How do you see the Top 6 picks going?

1 CLE- Nerlens Noel
2 ORL- Ben McLemore
3 WAS- Otto Porter
4 CHAR- Victor Oladipo
5 PHX- Anthony Bennett
6 NO- Trey Burke

Just for fun, of course. I'm aware that individual interviews and workouts can and will shakeup draft stocks of various players.

I think the wildcard is Orlando. If they don't draft Burke, I think he falls like in your mock. But my only issue is that, I don't see teams picking for need so much in this draft. So teams like Charlotte or Washington with young, but still unproven point guards scare me.

1. CLE- Noel
2. ORL- McLemore
3. WAS- Porter
4- CHA- Bennett
5- PHO- Oladipo
6- NOP- Burke

This draft does stink honestly. Winning the lottery in this draft is like winning the lottery in the Hunger Games.

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Originally Posted by AD23forMVP

1. CLE- Noel
2. ORL- McLemore
3. WAS- Porter
4- CHA- Bennett
5- PHO- Oladipo
6- NOP- Burke

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This.

I think the top 3 are really interchangeable

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Originally Posted by Official

I think the wildcard is Orlando. If they don't draft Burke, I think he falls like in your mock. But my only issue is that, I don't see teams picking for need so much in this draft. So teams like Charlotte or Washington with young, but still unproven point guards scare me.

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John Wall not proven? Guess Kyrie a question mark too

1-CLE) Noel
2-ORL) Burke
3-WAS) Bennett
4-CHA) Mclemore
5-PHO) Oladipo
6-NOLA) Porter

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Originally Posted by Official

I think the wildcard is Orlando. If they don't draft Burke, I think he falls like in your mock. But my only issue is that, I don't see teams picking for need so much in this draft. So teams like Charlotte or Washington with young, but still unproven point guards scare me.

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Huh? I wouldn't see Washington giving up on Wall for Burke. As far as Charlotte, Walker really came on last year.

Definitely need Bennett to have great workouts and pop into the top 5.

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Originally Posted by PELICANSFAN

Definitely need Bennett to have great workouts and pop into the top 5.

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Apparently, he's still recovering from rotator cuff surgery on his left shoulder.

Doubt he'll have the chance to impress teams via individual team workouts.

http://espn.go.com/nba/draft2013/sto...gery-slap-tear

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Bennett will miss all NBA pre-draft workouts, the NBA draft combine and summer league.

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Originally Posted by PELICANSFAN

Huh? I wouldn't see Washington giving up on Wall for Burke. As far as Charlotte, Walker really came on last year.

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Agree. But ya never know;)

If Burke doesn't go to ORL, he's slipping to at least our pick, if not further.

Granted another team doesn't trade up to snag him.

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Originally Posted by Pelicans78

This draft does stink honestly. Winning the lottery in this draft is like winning the lottery in the Hunger Games.

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Next time use a comparison us straight men can relate to.


Kidding. I agree this draft sux.

ZELLER

I can definitely see Zeller sneak into Phoenix at #5. He'd be a great fit at PF for them. If that happens, then it goes down like this IMO:

1 CLE- Nerlens Noel
2 ORL- Ben McLemore
3 WAS- Anthony Bennett
4 CHAR- Victor Oladipo
5 PHX- Cody Zeller
6 NO- Otto Porter or Trey Burke

That's best case scenario IMO.

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Originally Posted by nolaslim213

I can definitely see Zeller sneak into Phoenix at #5. He'd be a great fit at PF for them. If that happens, then it goes down like this IMO:

1 CLE- Nerlens Noel
2 ORL- Ben McLemore
3 WAS- Anthony Bennett
4 CHAR- Victor Oladipo
5 PHX- Cody Zeller
6 NO- Otto Porter or Trey Burke

That's best case scenario IMO.

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Zeller and Bennett both sneaking into the top 5? Best case indeed.

We need some player to do a Waiters in jump into the top 5:help:

I think Porter goes to Washington.

1. CLE Noel
2. ORL McLemore
3. WAS Porter
4. CHAR Len
5. PHX Bennett
6. NO Burke or Oladipo

I actually hope for Oladipo - can't believe I actually want another 2 from Indiana, but in my dream world we'd get Oladipo and trade that other guard from IU that I refuse to acknowledge by name for either Iguodala or Gay.

just saw a new mock:

cavs - noel
magic - burke
wizards - porter
charlotte - oladipo
suns - zeller
pelicans - mclemore

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Originally Posted by HornetGuru

just saw a new mock:

cavs - noel
magic - burke
wizards - porter
charlotte - oladipo
suns - zeller
pelicans - mclemore

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If this happens I would run around New Orleans like Forest Gump

So if we landed the #1 pick this would still be the worst draft in recent memory? Come on now, a few weeks ago people were talking about how deep this draft was. No need for sour grapes.

