2013 NBA draft grades: Pick-by-pick analysis

Adi Joseph | USA TODAY Sports

The 2013 NBA draft begins tonight at 7:30 ET on ESPN. USA TODAY Sports' Adi Joseph will keep you updated with pick-by-pick grades and analysis.

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FIRST ROUND

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1. Cleveland Cavaliers: PF Anthony Bennett, UNLV

The draft's first stunner came ... on the draft's first pick. No one expected Bennett to go first. But he's a great fit for the Cavaliers, if he can get his weight down. Though Bennett is a power forward, he should fit well next to Tristan Thompson because they're both athletic and slightly undersized. Together they will rebound well. Bennett has as much upside as anyone in this class, though his weight and defense are concerns. Still, if he was going to be the target, the Cavaliers might have tried to trade down. Grade: B-

2. Orlando Magic: SG Victor Oladipo, Indiana

The Magic reportedly were targeting a shooting guard for most of the draft process. Oladipo isn't as skilled as Ben McLemore, but he has unending energy and plays tough defense. He's the kind of player who could be an asset for a rebuilding team, as long as he's not expected to be its best player on offense. This pick echoes last year's No. 2, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. With Nerlens Noel still on the board, though, there's definitely a sense of surprise. Noel might have been a better fit and has more upside. Grade: B

3. Washington Wizards: SF Otto Porter Jr., Georgetown

Everyone has been suggesting this pick, of the local kid, since the Wizards slid up in the draft lottery. He's the perfect fit next to John Wall and Bradley Beal, but the Wizards still have big holes down low to fill. Again, Noel would have been a solid choice here. But Porter may be the most put-together player in this draft, ready to contend for rookie of the year. This was the right pick for the Wizards to improve now and contend later. Grade: A-

4. Charlotte Bobcats: C Cody Zeller, Indiana

Zeller was the presumed top pick entering this season. Then he got picked to shreds by analysts. He's a terrific athlete with a 7-foot frame and great skill. Still, Zeller will have to improve his toughness a lot if he expects to man the center position. He may be a better fit at power forward initially as a result. Zeller is the best offensive center in this draft, but he doesn't have as much upside as Noel or Alex Len, making this a surprise. That's not necessarily a bad thing, particularly in a draft without guaranteed stars. Grade: B

5. Phoenix Suns: C Alex Len, Maryland

The Ukrainian big man has tremendous potential because of his great touch around the basket and his defensive awareness despite not playing basketball for very long. His upside hinges on that point, that as he learns the game he might become dominant. The Suns were able to take the best available player here, and they graded Len above Noel. McLemore's scoring ability could have been valuable, but the centers had too much potential. Did Phoenix take the wrong one? Grade: B-

6. Philadelphia 76ers (via New Orleans Pelicans): C Nerlens Noel, Kentucky

UPDATE: The Philadelphia 76ers are getting Noel and a 2014 first-round pick in exchange for All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday and the 42nd pick, USA TODAY Sports' Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt report. The 76ers may be overpaying for Noel, but they obviously are prioritizing getting a center in place after their Andrew Bynum trade failed last season. Of course, knee injuries were the problem for Bynum, and Noel has the same issue lingering. Holiday was the best player on the 76ers last season, and now he's a Pelican. Grade: C- (because of the trade)

7. Sacramento Kings: SG Ben McLemore, Kansas

McLemore may be the best prospect in this draft based on natural talent. He fills an often overlooked role as a shooter, and his quiet personality and occasional disappearing acts led some to question his future. But McLemore's upside is way too high to pass up at this point. The Kings are a bit of a mess right now, with new owners, a new front office and a new coach. But McLemore is an important building block, albeit one in need of more stability around him. Grade: A

8. Detroit Pistons: SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Georgia

Caldwell-Pope is a prototype shooting guard. He is a marksman from deep and can drive well enough to keep defenders honest. He also has the size to play the position and is really smooth with and without the ball. He's the replacement for Richard Hamilton the Pistons have needed for years. But an even bigger need was at point guard, where the local kid who was the best college player in the country, Michigan's Trey Burke, would have been a great fit. Caldwell-Pope should be a good player, but he doesn't have the upside of Burke and doesn't fit the team's biggest need. Grade: B

9. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota Timberwolves): PG Trey Burke, Michigan

