2013 NBA Mock Draft: Pitt’s Steven Adams projected to go in middle of first round
By Matt Shetler
21. Utah Jazz (via Golden State)
Player Name: Shane Larkin
Position, School: PG, Miami
The Jazz need to add a point guard and it may mean taking a stab on Larkin here. The son of MLB Hall of Famer Barry Larkin is a true point guard who can find open shots for his teammates or hit open looks if he is given them.
Apr 8, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Louisville Cardinals center Gorgui Dieng (10) dunks against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half of the championship game in the 2013 NCAA mens Final Four at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
22. Brooklyn Nets
Player Name: Gorgui Dieng
Position, School: C, Louisville
Dieng is not only an impressive rebounder, defender and shot-blocker, but he improved offensively throughout the season. The Nets could really use a backup 5 and would benefit from Dieng’s shot-blocking abilities.
23. Indiana Pacers
Player Name: Dennis Schroeder
Position, School: PG, Germany
The Pacers are thrilled with George Hill, but could still look to add their point guard of the future here. Schroeder has the quickness, handle and vision to be a solid point guard in the NBA. He has not proved a lot in games against good competition but the skills and the upside are certainly there.
24. New York Knicks
Player Name: Jeff Withey
Position, School: C, Kansas
The Knicks need some size off the bench as you see from the fact that their aging frontcourt has broken down health-wise this season. Then there is the fact that they are getting killed in the paint this series against the Pacers. Withey is one of the few players that will be available at this point who can contribute right away and should help a lot from a defensive standpoint. He might never be more than just a rotational player, but that is what the team needs to contend for a title. The Knicks could be tempted to take a shot on Goodwin here, but adding a capable big body is a greater need.
Mar 31, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) celebrates as he cuts the net after their victory over the Florida Gators 79-59 in the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
25. Los Angeles Clippers
Player Name: Tim Hardaway JR.
Position, School: SG, Michigan
The Clippers can target a shooting guard who can score the ball, which would add even more depth to an already deep team as well as some youth for the future. Hardaway Jr. has the perfect build for an NBA 2-guard- a 6’5” frame, long arms and fluid athleticism, not to mention he can score points in bunches.
26. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Memphis Grizzlies)
Player Name: Tony Mitchell
Position, School: SF/PF, North Texas
Mitchell has some work to do in terms of developing a consistent all-round game, but athletically he is NBA-ready. The Timberwolves could use some more frontcourt help and Mitchell is the type of athlete that could thrive once he puts it all together.
27. Denver Nuggets
Player Name: Archie Goodwin
Position, School: SG, Kentucky
The Nuggets are able to add more firepower here. They don’t exactly have a need at the shooting guard spot, but it is hard to not take a stab on Goodwin’s potential this late, as he has the talent and can develop into a top flight scorer within time. He could have benefitted from another year of school, but he is worth a gamble this late. Even with a deep team, Goodwin can still contribute early and possibly refine his talent to become a starter down the road.
28. San Antonio Spurs
Player Name: Sergey Karasev
Position, School: SF, Russia
The Spurs are trying to win one more title before Tim Duncan and Gregg Popovich call it quits. Karasev is a guy who could step in and help the Spurs right away. He is putting up impressive numbers in Russia, and the Spurs could use another sniper from beyond the arc. Karasev is only 19 and could be a big part of the Spurs future. They have had success with international players in the past and this could be no different.
29. Oklahoma City Thunder
Player Name: Pierre Jackson
Position, School: PG, Baylor
If there is one place the Thunder need depth, it is at point guard. Even though Reggie Jackson has played well in Russell Westbrook’s absence, he is not adept at running the offense. Jackson is small but he is an elite athlete who plays with reckless abandon. He’s got great potential to be a very good NBA point guard.
30. Phoenix Suns (via Miami)
Player Name: Deshaun Thomas
Position, School: SF, Ohio State
The Suns don’t have many players capable enough of stepping up and making shots. Thomas won’t have that problem. He won’t be a difference maker as he isn’t a great athlete, but he can shoot it and will help a team that struggles to score points.