Cavs-Porter
Magic- Noel
Wizards-Bennett
Bobcats-McElmore
Suns-Oladipo
Us-Burke

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Originally Posted by UNO Gracias

So if we landed the #1 pick this would still be the worst draft in recent memory? Come on now, a few weeks ago people were talking about how deep this draft was. No need for sour grapes.

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Not many people were talking about. Most of the stuff I've heard and read from analysts is how bad this draft is at the top.

Go look back on the draft prospects thread. You would think that Durant, LBJ, Kobe, and DWade were in this draft.

This isn't a bad draft if you are looking for a #2 or #3 guy, but yes you are right, this draft lacks a #1 franchise player.

Perfect. We already got our #1 franchise player. Could certainly use a #2 guy.

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Originally Posted by Eman5805

Perfect. We already got our #1 franchise player. Could certainly use a #2 guy.

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I agree. If we can come away with a solid #2 guy, and we have Gordon (or get something of value for him) we should be in a position to make waves.

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Originally Posted by UNO Gracias

So if we landed the #1 pick this would still be the worst draft in recent memory? Come on now, a few weeks ago people were talking about how deep this draft was. No need for sour grapes.

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The draft isn't top-heavy. There isn't an Anthony Davis in this draft, but that doesn't mean it's a bad draft. There are a bunch of 2nd tier players, and we will get one of them, which is fine by me. I'm totally cool with landing one of Porter, Burke, Oladipo, or Muhammad. None of them are franchise cornerstones, but they can all be valuable contributors on a championship team if they develop like they should.

Burke, Porter or Oladipo to come off the bench. But honestly, if it's not Burke and we gotta go with GV at the point 38 mins a game all year...:crytear:

Outside of McLemore, I see a bunch of complimentary players or number 3 guys at best. And even McLemore is shaky as a number two option.

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Originally Posted by Pelicans78

Outside of McLemore, I see a bunch of complimentary players or number 3 guys at best. And even McLemore is shaky as a number two option.

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If that's the case, what's the point in even keeping the pick. Trade it.

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Originally Posted by UNO Gracias

If that's the case, what's the point in even keeping the pick. Trade it.

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Easier said than done. Alot of teams aren't gonna invest in a 3-year guaranteed contract on a young player needing a few years to make a serious impact. I think we will keep it and draft a solid player.

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Originally Posted by Pelicans78

Easier said than done. Alot of teams aren't gonna invest in a 3-year guaranteed contract on a young player needing a few years to make a serious impact. I think we will keep it and draft a solid player.

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A complimentary player.

Never underestimate the value of a rookie contract.

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Originally Posted by UNO Gracias

A complimentary player.

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Same thing.

1) Cleveland Noel
2) Orlando: Burke
3) Washington: Porter
4) Charlotte: McLemore
5) Phoenix: Oladipo
6) Pelicans: Bennett (he's a Shawn Marion type player- can play PF to give Davis a breather or mainly SF) or McCollum

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Originally Posted by Eman5805

Perfect. We already got our #1 franchise player. Could certainly use a #2 guy.

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Agree. Davis is the franchise guy. The Pelicans are looking to build around him and compliment his skills.

I concede this isn't a draft teams needing a franchise player will want to draft in. In talent, McLemore and maybe Bennett have "it" and Oladipo if he continues to develop the shooting he showed in his final season at Indiana could be. However, I am ok with getting a strong #2 option.

1. Noel - They want Porter but they can't trade down and stay in the top 5 to grab him because no one wants to pay for the top pick.
2. Burke - They take Burke if they can't land Noel. They would heavily consider Noel if he's there.
3. Porter - Porter is their dream pick. But they would consider Noel if falls to them assuming Orlando falls in love with Burke.
4. McLemore - Value. Value, Value. I can't see any scenario where Cho passes on this guy. They'll consider him the best player in the draft.
5. Oladipo - Phoenix is desperate for a big time player. They'll go BPA at this point. They might consider Bennett but will pass due to the question marks Bennett will carry with him through the draft. No Combine measurements and no work outs will ultimately hurt his stock.

6. ????? - What was once an easy answer is now plagued with more questions. The Pelicans would have been happy with anyone in the top 5 but now that it isn't going to happen, they will more than likely go for value via BPA or trading down. A lot of people have them taking Len which makes sense to me since I don't believe Robin Lopez is a long term answer. But I'm not buying it just yet as they have repeatedly said they were looking to draft need. I still think they could go in a variety of directions as they are no standout prospect at 6. You can basically give the game grade to Len, McCollum, Bennett, Zeller, and Muhammad. It will come down to need and fit.

