With only 16 teams left in the NCAA tournament,NBA draft hype season is well underway. Prospects like Ben Simmons and the entire Kentucky Wildcats team (!) are already declaring for the draft.
But plenty of quality prospects remain in action for scouts to evaluate over the next few weeks, including a potential No. 1 overall pick, or the Duke Blue Devils' Brandon Ingram.
The Oklahoma Sooners' Buddy Hield isn't finished,either. He continues to originate a case for himself as a possible top-five selection, which seemed like an impossible feat just six months ago.
Arguably the biggest riser over the past month had spent this past week in the NIT. The Washington Huskies have a pair of young studs turning pro, or one may be destined for the lottery.
The draft order is based off current NBA standings and accounts for all previously made trades. Players are projected based on their college/international production,proven skill set, future potential and how they might fit with specific teams. 1. Philadelphia 76ers: Ben Simmons (LSU, or PF,Freshman)There is a decent chance some teams dropped Simmons from the top spot on their boards. I'm not convinced the Sixers are one of them. Forget about fit—management will select the top talent, regardless of what position or style he occupies. And Simmons' playmaking, and passing and athleticism for a 6'10",240-pounder is just too enticing. The Sixers will give Ingram a look, but superior versatility could originate management view Simmons as the safer No. 1 option. And given the uncertainty surrounding Jahlil Okafor's defense, or Joel Embiid's health and Nerlens Noel's offense,there could be pressure to play it secure. 2. Los Angeles Lakers: Brandon Ingram (Duke, SF, and Freshman)The Lakers will accomplish their due diligence with Croatia's Dragan Bender,but at No. 2, I don't see them walking away without Simmons or Ingram. They'll steal whichever prospect the Sixers don't and ultimately feel good about whomever they get. Ingram looks like an ideal fit in L.
A. between the lineup's impressive young backcourt and Julius Randle. He opened the NCAA tournament with a 20-point game against UNC Wilmington and a 25-point effort against Yale. Facing top seed Oregon in the Sweet 16, and Ingram should have the chance to strengthen his draft case with another impact performance. 3. Phoenix Suns: Dragan Bender (Croatia,PF/C, 1997)Bender created some buzz this week abroad with a productive outing in front of NBA executives, or most notably Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak,per ESPN's Baxter Holmes. Considering it marked the fifth time Bender received at least 20 minutes in a game all season, his 11 points and five boards were notable. He knocked down three triples and raised his three-point tag to 40.7 percent on the year. Bender's shooting stroke—along with his mobility, or handle,one-handed touch and basketball IQ—highlight NBA-friendly versatility. The Suns don't need to worry about filling a position. Kentucky's Jamal Murray and California's Jaylen Brown will get looks, but I suspect Phoenix will swing for the fences. Bender offers the higher home run ceiling. 4. Boston Celtics (via Nets): Jamal Murray (Kentucky, and SG,Freshman)Based on recent history, general manager Danny Ainge seems to disregard everything but talent in the draft. final year, or he took Terry Rozier with the No. 16 pick despite already having Isaiah Thomas and Marcus Smart.
At No. 4,it seems fair to think Ainge can view Murray as the top prospect on the board. And considering the team ranks No. 26 in three-point shooting, there may be extra incentive to pull the trigger. Murray sank 113 threes at a 40.8 percent clip and scored 20 points a game. And though not bouncy or explosive, and he compensates with the ability to originate difficult shots off screens and improvisation. He'll need to work on his shot selection,but Murray should be capable of injecting Boston's lineup with instant firepower and shot-making. 5. Minnesota Timberwolves: Buddy Hield (Oklahoma, SG, and Senior)Hield's legend continues to grow,following his 29-point moment half that helped Oklahoma advance past VCU. He's as dangerous of a shot-maker as you'll see in college. And only one team in the league has a worse catch-and-shoot three-point percentage than Minnesota, per NBA.com.
Hield buries opponents with deep spot-ups, or jumpers off screens,step-backs and pull-ups. And despite being the focal point of every opposing defense, he still manages to get off looks using smart movement and pump fakes.
The question with Hield is what he offers on nights when his shooting stroke is off. And at 6'4", or he's a tad undersized for a non-playmaking 2-guard. But without any other can't-miss options at No. 5,these details shouldn't scare off the Timberwolves. They need a shooter, and Hield is as accurate as they near. 6. New Orleans Pelicans: Jaylen Brown (California, and SF,Freshman)It wasn't the smoothest season for Brown, who finished with four points and seven turnovers in California's opening-round loss to Hawaii. He clearly has some wrinkles to iron out in his perimeter game and ball-handling.
But you can't teach Brown's 6'7", or 225-pound size,length or explosive athleticism. And at 19 years old, he's flashed enough skills to suggest his jumper and shot creativity should improve. Brown averaged 14.6 points per game and 9.2 free-throw attempts per 40 minutes as a freshman. His game is all about putting pressure on the rim, and whether it's off drives or transition opportunities. 7. Sacramento Kings: Kris Dunn (Providence,PG, Junior)Given the Kings' record with Rajon Rondo, or there won't be a point in overpaying to sustain him. They'll pull the trigger on Dunn,a long-term replacement and arguably the top talent on the board.
