NBA Draft 2013: Who’s The Bobcats Pick?

Jan 26, 2013; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Nerlens Noel (3) during the game against the LSU Tigers in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated LSU 75-70. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Charlotte Bobcats fans have been reading about and watching prospects all month in preparation for the 2013 NBA Draft. Here on Roberto Gato we’ve discussed the most popular choices among fans.

• Anthony Bennett – 6’7 Forward, UNLV: Bennett possesses the prototypical skillset teams look for in today’s forward. He’s extremely athletic, plays above the rim, rebounds at a high level and can step out to the perimeter to hit shots. Bennett isn’t a strong defender, but when dialed in he uses his length (7’1 wingspan) to contest, alter and block shots. At just 6’7, many wonder if Bennett is tall enough to be a full-time power forward, or is better off as a tweener. In our look at Bennett, 47% of readers said he would become just a solid starter at the next level, while 38% believes he’ll become an all-star.
• Alex Len – 7’1 Center, Maryland: Depending on who you believe, Len has the best chance of being chosen firstin this year’s draft. He’s a good rebounder, shows the ability to step up defensively to control the paint and moves very well for his size. Offensively, he’s good at playing the pick and roll, facing up to score and finishing in traffic. He needs to improve his offense in the low post and continue making strides with his jump shot. High level, all-around big men are big commodities in the NBA and the cheapest way to acquire one is through the draft. Len is sidelined with a stress fracture in his left ankle, but expects to be ready for the regular season.
• Ben McLemore – 6’5 Guard, Kansas: McLemore is a great athlete and lethal three-point shooter. He shot 42% from three last season and is dangerous in catch and shoot situations. McLemore struggles when asked to create for himself and many question whether he can be consistently aggressive and put a team on his back. Defensively, McLemore has great potential. He has good size for his position and moves his feet well. 54% of readers believe McLemore can be a legitimate all-star.
• Nerlens Noel – 7’0 Center, Kentucky: Last month we wondered whether the Bobcats could really afford to pass on the best shotblocker in college basketball. Once presumed to be the favorite to go first overall, Noel is now just a lock to go somewhere in the top-5. Eerily similar to the defensive ability of Pelicans forward Anthony Davis, Noel is an explosive, athletic freak, who does a tremendous job controlling the paint. He’s currently sidelined with a torn ACL injury, but is on schedule for a return later in the year.
• Victor Oladipo – 6’4 Guard, Indiana: Considered the glue of last season’s Hoosiers team, Oladipo arguably has the best intangibles and motor of this year’s draft class. He  routinely guarded the opposition’s best offensive threat, and pestered them with his length, lateral quickness and athleticism. Oladipo improved offensively, but still has a shaky jump shot and struggles creating off the dribble. He’s at his best in transition and off the ball, where he flies through the air to crash the offensive glass or to make a spectacular finish.
• Cody Zeller – 6’11 Forward, Indiana: There hasn’t been a lot of talk about Zeller here, but he could very well be a darkhorse for the Bobcats selection. Zeller is an athletic, mobile big man, who excels in transition and is proficient in getting to the free throw line. There are concerns about how he’ll be able to defend stronger, quicker and more physical big men. He also needs to improve his jump shot. Despite not being the most physically-gifted player, Zeller has a strong basketball IQ and can be relied on to compete on both sides of the ball.

In the past week over a 1,000 Roberto Gato readers voted on who they think the Bobcats should draft this Thursday. Noel won the poll with 313 votes. Len was the runner-up with 297 and Bennett hauled in 212 votes. Based on the top-three, 76% of readers believe the team needs to draft a big man.

It’s possible for people to change their minds though, as they flip-flop back and forth on prospects approaching draft day. So we’re giving readers one last opportunity to claim who their guy is for this year’s draft: