New York Post

Pick-up artists

Few surprises by NBA teams at top of Post’s mock draft

- By Tim Bon Temps

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.

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