. Washington Wizards – SF Otto Porter

Unlikely to draft a guard with John Wall and Bradley Beal holding those spots, Porter fits at SF and matches their new professionalism focus.

5. Sacramento Kings – SG Victor Oladipo

The Kings need a team leader to turn around their team culturally. Oladipo gives them a blue chip SG and likely signals the end of Tyreke Evans and Marcus Thornton at the 2.

6. New Orleans Pelicans – C Cody Zeller

The Hornets could use a big with more upside than Robin Lopez to pair with Anthony Davis. Cody’s post skill and IQ creates an impressive combination.

7. Cleveland Cavaliers – C Willie Cauley-Stein

The Cavs use advanced metrics to draft which favors players with reb, blk, stl, ast, efficiency. Noel, Oladipo, Porter fits that model the most, but Cauley-Stein also rates well and fills a need for a long term C and badly needed size.

8. Minnesota Timberwolves – SG CJ McCollum

The Timberwolves had horrid shooting this year and are desperate to make the playoffs next year. CJ is a great fit shooting beside Rubio and is an immediate contributor.

9. Detroit Pistons – SG Archie Goodwin

The Pistons will almost surely draft a wing. Goodwin’s amazing physical tools should gain him fans as a high upside player.

10. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Toronto) – C Alex Len

The Thunder’s need is a blue chip center. Len falling this far is a perfect fit, giving them offense and shotblocking in the future from the position.

11. Philadelphia 76ers – PF Anthony Bennett

Another surprising fall, the 76ers go best player available hoping to get a star PF in Bennett beside Jrue.

12. Dallas Mavericks – C Steven Adams

The Mavericks seem like they’re thinking long term and for the post Dirk era. Adams has amazing physical tools for a C, if raw.

13. Charlotte Bobcats (via Portland) – SG Allen Crabbe

After grabbing defense with Noel, the Cats grab some shooting and offense at SG beside MKG and Walker.

14. Phoenix Suns – SF Shabazz Muhammad

The Suns are likely happy for a big name SF to fall this far, completing their wings upgrade.

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