NBA mock draft: Cavaliers likely to take Noel at No. 1
NEW YORK — Starting at the top, today’s NBA Draft is nearly unpredictable. But here’s an educated guess on how it will unfold:
1. Cleveland — Nerlens Noel, C, Kentucky: The Cavaliers are considering trade options, but they need a big man. The 6-foot-11-inch freshman, coming off a knee injury, appears to be their man, almost by default.
2. Orlando — Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana: A 6-5 shooting guard and tenacious defender, the junior’s stock has been rising. His high motor indicates he won’t be a bust and can contribute immediately.
3. Washington — Otto Porter Jr., SF, Georgetown: The Wizards are looking for a low-post scorer, and Porter is a low-risk pick. The 6-8 sophomore is steady, doing everything well but nothing great.
4. Charlotte — Anthony Bennett, PF, UNLV: If the Wizards pass on Bennett, the 6-7 freshman won’t slip far, even with concerns about his weight and a shoulder injury. He’s not Larry Johnson, but he can score.
5. Phoenix — Ben McLemore, SG, Kansas: Some sources say McLemore, a freshman who might be the best player on the board, is a good bet to go No. 2. Oladipo was more impressive in predraft workouts.
6. New Orleans — C.J. McCollum, PG, Lehigh: The Pelicans need a point guard and a scorer, and McCollum, a 6-3 senior, can do both. He might not go this high, but he should go in the top 10.
7. Sacramento — Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG, Georgia: What direction the Kings will go is a mystery. But Caldwell-Pope, a 6-6 sophomore, is one of the best shooters available, and his stock has been rising.
8. Detroit — Trey Burke, PG, Michigan: This pick fills the Pistons’ biggest need, a point guard who can score. Burke is polished, though small at 6-1, and he could go higher to Phoenix or New Orleans.
9. Minnesota — Alex Len, C, Maryland: As a freshman, the 7-1 center was not that productive, but his skills impress scouts. He might go No. 1, though he’s a high risk at that spot and a potential bust.
10. Portland — Steven Adams, C, Pittsburgh: The 6-11 freshman is an intriguing prospect who has made a late surge. The Trail Blazers are looking for size, and Adams might be the right fit.
11. Philadelphia — Cody Zeller, C, Indiana
12. Oklahoma City — Sergey Karasev, SF, Russia
13. Dallas — Michael Carter-Williams, PG, Syracuse
14. Utah — Kelly Olynyk, PF, Gonzaga
15. Milwaukee — Shabazz Muhammad, SF, UCLA
16. Boston — Jamaal Franklin, SG, San Diego State
17. Atlanta — Mason Plumlee, PF, Duke
18. Atlanta — Shane Larkin, PG, Miami
19. Cleveland — Reggie Bullock, SF, North Carolina
20. Chicago — Tim Hardaway Jr., SG, Michigan
21. Utah — Dennis Schroeder, PG, Germany
22. Brooklyn — Ricky Ledo, SG, Providence
23. Indiana — Isaiah Canaan, PG, Murray State
24. New York — Gorgui Dieng, C, Louisville
25. Los Angeles Clippers — Lucas Nogueira, C, Brazil
26. Minnesota — Giannis Antetokounmpo, SF, Greece
27. Denver — Tony Mitchell, SF, North Texas
28. San Antonio — Glen Rice Jr., SF, Rio Grande Valley (NBDL)
29. Oklahoma City — Allen Crabbe, SG, California
30. Phoenix — Tony Snell, SG, New Mexico
MATT YOUMANS/ LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
