Which name will Adam Silver call first on June 23?
On January 13, 2016, collaboration between the NBA and NCAA led to a player-friendly change in the date underclassmen that declare for the draft without an agent can withdraw. The date was moved to 10 days after the NBA Draft Combine – this year’s event concludes May 15 – and players are now allowed to enter the draft and withdraw twice before becoming automatically eligible on the third entry.
April 24 marks the deadline for underclassmen to officially declare as early entry candidates. Those that hire agents give up their right to return to college basketball. Meanwhile, student-athletes that hold off on obtaining an agent can return to school with no questions asked.
There are 32 days between April 24 and May 25, and still 15 days until the deadline for non-seniors to declare. Welcome to NBA Draft purgatory.
Plenty of information – both positive and negative – will come out in the next few weeks regarding a wide variety of prospects. The analysis will remain constant throughout, though draft boards could shift dramatically as the process continues.
For now, only a few draftable candidates have announced their intention to return to school. A strong group of players are testing the waters while most of the players at the top have jumped in headfirst.
Thanks to a top-two shot in NCAA history by Villanova’s Kris Jenkins (in the top-tier with the stunner from Christian Laettner), the college basketball season has come to a close. How does the mock draft look as we head deeper into the draft-specific season?
- Philadelphia- Ben Simmons | F | LSU | Freshman
There is a new regime in Philadelphia! Regardless whether #TheProcess continued, or not, this pick was going to come down to Simmons and Ingram. As management, again, tries to build a team, look for it to opt for the incredibly versatile Simmons. The LSU product can do it all – except shoot from the perimeter – and has the look of a multi-time All-Star.
- LA Lakers- Brandon Ingram | SF | Duke | Freshman
Whether the team picking first opts for Simmons or Ingram, expect the team picking second to take about one second in submitting their card for the other one. In this case, LA gets the Duke star that reminds some of Kevin Durant. Ingram and Simmons have identical grades on my big board, and either could go No. 1. In LA, Ingram could complete a nice young duo with D’Angelo Russell.
- Phoenix- Dragan Bender | PF | Croatia | Intl. (97)
Phoenix came far short of preseason expectations, though it should not come as a surprise due to injuries in the backcourt and the drama surrounding Markieff Morris. With Morris now playing in Washington, and Bledsoe/Knight still presumably the backcourt of the next few seasons, look for Ryan McDonough to draft the top stretch-four in the draft. Bender is a budding star for Maccabi, and is a lock to go in the top-five.
- Boston- Jamal Murray | SG | Kentucky | Freshman
I cannot help but watch the Celtics and wonder: How good would they be with a true lead scorer? No disrespect to Isaiah Thomas, whose All-Star nod was well earned, but the Celtics lack of star power puts a serious cap on their ceiling. Murray is the best perimeter scorer in the draft, and his ability to get buckets would not only mesh well with Thomas and Crowder, but also open up space for the bigs to score.
- Minnesota- Buddy Hield | SG | Oklahoma | Senior
Is Minnesota close to contention in the West? Already with a core of Towns/Wiggins/Rubio/Lavine, Hield would solve the team’s lack of outside shooting – though Rubio and Wiggins have stepped it up – and provide spacing to a team that desperately needs it. Minnesota is a piece or two away from being a true threat in the west, and while Hield’s upside is not as high as Jaylen Brown or Kris Dunn, his ability to slide right in gives him the nod.
- New Orleans- Kris Dunn | PG | Providence | Junior
The Jrue Holiday experiment just has not worked in New Orleans, and Tyreke Evans as a primary ball handler has also been disastrous. Anthony Davis needs a true floor general to work with, and he gets the top one in the draft with Dunn slotted at No. 6. Dunn is a lethal scorer and underrated outside shooter, and he has the best court vision in the draft (sans Ben Simmons). Only a year removed from the postseason, inserting Dunn into the starting lineup is a good step in clawing back.
