Our second NBA mock draft comes to you less than two weeks before the real thing.
In our first NBA mock draft we projected Ben Simmons would be the No. 1 overall pick, taken by the Philadelphia 76ers. Back then he felt like a shoo-in. Not anymore.Simmons going first in the NBA Draft has been a consensus opinion since before he played a college game. He’s been the closest thing to a high school basketball icon since LeBron James.
All the good that’s doing him now.
The massive hype has turned into uncertainty and doubt. The media is questioning his mental toughness and calling him soft. His jump shot (or lack thereof) has come under massive scrutiny.
Brandon Ingram has flown relatively under the radar in comparison. After a slow start at Duke, Ingram came on strong and dominated offensively. Ingram’s 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan and he can shoot threes.
Ingram’s unique skill set makes him a great asset for today’s NBA game.
In the weeks leading up to the draft, rumors will circulate about the Philadelphia 76ers alternating between which potential future star they’ll select.
It’s very rare that there’s doubt, no matter how small, about who will go first in the NBA draft. The class may be weak but the two stars at the top will make things entertaining.
1. Philadelphia 76ers: Ben Simmons (SF/PF-LSU)
[graphiq id=”9shLZQ5HYB7″ title=”Ben Simmons – LSU Tigers” width=”600″ height=”550″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/9shLZQ5HYB7″ link=”http://ncaa-basketball-players.pointafter.com/l/6876/Ben-Simmons” link_text=”Ben Simmons – LSU Tigers | PointAfter” ]The Sixers were ranked last in points per 100 possessions and 29th in field goal percentage during 2015-16 so the possibility of instant offense Ingram provides will be tempting.
The Sixers need to look towards the future though and for that the best choice is Simmons. There’s been rumors that the Sixers are attempting to trade Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel.
If they replaced one or both of them with players who could space the floor, Simmons’ reluctance to shoot jumpers will become less of an issue.
The last thing the Colangelo brain trust wants to do with their first major move is to pass on Simmons and watch him become a star in LA.
2. Los Angeles Lakers: Brandon Ingram (SF-Duke)
[graphiq id=”hjl1f0TKcnz” title=”Brandon Ingram – Duke Blue Devils” width=”600″ height=”597″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/hjl1f0TKcnz” link=”http://ncaa-basketball-players.pointafter.com/l/8101/Brandon-Ingram” link_text=”Brandon Ingram – Duke Blue Devils | PointAfter” ]The Lakers have the easiest pick in the draft. They just get to sit back and take the other guy. As much as they would prefer that other guy be Simmons, they will be happy with Ingram.
He fits in well alongside Julius Randle and D’Angelo Russell, as he can stretch the floor for both of them to operate.
The Kevin Durant comparisons are lofty, but Ingram has all the physical skills to be a superstar.
3. Boston Celtics (via Nets) : Dragan Bender (PF-Croatia)
[graphiq id=”k3FNWgxgu4B” title=”Dragan Bender – Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv” width=”600″ height=”451″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/k3FNWgxgu4B” link=”http://ncaa-basketball-players.pointafter.com/l/103844/Dragan-Bender” link_text=”Dragan Bender – Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv | PointAfter” ]The Celtics need a power forward. They haven’t had a legitimate option at that position since Kevin Garnett was traded after the 2012-13 season.
If Dragan Bender lives up to the hype he could be the future at the position. The 7-footer from Croatia is drawing comparisons to New York Knicks rookie sensation Kristaps Porzingis.
The Celtics will need to wait on him to develop but Bender has the potential to be a prototypical stretch four if his perimeter game continues to improve.
4. Phoenix Suns : Buddy Hield (SG-Oklahoma)
[graphiq id=”lgc9fbKGez3″ title=”Buddy Hield – Oklahoma Sooners” width=”600″ height=”550″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/lgc9fbKGez3″ link=”http://ncaa-basketball-players.pointafter.com/l/1515/Buddy-Hield” link_text=”Buddy Hield – Oklahoma Sooners | PointAfter” ]The Suns were arguably the most inefficient offensive team during the 2015-16 season. They were 24th in assists, 28th in field goal percentage, and last in turnovers.
