<script src="http://player.espn.com/player.js?playerBrandingId=4ef8000cbaf34c1687a7d9a26fe0e89e&adSetCode=91cDU6NuXTGKz3OdjOxFdAgJVtQcKJnI&pcode=1kNG061cgaoolOncv54OAO1ceO-I&width=576&height=324&externalId=espn:14816877&thruParam_espn-ui[autoPlay]=false&thruParam_espn-ui[playRelatedExternally]=true"></script> With the trade deadline in the books and March Madness on our doorstep, a number of NBA teams can begin to intensify their focus on the draft. Over the course of the past month, our Big Board has continued to shift, as has the draft order. Once again, we'll be using ESPN's Basketball Power Index (BPI) projected records to determine draft order. Remember, mock drafts don't determine where a player should go, but rather what each team in the draft would likely do with its pick. Here's our latest full first-round mock draft (assuming every eligible prospect who has yet to state his intentions on the draft declares), after taking into account team needs, based on our discussions with NBA scouts and general managers. 1. Philadelphia 76ers Ben Simmons LSU Freshman Forward As Kevin Pelton and I noted last week, Brandon Ingram has closed the gap between himself and Simmons. And in some ways, Ingram is a better fit with the Sixers. They will have a smooth, elite passing 4 in Dario Saric -- when he comes to the U.S. -- and Philadelphia desperately needs shooting. Ingram is much better from deep than Simmons. 2016 NBA draft Get ready for Ben Simmons, Brandon Ingram and the 2016 draft with analysis from Chad Ford and other ESPN experts. Big Board 5.0 | Mock Draft 3.0 Ranking best fits for Simmons Ford: Top 100 prospect rankings Ford-Pelton: Buddy Hield However, all indications from NBA scouts and GMs are that Simmons remains firmly in the lead for the No. 1 pick, wherever it lands, including Philly. Odds of winning lottery, projected record: 25 percent, 13-69 Watch: Ben Simmons highlights Video 2. Los Angeles Lakers* Brandon Ingram Duke Freshman Forward The Lakers must send this pick to the 76ers if it falls to fourth or worse in the lottery. Finishing with the second-worst record would give them a 56 percent chance of keeping this pick. Ingram's elite talent -- as well as his fit on a Lakers roster that could really use an upgrade at the 3 -- would make this a home run pick for the Lakers. EDITOR'S PICKS No. 1 pick: Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram? Has Duke's Brandon Ingram surpassed LSU's Ben Simmons for 2016's top pick? Chad Ford and Kevin Pelton debate the NBA future of the draft's top two prospects. If D'Angelo Russell continues to improve, they'd have two dynamic scorers to build around. Odds of winning lottery, projected record: 19.9 percent, 17-65 Watch: Brandon Ingram highlights Video 3. Phoenix Suns Dragan Bender Croatia Age: 18 Forward/center The Suns dumped starting 4 Markieff Morris at the trade deadline, opening up a perfect fit for Bender here. Like Morris, Bender has the potential to play both inside and outside. He's shooting 48 percent from 3 this year. His playing time has been pretty limited since injuring his ankle in January, but the upside is clearly there. And unlike with Morris, there are no off-court concerns. His character is one of his best selling points to NBA teams. Odds of winning lottery, projected record: 15.6 percent, 23-59 4. Boston Celtics* Jamal Murray Kentucky Freshman Guard The Celtics would have a tough choice here between Murray, Kris Dunn, Henry Ellenson and Jaylen Brown. You could make an argument for all of them. But Murray's positional versatility, jump shot (33-for-64 from 3 in his past seven games), ultra-competitiveness and high basketball IQ might give him the nod for Danny Ainge, who prizes all of those characteristics. He's not an elite athlete, and his defense can still use work, but Murray's strengths are heavily outweighing his weaknesses at the moment. Odds of winning lottery, projected record (via Nets): 11.9 percent, 24-58 Watch: Jamal Murray highlights Video 5. Minnesota Timberwolves* Henry Ellenson Marquette Freshman Forward/center Minnesota is loaded with young talent but is struggling to compete with the other elite teams in the West and looks destined to land yet another top-5 pick. The Wolves already have a number of young players they love -- Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns, Zach LaVine, Ricky Rubio and Shabazz Muhammad -- but they could still use some help at the 4. Ellenson is a perfect fit as a big who can rebound and spread the floor. Think of him as a poor man's Kevin Love. Odds of winning lottery, projected record: 8.8 percent, 27-55 Watch: Henry Ellenson highlights Video Spoiler 6. Denver Nuggets* Jaylen Brown Cal Freshman Forward Denver owns the right to swap picks with the Knicks this year, and given how close their projected records are, it could be a tossup on which pick the Nuggets will end up using. Brown's elite athletic abilities are what get teams excited. His 3-point shot and tendency to turn the ball over at an unusually high rate for a forward is what's keeping him out of the top 5 right now. Odds of winning lottery, projected record: 6.3 percent, 33-49 7. New Orleans Pelicans Buddy Hield Oklahoma Senior Guard Hield is having the best season in college basketball