Mock Draft 8.0: LeBron in play for the Cavs

17. 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 and is shooting up boards and could crack the late lottery. I’ve heard there are some in the front office intrigued by P.J. Hairston, Shabazz Napier is a name also under serious consideration as the Celtics look for a potential replacement to Rajon Rondo.

18. Zach LaVine, SG, UCLA, 6’5″, 185 lbs.

LaVine had a nice freshman campaign and looked like a reliable 3-point shooter with good athleticism for the Bruins despite being a reserve most of the season. Any team selecting LaVine is taking a chance on his upside as he must improve his strength to handle the wear and tear of the NBA. In Chicago, LaVine showed the type of length that teams need on the wing with a great shooting touch. Still LaVine is going to need time to develop, and the D-League might be a great option for him. This could turn into a nice selection for the Suns at this point in the draft. Armed with three first-round picks the Suns will be aggressive in exploring deals but there is already a lot of talk about the Suns and LaVine.

19. Rodney Hood, SF, Duke, 6’8″, 215 lbs 

More than one NBA scout has told me how much they love Hood and his game. It’s hard not to agree when watching tape of Hood, because you see a smooth scoring wing with excellent length and a great stroke. While Hood will probably not become an All-Star, plenty of teams need a player with his skills on the offensive end who can simply catch and shoot. Buzz has been growing since Duke’s season ended that Hood is moving up boards and could be a late lottery pick. According to sources, Hood is a top target of Chicago, which has two first-round picks. Hood can step right and contribute for a team like the Bulls.

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

The Raptors are looking at PGs as they prepare to lose Kyle Lowery. 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 but has been slipping and is narrowly ahead of Shabazz Napier on the Raptors board.

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 are looking to upgrade their woeful bench production and tabbing Hairston as a James Harden-type 6th man could be effective.

 

22. 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. Memphis could go big here but more likely selects a based on the depth and value they would be getting. Grant is the type of wing that could really flourish playing alongside Zach Randolph, Mike Conley and company.

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’ll go later in the first round. 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 SF or as a Shaun Livingston type of PG and a great compliment to Trey Burke. The Jazz may lose RFA Gordon Hayward this summer so drafting a SF would be wise. 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. Shabazz Napier, PG, Connecticut, 6’1″, 180 lbs

Napier helped himself more than any other prospect in the Big Dance in leading his Huskies to a title. The star point guard showed flashes of another Huskies point man, Kemba Walker, carrying his team offensively down the stretch. Napier showed this season that he does it all. While he may not be a natural point, that is where he will wind up in the NBA. His ability to score, rebound and defend will be a commodity few teams this late can pass up on. The Hornets already have a PG in Walker but are said to be shopping the pick and a team looking to grab Napier could be intrigued. Rumors are also circulating that Mitch McGary is an option here as well.