Phoenix, one of the league’s youngest teams, needs a player who is NBA ready and Buddy Hield will contribute right away. He was a scoring machine in college and that ability will translate to the pro game.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves : Kris Dunn (PG-Providence)
[graphiq id=”iazgswUta9T” title=”Kris Dunn – Providence Friars” width=”600″ height=”593″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/iazgswUta9T” link=”http://ncaa-basketball-players.pointafter.com/l/1918/Kris-Dunn” link_text=”Kris Dunn – Providence Friars | PointAfter” ]
Kriss Dunn was one of the best players in the country for the last two seasons, leading the Big East in steals and finishing in the top ten in minutes per game.
He will be able to contribute right away for Tom Thibodeau’s Timberwolves. The defensive-oriented coach will appreciate Dunn’s efforts on that end and the amount of minutes he’ll be able to handle.
Thibodeau believes his new team can make the playoffs and Dunn is the most NBA-ready player in the draft.
6. New Orleans Pelicans : Jamal Murray (PG/SG-Kentucky)
[graphiq id=”lw54690cDLD” title=”Jamal Murray – Kentucky Wildcats” width=”600″ height=”593″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/lw54690cDLD” link=”http://ncaa-basketball-players.pointafter.com/l/6112/Jamal-Murray” link_text=”Jamal Murray – Kentucky Wildcats | PointAfter” ]Jamal Murray was recruited to Kentucky as a point guard but a majority of his scoring came while he was playing off the ball.
After hitting 79 of 100 threes during a workout with the Celtics he solidified himself as one of the best shooters in the draft.
He’ll be a combo guard in the NBA and the Pelicans will benefit from that elite three-point shooting.
If Gentry wants to run a Warriors-like offense in New Orleans he’ll need guards like Murray.
7. Denver Nuggets (via Knicks) : Jaylen Brown (SG/SF-Cal)
[graphiq id=”krxL4Kuir2J” title=”Jaylen Brown – California Golden Bears” width=”600″ height=”557″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/krxL4Kuir2J” link=”http://ncaa-basketball-players.pointafter.com/l/7297/Jaylen-Brown” link_text=”Jaylen Brown – California Golden Bears | PointAfter” ]Jaylen Brown was once thought of as a guaranteed top-five pick but after a disappointing college season he’s fallen out of favor a little bit. Brown’s lack of a jump shot (he was 29.4 percent from three-point range) caused teams to sour on him.
Still, his athleticism is too valuable for the Nuggets to pass up. He’ll be able to guard multiple positions and finish in the fast break.
8. Sacramento Kings : Marquese Chriss (PF-Washington)
- 18 yrs.
- Freshman
- 6’10”, 233 lbs.
Marquese Chriss has been shooting up draft boards with one NBA GM even suggesting the Lakers should take him with the No. 2 pick. Chriss came completely out of nowhere and is now regarded is having the highest ceiling in the draft.
The experts at DraftExpress have Chriss going third to the Celtics, an insane rise for a player who wasn’t in the top 50 in his high school recruiting class.
There’s a lot to like about Chriss, despite the huge risk he provides. If Chriss can learn to play more disciplined — he averaged 6.5 fouls per 40 minutes at Washington — his transition to the NBA could be quicker than anticipated.
If he falls to the Kings they won’t be able to pass on his potential.
9. Toronto Raptors (via Nuggets) : Henry Ellenson (PF-Marquette)
[graphiq id=”b7Ft7crQDUF” title=”Henry Ellenson – Marquette Golden Eagles” width=”600″ height=”593″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/b7Ft7crQDUF” link=”http://ncaa-basketball-players.pointafter.com/l/5830/Henry-Ellenson” link_text=”Henry Ellenson – Marquette Golden Eagles | PointAfter” ]Toronto’s biggest position need is power forward. Players playing that position in 2015-16 scored just 15.8 points per game (29th in the NBA) on 43.6 percent shooting (26th).
