Summer League Rookie Standouts; Poised for 2013/14 Season

Victor Oladipo – ORL – AVG: 19 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 5 APG – Efficiency Rating:
+17.25

Victor Oladipo has been one of the consistent bright spots for this year’s
NBA Summer League. He has embraced the point guard position the Orlando
Magic has attempted to try him out with and he did not disappoint.
Obviously as a rookie he still has a long way to go in terms of elevating
his entire game. With the Magic in a rebuilding season Oladipo is
defiantly a start in bringing back excitement to the city and pass the
along with the likes of Maurice Harkless and a young core team. As for
this upcoming season its more than likely they will try Victor as a PG,
because he has already showed his versatility and athleticism. Both of
which are keys to a young team like the Orlando Magic, being successful as
they strive for relevancy.

Cody Zeller – CHA – AVG: 16,3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 1.5 APG – Efficiency Rating:
+17.25

Although Cody Zeller was only able to play four games due to the tournament
style of the Summer League, he put up great, and more importantly,
consistent numbers. He has shown his potential to being a regular
double-double player in the league. He will defiantly bring life back to
the Charlotte franchise, but does not make them a playoff team by any span
of the imagination.

C.J McCollum –POR – AVG: 21 PPG, 4..0 RPG, 3.4 APG – Efficiency Rating:
+12.40

Similarly to last season’s Rookie of the Year, and now teammate Damian
Lillard, McCollum is a player that creates instant offence and scoring into
the lineup off the bench. If he is able to continue playing at a steady
higher pace C.J will see himself having more playing time and creating a
high scoring one-two punch with Lillard.

Kelly Olynyk – BOS – AVG: 18 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 2.4 APG – Efficiency Rating:
+21.40

The Canadian native Olynyk was a significant piece of the offence for the
Boston Celtics. Being a 7-footer who can run the floor and shoot the money
ball, he can play as a center for the Celtics, but would fit better as a
stretch power forward and create mismatches for opponents. Due to the
departure of the most significant weapons in the Boston offence (Garnett,
Pierce and Terry) it would only make sense that Olynyk gets immediate
playing time as the Celtics also enter into their restructuring process.

Akim B

At The BuzZzer “Mock NBA 2013 Draft”

1.   Cleveland Cavaliers

Nerlens Noel – C – Kentucky – 6’11:

Cleveland can land another building block by drafting Noel with the first overall pick.  He’s an athletic centre who will need to put on some weight to play at that next level.  He is extremely active around both ends of the court.  He’ll block a shot and hustle back to take a lob.  His biggest weakness right now is his offensive game.  This will be something that he will need to work hard on to become an elite player, but the potential is there.  Noel is currently out with a torn ACL.  He had the same issue in high school, but he’s assuring everyone that he’ll be back by December.  Drafting Noel will give Cleveland some flexibility by possibly trading Anderson Varajo for another asset.  It’ll also provide Kyrie Irving with someone who can play at the same pace he does.

NBA Comparison: Serge Ibaka

2. Orlando Magic

Ben McLemore – SG- Kansas – 6’5:

Orlando needs help at every position.  After trading Dwight Howard, the Magic had to start all over.  McLemore has the potential to be a franchise player.  He’s terrific outside shooter who can also take his man off the dribble. There have been some who have questioned his passion for the game, but remember this kid is only 20 years old so that will come over time.  He is a great athlete that and he has the potential to be an All-NBA defender in the future.  He will fit right in with what Orland is trying to do and will provide some entertaining moments for their fans while they go through this rebuilding phase.

NBA Comparison:  Ray Allen with more athleticism.

3. Washington Wizards

Anthony Bennett – PF – UNLV – 6’7:

Canadian kid all the way from Mississauga to Vegas to the NBA.  What a great story.  The Wizards are set in the back court with John Wall and Bradley Beal.  Bennett should step right in to play the small forward.  He is polished offensively.  He has a great post-up game and can back down anyone.  Where he may struggle is to take his man off the dribble in the half-court game.  On the defensive end he may have trouble keeping up with the faster; sleeker small forwards, so he may eventually end up seeing some time at the power forward spot.

NBA comparison: Chris Webber

4. Charlotte Bobcats

Trey Burke – PG- Michigan-6’0

Charlotte Bobcats are in need of a true point guard.  Someone who can control their offence and get people in spots they need to be in.  Kemba Walker is great, but he is not a point guard.  Trey Burke is a leader and he will take control of this team by mid-season.  He has the skills that many current NBA point guards currently have.  He takes the big shots when it’s needed, but he also ensures his teammates are involved.  All he cares about is winning. What he lacks in athleticism, he makes up for in smart decision making and heart.  Michael Jordan’s team needs someone who will lead his young Hornets….errr Bobcats.

