With Mike Brown returning to Cleveland, there will be a renewed emphasis on defense. Brown would love an elite defender in the middle to improve Cleveland, which was woeful on defense last season.

The Cavs will have Noel in for a visit June 20 that should give them the necessary information they need to go forward, assuming his medical information checks out. There is a still lot of time between now and then, but Noel remains atop their board.

Otto Porter and Alex Len will get consideration here, but Noel’s upside, athleticism and elite defensive ability sets him apart. When healthy, Noel is still the best player in this draft and a game-changer on the defensive end. He should pair with Kyrie Irving to give Cleveland a dynamic duo.

Cleveland would like to trade this pick for an established player, but the market hasn’t materialized so far. Watch the Cavs closely as they have the ammunition to pull off a large deal or acquire an additional lottery pick. If a deal happens, it will take place closer to draft night. But history shows that it’s very rare for the top pick to change hands.

Sources say Orlando is very interested in Eric Bledsoe and is prepared to deal Arron Afflalo to get him. GM Rob Hennigan has been aggressive in acquiring assets and has assembled a good core of young players.

With a potential hole at shooting guard to fill, the Magic have their choice of Ben McLemore and Oladipo. Both guards represent better value and have higher ceilings than Trey Burke. The current preference is Oladipo, who projects as a better defender and is a better athlete than McLemore.

Although McLemore has been as high as No. 1 in our mocks, Oladipo looks to be making a push. Considering Hennigan came from Oklahoma City, going with a player that has a high upside, high character and is very long and athletic makes the most sense. While Oladipo has continually risen up NBA draft boards, McLemore has started to slip a bit, and that could see him fall more than initially anticipated.

The Wizards might be the biggest winners from the lottery by vaulting into the top three. Washington has built a strong backcourt with John Wall and Bradley Beal. Now it must find a big man or small forward to complement them.

Just up the road at Georgetown, Porter enjoyed a breakout season and could give the Wizards a dynamic and lethal scoring trio. If there was a clear-cut big man to take here, Washington would.

Playing for the Wizards will allow Porter to utilize his skill set on both ends and not have to put the team on his back like at Georgetown. Porter excels in multiple areas and would fit in well with a team that has two primary ball-handlers because of his ability to play off the ball and effect the game in other areas.

His ceiling may not be as high as UNLV’s Anthony Bennett, but Porter projects as a much safer pick.

With Alex Len, Anthony Bennett and Ben McLemore, the Bobcats would have a conundrum on which way to go with the pick. Bennett would give them the inside-outside threat they’re looking for up front. But if they’re committed to Bismack Biyombo, it would form a very undersized duo inside.

McLemore’s shooting would be a welcome addition, but growing concerns around McLemore could push him down Charlotte’s list of top targets. That would leave Len, who had surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left ankle, as the preference at this point.

Len would give the Bobcats the inside presence they have lacked and would fit in well next to Biyombo, allowing him to roam the paint defensively. Len’s offensive game would give the Bobcats some immediate help, and he still has room to develop.

This would be a pick with the future in mind, as Len will take patience and time to reach his full potential. Len has drawn comparisons to Zydrunas Ilgauskas with his skills and length and is already a very good rebounder and shot-blocker.

New GM Ryan McDonough would be thrilled to see McLemore slip to him on draft night as some believe he is the top player in this draft.

Checking around the league, McLemore is slipping due to his unclear agent situation. Most teams don’t seem concerned by the Rodney Blackstock reports. Whatever the concerns are shouldn’t cause McLemore to fall too far. When a player with his combination of talent, athleticism and shooting is available, they go high.

McLemore does have his flaws, but this would be a great start for the new front office. While Anthony Bennett would be tempting here, finding a running mate and shooter to pair with Goran Dragic could be the main focus. Pairing McLemore and Dragic in the backcourt could be just what the Suns need to boost their offensive production.

Trey Burke

No chance New Orleans passes on Burke. Austin Rivers showed he is not a point guard, and if given the chance to take Burke – who had an outside shot at the top pick – the Pelicans will rush the stage on draft night. With Rivers and Eric Gordon, the Pelicans are deep at shooting guard and can even entertain trade offers for Gordon, who is signed to a massive extension.