Henry Ellenson falling into their lap would be a dream come true. They could slot him right in as a stretch four.
Ellenson just turned 19 so his game is still improving. He shot below 30 percent from downtown in college so that is something Toronto will have to wait in.
Unlike most prospects however, he has a post game that is polished enough to score in the league.
10. Milwaukee Bucks : Jakob Poeltl (C-Utah)
[graphiq id=”1W6QhzIT7Sd” title=”Jakob Poeltl – Utah Utes” width=”600″ height=”593″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/1W6QhzIT7Sd” link=”http://ncaa-basketball-players.pointafter.com/l/4468/Jakob-Poeltl” link_text=”Jakob Poeltl – Utah Utes | PointAfter” ]Jakob Poeltl is the safest pick in the draft. He’s not likely to ever make an All-Star team, but he’ll be an effective player in the league for ten-plus seasons.
It’s not a sexy pick to take the rim protector who shores up your interior defense but the Bucks need it. After trading away defensive anchor Zaza Pachulia, the Bucks struggled on the interior in 2015-16.
They were 22nd in opponent’s points in the paint and 23rd in opponent’s points per 100 possessions. This just one season after finishing 7th and 4th in each category respectively.
11. Orlando Magic : Skal Labissiere (PF/C-Kentucky)
[graphiq id=”8a1CC4j97h3″ title=”Skal Labissiere – Kentucky Wildcats” width=”600″ height=”593″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/8a1CC4j97h3″ link=”http://ncaa-basketball-players.pointafter.com/l/6110/Skal-Labissiere” link_text=”Skal Labissiere – Kentucky Wildcats | PointAfter” ]Skal Labissiere was the No. 1 high school recruit in the nation and played Kentucky. He’s supposed to be here. He’s just not supposed to have this many question marks surrounding his game.
Labissiere didn’t have a single game with 10 rebounds and only scored 15-plus points on four separate occasions, against Boston University, South Florida, LSU, and NJIT.
Despite a poor season at Kentucky, Labissiere entered the draft and projects as a first round pick.
New coach Frank Vogel is known for being able to get the most out of young big men, so this will be a good fit.
12. Utah Jazz : Wade Baldwin IV (PG-Vanderbilt)
[graphiq id=”22LnbvYtKlv” title=”Wade Baldwin IV” width=”500″ height=”547″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/22LnbvYtKlv” link=”https://www.graphiq.com” link_text=”Visualization by Graphiq” ]As much as the Utah Jazz are looking forward to getting Dante Exum back from injury, they’re too smart to believe that he will remain healthy during 2016-17.
That’s not to say that Wade Baldwin will start, but he can shoot the three and play defense. That’s always a good thing in a backup guard.
13. Phoenix Suns (via Wizards) : Deyonta Davis (PF/C-Michigan State)
[graphiq id=”gSYmLylRLtX” title=”Deyonta Davis” width=”500″ height=”748″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/gSYmLylRLtX” link=”https://www.graphiq.com” link_text=”Visualization by Graphiq” ]Deyonta Davis averaged 3.9 blocks per 40 minutes in his one season at Michigan State. Despite limited time on the court, he showed promise as an elite rim protector.
The Suns don’t have a single big that provides hope for the future of the franchise. Davis can be that guy.
14. Chicago Bulls : Demetrius Jackson (PG-Notre Dame)
[graphiq id=”iSJr9eefHRX” title=”Demetrius Jackson – Notre Dame Fighting Irish” width=”600″ height=”593″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/iSJr9eefHRX” link=”http://ncaa-basketball-players.pointafter.com/l/2066/Demetrius-Jackson” link_text=”Demetrius Jackson – Notre Dame Fighting Irish | PointAfter” ]Demetrius Jackson was a career 38 percent shooter from three-point range in college so he brings instant offense to the Chicago Bulls. He’s an underrated defensive player too.
