2013 NBA Mock Draft: Picks 1-10

The NBA Draft is only a few days away, and this draft has been very unpredictable, starting from the first overall selection.  There will be numerous surprises, with a few players sliding down the draft board, as well a few obvious selections.  Here is how I see the 2013 NBA Draft going:

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Alex Len, Maryland, 7'1", C: The Cavaliers have numerous options with the first overall selection, but the player who would be the best selection is Alex Len.  Alex Len is a highly talented 20-year-old skilled big man, who is a terrific rebounder and shot blocker that can score from all areas of the court.  He possess huge upside, making him a great pick for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2. Orlando Magic: Nerlens Noel, Kentucky, 7'0", C: The Magic ranked 24th in blocked shots this past season, and Nerlens Noel would fill a major need on this team.  Nerlens Noel is a long, athletic center that led college basketball with 4.4 blocks per game a year ago.  His injury history and lack of strength are a major weakness for him, but his defensive abilities make him a player the Magic cannot afford to pass on.

3. Washington Wizards: Otto Porter, Georgetown, 6'9", SF: Since the NBA Draft Lottery, Otto Porter has been linked to the Washington Wizards.  If the Wizards hold onto their third overall selection Porter will be their guy.  He is an elite defender, who has a great midrange game, and is a good, unselfish passer.  Otto Porter is the closest player to a sure thing in this year's draft, and he would fit nicely into the Wizards young core of players.

4. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Bennett, UNLV, 6'8", PF:  Anthony Bennett has more upside than any other player in this year's draft, and he would provide the Bobcats with a much-needed scoring threat down low.  Even though he is undersized for the power forward position, he is an athletic forward, that is an excellent rebounder, and can shoot inside and out.  Anthony Bennett will develop into an All-Star caliber player, while dominating the paint for the Bobcats for the years to come.

5. Phoenix Suns: Victor Oladipo, Indiana, 6'4", SG: Victor Oladipo has very few question marks coming into the NBA Draft, and he has strengths that many few other players have.  He has elite athleticism, with a high-energy motor, and is tenacious on the defensive side.  He is the safest option in the NBA Draft, and it is just a matter of time until he develops into a great NBA player.

6. New Orleans Pelicans: Trey Burke, Michigan, 6'1", PG: Trey Burke is the best point guard in this year's draft, and he is exactly what the Pelicans need.  The Pelicans have been looking for a great point guard to team up with Anthony Davis to run the pick and roll, and Burke is their guy.  He is a strong, physical guard who sees the floor very well, and is a solid shooter.  Trey Burke would be an excellent fit with the young Pelicans team.

7. Sacramento Kings: C.J. McCollum, Lehigh, 6'3", PG: The Sacramento Kings have been searching for a dynamic point guard over the last few years, and C.J. McCollum is their guy.  McCollum is an electric scorer, who is an excellent rebounder and picks up a number of steals per game, while excelling in transition.  C.J. McCollum will not become the next Damian Lillard like many people expect, but he has the tools to become a solid NBA player.

8. Detroit Pistons: Michael Carter-Williams, Syracuse, 6'6", PG: Michael Carter-Williams has elite size for a point guard making him a solid defender who racks up steals often, and a great scorer in the paint.  He would be an excellent fit along Brandon Knight, and is capable of playing the point and the two due to his size.  The Pistons would be excited to draft Carter-Williams with their eighth overall pick to go along with their already impressive young core of players.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Georgia, 6'6", SG: It seems that Caldwell-Pope is a consensus pick at number nine.  Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a deadly shooter with deep range and a quick release on his jump shot.  Besides being a great athlete and superb shooter, Caldwell-Pope is a good passer and excellent defender.  He fits well along side Rickey Rubio and should be a solid guard for the T-Wolves for many years.

10. Portland Trail Blazers: Ben McLemore, Kansas, 6'5", SG: Here will be the biggest surprise of the draft, Ben McLemore sliding all the way down to the number 10 pick.  He is a superb athlete that is a dangerous shooter, with excellent range, and he is a solid defensive player.  There is no question that he is talented, but his poor workouts have hurt his value, causing him to slide down the draft board.  McLemore would be a great fit along side Damian Lillard, and the Blazers would be happy if he falls right in their lap.

Milwaukee Bucks Moving Up

The Milwaukee Bucks currently hold the 15th overall pick in this year's NBA Draft, but would they be better off moving up?  A few weeks ago there was a rumor that the Bucks and Washington Wizards were discussing a deal the was centered around the third overall pick and Ersan Ilyasova.

It is unlikely that the Wizards would agree to a direct swap of the third overall pick for Ilyasova.  If the Bucks are willing to send their 15th overall pick to the Wizards and take on Trevor Ariza or Nene's contract, then there is a real possibility this deal could get done.

For the Bucks, if this deal is able to get done, it would be a great trade for them now and in the future, but only if they acquire Trevor Ariza, who only has a year remaining on his contract.  The Bucks would be able to unload the underperforming, overpaid Ersan Ilyasova, while acquiring a veteran scorer on a one year deal, and most importantly, move up in the draft.

With the third overall pick the Bucks would have many options, but their best option would be drafting point guard Trey Burke.  Trey Burke is a strong, physical guard who is an above average shooter that possesses decent range, and is an exceptional passer.  He does need to improve slightly defensively, but he is a true point guard, who would fit nicely in the Bucks starting lineup along Larry Sanders and John Henson.

The Milwaukee Bucks need to make a splash in this year's NBA Draft, and to do so, they need to acquire the third overall pick and select the highly talented Trey Burke.

NCAA Championship Game Prediction

Louisville and Michigan will battle for the chance to win the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship on Monday night, something both of these programs have not done for over 20 years.

This will be a fun and exciting game featuring Michigan's explosive offense versus Louisville's dominating defense.  Michigan has an explosive offense that does an excellent job of scoring inside and out.  The Wolverines rank first in offensive efficiency and take outstanding care of the ball.  While Louisville ranks first in defensive efficiency and they do a great job of defending the perimeter.  The Cardinals are also able to force turnovers with ease, ranking second in the nation.

This will be an outstanding game featuring the best offensive team versus the best defensive team in the country.  Trey Burke must show why he is the Player of the Year by being able to have a great shooting night, while getting his teammates involved, and do a solid job taking care of the ball if Michigan wants to win.  Louisville will not stop Michigan from scoring, but they do need to slow them down if they want to have a chance at winning.

Trey Burke and company will be to much for the Cardinals too handle, and they will be cutting down the nets at the end of the night.