I just don't see Mclemore slipping out the top 3, he's the best player in this draft.

I think Bennett will end up going to Charlotte. ESPN was super high on the kid and are convinced that people like him in the top 5. Do not underestimate the power of potential in the NBA. Just think about guys like Leonard or Thabeet. Charlotte really needs to turn things around and from what I've heard Bennett has one of the highest ceilings in the draft. And I don't really follow the Bobcats/Hornets, but don't they need big men like crazy?

I sold on acquiring a point guard this offseason. So if we're not trading the pick for Eric Bledsoe and filler, then I'd rather draft Burke. If not Burke then a 3 which would most likely be Muhammad. I just don't see the point in using our 6th pick on a person coming off the bench (that means a 2 or 4).

I'm all for Bennett if Davis is ready to move down to the 5 spot. Otherwise, I'm looking for a starter. Not a cornerstone, but someone who compliment Gordon's and Davis' talents.

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Originally Posted by endlessHIMdark

I think Bennett will end up going to Charlotte. ESPN was super high on the kid and are convinced that people like him in the top 5. Do not underestimate the power of potential in the NBA. Just think about guys like Leonard or Thabeet. Charlotte really needs to turn things around and from what I've heard Bennett has one of the highest ceilings in the draft. And I don't really follow the Bobcats/Hornets, but don't they need big men like crazy?

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Yup, mkg and walker are going to be there wing scorers. They drafted biyombo but I'm guessing he's going to be the defensive anchor. Bennett would be a nice offensive punch for them down low and would round out the core of walker/mkg/bennett

dont understand why Bazz is not the clear pick if the consensus top 5(Noel, McC,Benny,Otto,TB3) are gone. Likely scenario is trading the pick anyway you put it. Bazz is the scoring/hard-wworking SF we need. This draft will give us a 3rd/4th wheel at best, our #6 needs to be traded for a proven vet or we are relying on a rookie to reach his full potential sooner rather than later and the later could result in Monty being fired . Bazz or Iggy and whatever we can get for #6 are the realistic options here with the most potential to putting this team that much closer to contention

1)Cleveland-Noel
2)Magic-Burke or McLemore (for us Burke lovers if the Magic take McLemore he'll more than likely slip to us)
3)Wash-Porter
4)Charlotte-Bennett is the smart pick here, but it is Charlotte so who knows. If McLemore slips they more than likely would take him over Bennett
5)Phoenix-McLemore if he slips, Oladipo if not
6)Pelicans-????? I honestly have no idea who we select. I'm praying its Burke, but a trade wouldn't surprise me at all. I personally don't like any of the big men in this draft but alot of "experts" like Len's game. I'd be absolutely FURIOUS if we select Saric. I'm tired of losing and he's not gonna help us this year. I know next years draft is supposed to be the best since '03, but I'm hoping we move some pieces (Vasquez and Lopez) and use our cap space on Iggy

Man if Charlotte draft mclemore they would start to have a scary team building up there.

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Originally Posted by JVilly_504

dont understand why Bazz is not the clear pick if the consensus top 5(Noel, McC,Benny,Otto,TB3) are gone. Likely scenario is trading the pick anyway you put it. Bazz is the scoring/hard-wworking SF we need. This draft will give us a 3rd/4th wheel at best, our #6 needs to be traded for a proven vet or we are relying on a rookie to reach his full potential sooner rather than later and the later could result in Monty being fired . Bazz or Iggy and whatever we can get for #6 are the realistic options here with the most potential to putting this team that much closer to contention

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It's easy to talk yourself out of something. It's okay to be one dimensional if that dimension is defense. But if it's the other way around and you've been in the ESPN ticker for not being stoked your teammate took and made a terrible shot then it's a problem.

No issue here. I like him. I hope Monty comes to like him too. He'll certainly be down for individual workouts. Monty'll see just how physical his game is.

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Originally Posted by UNO Gracias

Go look back on the draft prospects thread. You would think that Durant, LBJ, Kobe, and DWade were in this draft.

This isn't a bad draft if you are looking for a #2 or #3 guy, but yes you are right, this draft lacks a #1 franchise player.

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I don't think this draft has many #2 guys either.

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Originally Posted by AD23forMVP

I don't think this draft has many #2 guys either.

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I really don't see any. McLemore maybe but that's a stretch right now.

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Originally Posted by Pelicans78

I really don't see any. McLemore maybe but that's a stretch right now.

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Bennett maybe? But he won't do much on defense.