The Bulls haven’t drafted a point guard since Derrick Rose in 2008. He only has one year remaining on his deal and is unlikely to return.
15. Denver Nuggets (via Rockets) : Denzel Valentine (SG-Michigan State)
[graphiq id=”93fCTXZKsZL” title=”Denzel Valentine – Michigan State Spartans” width=”600″ height=”593″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/93fCTXZKsZL” link=”http://ncaa-basketball-players.pointafter.com/l/1733/Denzel-Valentine” link_text=”Denzel Valentine – Michigan State Spartans | PointAfter” ]Denzel Valentine was one of the best college players in the country last season and is arguably the most versatile player in the draft.
At 6-foot-5 220 lbs., Valentine can shoot the three, play defense, and pass. The Nuggets were 26th in three-point shooting, 24th in points allowed per 100 possessions, and 14th in assists. Valentine can help change that right away.
16. Boston Celtics (via Mavericks) : Timothe Luwawu (SG/SF-France)
[graphiq id=”fAiqPhNPuvj” title=”Timothe Luwawu – KK Mega Vizura” width=”600″ height=”428″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/fAiqPhNPuvj” link=”http://ncaa-basketball-players.pointafter.com/l/103845/Timothe-Luwawu” link_text=”Timothe Luwawu – KK Mega Vizura | PointAfter” ]The Celtics have three first round picks and they will use at least one on a draft and stash.
Timothe Luwawu has a perimeter game that is NBA-ready but he’ll likely need one more year in Europe to develop into a premiere three-and-D wing.
17. Memphis Grizzlies : Tyler Ulis (PG-Kentucky)
[graphiq id=”jHNBSag6V2R” title=”Tyler Ulis – Kentucky Wildcats” width=”600″ height=”593″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/jHNBSag6V2R” link=”http://ncaa-basketball-players.pointafter.com/l/5001/Tyler-Ulis” link_text=”Tyler Ulis – Kentucky Wildcats | PointAfter” ]Tyler Ulis’ size is keeping him low in the first round, but he’s much more than an Earl Boykins comparison. Many think he could end up being the best Kentucky player in the draft.
Ulis has been lauded as the toughest player in the draft and the Grizzlies need assurance at point guard with Mike Conley‘s impending free agency.
18. Detroit Pistons : Domantas Sabonis (PF/C-Gonzaga)
[graphiq id=”ed82tEZ4lEN” title=”Domantas Sabonis – Gonzaga Bulldogs” width=”600″ height=”593″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/ed82tEZ4lEN” link=”http://ncaa-basketball-players.pointafter.com/l/1009/Domantas-Sabonis” link_text=”Domantas Sabonis – Gonzaga Bulldogs | PointAfter” ]Domantas Sabonis, the son of NBA legend Arvydas Sabonis, is a great rebounder who can score in the post.
The Pistons were in the 27th percentile in points per possessions on post up plays as superstar center Andre Drummond struggles with his back to the basket.
Sabonis’ defense and jump shot need work but he’ll fit in well in Detroit.
19. Denver Nuggets (via Trail Blazers) : Furkan Korkmaz (SG-Turkey)
[graphiq id=”2xcHvQ1BDsp” title=”Furkan Korkmaz – Anadolu Efes” width=”600″ height=”593″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/2xcHvQ1BDsp” link=”http://ncaa-basketball-players.pointafter.com/l/103846/Furkan-Korkmaz” link_text=”Furkan Korkmaz – Anadolu Efes | PointAfter” ]The Nuggets will use one of their first round picks on a draft and stash and Korkmaz makes sense.
