NBA Mock Draft: Timberwolves Select Kentavious Caldwell-Pope From Georgia

NBA Mock Draft Pick #9 -- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Guard, Georgia

SB Nation's Timberwolves blog Canis Hoopus explains the pick:

This is a convergence of best player available and need. Caldwell-Pope successfully carried an immense usage rate at Georgia, while improving his shooting significantly from his freshman to his sophomore seasons. He rebounds tremendously for his position, and collects steals at a very high rate (2.5 per 40 pace adjusted), two things which tend to translate well between college and pro ball. The ability to do things off the ball is a strong indicator of likely success in the NBA. The Wolves are desperate for a shooting guard, and Caldwell-Pope, with the possible exception of Victor Oladipo, is the best one in this draft. His ball handling and ability to attack the rim in the half-court are weaknesses, but every player has weaknesses. I think Caldwell-Pope will be an effective "3 and D" player, with a chance to be significantly more than that.

SB Nation Scouting Report: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Updated 2013 NBA Mock Draft Board:

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: NERLENS NOEL
2. Orlando Magic BEN MCLEMORE
3. Washington Wizards OTTO PORTER
4. Charlotte Hornets ALEX LEN
5. Phoenix Suns VICTOR OLADIPO
6. New Orleans Pelicans TREY BURKE
7. Sacramento Kings ANTHONY BENNETT (for Philly)
8. Detroit Pistons C.J. MCCOLLUM
9. Minnesota Timberwolves KENTAVIOUS CALDWELL-POPE
10. Portland Trail Blazers
11. Philadelphia 76ers
12. Oklahoma City Thunder
13. Dallas Mavericks
14. Utah Jazz
15. Milwaukee Bucks
16. Boston Celtics
17. Atlanta Hawks
18. Atlanta Hawks
19. Cleveland Cavaliers
20. Chicago Bulls
21. Utah Jazz
22. Brooklyn Nets
23. Indiana Pacers
24. New York Knicks
25. Los Angeles Clippers
26. Minnesota Timberwolves
27. Denver Nuggets
28. San Antonio Spurs
29. Oklahoma City Thunder
30. Phoenix Suns