this year and has rocketed up the Big Board from a late first-round pick at the start of the season to a top-10 pick now. He could be a great fit in New Orleans. Eric Gordon is a free agent, and Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry wants to surround Anthony Davis with shooters. Hield has been the most prolific shooter in college basketball this season and could add some instant firepower to the Pelicans' offense. Odds of winning lottery, projected record: 4.3 percent, 34-48 8. Milwaukee Bucks Kris Dunn Providence Junior Guard Head coach and de facto GM Jason Kidd is still searching for a point guard who can really turn things around for the Bucks. Brandon Knight wasn't it. Michael Carter-Williams is a major question mark. Dunn, who could go as high as No. 4, seems like a terrific value here. He's big and athletic, and he sees the floor. His jump shot is the only thing holding him back. Odds of winning lottery, projected record: 2.8 percent, 34-48 9. Toronto Raptors* Jakob Poeltl Utah Sophomore Center The Raptors get the worse of either the Knicks or Nuggets' first-round picks this year -- a huge boon to a team projected to finish with 53 wins, especially when you factor in that they gave up Andrea Bargnani to get this pick. Poeltl has the talent of a top-6 pick. I could see both Milwaukee and Toronto taking long looks at him. He has been terrific all year. While a center is far from the most pressing need for the Raptors, the value is so high, it's hard to see them passing on him. Odds of winning lottery, projected record (via Knicks): 1.7 percent, 34-48 10. Sacramento Kings* Furkan Korkmaz Turkey Age: 18 Forward The Kings still have major questions in the backcourt. Ben McLemore, Marco Belinelli and James Anderson just haven't been up to the task at the 2. While the Kings aren't likely to rely on a rookie to improve their playoff odds next season, Korkmaz is a talent worth investing in. He is shooting 48 percent from 3 and has the prototypical size and skills of an NBA 2. Odds of winning lottery, projected record: 1.1 percent, 35-47 11. Orlando Magic Marquese Chriss Washington Freshman Forward Chriss is a pretty big gamble this high in the draft, but his combination of size, athletic ability, versatility, jump shooting and shot-blocking skills make him a unique prospect. He could be an excellent fit next to Nikola Vucevic in the paint. He won't be ready right away, but I think he could be a potent addition to the Magic if they can be patient and continue to develop him. He has as much upside as anyone left on the board. Odds of winning lottery, projected record: 0.8 percent, 36-46 12. Phoenix Suns* Deyonta Davis Michigan State Freshman Forward Phoenix gets this pick from Washington as part of the Morris trade if it falls outside of the top nine. Davis is another raw prospect. However, his athleticism and shot-blocking skills are coveted by scouts, and he has shown semblances of a solid midrange game this year. This is an upside pick all the way for the Suns, but they shouldn't be afraid to roll the dice. Odds of winning lottery, projected record (via Wizards): 0.7 percent, 39-43 13. Houston Rockets* Diamond Stone Maryland Freshman Center Houston is fighting Utah for that last spot in the Western Conference playoffs. The only upside for the Rockets falling short of the postseason is that they would avoid sending this pick to Denver. With Dwight Howard's future very much up in the air, Stone would be a nice get for the Rockets. He might be the most offensively polished center in the draft. Odds of winning lottery, projected record: 0.6 percent, 40-42 14. Detroit Pistons Ivan Rabb Cal Freshman Forward/center The Pistons are also caught in a very tight race for the Eastern Conference playoffs. If they fall short, they can add another young big with significant upside. Rabb has proved to be an effective rebounder and has added a nice midrange jumper to his game. He needs to get stronger, but I could see him as an Ed Davis-type player in the pros. Odds of winning lottery, projected record: 0.5 percent, 42-40 15. Utah Jazz Denzel Valentine Michigan State Senior Forward/guard Valentine was considered a second-round pick by most scouts after his junior season, but his strong play as a senior has now put him on the cusp of the lottery. He looks like a terrific fit in Utah for a team that needs to continue to add shooting and passing on the wing. The Jazz would value Valentine's basketball IQ and versatility too. The fact that he's ready to come in and contribute right now is a bonus. Projected record: 40-42 16. Boston Celtics* Skal Labissiere Kentucky Freshman Center/forward Danny Ainge isn't afraid to gamble. This is the Celtics' second pick of the draft, and they can afford to take a risk. On his play alone, Labissiere doesn't deserve to be drafted in the first round, but scouts continue to see so much upside. His ability to both block shots and stretch the floor is intriguing. Projected record (via Mavericks): 41-41 17. Portland Trail Blazers* Timothe Luwawu France Age: 20 Guard/forward The Blazers are the biggest surprise in the NBA this season. Their backcourt has been elite, but they could use some help on the wing. Luwawu has been terrific for Mega Leks, averaging 15 