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.
Updated 2013 NBA Mock Draft Board:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: NERLENS NOEL2. Orlando Magic BEN MCLEMORE3. Washington Wizards OTTO PORTER4. Charlotte Hornets ALEX LEN5. Phoenix Suns VICTOR OLADIPO6. New Orleans Pelicans TREY BURKE7. Sacramento Kings ANTHONY BENNETT (for Philly)8. Detroit Pistons C.J. MCCOLLUM9. Minnesota Timberwolves KENTAVIOUS CALDWELL-POPE10. Portland Trail Blazers11. Philadelphia 76ers12. Oklahoma City Thunder13. 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 Knicks25. Los Angeles Clippers 26. Minnesota Timberwolves 27. Denver Nuggets 28. San Antonio Spurs 29. Oklahoma City Thunder30. Phoenix Suns