UPDATE: The Timberwolves traded this pick to the Utah Jazz for the Nos. 14 and 21 picks, USA TODAY Sports' Sam Amick reports. Burke is the best playmaker in this draft, but his size made teams hedge. He's a great fit for a team that desperately needed to improve at point guard and has a stable frontcourt. Is he worth two first-round picks? In a draft like this one, he may be. Burke could have gone in the top five without any fuss. Here, he'll get a lower starting salary and a chance to start. Grade: A

10. Portland Trail Blazers: SG C.J. McCollum, Lehigh

McCollum now pairs with the player some expect him to follow, Damian Lillard. Like Lillard, McCollum is a high-scoring guard from a very small school who missed some time because of injury in college. Unlike Lillard, a point guard, McCollum plays shooting guard and relies on his deep shooting and quick handles. McCollum could be an asset off the bench for the Blazers or free them up to trade Wesley Matthews. Grade: B+

11. Philadelphia 76ers: PG Michael Carter-Williams, Syracuse

Given that they just traded Holiday for Noel, the 76ers needed a point guard. Now they take a young, talented passer. Carter-Williams is 6-5 and long and can guard shooting guards, but his primary skill is passing. He has wonderful court vision but does not shoot or score very well and often forced it last season for Syracuse. That must change at the NBA level. Carter-Williams and swingman Evan Turner are similar players, so the Sixers may want to add a quicker guard to the mix. Still, he is a good value here and fits a new need. Grade: B+

12. Oklahoma City Thunder: C Steven Adams, Pittsburgh

The New Zealander didn't do much in his one season at Pitt, but he has tremendous potential because of his 7-foot frame and athleticism. He's very raw but shows tremendous enthusiasm on the court and is a charismatic person off it, meaning he aced the interview process. Adams needs a few years, which makes him a strange pick for a team that needs to win now (and needs help inside now). His potential is tough not to like. Grade: B-

13. Boston Celtics (via Dallas Mavericks): C Kelly Olynyk, Gonzaga

UPDATE: The Mavericks traded their pick to the Boston Celtics for the No. 16 pick and two second-round picks in 2014, USA TODAY Sports' Jeff Zillgitt reports. The Celtics needed a big man desperately, so the move makes sense in some ways. But Olynyk might have been available later. Olynyk is the best-shooting big man in the draft and has great height but lacks athleticism and toughness. Grade: C+

14. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah Jazz): SF Shabazz Muhammad, UCLA

Muhammad is an excellent natural scorer but has a few big question marks, specifically surrounding college controversies along with his upside. He is not an elite athlete and doesn't do much of anything besides score at a high level, but he should be a really nice player off the bench. Being picked this low will help him, as Muhammad has been faced with huge expectations for most of his life. He's one of the 10 best talents in the draft, and with the right fire lit under him, he could be a steal. Grade: B+

15. Milwaukee Bucks: SF Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greece

The youngest player in the draft has tremendous potential. But there's not a lot known about him. Antetokounmpo may stay in Greece, as is typical for Greek players, for a few years. He has a great wingspan and is a very smooth athlete. He already has shown great handles and reminds scouts of Nicolas Batum. The Bucks could use help on the wings, but this pick is one for the future, possibly even three or four years down the road. Grade: B

16. Atlanta Hawks (via Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics): C Lucas Nogueira, Brazil

UPDATE: The Mavericks turned around and traded this pick to the Hawks for the No. 18 pick along with Jared Cunningham. Nogueira has a huge afro that quickly overtook any discussions of his game on draft night. That's a shame because he has a great skill set and fits the modern NBA very well. The Brazilian 7-footer is an athletic, active rebounder, shot-blocker and scorer with decent handles for his size. He's a great fit for the Hawks, who can pair him with Al Horford, who will be reminded of former college teammate Joakim Noah. Grade: A

17. Atlanta Hawks: PG Dennis Schroeder, Germany

Schroeder is a hot prospect because of his remarkable speed and athleticism. He is a well-rounded point guard but doesn't have ideal size. He's a perfect fit for the Hawks, though, because Jeff Teague is a restricted free agent. Schroeder could be a perfect backup for Teague or replace him, should Teague end up elsewhere. Grade: A-

