1. Ben McLemore, Kansas SG 6-4 195
The struggle to score late in the season — or hit a single shot in the round of 32 — increased the doubt about what happens at the next level. But in this draft, he is the clear choice for a team that needs a wing.
2. Nerlens Noel, Kentucky PF 6-11 220
The choice becomes very, very interesting if the team that lands No. 1 has a glaring need for a big man and debates the risk of taking Noel approximately 3 ½ months after knee surgery. The doctor for some team is going to be on the clock.
3. Anthony Bennett, UNLV PF 6-7 240
Two inches taller and Bennett is probably in the lead for No. 1. Even as an undersized power forward, he has a decent case while teams debate whether he has the offensive game to play some small forward.
4. Otto Porter, Georgetown SF 6-8 200
Impressive play early moved him securely into the lottery, then another surge late in the regular season put the Big East Player of the Year into position to crack the top five.
5. Shabazz Muhammad, UCLA SG-SF 6-6 225
The preseason possibility for the top pick has played his way down the board — potentially well down the board — with selfish play and the realization he is a volume scorer rather than a good shooter.
6. Victor Oladipo, Indiana SG 6-5 210
With his defensive abilities previously established, Oladipo shot up draft boards by expanding his offense and becoming a dependable shooter. One of the best two-way players available.
7. Trey Burke, Michigan PG 6-1 175
Even while struggling with his shot in the tournament, he used a standout sophomore season to become a candidate for Player of the Year with a well-rounded game. He boasts an assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.3-1 and an accurate stroke (47.9 percent shooter) with range.
8. Cody Zeller, Indiana PF-C 7-0 240
There is nothing terribly wrong with his game. It’s just that there is nothing terribly right. Once prominent in the conversation for No. 1, he is now viewed as a safe pick with a low ceiling.
9. Alex Len, Maryland C 7-1 255
He has shown encouraging signs of growth in his game as a sophomore two seasons after coming from the Ukraine, but nothing helps draft stock like being the best true center available.
10. Michael Carter-Williams,Syracuse PG 6-5 175
Carter-Williams has gone from the top-rated point guard at the start of the season to No. 3 at best, but his ball-handling and vision at 6-foot-5 keeps him in lottery contention despite shooting 39.3 percent.
freddy from boca
i wish len all the best but if i’m an nba gm there is no way i’m wasting a number pick on him. as a matter of fact if i was an nba gm i’m looking to trade down no matter what pick i might have in the top ten. worst draft in nba history. len is NOT a true center and he’ll be coming off surgery and will miss most if not all of the pre-season. at this point you don’t even know if he’ll be healthy to play early in the season. stress facture’s requiring surgery and big men are not a good combination.