Mock Draft 10.0: Final Mock as the Cavs are on the Clock

9. Doug McDermott, SF, Creighton, 6’8″, 230 lbs 

As of this morning several teams outside the top-10 have made calls about McDermott and trading up to pick him. McDermott was one of the most exciting players in college basketball the last few years, and his ability to score will surely lead to a lot of teams paying close attention to him during workouts. The major question mark with McDermott is whether he is starting-caliber wing in the NBA or more of a reserve or specialist due to lack of athleticism. Playing against the lower level competition that he did will make his workouts even more important. McDermott measured in a shade under 6-7 and lacks the length that teams crave from their wings, but there is no denying his ability to score. Charlotte needs scoring from the perimeter to play off Al Jefferson, and McDermott would be a good fit. There is a split around the league on whether McDermott can get his shot off but I hear the Hornets love him.

10. Jusuf Nurkic, C, Bosnia, 6’11”, 280 lbs

Nurkic’s combination of size and skill at just 19 has teams watching closely. He must improve his conditioning but is a prime candidate to crack the lottery as teams get to see him up close. One executive I spoke to said Nurkic is the most polished center prospect in the draft, which says everything you need to know about this position and the type of prospects in this draft cycle. The 76ers are armed with two lottery picks and drafting Nurkic who could fit alongside Nerlens Noel would be a promising front court. I would also keep an eye on Nik Stauskas here, especially if the Cavs get this pick.

CLOSER LOOK AT DARIO SARIC AND JUSUF NURCIC FROM ISRAELI JOURNALIST/COACH AJ MITNICK)

11. Gary Harris, SG, Michigan State, 6’3″, 210 lbs 

The Nuggets are very intrigued by Nurkic, but if he is gone they look to Harris. In two seasons in East Lansing, Harris showed he is a capable scorer that can attack the rim and defend but needs to improve as a shooter. Harris’ stock suffered a bit at the combine when he measured in at a shade under 6-3. While a bit short for your prototypical shooting guard, Harris is a prospect to watch during pre-draft workouts as I am told he is a strong competitor and very polished off the court as well. Denver is on the verge of returning to the playoffs and will want a player that can provide them with the instant contribution that other rookies cannot.

12. Elfrid Payton, PG, Louisiana-Lafeyette, 6’3″, 170 lbs

Payton reminds me a bit of Rondo in that he is a long, athletic point guard that is a relentless defender and fills up the stat sheet. Payton has plenty of work to do offensively and must become a better shooter.  At this point, Payton is shooting up boards based on excellent workouts. Payton recently matched up against Marcus Smart in Sacramento and looked very impressive, according to scouts. With the Magic adding a big with their first pick, expect them to address their backcourt here. Pairing Payton with Victor Oladipo would be intriguing. Jusuf Nurcic or Clint Capela are options here as well, as I think the Magic are open to a draft and stash player. The Kings at 8 are very much in play for Payton as well.

13. Nik Stauskas, SG, Michigan, 6’6″, 190 lbs 

Will Kevon Love still be on Minnesota after tonight? That decision could ultimately affect this pick. Stauskas surprised many with his athleticism while at Michigan, but his true calling card is shooting – and that is what has most GMs intrigued. With the ability to score from anywhere on the court and range well beyond the 3-point line, Stauskas is a safe pick in the lottery because at the very worst he is a 3-point specialist but has the length and athleticism to develop into a borderline starting shooting guard. But adding a shooter like Stauskas would be a nice complement to the current roster. Zach LaVine is another name to watch especially if Love is traded as he has more upside.

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

The Suns have three picks, so expect them to wheel and deal. Warren would be an excellent addition to their roster as he a great scorer and could instantly thrive off the bench. 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. Dario Saric is a possibility here as well, as the Suns will likely take at least one draft-and-stash prospect.

15. Dario Saric, SF, Croatia, 6’10”, 225 lbs

Saric is a skilled perimeter player with great length and enticing abilities to handle and facilitate an offense. Only 20 and with at least another year overseas, Saric is a draft-and-stash candidate and could be a great investment for a team missing out on one of the top eight players. Saric could be an intriguing prospect for a lottery team looking to break the bank in free agency and not wanting to have a rookie deal on the salary cap this season. Saric is the top European prospect in this draft and a lock to be in the lottery. The Hawks have a lot of pieces and can create cap space to target free agents. Taking Saric who will play overseas next year could be a great move. Clint Capela could be a target here also.

(RELATED: A CLOSER LOOK AT DARIO SARIC AND JUSUF NURCIC FROM ISRAELI JOURNALIST/COACH AJ MITNICK)

16. 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. The Bulls are looking to make deals to clear cap space to chase LeBron and Carmelo or could go international to clear space. 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.