Metro’s 2013 NBA Mock Draft

After months of speculation, expect Nerlens Noel to go No. 1 overall. (Getty Images)

1. Cavaliers – Nerlens Noel – The Cavs could very well be bluffing regarding all the trade talk, just to see if they get a Godfather offer. Still think they stick with Noel, the consensus No. 1 for months. Noel would provide the Cavs with much-needed help on the defensive end.

2. Magic – Victor Oladipo – The Magic are again looking for shooting after trading away JJ Redick. Oladipo is sure to be a better NBA player than Redick as he is still improving as a player and is a relentless defender.

3. Wizards – Otto Porter – Washington was still reportedly shopping the No. 3 pick as of yesterday but if the Wizards stick here, they’ll likely keep Porter in D.C.. Porter has a brilliant mid-range game that would compliment the outside shooting of Bradley Beal.

4. Bobcats – Alex Len – New Charlotte head coach Steve Clifford and new assistant Patrick Ewing know a thing or two about the center position. Len, at 7-foot-1, 255 pounds has jumped up draft boards in recent weeks to the point that the Cavs were strongly considering him over Noel.

5. Suns – Ben McLemore – McLemore was a stud in his only year at Kansas and several scouts have labeled him as “a young Ray Allen.” That’s high praise, especially for someone who had weak pre-draft workouts but McLemore has to be considered a somewhat safe pick for new GM Ryan McDonough.

6. Pelicans – Anthony Bennett – Bennett is a beast on the floor and is one of, if not the best athlete in the 2013 draft. There aren’t many holes in the versatile forward’s game as he is lethal in the paint and can knock down 3-pointers.

7. Kings – Trey Burke – Burke was a media darling throughout the 2013 NCAA tournament and for good reason. The kid will stop at nothing to win and has demonstrated clutch play in the past. His small size could be an issue, however, as at 6-foot-1, 190 pounds he could run into trouble in transition situations.

8. Pistons – CJ McCollum – The Pistons are loaded up front but are in desperate need of scoring in the backcourt. The Lehigh product can shoot from NBA range and has a decent NBA guard frame at 6-foot-3, 197 pounds. If the Pistons have to use McCollum at the point, however, that’s when issues could arise.

9. T’Wolves – Cody Zeller – Zeller is as athletic as they come at 7-feet and opened some eyes at the draft combine. He has great vision for a big man and the passing between Zeller, Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio would make for some highlight reel material.

10. Blazers – Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – NBADraft.net compares Caldwell-Pope to former NBA guard Kerry Kittles and the Blazers would be fine with that. They still need to replace Brandon Roy and are hopeful to put more scoring around LaMarcus Aldridge and want someone to compliment Damian Lillard.

11. Sixers – Steven Adams – Philadelphia is in no mood for a rebuild but they need to save some face in the front court after the whole Andrew Bynum debacle. Adams, the 7-foot, 255-pound center, out of Pitt is a risky pick for sure but many are saying that he could be, by far, the top player coming out of this draft in three years.

12. Thunder – Kelly Olynyk – Kendrick Perkins isn’t getting the job done up front for Oklahoma City and they can’t rely on just Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook for scoring. Olynyk can score down low and space the floor. If he pans out, Oklahoma City would be the most complete team in the league.

13. Mavericks – Shabazz Muhammad – The lefty has a nice shot from the perimeter and isn’t afraid to mix it up in the paint in an attempt to get to the line. The UCLA product does have issues creating his own shot.

14. Jazz – Michael Carter-Williams – The Jazz always seem to land great point guards and Carter-Williams has the potential to be an annual All-Star. At 6-foot-6, Carter-Williams has a smooth handle and can run a great break. His outside shooting is a bit suspect.

15. Bucks – Dennis Schroeder – Milwaukee has three guards that are free agents so they’ll need some help here. Schoeder is an intriguing pick out of Germany as he has great length. Scouts have consistently labeled him a Rajon Rondo clone, if there is such a thing.

16. Celtics – Lucas Nogueira – Danny Ainge is itching to move up, down, sideways or out of this draft but in the chance that the C’s stay here, Ainge will look to swing for the fences. The 7-foot Brazilian center has improved drastically of late and is extremely athletic around the basketball. It’s his defense that needs a major overhaul.

Quick picks

17. Hawks: Sergey Karasev, SF, Russia

18. Hawks: Mason Plumlee, PF, Duke

19. Cavaliers: Glen Rice Jr., SG, Georgia Tech

20. Bulls: Jamaal Franklin, SG, San Diego State

21. Jazz: Giannis Adetokoubo, SF, Greece

22. Nets: Gorgui Dieng, C, Louisville

23. Pacers: Tony Mitchell, SF, North Texas

24. New York: Tony Snell, SF, New Mexico

25. LA Clippers: Richard Ledo, SG, Providence

26. T’Wolves: Rudy Gobert, C, France

27. Nuggets: Shane Larkin, PG, Miami