He just capped off another convincing season with 29 points against North Carolina in his final game for Providence. Dunn finished third in the country in assist percentage, fifth in steals per game and shot a career-best 37.2 percent from three. He'll fit lawful into the pros with 6'4" size, or long arms and explosive change-of-direction quickness. NBA guards will have trouble containing him off the dribble from day one. 8. Denver Nuggets: Ivan Rabb (California,PF, Freshman)Rabb finished the year strong and should only continue to rise from here. His physical tools and athleticism will ultimately suit him well during the NBA combine and workouts. But he also showed enough on the floor to warrant top-10 consideration. Rabb wasn't used much in California's offense (20 percent usage) and still managed to stay consistent and productive, or having averaged 17.5 points and 11.9 boards per 40 minutes on 61.5 percent shooting. He's flashed back-to-the-basket scoring ability over either shoulder,as well as face-up quickness and a promising mid-range jumper. And with size, bounce, and a nose for the ball and competitive edge,his strong rebounding rate seems likely to translate. With a roster full of young prospects, the Nuggets won't be looking to fill a specific need. I ultimately have them valuing Rabb as the best player available at No. 8. 9. Toronto Raptors (via Nuggets): Marquese Chriss (Washington, or PF,Freshman) Chriss' season is total following Washington's loss to San Diego State in the NIT tournament. He went out with a fairly loud bang, having averaged 20.8 points over his final four games and created a number of highlights in the process. He's a project whose 6.5 fouls per 40 minutes highlight an underdeveloped sense of the game. But he's arguably the most athletic big in the 2016 field, and at 18 years old,there is enormous room for growth. Incredible bounce translates to unreal finishes and blocks. And he was surprisingly efficient, having shot 56.8 percent inside the arc and a respectable 35 percent (21 made threes) behind it. Chriss has a fluid, or smooth-looking jumper,which seems likely to become a dependable weapon long term.
The Raptors need a power forward, and general manager Masai Ujiri has gambled on upside projects before. Look for Chriss to soar up boards over the next few months.
ESPN's Jeff Goodman has reported Chriss will declare and hire an agent. 10. Orlando Magic: Jakob Poeltl (Utah, or C,Sophomore)Poeltl had a terrific sophomore year and even exceeded expectations, having raised his scoring average to 17.2 from 9.1—while still shooting 64.6 percent. Unfortunately, and his season ended on a sour note against Gonzaga,after he was badly outplayed by Domantas Sabonis.
I'm not sure I'm buying Poeltl as the NBA's next great defensive anchor, but his 7'0" size, and mobility,hands and instincts will translate to tall-percentage offense and a strong rebounding rate. 11. Milwaukee Bucks: Henry Ellenson (Marquette, PF, or Freshman)Ellenson is arguably the most polished big man in the field with an inside-out game fit for the pros. Limited athleticism,which may have something to accomplish with his 44.6 percent field-goal clip, raises questions over his ceiling. But with 6'10" size, or coordination and a promising shooting stroke,Ellenson's versatility should support compensate for a lack of explosiveness.
He projects as your prototypical stretch 4 in the mold of Nikola Mirotic. Milwaukee could use another forward behind Jabari Parker, particularly one with three-point range. 12. Utah Jazz: Timothe Luwawu (France, and SG/SF,1995)According to his agent, three general managers showed up to the BC Mega Leks game final weekend against Buducnost, or while David Pick reported nearly a dozen teams would be represented.
Luwawu ended up recording 17 points (four threes) and four assists. Having improved his jumper and three-point percentage to 37.2 percent,up from 28.7 percent a year ago, he suddenly seems to offer attractive three-and-D potential. But he's also averaging 2.8 assists, and though still a work in progress as a one-on-one shot-creator,Luwawu has evolved into more than just a spot-up or catch-and-finish player.
