Former N.C. State forward T.J. Warren was a force to be reckoned with in his two years as a member of the Wolfpack men’s basketball team. There seemed to be no weaknesses in his game, but there was a clear strength that stood out from the rest: an ability to score. No matter if he was three or 24 feet from the basket, Warren had an uncanny ability to find a way to put the ball into the hoop.

During his sophomore campaign, the Durham native recorded 30-plus points nine times and ended the season by scoring 20-plus in each of his final 19 games. Warren’s 24.9 points-per-game average was the best in the ACC and good enough for third in the nation.

Currently, Warren is projected to be taken somewhere in the late teens. With the NBA Draft airing tonight on ESPN at 7:30 p.m., we decided to take a look at three likely destinations for the former Wolfpack star.

Phoenix Suns

Pick(s): No. 14, 18

Current Starting SF: P.J. Tucker

This, by definition of the word, is a stretch. As far as NBA-readiness, Warren is not a lottery pick. Phoenix has a big need at both forward position, and more attractive players like James Young and Doug McDermott may still be available at this point. However, the unique scoring ability that Warren possesses is exactly what the Suns need to take pressure off of the guard trio of Eric Bledsoe, Goran Dragic and Gerald Green. Green began to take over the starting small forward role, as he was Phoenix’s leading scorer, despite starting the 2014 season on the bench. Though he can find the hoop, Bledsoe is not necessarily a scorer, and with an extra scoring boost from the 3-spot, he can focus on his best attribute: defense. Again, it must be emphasized that this pick would be quite a reach for the Suns at No. 14, but look for Warren’s name to be called by Silver at the No. 18 spot.

Chicago Bulls

Pick(s): No. 16, 19

Current Starting SF: Mike Dunleavy

Small forward is a huge need for Chicago, and assuming that the team can’t land all-star forwards LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony in free agency this summer, Warren would be a great pick for the Bulls. 

Not only would the team like an upgrade at the 3-spot, Chicago needs a scoring boost. In the 2014 season, the team was best in the league in opponent points per game, but last in points per game. With star point guard Derrick Rose sidelined for all of last season, the Bulls had no go-to scoring option. Though Dunleavy is a shooter, he is not a “scorer” by any means. Dunleavy would be much more likely to sink a wide-open 3-point shot off of a set play, but Warren can do something much more valuable; he can create his own shot. Warren could deliver the scoring punch needed to make the Bulls offense spark, and possibly become an instant starter for the club.

Toronto Raptors

Pick(s): No. 20

Current Starting SF: DeMar DeRozan

At first glance, it would seem odd that a team with an all-star starting small forward would be in the hunt for Warren. However, DeRozan is not a small forward. He’s a shooting guard. Due to the lack of depth at the 3-spot, Toronto was forced to run a three-guard line-up with Kyle Lowry, Terrence Ross and DeRozan for most of the season. Though Ross is a strong defender, this left the undersized guard vulnerable to the strong small forward attacks of other teams in the Atlantic Division, such as the Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony and the Nets’ Paul Pierce. Warren would not only be able to provide defensive stability at his position, but it would take pressure off of Lowry to score and give the point guard an opportunity to play more of a facilitator role. Though No. 20 was further down the list than State fans may have hoped, Warren will likely be put into a starting role on an instant Finals contender.

PREDICTION: No. 19 to Chicago

Mock Draft

Cleveland Cavaliers – SF Jabari Parker, Duke

After last year’s draft debacle, the Cavaliers simply cannot blow another first round pick on a reach prospect. Thankfully for Cleveland, the team’s biggest need is also the safest pick in the draft. Parker has shown that he can play with the big boys of the NBA and that he can do it on a high level. Wiggins may be more talented, but Parker presents an instant and surefire solution.

Milwaukee Bucks – SG Andrew Wiggins, Kansas

This may have been the easiest pick of the mock draft. With Parker off the board, Wiggins becomes the clear best available player. Though he does have injury history, the Bucks need a boost to their lackluster play. Wiggins has the explosiveness to make Milwaukee basketball watchable, and paired with Brandon Knight, the Bucks may have found their guard combo for years to come.

Philadelphia 76ers – SG Dante Exum, Australia

This pick may be a bit risky, but from the tape that has been released of Exum in Australian leagues, he looks like the man to take the shooting guard spot in Philadelphia. Working as more of a combo guard, Exum could step cover the point role with reigning Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams is on the bench and can provide a scoring punch when the two take the court together.

Orlando Magic – PF Noah Vonleh, Indiana

This pick came down to two players: Vonleh and Kentucky’s Julius Randle. Honestly, either would be viable option for this club, but Vonleh looks to be the more NBA-ready of the two. With a big need at the 4-spot, Orlando will likely jump at Vonleh and his unique set of post moves. Plus, he will be paired with fellow Hoosier, Victor Oladipo.

Utah Jazz – PF Julius Randle, Kentucky

With Joel Embiid still on the board, the Jazz will be tempted to snag the seven-footer in a steal of a pick. Ultimately injury concerns will be too much of a factor to overlook. With Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter both averaging double-figures at the center position, Utah will look for a power forward with a wide variety of skills to create an even more formidable frontcourt.

Boston Celtics – C Joel Embiid, Kansas

Los Angeles Lakers – PG Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State

Sacramento Kings – PF Aaron Gordon, Arizona

Charlotte Hornets – SF Doug McDermott

Philadelphia 76ers – SG Nik Stauskas, Michigan

Denver Nuggets – SG Gary Harris, Michigan State

Orlando Magic – PG Elfrid Payton, Louisiana-Lafayette

Minnesota Timberwolves – PF Adreian Payne, Michigan State

Phoenix Suns – SF James Young, Kentucky