18. Dallas Mavericks (via Atlanta Hawks): PG Shane Larkin, Miami (Fla.)

The Mavericks slid down the draft twice to save money, but Larkin should be a keeper. He's a perfect fit for this team, a strong and athletic replacement or backup for point guard Darren Collison. Larkin, whose father is Baseball Hall of Famer Barry Larkin, was one of the best players in the Atlantic Coast Conference last season after being relatively unknown as a freshman. He's short at 5-11 but makes up for it with that athleticism and quickness. He and Schroeder are similar-level prospects at the same position, and they draw similar grades. Grade: A-

19. Cleveland Cavaliers: SF Sergey Karasev, Russia

Karasev may be the best shooter in this draft. He's a good but not great fit for the Cavaliers, who probably could have used a defensive-oriented wing at this spot. Karasev may not play in the NBA next season, but his shot is ready for that level. Bennett and Karasev are two very offense-first picks for a young team that already had one of the most dynamic young offensive players in the NBA in Kyrie Irving. Grade: C+

20. Chicago Bulls: SG Tony Snell, New Mexico

Snell fits a mold that's en vogue right now: He's an excellent shooter who can defend either wing position. The Bulls already have a player like that in Jimmy Butler, but Snell will give them even more depth. He should play well off Derrick Rose and may be a hidden gem in this draft. He needs to improve his efficiency, but a smaller role at the NBA level will force him to do so. Grade: B+

21. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah Jazz): C Gorgui Dieng, Louisville

Dieng is a ready-to-play center who also has some potential on the offensive end. He's a step down from Noel as a shot-blocker, but he take over on that end from time to time. Mason Plumlee was still available and is more polished, but the Timberwolves don't need polish as much as they need defense. Dieng offers them that, making this a solid pick. Grade: B

22. Brooklyn Nets: C Mason Plumlee, Duke

Plumlee was the best available player at this point, a great athlete and hard worker who should earn his role in the NBA. He will be a good backup for Brook Lopez because he contrasts with him, all effort and intensity. He also can play power forward. There's nothing flashy, but the Nets didn't need to go big. Plumlee is ready to play now. Grade: B+

23. Indiana Pacers: SF Solomon Hill, Arizona

Hill rose into the first round despite few expecting him to go so high. There were a lot of better-publicized players available, but the Wildcats senior is no slouch. He is tough and versatile. But his skill set would fit better at power forward, and his athleticism is a step below the elite level of a similar player, Jamaal Franklin. There were a lot of wing players who could have been drafted here. Hill might end up better than them, but he probably would have been available 10 to 15 spots lower. Grade: C+

24. New York Knicks: SG Tim Hardaway Jr., Michigan

The son of former All-Star point guard Tim Hardaway, Hardaway Jr. is nothing like his father as a player. He's a long, tall and athletic swingman whose handle is nowhere near his father's legendary dribble. Hardaway needs to improve his shot selection, but that often happens when a player reaches the NBA. The question here is whether he will fit for the Knicks. This draft pick may mean New York has decided against bringing back Sixth Man of the Year Award winner J.R. Smith. He's a good value here, though. Grade: B

25. Los Angeles Clippers: SF Reggie Bullock, North Carolina

Bullock wasn't a star in college, but coming out of North Carolina, that doesn't mean he won't be a fine NBA player. He has a very good jump shot but is mostly limited to catch-and-shoot offense. That would be fine if the Clippers can keep Chris Paul, the NBA's best playmaker off the dribble. But Bullock doesn't have as much upside as similar players still available, such as Glen Rice Jr. and Allen Crabbe. Grade: C+

26. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves): SF Andre Roberson, Colorado

This pick was dealt through two teams before it landed in the Thunder's hands, USA TODAY Sports' Sam Amick reports. Roberson is a tremendous rebounder for his size but doesn't have much else in his game. His energy makes him a good defender, but he is a better fit at power forward. Roberson's upside could lead him to being similar to Shawn Marion, but he will need to improve tremendously on offense. Grade: C+

27. Utah Jazz (via Denver Nuggets): C Rudy Gobert, France

UPDATE: The Jazz acquired this pick for the No. 46 pick, Erick Green, and cash. That's a steal. The biggest player in the draft also is one of the most raw. Gobert has a record-breaking 7-9 wingspan and was the only barefoot 7-footer in the draft. But he's incredibly skinny and lacks developed skills. The Jazz can afford to take a flier on a project, though, because they have an excellent frontcourt already. Gobert definitely could be a steal. Or he could be forgotten. At No. 27, that's a good gamble. Grade: A (factoring in the trade)

