Pick-up artists
Few surprises by NBA teams at top of Post’s mock draft
The NBA season isn’t over, thanks to the thrilling Finals between the Warriors and Cavaliers now being split through two games, but that hasn’t stopped the steadily increasing drumbeat of the offseason for the other 28 teams. It’ is less than two weeks before the offseason officially tips off with the NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 25. Here is The Post’s latest forecast of how the proceedings will unfold:
2. Lakers Jahlil Okafor
C, Duke
The Lakers have made some noise about taking a guard, but we still have them grabbing whichever of the top two bigs are remaining.
3. 76ers D’Angelo Russell
G, Ohio State
With Russell off the board, Porzingis, a raw 7-footer with a higher upside than perhaps anyone in the draft, fits with GM Sam Hinkie’s model of grabbing who he thinks the best player.
4. Knicks
Emmanuel Mudiay
PG, Guangdong (China)
The 6-foot-5 guard would give Phil Jackson the kind of big guard he always has preferred.
5. Magic
Kristaps Porzingis
C, Kentucky
The 7-footer is human pogo stick. with the ability to defend at multiple positions. A nice fit alongside offensively-oriented big man Nikola Vucevic.
6. Kings Willie Cauley-Stein
C, Kentucky
Can be a defensive workhorse next to DeMarcus Cousins, where the 7-footer’s lack of scoring punch would be neutralized, and the perfect big man for the up-tempo style coach George Karl craves if Cousins is dealt.
7. Nuggets
Justise Winslow
SF, Duke
Denver is hoping get back to its traditional fastpaced systems, which take advantage of the altitude. Bringing in the 6-foot-7 Winslow to play on the wings would be a nice step in that direction.
8. Pistons
Mario Hezonja
SG/SF, Barcelona (Spain)
After dealing Caron Butler and Shawne Williams for Ersan Ilyasova on Thursday, Detroit could use more shooting and a small forward like the 6-foot-8 swingman.
9. Hornets:
Devin Booker
SG, Kentucky
Booker is a quality 3-point shooter and one of the draft’s youngest players (he won’t turn 19 until October), meaning he provides the possibility for upside and improvement, as well.
10. Heat
Frank Kaminsky
PF, Wisconsin, PF
The 7-footer should be able to step in right away and contribute, and provides the kind of floor spacing coach Erik Spoelstra prefers.
11. Pacers
Cameron Payne
PG, Murray State
Payne has skyrocketed up the draft boards recently. With the Pacers looking to play faster next year, sliding him in here makes sense.
12. Jazz
Sam Dekker
SF, Wisconsin
Pairing the 6-foot-9 Dekker with Gordon Hayward would give the Jazz the ability to either play big on the wings or play faster by moving Derrick Favors to center in stretches.
13. Suns
Bobby Portis
PF, Arkansas
Would give Phoenix yet another long, athletic big man (6-foot-10, 235 pounds) to go into coach Jeff Hornacek’s up-tempo system.
14. Thunder
Stanley Johnson
SF, Arizona
Johnson has legitimate questions about his offense, but he has a chance to be a terrific defender, which is just what the Thunder need.
15. Hawks (from Nets)
Myles Turner
C, Texas
It doesn’t take much time watching the Hawks to see they have an affinity for 3-point shooting, and Booker could step in and provide them with another 3-point shooter on the wings.
16. Celtics
Kelly Oubre
SF, Kansas
The Celtics need some difference makers. If he’s still on the board, the 6-foot-7 forward could turn into that kind of player down the road.
17. Bucks
Trey Lyles
PF, Kentucky
Lyles can contribute offense, while also providing the kind of length (6-foot-10) that Milwaukee is looking for.
18. Rockets (from Pelicans)
Kevon Looney
PF, UCLA
Could allow GM Daryl Morey to dangle fellow power forwards Donatas Motiejunas and Terrence Jones in trades this summer.
19. Wizards
Jerian Grant
PG, Notre Dame
Would immediately provide Washington with an upgrade at backup point guard, and big guard (6-foot-5) could play alongside both John Wall and Bradley Beal.
20. Raptors
R.J. Hunter
SG, Georgia State
Could be a much cheaper and ready-made replacement for upcoming free-agent Six Man of the Year Lou Williams.
29. Nets (from Hawks)
Terry Rozier
PG, Louisville
The Nets would love to add youth and athleticism at the point guard spot. With several of the top options gone, Rozier is the next best thing.