2013 NBA Mock Drafts 'Around the Net' Part I

As I've done the past two summers, today we're bringing you Part One of our Mock Drafts 'Around the Net'.  For those unfamiliar with these posts, here's what they're all about...

Because I don't watch a lot of college basketball, every summer I research 7-10 of the more popular mock drafts on the web and present those to you with who they have the Wolves taking in the first round of the Draft.

The Wolves have four picks in the 2013 NBA Draft.  Two in each round.  The NBA Lottery is scheduled for May 21st.  As of right now the Wolves have the 9th-best chance at winning the Lottery and getting the #1 pick (actually a 1.7% chance).  The other pick is from the Grizzlies and is 26th overall.  Minnesota also owns the 52nd pick (from Brooklyn) and 58th pick (from Oklahoma City), but we won't be focusing on the second round in any of these posts.

nbadraft.net

Mock Draft Updated May 9th

#9: Shabazz Muhammed, 6'6"/225lbs., F-G, UCLA, 20 yrs.

• The Timberwolves are in dire need of a swingman who can contribute on both ends.  While Muhammed isn't known for committing much effort on defense, his offensive skills are unquestionable, however he is a bit selfish and doesn't look to be much of a playmaker.  Some scouts believe that he'll be a shooting guard at the NBA-level.
  

---

#26: Lorenzo Brown, 6'4"/186lbs., G, NC State, 22 yrs.

• He's a combo guard, however he's more of a point guard.  He does have agility and body control and quickness in the open court.  During this past season his shooting percentages have dropped and he's become one of the least productive scorers in college basketball.  To be honest he doesn't sound like someone who could help this Wolves squad.

---

ESPN (Chad Ford)

Mock Draft Updated May 8th

#9: C.J. McCollum, 6'3"/190lbs., G, Lehigh, 21 yrs.

• Before an injury ended his season he was one of the best scorers/shooters in college basketball.  He shot 51% from three-point range.  The Wolves shot under 30% as a team this season.  Yes, he's a bit undersized and another combo guard, but some scouts are calling him this year's Damian Lillard (you know, the unanimous Rookie of the Year winner).

---

#26: Giannis Antetokounmpo, 6'9"/215lbs., SF, Greece, 18 yrs.

• Giannis is an extremely raw prospect playing in Greece against competition that scouts equate to Division III schools.  Despite all that, he possess' a lot of intangibles, skills and potential that have plenty of scouts VERY excited.  He's a project player and when he's drafted this summer, it's likely he stays overseas or will spend a lot of time in the D-League as an NBA rookie.

---

Draft Express

Mock Draft Updated May 3rd

#9: Cody Zeller, 7'0"/240lbs., C, Indiana, 20 yrs.

• Cody is considered to have the most potential of his Zeller brothers.  Some scouts believe he could develop into a top-tier center, while others feel he may never be anything more than a role player.  Zeller has a very good offensive game and improved his rebounding numbers this past season.  To begin the season he was very much in the discussion to be the #1 overall pick, now he'll be lucky if he cracks the Top 10.  If the Wolves don't bring Pek back, they may look to a guy like Cody.

---

#26: Shane Larkin, 5'11"/162lbs., PG, Miami, 20 yrs.

• Son of baseball legend Barry Larkin, Shane will also enjoy a career in professional sports.  The last thing the Wolves need is yet another point guard, so I don't see Larkin ending up in Minnesota.  Shane is undersized and struggles to finish at the rim, but he's a good defender adept at steals, very quick up and down the floor and a good shooter.

---

WalterFootball.com

Mock Draft Updated May 3rd

#9: C.J. McCollum, 6'3"/190lbs., G, Lehigh, 21 yrs.

• see above

---

#26: Lucas Noguiera, 7'0"/215lbs., C, Brazil, 21 yrs.

• Noguiera is undoubtedly a long-term project for the team that drafts him.  He possesses incredible athleticism, a penchant for crashing the offensive glass and finishing above the rim.  He's a solid rebounder and skilled shot-blocker.  I'm actually a big fan of the Wolves looking at centers with the 26th pick.  There are plenty of available centers that I would love to have take Greg Stiemsma's minutes.

---

CBS Sports (Jeff Goodman)

Mock Draft Updated May 1st

#9: Cody Zeller, 7'0"/240lbs., C, Indiana, 20 yrs.

• see above

---

#26: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, 6'5"/190lbs., SG, Georgia, 20 yrs.

• Pope had a breakout season this past year and as such his draft stock has certainly risen.  His all-around game has stayed the same, but he's increased his statistical numbers and increased percentages.  He's one of the top shooting guard prospects in this draft and as such will automatically be a target for the Wolves.

---

mynbadraft.com

Mock Draft Updated April 30th

#9: C.J. McCollum, 6'3"/190lbs., G, Lehigh, 21 yrs.

• see above

---

#26: Giannis Antetokounmpo, 6'9"/215lbs., SF, Greece, 18 yrs.

• see above

---