Stephen Curry was drafted by Golden State at No. 7 in 2009; Kawhi Leonard was selected 15th by San Antonio two years ago; and Damian Lillard went sixth to Portland in 2012. They are all quality players, but almost equally as important as their draft position was the spot in which they landed.
Let's take a look at five players from the 2013 NBA draft who should be able to excel quickly and five more who could be slower to develop.
Early impact
Michael Carter-Williams, Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia took him with the 11th pick, minutes after dealing away All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday. Carter-Williams is long and talented -- and should get an immediate opportunity to earn the starting point guard spot. Will he make his mistakes? Absolutely. However, MCW has an extremely high upside and should get a chance to learn under fire. If he can become a solid long-range shooter, he could be scary good.
Utah dealt its No. 14 and 21 selections to move up to No. 9 and grab Burke. It's a logical move, and the ideal marriage for both sides: The Jazz get a heady, high-character floor leader whose game translates to the next level. Sure, he's not a super athlete -- but Utah coach Tyrone Corbin likely will rely on him to come right in and start. Mo Williams, Earl Watson and Jamaal Tinsley are all free agents. This will be Burke's show from the outset.