The Pelicans took their centerpiece last year in Anthony Davis. Now New Orleans must surround him with talent. Burke is one of the quickest guards in the draft and can get by most defenders. With as much success as rookie point men have had the last few seasons, the Pelicans look to get theirs.

The Kings have gone through several power forwards (Patrick Patterson, Chuck Hayes, Jason Thompson, Thomas Robinson) in trying to find one to pair with Cousins. In selecting Bennett, that trend would likely stop. Cousins and Bennett would form one of the better young offensive duos in the league. Bennett is a talented offensive prospect with the ability to score inside or out and is a quality rebounder as well.

With that in mind, Sacramento still need a lot of pieces. The Kings are in an easy position here where they can sit back and take one of the top seven prospects. There is a drop-off in talent after that.

Shabazz Muhammad

The Pistons could choose to upgrade the point guard position in hopes of getting more of a “true” point guard on the roster as the jury remains out on Brandon Knight.

When on the court, Muhammad has shown he is a talented scorer and was solid for much of his freshman season. Unfortunately, he never dominated his opponents but has the skills and physique to do so.

Muhammad would add to an already impressive core and give the Pistons the scoring punch they need. While he has good bulk and a long wingspan, Muhammad still seems undersized to be a full-time small forward in the NBA.

Pittsburgh

Portland is another team looking to package its pick in hopes of getting a player able to contribute now. GM Neil Olshey is open to moving the pick, preferably for a big man who can provide the defense and rebounding they need.

Like the Wolves, the Blazers are team looking to take the next step and show LaMarcus Aldridge that they’re on the rise. Drafting Damian Lillard was a large step in that direction last year.

While Adams may not put up big numbers, he would provide Portland with the defense and rebounding it is looking for. Adams interviewed well at the combine, shot the ball well and showed some skills that weren’t on display at Pittsburgh throughout the season.

While Adams still has a lot of developing to do, some scouts believe he may be ready to contribute at a higher level than originally anticipated as a rookie. Even with Adams being a good fit, the Blazers don’t seem to be infatuated with any player with this pick.

Cody Zeller

New GM Sam Hinkie will have his work cut out for him, including figuring out what to do with Andrew Bynum, who didn’t appear in a single game this season. Hinkie must decide who can help the Sixers get back to the playoffs after a huge step back to the lottery this season.

Every year on draft night, there is a highly talented big that falls into the late lottery; this year, it looks to be Zeller. Despite better than expected athletic testing at the combine, there are still concerns with Zeller’s position, short arms and whether his game will translate at the next level.

With that said, his offensive game is advanced for his age, and big men with his polish and touch are hard to find. Zeller also begins working out for clubs this week and will be able to showcase his NBA 3-point range.

Zeller is a good fit for the Sixers regardless of whether or not they keep Bynum. He could play a role similar to that of Pau Gasol when Bynum was in Los Angeles, or he could fit in well with a team without Bynum that likes to get out in transition.

(From Raptors)

Rudy Gobert

This is where Gobert comes into play. He is a long, athletic big who could give opposing teams nightmares. Gobert is not your typical European big with his length, athleticism and penchant for shot-blocking.

Coming from the San Antonio tree, Presti has shown strength in international drafting and is more than willing to take a chance on European prospects. While still raw in some areas and needing to develop, Gobert may be the center Presti has been looking for.

If McCollum makes it this far, the Thunder will take him. He would provide them with the scoring and creating option off the bench they have lacked since James Harden left.

Michael Carter-Williams

In what is set to be a very interesting offseason for owner Mark Cuban, the draft presents the Mavericks with several different options, including trading the pick, which helps Dallas get further under the cap and make a huge splash in free agency.

If Dallas keeps the pick it sounds like it is down to Carter-Williams or Dario Saric, whom the Mavs could stash overseas for a season — thereby keeping him off their cap.