points per game and shooting 38 percent from 3 in the Adriatic League. His strength and toughness give him some major defensive upside, as well. Projected record (via Heat): 41-41 18. Chicago Bulls Wade Baldwin IV Vanderbilt Sophomore Guard Derrick Rose is still struggling to play like his old self. With Kirk Hinrich gone, the team needs to start thinking about adding a young player who can help out at the point. Baldwin has been up-and-down all year, but his size and shooting ability make him intriguing to scouts. Projected record: 42-40 19. Charlotte Hornets Caris LeVert Michigan Senior Guard/forward The Hornets added Courtney Lee at the trade deadline to shore up their depth at the wing, but he's a free agent this summer, and LeVert may be a better long-term fit. He has missed 14 out of the past 15 games with a lower leg injury. Still, his ability to shoot the ball, play three positions and see the floor make him an interesting prospect if he can convince teams that he can stay healthy. Projected record:44-38 20. Indiana Pacers Demetrius Jackson Notre Dame Junior Guard Jackson is a tough, athletic point guard who gets it done on both ends. His jump shot has been a bit shaky this year compared to previous seasons, but he projects by most scouts as a solid starter or really good No. 2 point guard in the league. He would be a nice backup to George Hill next year. Projected record: 45-37 21. Atlanta Hawks Jonathan Jeanne France Age: 18 Center/forward Jeanne is another major upside play. He's not ready yet -- both painfully thin and lacking experience playing at the highest level. But his freakish size (7-foot-3 with a 7-foot-7 wingspan), agility and skill set make him too good to pass up once you start getting out of the lottery. Projected record (via Rockets): 45-37 22. Memphis Grizzlies Thomas Bryant Indiana Freshman Center Bryant's lack of foot speed and elite athleticism hurt his stock, but the guy is money in the paint and has a jump shot that stretches all the way to the 3-point line. I'm not sure who he guards at the next level, but scouts see upside in him outside the lottery. The Grizzlies could sure use some help off the bench in the paint. Projected record: 45-37 23. Philadelphia 76ers* Dejounte Murray Washington Freshman Guard Murray is such an intriguing prospect. On sheer upside, only Jamal Murray and Kris Dunn surpass him. Blessed with size, athleticism and a flair for the dramatic, he has plenty of scouts drooling about his potential. However, his lack of a consistent jump shot and his penchant for turnovers give pause. He's not ready, but the Sixers are patient, and at this point in the draft, few players have such a high ceiling. Projected record (via Heat): 45-37 24. Boston Celtics Ante Zizic Croatia Age: 19 Center Zizic would be the fifth international player off the board. The Celtics are projected to have three first-round picks at the moment, and I doubt they keep all three. Zizic is already an elite rebounder, excellent athlete for his size and the perfect draft-and-stash candidate here. Projected record: 48-34 25. Los Angeles Clippers Grayson Allen Duke Sophomore Guard Allen might be a bit undersized, but he has put on a scoring clinic at Duke this season. He is an athletic freak, shoots well and can even play on the ball. We know how Doc Rivers feels about former Dukies. This should be a good fit. Projected record: 53-29 26. Toronto Raptors Domantas Sabonis Gonzaga Sophomore Forward The Raptors could use a power forward, and few players can match Sabonis' numbers. His lack of athleticism or a 3-point shot are hurting his stock a bit, but he's one of the best rebounders in the draft and has an incredible basketball IQ. I think this is a steal at No. 26. Projected record: 55-27 27. Philadelphia 76ers* Isaiah Cordinier France Age: 19 Guard This would be the Sixers' third first-round pick, and I wouldn't be surprised if they -- like the Celtics -- decided to use it on an international player. Cordinier is aggressive and athletic. He's also starting to show some major improvement on his jump shot, hitting a crazy 55.6 percent from 3 in the French league this year. He could be good value here at No. 27. Projected record: 55-27 28. Phoenix Suns Damian Jones Vanderbilt Junior Center/forward Jones hasn't had the season NBA scouts were hoping for, but he is big and athletic and looks the part. He just hasn't put it all together yet on a nightly basis. Still, he's a solid value at this point in the draft. Projected record (via Cavaliers): 58-24 29. San Antonio Spurs Stephen Zimmerman UNLV Freshman Center Zimmerman has been a very good rebounder and solid shot blocker for UNLV, while flashing some perimeter skills. He hasn't had the great freshman year NBA scouts wanted -- and needs to add toughness -- but he's a nice get here. Projected record: 68-14 30. Golden State Warriors Jarrod Uthoff Iowa Senior Forward Utoff is having a fantastic season. He is an athletic wing who can shoot the ball from deep and block shots. He's a really dynamic player who should fit well in the Warriors' system. Projected record: 72-10 *Traded picks No. 2: The Lakers will send their first-round pick to the 76ers if it falls between 4 and 30. ... No. 4: The Nets will send their first-round pick to the