After taking Brown they should jump all over the elite shooter from Turkey. The Nuggets aren’t winning anytime soon, so they can afford to wait on some prospects.
20. Indiana Pacers : Brice Johnson (PF-North Carolina)
[graphiq id=”1a2jadcQuBT” title=”Brice Johnson” width=”500″ height=”690″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/1a2jadcQuBT” link=”https://www.graphiq.com” link_text=”Visualization by Graphiq” ]If the Pacers are serious about playing faster and scoring more points than Brice Johnson will be a good pick.
Johnson was in the top 20 in the country in nearly every rebounding category. He averaged 10.6 total rebounds per game.
The Pacers can plug in Johnson at the four with Paul George at the three and Myles Turner at the five, and play in transition.
21. Atlanta Hawks : Damian Jones (C-Vanderbilt)
[graphiq id=”1vkpfCpxhk1″ title=”Damian Jones” width=”500″ height=”650″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/1vkpfCpxhk1″ link=”https://www.graphiq.com” link_text=”Visualization by Graphiq” ]The Hawks need some insurance in case center Al Horford leave in free agency. Damian Jones is never going to be a star but he scores the ball well around the rim and has the potential to develop a good mid-range game.
Even if Horford does return, the Hawks could use some depth in the frontcourt.
22. Charlotte Hornets : Diamond Stone (C-Maryland)
[graphiq id=”8namZKvkZyB” title=”Diamond Stone – Maryland Terrapins” width=”600″ height=”593″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/8namZKvkZyB” link=”http://ncaa-basketball-players.pointafter.com/l/6166/Diamond-Stone” link_text=”Diamond Stone – Maryland Terrapins | PointAfter” ]Diamond Stone was a McDonald’s All-American and 5th in ESPN’s top 100 high school recruits before committing to one season at Maryland. He was supposed to be a lottery pick.
Instead, Stone has fallen out of favor with NBA types. He’s been criticized for his effort on defense and on the glass. For that and other reasons, Stone’s draft stock is falling. His future is much less certain and now a playoff team will be able to take a risk on him.
The Hornets are going to be looking for another center if they let Al Jefferson go. They can take that risk.
23. Boston Celtics : Ante Zizic (C-Croatia)
[graphiq id=”fVAwUH0whdr” title=”Ante Zizic – KK Cibona” width=”600″ height=”451″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/fVAwUH0whdr” link=”http://ncaa-basketball-players.pointafter.com/l/103847/Ante-Zizic” link_text=”Ante Zizic – KK Cibona | PointAfter” ]The Celtics may end up trading this pick, but if they do hold onto it they’ll use it on a player to stash for a year.
Ante Zizic led the Adriatic League in rebounding and he can run the floor and block shots. At just 19-years-old, Zizic has time to develop a mid-range shot.
24. Philadelphia 76ers (via Heat) : DeAndre Bembry (SF-St. Joseph’s)
[graphiq id=”eyq8z4bL8mV” title=”DeAndre’ Bembry – Saint Joseph’s (PA) Hawks” width=”600″ height=”593″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/eyq8z4bL8mV” link=”http://ncaa-basketball-players.pointafter.com/l/714/DeAndre-Bembry” link_text=”DeAndre’ Bembry – Saint Joseph’s (PA) Hawks | PointAfter” ]Nobody improved their stock more at the combine than DeAndre Bembry.
Bembry finished in the top ten in assists per game in the Atlantic 10 for the last two seasons and projects as a point forward in the NBA.
The Sixers likely never would’ve made this pick under Sam Hinkie but the Colangelo’s would be setting a tone. They want guys who can help them win right away.
It won’t hurt that Bembry can get local college kids to go to the games. The Sixers finished 28th in attendance in 2015-16.