NBA Comparison: Andre Miller

5. Phoenix Suns

Victor Oladipo- SG- Indiana- 6’4

Oladipo is a great person and just the type of player the Suns are looking for.  Someone who has good character and also possess great basketball skills.  The Suns are in full rebuilding mode, post Steve Nash and Grant Hill.  Oladipo will bring versatility to this young Suns team. He has great energy and will lift his teammates on many occasions.  His skills may translate more to the NBA level.  Playing at Indiana does not necessarily always showcase the full skills of players. Fans in the valley of the Sun will enjoy watching him play.  He needs to continue to work on his ball handling and taking his man off the drive.  As with many young players coming into the league, defense is also something that he will need to improve on.

NBA Comparison: Luol Deng/Rajon Rondo

6. New Orleans Pelicans

Alex Len:

Len is big man who has been moving up the draft board.  He has the low post skills that many teams are looking for.  Len will team with Anthony Davis to form a formidable front court.  Len’s presence will allow room for Davis to operate down low.

NBA comparison: Nikolai Perkovic.

7. Sacramento Kings

Otto Porter – SF-Georgetown-6’7:

Porter is a smooth player.  He is probably the most NBA ready player in this draft.  He has a great outside shot and he can take his man off the dribble as well. He has great defensive instincts.  He is also not afraid to take the big shot. He needs to put on weight and gain strength if he hopes to compete against the great small forwards in the league.

 NBA comparison: Andre Iguadola.

8. Detroit Pistons

CJ McCullum – PG- Lehigh-6’3

CJ splashed on the scene a couple seasons ago with an excellent NCAA tournament for Lehigh. If he had chosen to enter the draft that year, he would have been a top 5 pick.  Drafting McCullum will allow the Pistons to slide Brandon Knight to the SG spot and also finally give the Pistons a chance to move Will Bynum and Rodney Stuckey. McCullum has a great outside shot and he is also not afraid to take the ball to the hole. He needs to work on defending his position.

NBA Comparison: Stephen Curry

9. Minnesota Timberwolves

Shabazz Mohamed – SF –UCLA – 6’6:

Mohamed has seen his stock drop due to a variety issues off the court.  On the court however, he is a special player who will excel in the NBA.  This may be the steal of the draft if the T-Wolves can get him at this spot.  He plays the game both inside and out.  He has an NBA ready body.  If the T-wolves can get him to play at a high level on a consistent basis, he should solve their shooting guard issue for years to come.

NBA comparison: Eric Gordon

10. Portland Trailblazers

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – SG – Georgia – 6’5:

A great athlete who recklessly attacks the glass with reckless abandon.  He will provide more than his share of highlight reel dunks.  Caldwell-Pope will need to work on taking his man off the dribble to become a complete player.

NBA comparison: Gerald Wallace (short version)

11. Philadelphia 76ers

Cody Zeller – PF – Indiana – 6’11

Zeller was once touted as a number one overall pick, but has seen his stock fall due to a subpar NCAA tournament.  Never the less, he can become an impact player in the NBA.  He’ll fit in with the 76ers as they will be looking for size as the most likely will not get Andrew Bynum to play for them.

NBA Comparison: Mike Dunleavy jr.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder(from Raptors)

Michael Carter Williams – PG- Syracuse – 6’6:

A true point guard who is always looking to set up his teammates.  OKC will look to Carter to be Russell Westbrook’s back up. He will be great at getting the ball up and down with Kevin Durant.  He’ll also take the big shot when required to do so.  Very thin and will need to add some weight to be successful in the league.

NBA Comparison: Shaun Livingston

13. Dallas Mavericks

Shane Larkin – PG – Miami – 5’11

One of my favourite players in this draft.  Larkin is a born leader and he should provide solid minutes for the Mavs.  He has a quick dribble and has great leadership qualities.  Although the Mavs may end up trading this pick, the y can’t go wrong with picking Larkin.

NBA Comparison: Kyle Lowry

14. Utah Jazz

Kelly Olnyk – C – Gonzaga – 7’0 :

Another Canadian kid.  Olnyk has a very unique game that remains to be seen whether it will translate into the NBA.  Utah will be in need of size as the face the possibility of losing both Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap.  They’ve had success with players from Gonzaga in the past (see John Stockton), so they may go that route again.

NBA Comparison: Rik Smits  

 

Steve E