28. San Antonio Spurs: SF Livio Jean-Charles, French Guiana

It's even tougher to grade a pick like this because Jean-Charles is a long-term prospect. He likely won't be playing in the NBA in the next three seasons. Jean-Charles has some potential but is not as touted as Antetokounmpo, the Bucks' pick at No. 15. San Antonio rarely makes mistakes with these types of picks, though, and there's little downside. Grade: B+

29. Phoenix Suns (via Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder): SG Archie Goodwin, Kentucky

The Warriors moved into the draft with the No. 26 pick, then moved back twice, USA TODAY Sports' Sam Amick reports. The Suns probably didn't need to move up a spot to get Goodwin, who almost assuredly was not a target of the Warriors given their team strengths. The combo guard was an underachiever in his one season at Kentucky, but he was a good recruit. There were more polished players who were more ready to contribute, but the Suns are eyeing the future. Grade: B-

30. Golden State Warriors (via Phoenix Suns): PG Nemanja Nedovic, Serbia

Nedovic made his name as one of Eastern Europe's most athletic guards, but that may not translate to the NBA level. Instead, he'll have to rely on his developing skills. Nedovic plays both guard positions but is a better fit at point guard. At 22, Nedovic should be ready to contribute soon, so he may step in if Jarrett Jack lands elsewhere in free agency. He's an OK pick but might have been available 10 picks later. Grade: C

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SECOND ROUND

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31. Portland Trail Blazers (via Cleveland Cavaliers): SG Allen Crabbe, California

UPDATE: The Trail Blazers added Crabbe for two future second-round picks. Crabbe might have been the best player available. He's a ready-to-play shooter who should come off the bench often next year, though he clashes a bit with McCollum. Grade: A-

32. Oklahoma City Thunder: SG Alex Abrines, Spain

Satisfied with their two first-round picks, the Thunder were able to stow one away for the future. Abrines is one of the brightest prospects in Europe, but he's probably three years away from reaching the NBA. He's an excellent shooter who could one day pair well with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Grade: B+

33. Cleveland Cavaliers: SG Carrick Felix, Arizona State

Felix is a fantastic defender but doesn't do much else. He's a four-year college player, and he can play either wing spot. But the Cavaliers now have drafted two wings and one combo forward. Felix may have the biggest impact. Grade: B-

34. Houston Rockets: PG Isaiah Canaan, Murray State

Canaan is the perfect fit for the Rockets, who needed a backup for Jeremy Lin and could use another shooter. Grade: A-

35. Washington Wizards (via Philadelphia 76ers): SF Glen Rice Jr., NBA Development League

UPDATE: The Wizards got this pick from the 76ers for the Nos. 38 and 54 picks, USA TODAY Sports' Jeff Zillgitt reports. Rice slipped likely because of off the court issues that led to his dismissal at Georgia Tech. But he was dominant in the D-League, where he led the Rio Grande Valley Vipers to the championship, and he can play both wing spots. He could be the steal of the draft. Grade: A

36. Sacramento Kings: PG Ray McCallum, Detroit Mercy

McCallum has tremendous athleticism but isn't much of a passer, which the Kings desperately needed. Still, he fits a positional need and should be a good backup. Grade: B

37. Detroit Pistons: F Tony Mitchell, North Texas

Mitchell, like Rice, had some off the court issues, specifically struggling to get eligible at Missouri before transferring to North Texas. He's a freakish athlete but doesn't have polished skills. He can play either forward spot and should be a great fit for the Pistons off the bench. Grade: A-

38. Philadelphia 76ers (via Washington Wizards): PG Nate Wolters, South Dakota State

Wolters is a big point guard with a great shot, but he will have trouble keeping up with the pace of the NBA. He may be able to play shooting guard at times, too, which could be good off the bench. Grade: B

39. Portland Trail Blazers: C Jeff Withey, Kansas

Withey is a shot-blocker but not much else. Still, he has good defensive instincts and could play in the NBA. Grade: C+

40. Portland Trail Blazers: PF Grant Jerrett, Arizona

Jerrett has a big frame and a great jump shot, but he left college after one season and will require patience. Still, in five years, he could be a starter if everything breaks right. Grade: B

41. Memphis Grizzlies: SG Jamaal Franklin, San Diego State

Franklin widely was expected to be picked in the first round because of his remarkable athleticism. But he plays like a power forward with the body of a shooting guard. He'll have to improve his perimeter skills, but his defense and rebounding could really help a team. Grade: A-