25. Los Angeles Clippers : Taurean Prince (SF-Baylor)
[graphiq id=”lfC3guGdsfr” title=”Taurean Prince – Baylor Bears” width=”600″ height=”593″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/lfC3guGdsfr” link=”http://ncaa-basketball-players.pointafter.com/l/1543/Taurean-Prince” link_text=”Taurean Prince – Baylor Bears | PointAfter” ]Taurean Prince projects as a three-and-D wing in the NBA. It’s entirely possible that he goes with the No. 21 pick to the Hawks, but he won’t get by the Clippers.
They need wing depth. And they need to get younger at the small forward position. Prince shot 37.6 from downtown for his career and 4.6 rebounds per game. He guarded multiple positions at Baylor.
26. Philadelphia 76ers (via Thunder) : Isaia Cordinier (SG-France)
[graphiq id=”jbRsK3s4JYF” title=”France Overview” width=”600″ height=”590″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/jbRsK3s4JYF” link=”http://country-facts.findthedata.com/l/98/France” link_text=”France Overview | FindTheData” ]With the Sixers third first round pick they won’t add another guaranteed rookie contract. Isaia Corinier is an athletic, attacking guard who can shoot threes.
Unfortunately, he’s still at least a year away from the NBA game as he needs to get bigger and learn to play smarter on both ends of the court.
27. Toronto Raptors : Juan Hernangomez (SF/PF-Spain)
[graphiq id=”hOH4oqDjB89″ title=”Juan Hernangomez – Movistar Estudiantes” width=”600″ height=”484″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/hOH4oqDjB89″ link=”http://ncaa-basketball-players.pointafter.com/l/103849/Juan-Hernangomez” link_text=”Juan Hernangomez – Movistar Estudiantes | PointAfter” ]Knicks’ fans recognize the last name of this first round prospect well. Juan Hernangomez is the brother of heralded Knicks’ stashed prospect Willy Hernangomez. Much like Willy, Juan will be stashed for a season.
Juan’s game isn’t like his brother as he is more of a shooter while Willy prefers to play around the rim.
28. Phoenix Suns (via Cavs) : Ivica Zubac (C-Croatia)
[graphiq id=”1FYsik0SFG5″ title=”Ivica Zubac – KK Zrinjevac Zagreb” width=”600″ height=”451″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/1FYsik0SFG5″ link=”http://ncaa-basketball-players.pointafter.com/l/103848/Ivica-Zubac” link_text=”Ivica Zubac – KK Zrinjevac Zagreb | PointAfter” ]Ivica Zubac gets a majority of his points diving to the rim on pick and rolls and finishing in transition.
Zubac isn’t a remarkable prospect but he does a lot of the little things well, so he will be able to contribute for a team. If he stays healthy he can be a solid career role player.
29. San Antonio Spurs : Thon Maker (PF/C-HS Senior)
[graphiq id=”3JJ2OLf1nWR” title=”Thon Maker” width=”500″ height=”576″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/3JJ2OLf1nWR” link=”https://www.graphiq.com” link_text=”Visualization by Graphiq” ]The notorious Thon Maker. He manipulated the system all so he could barely be drafted in the first round. If he had played one season at Kansas or Kentucky, he could be much higher on this list.
Maker is a giant question mark. If anyone can solve him it’s the Spurs. Gregg Popovich coaching this kid would be fun to watch.
30. Golden State Warriors : Malachi Richardson (SG/SF-Syracuse)
[graphiq id=”35NRp7JtF77″ title=”Malachi Richardson – Syracuse Orange” width=”600″ height=”593″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/35NRp7JtF77″ link=”http://ncaa-basketball-players.pointafter.com/l/7196/Malachi-Richardson” link_text=”Malachi Richardson – Syracuse Orange | PointAfter” ]Malachi Richardson is the latest player to parlay a great performance in the NCAA Tournament into becoming a first round pick.
After an equally impressive performance at the combine, Richardson has been rumored as a possible lottery selection. If he does fall then Richardson is a good fit in Golden State.
His shot definitely needs work, but he has the physical tools to be an elite defender.