Kotoch: Mock Draft 3.0: Noel to Cavaliers, Steven Adams on the rise

8. Detroit Pistons – Shabazz Muhammad, SG, UCLA (6’6, 17.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 0.8 apg)

The past few years, GM Joe Dumars has sat patiently and watched talented players drop to him in the middle of the lottery. That strategy has paid off as Dumars has arguably the NBA’s most talented young post duo in Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond. This year, Dumars could use the same strategy and see Muhammad fall right into the his lap.

When on the court, Muhammad has shown he is a talented scorer and was solid for much of his freshman season. Unfortunately, he never dominated his opponents but has the skills and physique to do so.

Muhammad would add to an already impressive core and give the Pistons the scoring punch they need. While he has good bulk and a long wingspan Muhammad still seems undersized to be a full time small forward in the NBA.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves – C.J. McCollum, PG/SG, Lehigh (6’3, 23.9 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 51.6% 3pt)

The Wolves missed the playoffs yet again. With Kevin Love inching closer to free agency, Saunders must do something to get this team closer to the playoffs.

I would not rule out the Wolves packaging this pick – which they actually must make this year – with Derrick Williams for a veteran. With center Nikola Pekovic breaking out, the Wolves could use more wing help.

But if they keep the pick, the Wolves can go in a number of different directions on draft night. Most chatter has them focusing on wing help. This is a team on the cusp of the playoffs and willing to make a bold move to add immediate help.

While McCollum is more natural as a point guard, his best skill is scoring. Adding his touch on the perimeter with Ricky Rubio could be lethal for a team that was at the bottom of the league in 3-point shooting and 20th in scoring.

10. Portland Trail Blazers – Steven Adams, C, Pittsburgh (7’0, 7.2 ppg, 6.3 ppg, 2.0 bpg)

If you are Olshey, it will be hard to match last year’s home run selection of Damian Lillard. It does not appear the Blazers intend to re-sign J.J. Hickson. Is Meyers Leonard ready to step up? That’s what makes Adams a worthy pick.

Two of the main problem areas for the Blazers last year were rebounding and interior defense, which are Adams’ strengths. He is a great athlete with impressive hands and an improving offensive game.

Adams had a terrific combine, which should only improve his draft stock and vault him into the top 10. While reports are surfacing that Portland is open to moving up and selecting Oladipo, my sources say the Blazers prefer to move the pick for immediate help and depth.

11. Philadelphia 76ers – Cody Zeller, C, Indiana (7’0, 16.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.3 bpg)

Coming off a disappointing season in which they failed to make the playoffs and are replacing coach Doug Collins, the 76ers have a few directions they can go.

With Andrew Bynum and his balky knees becoming a free agent and a high price tag likely to accompany him, the 76ers would be wise to draft insurance.

Prior to the season, Zeller was among the prospects in the conversation to be the top pick but was outperformed by Oladipo, his college teammate. Zeller is an energetic big who is skilled offensively but struggles with length and athleticism.

Zeller certainly surprised many in Chicago with his performance at the combine. But scouts and GMs need to dissect the tape and determine the cause of Zeller’s in-season struggles.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (From Toronto) – Rudy Gobert, C, Cholet (7’0, 8.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.3 bpg)

The Thunder already have two promising players on their roster in Jeremy Lamb and Perry Jones and probably don’t need more rookies. What they lacked throughout the season was a presence inside, which Kendrick Perkins failed to give them.

GM Sam Presti, who isn’t afraid of drafting international players, reportedly is looking for inside help. Gobert is a long, athletic big could give opposing teams nightmares. He looked impressive in Chicago, especially with a 7-8 1/2 wingspan.

While Gobert will be 21 when the season begins and might need a year of development before he can contribute, the Thunder would be getting a prospect with tremendous upside who could man the middle for several seasons.

13. Dallas Mavericks – Michael Carter-Williams, PG, Syracuse (6’6, 11.9 ppg, 7.3 apg, 4.9 rpg)

For the last few seasons, owner Mark Cuban has tried to rebuild the Mavericks under a new model. Given Dirk Nowitzki’s advancing age and the team’s cap room, this summer may be his best chance.

The Mavs will be looking for someone to play right away, and Carter-Williams can do just that. He will fill the large hole the Mavs have had at point guard and give them the distributor they’ve been lacking, having averaged over 7.0 assists per game at the ‘Cuse.

Carter-Williams should also be a matchup problem for smaller points. If he continues to improve as a shooter, he could be a steal.

14. Utah Jazz – Dennis Schroeder, PG, New Yorker Phantoms-Germany (6’1″, 8.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.3 apg)

Utah is loaded with bigs and wings right now but lacks a dynamic point guard, especially with Mo Williams headed to free agency.

In Schroeder’s case, he’s a still-developing point guard with loads of potential due to his physical tools and intriguing skill set. Schroeder is relentless at attacking the rim and not your typical European prospect.

Rumors around Chicago had Schroeder receiving a promise from a team. While I don’t think it was Utah, he will continue to soar up boards leading up to draft night.