Celtics. ... No. 5: The Wolves will send their pick to the Celtics if it falls between 13 and 30. ... No. 6: The Knicks will send a first-round pick to the Raptors (either their own or the Nuggets, see No. 9). ... No. 9: The Nuggets have the right to swap first-round picks with the Knicks. Toronto gets the worse of the two picks. ... No. 10: The Kings will send their first-round pick to the Bulls if it falls between 11 and 30. Also, the Sixers can swap first-round picks with the Kings if the Kings' pick falls between 1 and 10. ... No. 12: The Wizards will send their first-round pick to the Suns if it falls between 10 and 30. ... No. 16: The Rockets will send their first round-pick to the Nuggets if it falls between 15 and 30. ... No. 16: The Mavericks will send their first-round pick to the Celtics if it falls between 8 and 30. ... No. 17: The Blazers will send their first-round pick to the Nuggets if it falls between 15 and 30. ... No. 22: The Grizzlies will send their first-round pick to the Nuggets if it falls between 6 and 14. ... No. 23: The Heat will send their first-round pick to the 76ers if it falls between 11 and 30. ... No. 27: The Thunder will send their first-round pick to the 76ers if it falls between 16 and 30. The Sixers own the right to swap this pick with the Warriors if the Warriors finish with a worse record than the Thunder. ... No. 28: The Cavs will send their first-round pick to the Suns if it falls between 11 and 30. *BPI projected records updated as of Feb. 27
The draft sucks every year and its that way because these players are being picked so high at 19-20yrs old. The one and done players have wrecked the pro and college game. NBA teams draft kids and hope they get better and a lot of times they don't and they look like huge busts. I don't blame the players for turning pro because that is too much money to turn down because it could be over with one injury.
Well there's a new rule being implemented that will allow prospects to attend the combine and team workouts to be evaluated and then withdraw their name if they choose so. That should help with your problem I suppose. And I disagree about the draft sucking because the last draft class was loaded.
Amazingly that understates it. The 2016 draft may be the worst draft in a generation. Thus, this draft sucks, epically.
Yeah, the 2016 Bbq draft ducks big time. May be the worst ever before hindsight! When Ben Simmons who probably ain't going to make Tournament in a weak field, that tells you something. Too many raw players up top.
If Dunn really drops this far, which I doubt, and if the Rockets have the #13 pick, which I fear they won't, Morey ordering a his job-saving push for #8, the Rockets need to trade up. Dunn is an elite talent in a mediocre class.
I can't see Dunn dropping that far, though you never know what combine and workout buzz will push players up. I think Dunn is a guy who will move up, not down, the charts. I'd want the Rockets to miss the playoffs to get him if they had any realistic shot. The unfortunate part as well is Rockets won't have much to work with as far as trade assets go to move up.
Here's an article about Dunn, about staying in school to improve his game, sensing it would be harder to do in the NBA. Seems like a great kid to go along with his freak-show speed and athleticism. Man, to see him and James get out on the break ... http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...ences-kris-dunn-doesnt-regret-making-nba-wait
As much as I like Dunn the more I have studied our team and his game the more I am convinced he's not the right fit, especially if we sign Durant. It's simply too many turnovers. Dunn is turning it over frequently in college. That didn't bode well for the NBA. And while he does play great stellar defense he doesn't steal the ball enough to offset his turnover count. Harden is so upside down in steals/turnovers that we have to surround him with low turnover guys that get a lot of defensive turnovers simply to offset all his turnovers and keep us at neutral. Dunns play making is just like Hardens and his holes will show even worse in the NBA. Simply not enough assists to justify being the primary playmaker with an assist/turnover ratio less than 2 at the college level. Durant is another high turnover guy. If we sign him and then we drafted Dunn that's 3 high turnover guys in the rotation that all handle the ball. Id rather trade the pick for Smart or Rubio or possibly send DMo (sign and trade) and the pick to Orlando for Hezonja while signing Conley and Durant or Durant and Howard.
I really want the Rockets to draft Malcolm Brogdon. I think he's projected to be a late first or early second rounder. I've watched my fair share of Virginia games and I feel he has a very similar game to Kawhi. He can post up, shoot the 3, and has elite defense. He doesn't possess the length or athleticism like Kawhi, but has the same mannerisms - from the way he dribbles to his attitude on the court. I also believe he's a senior; I can definitely see him as a player Morey would go after.
DX has us picking Malik Newman as one of our 2nd rounders. Even though I don't think he will get out of the 1st, I'm really warming up to his play. Young at only 19 yrs old and has good upside.
