Joe Kotoch’s Mock Draft 3.0: Embiid now No. 1 to Cavs

17. Adreian Payne, PF, Michigan State, 6’10”, 245 lbs

There may not be another player who benefitted more from coming back for his senior season than Payne, who played himself into a first-round pick. I tend to see Payne’s range being between the late-lottery and top 20. While Payne did many things for a Spartans team that fell short of its goals, his signature for NBA teams is being a stretch-4. Payne is a solid shooter with nice range who knows how to play defense. Combined with Jared Sullinger, the Celtics would have a nice 1-2 combo at power forward. The Celtics could be in play for perimeter help here as well with a shooter or a PG as they continue to look to move Rajon Rondo. I’ve heard there are some in the front office intrigued by P.J. Hairston.

18. Jerami Grant, SF, Syracuse, 6’8″, 210 lbs

Grant is a prospect to watch as there will be teams in the late lottery that will give serious consideration to him on draft night. Explosive and long wings who play with Grant’s motor are hard to come by, and can be plugged into a rotation right away. While Grant is improving as a shooter, his defense, rebounding and ability to run in transition are what interests teams. The Suns have three first-rounders and will be heavily involved in trade talks to move up or move their picks on draft night. If the Suns keep the pick, Grant is a player to watch as his athleticism and defense are NBA-ready and could give Jeff Hornacek a nice option in his rotation.

19. Clint Capela, PF, Switzerland, 6’11”, 220 lbs

Capela is not your typical European big man. With his size, speed and athleticism, Capela draws some comparisons to Serge Ibaka – especially as a defender and rim protector. In time as his body matures, Capela should be able to play both big spots, but for now is mostly seen as a raw power forward. That being said, Capela is a Bulls-type of big man. With Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson locked in, but Carlos Boozer on his way out, the Bulls will look to add a big to their rotation. Capela would be a very nice choice. The Bulls are also very much in the Kevin Love sweepstakes and adding an asset like Capela could help.

20. Tyler Ennis, PG, Syracuse, 6’2″, 180 lbs

Ennis is one of the more under-the-radar prospects, having broken though as a freshman because of Syracuse’s impressive start. Ennis is not a Derrick Rose or Russell Westbrook type of point guard; rather, he is a more conventional crafty lead guard. While Ennis does nothing flashy, he proved as a freshman he is a leader on the court and will put his teammates in position to succeed. With a draft as deep at power forward and small forward, teams might opt to go bigger in the lottery. But Ennis warrants lottery consideration. If Ennis is gone, watch Elfrid Payton as he continues to shoot up draft boards with strong workouts.

21. P.J. Hairston, SG, Texas Legends, 6’5″, 220 lbs

Hairston had a disappointing finish to his collegiate career, but as a prospect has teams salivating over his physical brand of play, ability to finish and deep range. A key with Hairston will be his conditioning and his off-court makeup, but certainly there will be teams willing to roll the dice on him. As someone who has already played in the D-League, Hairston might be more ready to contribute as a rookie next season. With that said, the Thunder always seem to find gems on draft night like Serge Ibaka and Steven Adams. Hairston would finally give the Thunder the type of scorer they’ve lacked off the bench since trading James Harden. As anyone watching the Western Conference Finals knows the Thunder need more bench production next season.

22. T.J. Warren, SF, North Carolina State, 6’8″, 235 lbs

Warren used an impressive sophomore season to springboard into the draft. Leading N.C. State in scoring for two straight seasons, Warren doubled his scoring average while still shooting over 50 percent from the field. As a scorer, Warren settles for his jumper a bit too much and must improve his accuracy. But he is smart scorer who knows how to use his body to create opportunities. Warren is a unique prospect that brings a coveted skill, scoring, that teams always need. While Warren looks more like a combo-forward he should be able to contribute minutes as a rookie at SF, a position of need for Memphis.

23.  Kyle Anderson, SF, UCLA, 6’9″, 235 lbs

There are teams that believe Anderson might be a lottery pick, but I tend to think he is a mid-first rounder. No doubt Anderson’s size creates a unique matchup opportunity for teams, but his lack of elite athleticism is what holds him back from being a top-10 pick. Anderson improved as a shooter this season but still hangs his hat as being a facilitator, and it’s hard to see some team in the teens passing on him come draft night. The Jazz could use Anderson as a Shaun Livingston type of PG and a great compliment to Trey Burke. This could be a pick available on draft night for team wanting another late first round pick.

(RELATED: THREE FIRST-ROUND PROSPECTS FROM UCLA POSE RIDDLE TO GMs)

24. Cleanthony Early, SF, Wichita State, 6’8″, 215 lbs

Early is NBA-ready and for a team like the Hornets now focused on sustaining their success after making the playoffs this season . At 23, he has the strength to step in and contribute on either end as a rookie. Early is the type of prospect that does a lot of things but is not elite at anything. However, teams have taken notice of Early’s performance in the NCAA Tournament and his improvement as a shooter this season. Early would be an instant contributor for the team formerly known as the Bobcats.