Cody Zeller is in the top-3 of every NBA general manager and scout that ESPN's Chad Ford has communicated with.

Zeller is playing a lead role on Indiana, the No. 1 school in the country.

Zeller likely would have been a top-10 pick in 2012, but the development and increase in strength he has undergone over the past few months has elevated his draft stock.

Top talent evaluators from around the NBA expressed pessimism about the 2013 draft in general and the No. 1 pick in particular.

"I'd trade the pick for sure," one NBA GM said. "No one wants to pick first this year -- and no one can live up to the No. 1 billing."

"It's the worst it's ever been," said another.

"I'm glad we won't be picking at the top," added one director of player personnel.

Cody Zeller is the consensus choice for the top spot, even though he possesses short arms and plays subpar defense.

"He'll never be a great NBA player," one NBA scouting director said.