42. New Orleans Pelicans (via Philadelphia 76ers): PG Pierre Jackson, Baylor

Jackson is a little ball of energy who goes for points on every possession. He's similar to Pistons guard Will Bynum because of his relentlessness, and like Bynum, he could be the type of player who dominates the D-League before cracking an NBA roster. Grade: B-

43. Milwaukee Bucks: SG Ricky Ledo, Providence

Ledo was a big question mark because he never played at Providence thanks to eligibility issues. He may have more potential than anyone in the second round. But it's upside at the moment. Grade: B+

44. Atlanta Hawks (via Dallas Mavericks): C Mike Muscala, Bucknell

Muscala is one of the most skilled post scorers in the draft, and he's an underrated athlete. Grade: B

45. Portland Trail Blazers: PF Marko Todorovic, Montenegro

Todorovic is the type of player whom NBA teams draft with the intent of leaving in Europe for years and possibly never bringing over. Grade: C

46. Denver Nuggets (via Utah Jazz): PG Erick Green, Virginia Tech

Green was the ACC player of the year despite playing for the worst team in the league. He scored a lot out of necessity but may branch out if given a shot in the NBA. Grade: B+

47. Atlanta Hawks: PG Raul Neto, Brazil

Neto already plays at the top level in Spain and could be a steal when he gets to the NBA. Grade: A-

48. Los Angeles Lakers: PF Ryan Kelly, Duke

49. Chicago Bulls: PF Erik Murphy, Florida

Kelly and Murphy are very similar players, both three-point shooting power forwards who can rebound inside but prefer to hang out in the corner on offense. Murphy is more physical, but Kelly is perhaps better suited for the NBA as a better athlete capable of playing small forward at times. Both were good picks. Grades: B+

50. Miami Heat (via Atlanta Hawks): SF James Ennis, Long Beach State

Ennis has a tremendous wingspan and good athleticism and could make a team, which is all you can ask. Grade: B

51. Orlando Magic: PF Romero Osby, Oklahoma

Osby was the best player on an NCAA tournament team and has aptitude on defense. Grade: B-

52. Minnesota Timberwolves: PG Lorenzo Brown, North Carolina State

Brown has first-round talent but didn't always give it his all. He's a big, skilled point guard who is actually similar to No. 11 pick Michael Carter-Williams. This low, he's a steal. Grade: A

53. Boston Celtics (via Indiana Pacers): C Colton Iverson, Colorado State

Iverson is a banger who improved tremendously in his one year at Colorado State after two at Minnesota. Grade: B

54. Philadelphia 76ers (via Washington Wizards): PF Arsalan Kazemi, Oregon

Kazemi will struggle to fit in the NBA because his main skill is rebounding and he's 6-7. Grade: C-

55. Denver Nuggets (via Memphis Grizzlies): PF Joffrey Lauvergne, France

UPDATE: The Nuggets traded center Kosta Koufos for this pick and power forward Darrell Arthur. Lauvergne may be most notable because he broke ties with his French team midseason. He's a big but unproven post player. The trade seems strange for both teams. Grade: C-

56. Detroit Pistons: PG Peyton Siva, Louisville

Siva was the starting point guard on the national champion. That alone merits being picked. Grade: B+

57. Phoenix Suns: C Alex Oriakhi, Missouri

Oriakhi transferred from Connecticut, where he won the 2011 national championship. He's big and tough and physical but not very skilled. Grade: B

58. San Antonio Spurs: SF Deshaun Thomas, Ohio State

Thomas was the best player left on the board. He is very skilled and an elite scorer, not unlike No. 1 pick Anthony Bennett, but he's smaller and doesn't fit either forward spot ideally. Still, he's a terrific, proven value pick here. Grade: A

59. Minnesota Timberwolves: PF Bojan Dubljevic, Montenegro

Dubljevic, a skilled big man, is a surprisingly good foreign prospect for a player who lasted this late in the second round. He could have gone 15-20 spots higher without much question. He may never play in the NBA, but he's worth the gamble. Grade: B+

60. Memphis Grizzlies: SF Janis Timma, Latvia

There's very little chance Timma makes the NBA, as he wasn't very productive in Latvia. But hey, it's the last pick? Goodnight, Brooklyn, as deputy commissioner Adam Silver said. Grade: C-