- Sacramento- Jaylen Brown | SF | California | Freshman
The Kings are an absolute mess. The roster needs an overhaul, the team a new head coach, and the franchise a new owner. Until then, the Kings should take Brown here as the best player available. Brown is a little rough around the edges, but he is an elite athlete with the potential to be a lockdown defender and physical scorer in the NBA. His jump shot and court vision need to be refined, but the right coaching hire could do wonders in preparing Brown for a major role.
- Toronto- Ivan Rabb | PF | California | Freshman
Toronto gets this pick thanks to the Andrea Bargnani trade, and uses it to select the lanky post from Cal. Rabb is a tremendous rebounder and solid interior scorer that has also flashed a mid-range game. Rabb, if he enters, will be one of the top sleepers in the draft, and he is a player that can both play next to Valanciunas and replace him off the bench. He will be a long-term starter in the NBA.
- Milwaukee- Henry Ellenson | PF | Marquette | Freshman
Milwaukee has a good collection of big men, but none with the versatile skill set of Ellenson. Already having locked up Monroe (up for trade?) and Henson, Ellenson is an ideal pick and pop threat who can also hold his own on the glass. He fits the modern prototype of the power forward position, and Jason Kidd could fall in love here. The Bucks also need a point guard, but likely won’t find one of value here.
- Denver- Furkan Korkmaz | SG | Turkey | Intl. (97)
The roster in Denver is in transition, with Emmanuel Mudiay and Nikola Jokic serving as the two pillars of the future. Korkmaz has an incredibly quick release and is a tremendous athlete. He needs to get stronger, which will aid his finishing at the rim, but he could form a potent backcourt with Mudiay similarly to how Hezonja has worked his way into the mix in Orlando.
- Orlando- Jakob Poeltl | C | Utah | Sophomore
The Magic has cultivated a handful of good pieces but has not been able to break into the playoffs. The backcourt needs to mature together, and Scott Skiles will be looking for frontcourt depth to go with Nikola Vucevic. Poeltl is not the sexiest of picks, but he provides solid back-to-the-basket scoring, good defense inside and a high basketball IQ. Sounds like exactly what the young Magic squad needs.
- Phoenix- Denzel Valentine | SG | Michigan State | Senior
Phoenix already added Dragan Bender in this mock draft, and will turn the attention to the backcourt for the second lottery pick. While either Jackson or Ulis could be in play, look for the Suns to opt for the do-it-all Valentine. A very capable shooter, passer and rebounder from the perimeter, Valentine could slide right in as the sixth man while also being able to play with Bledsoe, Knight or both.
- Boston- Marquese Chriss | PF | Washington | Freshman
Boston also has a pair of lottery picks, and will look for the home run with the second pick. Chriss is the ultimate boom or bust prospect as a high-flying and sweet-shooting power forward. His metrics are that of a high lottery pick, but he plays with a low basketball IQ and is beyond foul prone. Brad Stevens might be the perfect coach to mentor Chriss to reach his high potential.
- Chicago- Demetrius Jackson | PG | Notre Dame | Junior
Whether or not the Bulls management is ready to admit it, the franchise needs to move on from Derrick Rose. The former MVP has had an up and down campaign, and his value is on the decline. Jackson is a high-potential guard that led Notre Dame to the Sweet 16 in March. Able to shoot and finish at the rim, Jackson needs to improve his point guard skills to make it as a starter. I like his odds.
- Denver- Skal Labissiere | PF | Kentucky | Freshman
With four first round picks in the fold, Denver can afford to take a risk on the former top recruit Labissiere. In a vacuum, Labissiere has shown the ability to block shots, play as a pick and roll finisher and score from mid-range. His lack of strength hurt him at the college level, and the strength gap will only widen in the NBA. Improving his body and basketball IQ will help Labissiere move forward.
- Utah- Tyler Ulis | PG | Kentucky | Sophomore
Two years ago, Utah drafted Dante Exum as the point guard of the future. An ACL tear with the Australian National team ended his season before it got underway, and it exposed how unprepared the Jazz were at the point. Ulis led Kentucky to an SEC championship, and he plays big despite his small stature. Ulis needs to become an elite shooter, but his quick first step and solid athleticism make him a good selection here.