If they do stay put, Carter-Williams presents the best option. Without Jason Kidd last season, there was a hole at guard that ended up being filled by journeyman Mike James. Carter-Williams gives the Mavs similar versatility to Kidd in his ability to guard multiple perimeter positions as well as being a quality facilitator and passer.

With Mo Williams set to hit free agency, and the Jazz playing most of the season with Earl Watson and Jamaal Tinsley, point guard is at the top of the list for Utah this offseason. Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap are set to hit free agency as well, but Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors are good enough up front for the Jazz to focus on the backcourt in the draft.

Schroeder is the explosive playmaker the Jazz have been lacking since Deron Williams left. Schroeder is still developing and will likely have some rough patches early on. But his physical skill set, unique talents and ceiling make him worth the pick.

With the league becoming more guard-oriented, having a player who can challenge and also defend opposing point guards is very important. If Schroeder gets past Utah, he won’t fall much farther.

Dario Saric

With big free agency decisions looming in their backcourt, the Bucks could choose to go with a guard as insurance. But if Saric slips to this pick, he would be too good to pass on.

The Bucks are looking to upgrade at small forward after dealing Tobias Harris. Saric is the second-best small forward on the board after Porter.

A highly skilled, crafty forward, Saric has long been on the radar of NBA scouts with his advanced feel for the game despite being only 19 years old.

Likely to remind some of Hedo Turkoglu, Saric would fill a need as well as provide a good fit alongside any of Milwaukee’s free agents should they be retained. Saric’s passing and unselfish play could provide a good balance with a ball-dominant backcourt.

Kelly Olynyk

C

Never afraid of taking chances on players, the Celtics are high on Giannis Adetokunbo and also would be very intrigued if Dennis Schroeder fell to them.

With Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo and many veterans from last season still on the roster, the Celtics could also choose to give it one more run.

Regardless of what happens, the Celtics still need help inside. Olynyk would be able to help right away and can provide valuable minutes to an aging frontcourt. Olynyk is not a freakish athlete but is a solid defender who has a nice touch around the basket.

Mason Plumlee

Even though the Hawks will be going after big time free agents this offseason, having two first-round picks gives the Hawks the option to take a player that could help right away. In this case, the Hawks have long needed size up front. With Zaza Pachulia and Josh Smith set to hit the free agent market, getting Al Horford some help inside is a must.

Plumlee could be the forgotten big man in this draft class because of the depth at the center position. Plumlee improved every year at Duke, produced at a high level, will be able to defend from Day 1 and tested very well athletically. He won’t be a star in the NBA but likely will have a very good career.

(From Rockets)

Similar to the Mavericks, the Hawks are in a position where they are gearing up for a free-agent run that hopefully will result in landing a star such as Dwight Howard or Chris Paul.

(From Lakers)

With Noel at the top, the Cavs will look to address their hole at small forward. While trading up is a real possibility for Cleveland, which also has the 31st and 33rd picks, Karasev would be a steal if he fell this far.

Karasev’s name has been rising into the mid-first round for the past month. Even though Karasev has been seen as a player that will come over to the NBA this season, there have been recent rumors of him signing with another Euroleague team, which would keep him overseas for at least one more year.

Rumors of a promise for Karasev have begun to circulate.

Georgia

With Derrick Rose coming back fully healthy next season, the Bulls would be best suited to give him something he has always lacked: a true running mate.

Caldwell-Pope is a talented scorer with great length and would allow the Bulls to ease the offensive pressure on Rose. Scouts are high on Caldwell-Pope, and there is a chance he climbs into the lottery. So if he were to fall this far on draft night, it would be a steal for the Bulls.

One thing Caldwell-Pope does well that most Bulls don’t is create. Rose has had to create most of the offense by himself, so adding another ballhandler and creator should make things easier for Rose as he comes back from his ACL injury.

(From Warriors)

Having addressed their need for a point guard with Schroeder, it appears Utah will look for another big to replenish the rotation as Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap are both free agents and Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter are ready for more minutes.

Mitchell is intriguing here because of his unique ability and the potential he possesses. As a freshman, he was a dominant rebounder and shot-blocker but would occasionally lose focus on offense and settle for poor shots.

With Mitchell, the Jazz could have one of the top players in the whole draft.

