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2013 NBA Redraft

This 2013 NBA redraft features how the top ten would be selected if teams had another chance to pick.

If you haven’t done so already, check out my 2010, 2011, and 2012 redrafts.

Since these players have only spent 2.5 years in the NBA, the ranking is based on potential just as much as proven results.

 

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, SF, Greece

Achievements: NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2014)

Giannis Antetokounmpo has improved exponentially since 2013. He averaged 6.8 points on 41.4% shooting and shot 68.3% on free throws during his rookie season. But this season, the “Greek Freak” averages 16.5 points per game on an efficient 50.3%, and grabs 7.6 boards a game. He can also handle the ball, so Bucks’ coach Jason Kidd decided to have Antetokounmpo run the offense:

The 6’ 11” 222 lb. player has proven that he is capable of playing point. In March, he averaged 7.2 assists per game after making the switch from SF due to Michael Carter-Williams’ season ending hip injury. Antetokounmpo is second in the NBA in triple-doubles with five on the season. His one down side is his shooting. However, Antetokounmpo is still just 21 years old, and has already improved significantly in just two-and-a-half seasons; he will continue to grow physically and fundamentally, which puts him at first overall.

 

2. Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana

Achievements: NBA All-Rookie First Team (2014)

Victor Oladipo is talented in every aspect of the game, which he has shown since his days at Indiana, but he has also worked hard at improving. He can score in a variety of ways. He finishes 56% of his shots at the rim, and hits 39% of his attempted jumpers. One of the reasons Oladipo is dangerous is that he can spot up, or create his own shot; 48.7% of his shots at the rim are assisted, and 47.2% of his jumpers are assisted. Overall, the former Hoosier drops 16 points a game on a solid 44%. However, he could score more as he showed in 2014-15 when he averaged 18 points a game, but Oladipo now comes off the bench because he is willing to do anything for his team to win. He is so valuable as a sixth man because he can score and create for others. Additionally, he plays elite defense to compliment his versatile offense. Oladipo is a great all-around player, and he puts the team before his stats. Therefore, he goes at number two.

 

3. C.J. McCollum, SG, Lehigh

Achievements: None noteworthy

C.J. McCollum is showing what he is capable of in an increased role. He has a great offensive game, but he had to wait two seasons to display it because he played behind Wesley Matthews and Nicolas Batum. He plays 35 minutes a game this year as the starting shooting guard for the Blazers, up from just 15.7 minutes in 2014-15. McCollum puts up 20.7 points a game on 44.3% shooting. He also converts 83% of his free throw attempts, and 41% of his three point attempts. He and teammate Damian Lillard form one of the best backcourts in the league, and they are leading Portland to the playoffs. Other players around the NBA are taking note of McCollum, including Kobe Bryant. “[Lillard and McCollum] have so much talent, so much potential,” Bryant said. “They’re both extremely hard working and very curious about the game” [NBA.com]. McCollum is an incredibly talented scorer, and he should improve his defensive shortcomings as he gains more experience in the league.

 

4. Nerlens Noel, C, Kentucky

Achievements: NBA All-Rookie First Team (2015) (Missed 2013-14 season)

Nerlens Noel is already a great defender. He has a defensive rating of 103, which is the best on the 76ers. The Sixers as a team have a defensive rating of 109, bottom five in the NBA. He has size to defend opposing big men at 6’11” 230 lbs., quickness that allows him to defend some smaller players, and a leaping ability that enables him to alter shots at the rim. Although his offense is not as good as his defense, it’s getting better. He averaged 10 points on 46.2% his rookie season, compared to 11.1 points on 52.4% shooting this season. However, the Massachusetts native is in a logjam with Jahlil Okafor and, in the future, Joel Embiid, which could hinder his progress. The Sixers must solve their crowded frontcourt if they want to maximize their players potentials. Despite the logjam, Noel is still just 21 years old and has shown his abilities; he will only continue to improve.