- Indiana- Domantas Sabonis | PF/C | Gonzaga | Sophomore
The post depth in Indy is lacking. Myles Turner and Sabonis could form a very promising frontcourt that could reduce Mahinmi and Hill to super-sub roles. Sabonis is a high efficiency, very smart player that piled up double-doubles at Gonzaga. His athleticism and length are question marks in the NBA, but the value here is tremendous for a low-floor player.
- Denver- Timothe Luwawu | SG | France | Intl. (95)
Denver doubles down on the international guards, snagging the electric Luwawu with its third first rounder. Luwawu could realistically go in the lottery, and his floor his around 18-20. Luwawu has some Rudy Fernandez to his game in that he can score from the perimeter and finish with authority around the rim. He’s been slightly inconsistent throughout his career, but has been strong for Mega Leks this season.
- Detroit- Dejounte Murray | PG | Washington | Freshman
The lead Washington guard came on strong in the Pac-12, and he enters the 2016 draft with the potential to go in the top 15 or 20 picks. Murray is long and athletic, and fills up the stat sheet in a variety of ways. He has the tools to be a plus defender and shooter, and he is big enough to play with or behind Reggie Jackson.
- Denver- Taurean Prince | SF | Baylor | Senior
Picking for the fourth time in the first round, the Nuggets snag an NBA-ready wing in Taurean Prince. Prince compares well to Tony Snell offensively, though is a better rebounder and more physical defender. He may not be a starter at the NBA level, but athletic wings that can guard three positions and hit threes will always have a place in most teams’ top-eight rotation.
- Charlotte- Tyler Dorsey | PG | Oregon | Freshman
Charlotte has depth needs across the roster, but the chance to snag the Oregon floor general should be too enticing to pass up. Dorsey, who burst onto the draft scene last summer at the U-19 World Championships, is a terrific shooter and slasher with great NBA size. His defense improved as the season progressed, but he remains more of an offensive threat to start his career. Solid potential with this pick.
- Boston- Isaia Cordinier | SG | France | Intl. (96)
Cordinier is an explosive two-guard for Denaine ASC Voltaire, and is the rare player that could one day win both the dunk and 3-point contests. The guard is thin and could add some strength, but he might have the highest upside in terms of draft-and-stash candidates late in the first round. With such a strong international class, he’s a near lock to go in the first round.
- Philadelphia- Caris LeVert | SG | Michigan | Senior
LeVert has lottery potential, but injuries derailed his final two seasons in Ann Arbor. He has, perhaps, the best court vision among shooting guards in the draft, and is a very good outside shooter. He’s a very good athlete, but his draft stock will depend almost entirely on how he checks out medically. The concerns could make him a steal as we reflect back on the 2016 draft in a few seasons.
- Atlanta- Deyonta Davis | PF | Michigan State | Freshman
This likely represents the floor for Davis, who carved out a starting role for Tom Izzo as an elite shot blocker and rebounder. His offense is still blossoming, but he’s shown signs of a mid-range game to go with a basic post set. He will be drafted for his defense and brought along slowly by the team that drafts him. The upside here is definitely first-round caliber.
- LA Clippers- Thon Maker | PF/C | Canada | HS Senior
At last we arrive at the draft’s mystery man – not because of his game, but because of his status in the draft. Assuming he stays in, Maker could go anywhere from the late-lottery to early second round. He is an athletic power forward, has NBA length, and is a very good ball handler for his size. On the downside, he is a major project that needs to get much stronger and improve his basketball IQ. Which team wants to take the time on his development?
- Toronto- AJ Hammons | C | Purdue | Senior
The Raptors double down on the big men with Hammons, who could likely step in as Valanciunas’ backup as a rookie. Hammons blocks an absurd number of shots, and is a very good rebounder. He has an NBA body and has shown flashes of a jump shot, but he is among the older prospects in the senior class. NBA ready, Hammons could convince a GM to take him in the top-20 as his ceiling.