Under owner Mikhail Prokhorov’s watch, the pressure is on GM Billy King to get results. And that means making moves geared toward getting help now.

The Nets got great production from reserve forwards Andray Blatche and Reggie Evans but failed to get much from their guards off the bench. With that in mind, adding a shooter such as Hardaway who can help right away is what the Nets likely will be thinking with this pick.

Hardaway, a player the Nets really like a lot, can help space the floor and gives Brooklyn protection behind Joe Johnson.

Watching the Eastern Conference finals, it became obvious that the Pacers need to upgrade their bench. The starters were able to hold their own, but the bench production was lackluster and undependable.

On top of that, a lack of a ballhandler outside of George Hill also hurt the Pacers. Sources indicate that Indiana is focused on point guards. If Larkin is available here, it would be a major coup for the Pacers.

Larkin’s ability to run the pick-and-roll and handle the ball would be an upgrade over D.J. Augustin, who was an inconsistent, inefficient backup to Hill. Throughout the pre-draft process Larkin has shown he is an excellent athlete, and the game tape shows a winner who carried his team deep into the postseason.

According to sources, the Knicks are another team that will be focused on a point guard with their first-round pick with the news that Jason Kidd has retired. But they may address another need if Larkin is off the board.

One player who could really help is Franklin, one of the most productive players in the country this past season. Some around him compare him to J.R. Smith and would provide insurance should Smith leave the Knicks via free agency. Even if Smith stays, Franklin’s defensive ability provides Mike Woodson the versatility to put his best wing players on the floor.

Should the Knicks decide on a point guard, Myck Kabongo of Texas could be a name to watch. He is working his way up draft boards with great workouts and will be in New York next week.

Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan were among the best big duos in the league this season, but the Clippers played them heavy minutes due to a lack of options off the bench. Also, they still need a coach.

Withey would provide the Clippers with a valuable reserve big who could pick up right where Jordan left off; blocking shots, rebounding and getting easy buckets underneath. He may not be an athlete, but the way he contested shots in college illustrates how he can help Los Angeles.

As a team that aspires to be contending for titles, Los Angeles wants players who can contribute. Withey will do that.

(From Grizzlies)

With many decisions looming for the Wolves, this will be a very useful pick for them to address some holes that will be left after free agency. Nikola Pekovic is set to be a free agent and will command an eight-figure annual salary.

Noegueira is a pesky defender and rebounder who will be able to play minutes in any rotation right away. He still needs to develop but is ready to come over after flirting with the draft a few years ago.

Drafting Noegueira as insurance would be smart. Another name to watch here could be Glen Rice Jr.

Dieng showed all season he is a very strong rebounder and shot-blocker but it wasn’t until the NCAA Tournament that he began to showcase his mid-range jumper.

Denver is trying to win now, and selecting Dieng makes a lot of sense.

Bullock has been compared to Danny Green but is more athletic and has more upside, so it would make sense that San Antonio would be interested.

Drafting Bullock helps the Spurs on the court but also gives San Antonio flexibility and insurance with Manu Ginobli and Gary Neal set to become free agents.

Allen Crabbe

Despite having Jeremy Lamb on the roster, GM Sam Presti would be wise to go with Crabbe with this pick. Crabbe represents very good value at No. 28 and would provide the Thunder with some additional depth on the wing, something they lacked at times this season.

A big-time shooter, Crabbe’s length would also appeal to the Thunder, who like long perimeter defenders. The Thunder are sorely lacking a creator off the bench to fill James Harden’s void and could look to someone such as Archie Goodwin or even Alex Abrines.

(From Heat)

With the Suns previously selecting Ben McLemore, going big with this pick would be a wise move for Phoenix. Despite having cap space, Phoenix will focus on improving through the draft.

While the frontcourt is crowded right now, none of Phoenix’s bigs is overwhelming, and veteran Jermaine O’Neal is a free agent. Adding a big like Muscala, who could come right in and contribute, would be a great move.

Muscala may not be a sexy pick but was extremely productive throughout his college career and caught the eye of scouts this season with his improved skill set and size.