 

5. Rudy Gobert, C, France

Achievements: None noteworthy

Rudy Gobert is a defensive freak. He stands at 7’ 2” and weighs 245 lbs. His 7’ 8.5” wingspan and 9’7” standing reach were the longest ever recorded until 2015. His freakish measurements allow him to suffocate opposing big men. The other part is his defensive talent; he is great at helping on drives and sticking to his man. He anchors the Jazz’s second ranked defense, which is the reason they are in the playoff picture. His impact goes way beyond the box score, but his numbers aren’t too shabby. He puts up 9.2 points on 55.6% shooting, pulls down 11 rebounds, and blocks 2 shots a game. “[Gobert’s] a huge part of who we are. We need him in the game,” Jazz coach Quin Snyder said [Deseret News]. The French center is already one of the best defensive centers, and will keep working on his offense.

 

6. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG, Georgia

Achievements: None noteworthy

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s best aspect is his resilience. Now in his third season, he went through two tough rebuilding years, only missing two games over both years. This year, his commitment is paying off. He plays 36.8 minutes a game, which is fourth in the NBA. Caldwell-Pope scores 14.7 points a game on a mediocre 41.7%. However, his percentages are up from last season. He only converted 40% of his shots last season, and 69.6% of his free throws, compared to 82.1% from the line this season. In addition to his improved efficiency, the former Georgia Bulldog has shown flashes of his potential to be a 20-point scorer; He has scored 20+ points in 16 games this season, and 30+ once. Caldwell-Popes offensive potential along with his defensive commitment put him at five.

 

7. Gorgui Dieng, C, Louisville

Achievements: NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2014)

Gorgui Dieng is overlooked because his teammate Karl-Anthony Towns is one of the best rookies in recent memory. However, Dieng is an important piece of the Wolves’ young core. He averages 10 points and 7.2 rebounds in just 27 minutes a game. He is very efficient offensively as well. He shoots 53% overall, 70% at the rim, 41.6% on jumpers, and 82.6% at the line, which aren’t bad numbers for a seven-foot, 253 lb. guy. He is superb on the other side of the ball with a defensive rating of 106, which is the best on his team, and significantly better than the rest of his team; the Wolves as a team have the third worst defensive rating in the NBA at 110.2. Dieng has all of the tools to be a top center, but he is shadowed by his teammates, which could limit his growth.

 

8. Dennis Schroder, PG, Germany

Achievements: None noteworthy

Dennis Schroder is proving that he can be a great point guard in the future. The Hawks front office further proved that when they considered trading Jeff Teague at the trade deadline. He scores 11 points and dishes out 4.4 assists in just 20.4 minutes a game. Schroder was compared to Rajon Rondo early in his career, but he can be better. The defensive ability is there, but he has a better jump shot. This season, Schroder converts 81.1% of his free throws and 36% of his jumpers. The German guard can be one of the better point guards in the league with increased usage.

 

9. Otto Porter Jr., SF, Georgetown

Achievements: None noteworthy

Otto Porter Jr.’s first two seasons for the Wizards were rough, but he is proving his worth this season. He averages 11.8 points a game on an efficient 47%. He also shoots 75% at the free throw line, and hits 36% of his three-pointers. Porter’s long and lean body frame makes him a good defender as well. He will continue to get better in the future as his role increases.

 

10. Alex Len, C, Maryland

Achievements: None noteworthy

Alex Len is putting together a solid season for the lowly Phoenix Suns. He is showing why he was a top ten pick. He averages 9 points and 7.6 rebounds in a mere 22.7 minutes, which are significant improvements over his first two seasons. His large body frame allows him to body up all opposing bigs, and clear out space for rebounds. Len is a bright spot on the Suns, and will keep proving his potential will translate to results.

 

Which team could surprise in the NBA playoffs? in LastWordOnSports’s Hangs on LockerDome

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