- Philadelphia- Melo Trimble | PG | Maryland | Sophomore
Ish Smith has been tremendous as the 76ers point guard in a tough situation, but the team still needs to add quality competition to the mix. Trimble limped a bit to the finish line, ending in a shooting slump. Generally, Trimble is a very good shooter, albeit streaky, and he has quick hands that make him a tough defender. Whether his ceiling is that of a starter or quality reserve, he fits what Philadelphia will look for here.
- Phoenix- Jonathan Jeanne | C | France | Intl. (97)
The Suns make their third selection in the first round at 28, and take the raw but tantalizing Jeanne from Le Mans Sarthe. Jeanne stands 7-2, but needs to add a base to his 210-pound frame. Jeanne is a solid inside-out offensive threat who excels as a shot blocker. Look for Jeanne to stay in Europe for a few years, but he should make an impact when he finally makes it to the NBA.
- San Antonio- Brice Johnson | PF | North Carolina | Senior
I’ll echo a previous mock, is there a more Spurs player in this draft than Johnson? The UNC post led the Tar Heels to the national championship against Villanova, and he was a constant double double threat throughout the season. Coming on late as a shot blocker, Johnson has an array of post moves and can splash jumpers from 15 feet. What you see is what you get with Johnson, but that’s a pretty good player.
- Golden State- Tyler Lydon | F | Syracuse | Freshman
Lydon could go much higher than this if he declares. A combo forward that is as comfortable hitting 3’s as he is blocking shots, Lydon is a versatile player that could fit right in on many NBA teams. He won’t ever be a star – he ceiling might be Chandler Parsons – but he should be a long-time NBA rotation glue guy along the lines of Kyle Singler, but better defensively.
ROUND TWO
- Boston- Wade Baldwin | PG | Vanderbilt | Sophomore
- LA Lakers- Ben Bentil | PF | Providence | Sophomore
- Phoenix- Paul Zipser | SF | Germany | Intl. (94)
- Brooklyn- Gary Payton II | PG | Oregon State | Senior
- Boston- Ivica Zubac | C | Croatia | Intl. (97)
- Milwaukee- Malik Beasley | SG | Florida State | Freshman
- New Orleans- Damian Jones | C | Vanderbilt | Junior
- Philadelphia- Cheick Diallo | C | Kansas | Freshman
- Milwaukee- Ante Zizic | C | Bosnia & Herzegovina | Intl. (97)
- Houston- Diamond Stone | C | Maryland | Freshman
- Orlando- Patrick McCaw | SG | UNLV | Sophomore
- Atlanta- Tyrone Wallace | PG | California | Senior
- Boston- Vasilis Charalampopoulos | SF | Greece | Intl. (97)
- Chicago- Dillon Brooks | SF | Oregon | Sophomore
- Minnesota- Nigel Hayes | PF | Wisconsin | Junior
- Utah- Trevon Bluiett | SG | Xavier | Sophomore
- Indiana- Malik Newman | PG | Mississippi State | Freshman
- Orlando- Troy Williams | SF | Indiana | Junior
- Detroit- Wayne Selden | SG | Kansas | Junior
- Dallas- DeAndre Bembry | SF | St. Joseph’s | Junior
- Charlotte- Stephen Zimmerman | C | UNLV | Freshman
- Utah- Malcolm Brogdon | PG | Virginia | Senior
- Boston- Aleksandar Vezenkov | PF | Bulgaria | Intl. (95)
- Atlanta- Juan Hernangomez | PF | Spain | Intl. (95)
- Cleveland- Daniel Hamilton | SF | UConn | Sophomore
- Memphis- Michael Gbinije | SG | Syracuse | Senior
- Oklahoma City- Robert Carter | F | Maryland | Junior
- Boston- Giorgios Papagiannis | C | Greece | Intl. (97)
- San Antonio- Edin Atic | SG | Bosnia & Herzegovina | Intl. (97)
- Utah- Zhao Qi | C | China | Intl. (96)
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