The 2013 NBA draft is considered as one of the weakest in league history. Without a consensus number-one overall pick, the draft was full of drama and suspense for fans and the media.
But even though this draft class was abysmal, it did produce one superstar: Giannis Antetokounmpo. Today, we will discuss who were the fourteen players drafted before the Greek Freak and where are they now.
14th Overall Pick – Shabazz Muhammad (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Shabazz was one of the top-rated high school players in the 2012 class. However, after five uneventful seasons in the NBA, he went overseas to continue his career.
Where is he today?
After playing in China for a few years, Muhammad now plays in the G-League.
13th Overall Pick – Kelly Olynyk (Boston Celtics)
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The Canadian big man was never really pegged as a star, but the pundits were right when they projected him to have a long career in the association.
Where is he today?
Olynyk has been a major contributor to each NBA franchise he has played with in his career. He is now playing for the Toronto Raptors, his hometown.
12th Overall Pick – Steven Adams (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Adams became Russell Westbrook’s running mate with OKC for seven years. After his stint with the Thunder, Adams played at New Orleans for one season.
Where is he today?
The New Zealand big man has played for Memphis since 2021. Adams serves as a stable veteran presence for the young Grizzlies.
11th Overall Pick – Michael Carter-Williams (Philadelphia 76ers)
Carter-Williams took the league by storm as he led the Sixers to some impressive wins during the 2013-2014 season. For his efforts, he was named the Rookie of the Year in this draft class.
Where is he today?
After playing for a handful of teams over the past few years, Carter-Williams is now playing in the G-League.
10th Overall Pick – CJ McCollum (Portland Trail Blazers)
During McCollum’s third year in the league, he was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player. In 2021, CJ was elected president of the National Basketball Players Association.
Where is he today?
After nearly a decade as Damian Lillard’s backcourt running mate, McCollum was traded to the Pelicans in 2022, where he continues to play to this day.
9th Overall Pick – Trey Burke (Utah Jazz)
Prior to the 2012 NBA Draft, Burke was named the National Player of the Year and led the Michigan Wolverines to the NCAA championship in 2013.
Where is he today?
While Burke continues to be a prolific scorer, he really never found his niche in the league. He now plays in the G-League.
8th Overall Pick – Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Detroit Pistons)
Before the draft, Caldwell-Pope was named as one of the top high school prospects in 2011. Drafted by Detroit, KCP didn’t become a star but continues to be a difference-maker for all the teams he has played with.
Where is he today?
Caldwell-Pope recently added another championship in his name as the starting shooting guard for the Denver Nuggets last season. In addition, he also won a title with the Lakers in 2020.
7th Overall Pick – Ben McLemore (Sacramento Kings)
McLemore’s game was prematurely compared to Ray Allen ahead of the 2013 draft. While there are striking similarities, McLemore never lived up to the expectations bestowed on him.
Where is he today?
After bouncing around several teams in the NBA, the 30-year-old guard now plays in Liga ACB in Europe.
6th Overall Pick – Nerlens Noel (Philadelphia 76ers)
There was a legitimate discussion ahead of the 2013 draft that Noel should go number one with the Cavs. But after years in the NBA, Noel’s playstyle slowly became obsolete and he was relegated mostly as a backup center for the teams he’s played with.
Where is he today?
Noel last played in the Brooklyn Nets in 2023.
5th Overall Pick – Alex Len (Phoenix Suns)
The Ukranian 7-footer never really lived up to his draft status. While Len is a serviceable big man, he’s mostly buried at the end of the bench throughout his career.
Where is he today?
Len is currently signed with Sacramento since 2021 as a third-string center.
4th Overall Pick – Cody Zeller (Charlotte Hornets/Bobcats)
Zeller had a great college career in Indiana and the Hornets thought he could slide into a bigger role for them in the NBA. Sadly, while there’s potential, he never really fulfilled it.
Where is he today?
Zeller has played for four NBA teams in his career. He is now playing as a backup big man for the Pelicans.
3rd Overall Pick – Otto Porter Jr. (Washington Wizards)
Porter Jr. displayed potential during his time with Washington which led him to a lucrative 4-year $106 million contract extension in 2017. His play declined afterward after suffering various injuries.
Where is he today?
After being dealt to the Jazz from the Raptors, Porter Jr. immediately announced his retirement from the game in March 2024.
2nd Overall Pick – Victor Oladipo (Orlando Magic)
The potential was there for Oladipo but it wasn’t until he was traded to Indiana in 2017 that he fully attained his potential. He was named an all-star for two straight seasons with the Pacers.
Where is he today?
Unfortunately, Oladipo suffered a career-threatening injury in 2019 which deprived him of his athleticism. He is now out of the NBA after the Grizzlies waived him in February 2024.
1st Overall Pick – Anthony Bennett (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Without a consensus top pick in the 2013 draft class, everybody was surprised when the Cavs chose Bennett as the first pick in 2013. Sadly, things never worked out for Bennett in the NBA.
Where is he today?
To put it mildly, Bennett is arguably the biggest bust in NBA history. He only played four abysmal years in the league. Bennett has since embarked on an overseas career. After his brief stint in Taiwan in 2023, it seems like Bennett has given up basketball for good.