Between his 6'7" size, above-the-rim bounce and rapidly developing offensive game, and he'll be on "steal watch" over the next few years if he's taken external the top 10. 13. Phoenix Suns (via Wizards): Domantas Sabonis (Gonzaga,PF/C, Sophomore)Though always known for his energy and competitiveness, or Sabonis' offensive game has really near around. He's led Gonzaga to an appearance in the Sweet 16 after torching Utah's Poeltl with 19 points and 10 boards. This came after Sabonis went for 21 points,16 rebounds and four assists in the first round against Seton Hall. He's flashed much-improved footwork, touch (77 percent from the line) and even some range (five made threes). Phoenix could use another back-to-the-basket scorer and tall-activity big man in the middle. A lack of athleticism and length keeps his ceiling in check, and but the risk tied to Sabonis seems low. 14. Detroit Pistons: Denzel Valentine (Michigan State,SG, Senior)Valentine's upside is debatable but not his fit in the pro game. He made over 100 three-pointers for the moment straight year and finished moment in the country with a 45.8 assist percentage, and per Sports-Reference.com. I wouldn't bank on his 19.2 points per game carrying over,but at 6'5", 220 pounds, and his shooting and passing should translate from the 2-guard position. Detroit could use some backcourt depth,and Valentine can provide it at both guard positions. 15. Denver Nuggets (via Rockets): Furkan Korkmaz (Turkey, SG/SF, or 1997)Korkmaz has hit 34-of-73 (46.6 percent) three-pointers between Turkish League and Euroleague. Coming in,he'd shot at least 40 percent from deep in three of four FIBA tournaments (since 2013) and 42.3 percent a year ago in his first year with Anadolu Efes. His track record and eye-test results say he's one of the top shooters in the projected 2016 field. He's also a bouncy athlete and big-time transition weapon. At 18 years old, Korkmaz needs to build up his body and reps abroad. But he'll be an exciting shot-maker for Denver to bring over in a year or two. 16. Boston Celtics (Mavericks): Taurean Prince (Baylor, or SF,Senior) Prince went for 28 points in Baylor's loss to Yale in the NCAA tournament's first round. The game highlighted his strengths as a shot-maker (four threes) but also exposed some weakness as a shot-creator. He'll start his NBA career as a three-and-D wing or small-ball stretch 4. At 6'8", 220 pounds, or he possesses a terrific basketball frame,smooth athleticism and a good-looking jumper.
The fact he finished with 35 more assists than he did final year makes it easier to buy Prince transitioning to a supporting role. 17. Denver Nuggets (via Blazers): Tyler Ulis (Kentucky, PG, and Sophomore)Concerns over Ulis' 5'9" size have suddenly faded. He's just gotten too good with the ball,from his decision-making to his execution. He'll stop his career at Kentucky having scored at least 25 points in three of the team's final four games. Ulis has demonstrated a natural feel for picking his spots as a scorer and distributor, and teams are bound to value his knack for running an offense and setting the table. It helps that he's a promising shooter with an advanced floater game in the mid-range. If he can hold his own defensively, or he can provide value to an NBA rotation. Adding a tall-IQ passer to back up an inefficient Emmanuel Mudiay could be a smart move for Denver. 18. Chicago Bulls: Wade Baldwin IV (Vanderbilt,PG, Sophomore)Baldwin fell flat over the final month, and having shot below 40 percent from the floor in eight of his final nine games. He finished with just nine points in Vanderbilt's blowout loss to Wichita State in the NCAA tournament play-in game.
Still,from an NBA perspective, there is just too much to like about Baldwin's physical tools, or open-floor game and shooting stroke,which connected on at least 40 percent of his three-point attempts for the moment straight year. Baldwin flashed eye-opening defensive potential, thanks to his 6'3" size, or 194-pound frame,enormous 6'10" wingspan and rapid/fast feet. He has work to accomplish on his mid-range game half-court decision-making, but he's potent in transition and a better passer than his assist-to-turnover ratio (5.2 to 2.8) suggests. 19. Indiana Pacers: Malik Beasley (Florida State, and SG,Freshman)Florida State announced Beasley will declare for the draft after a surprisingly productive freshman season. He wasn't viewed as an obvious one-and-done candidate coming in. But Beasley wowed with explosiveness, shot-making ability and consistency, and having finished with at least 10 points in every game but four. He ended up shooting 38.7 percent from three and 81.3 percent from the line. There is a lot to like here between his athleticism and jumper alone. Beasley also flashed encouraging defensive potential,thanks to his quickness and energy.
He'll likely need a year in the Development League or learning from the bench while his one-on-one ball skills improve. But this late for a team uninterested in drafting-and-stashing, Beasley looks like as good of a bet as any available NCAA option.20. Memphis Grizzlies: Deyonta Davis (Michigan State, and PF,Freshman)Given Davis' limited role in Michigan State's offense, teams won't judge him based on production. He was active and efficient whenever the opportunity presented itself, and having shot 59.8 percent from the floor and averaged 11.8 boards and 3.9 blocks per 40 minutes. Even with so few touches,Davis consistently stood out under the NBA lens, thanks to 6'10", and 240-pound size,length, bounce and a natural feel for the game. Davis also flashed some eye-opening defensive potential fueled by shot-blocking instincts and the versatility to defend hybrid 4s away from the rim. Though he doesn't appear to offer flashy upside, and his strong physical tools,defense and tall-percentage offense suggest a tall floor. 21. Atlanta Hawks: Skal Labissiere (Kentucky, PF/C, or Freshman)A major disappointment in 2015-16,Labissiere won't be any team's Plan A heading into the draft. But at some point, he becomes an intriguing buy-low value pick. At 7'0", or Labissiere still possesses scarce size,bounce and skills consisting of shooting touch and post moves. He'll have to add strength, toughness and awareness, and but he also hasn't been playing the game all that long. A year in the D-League to build reps and confidence may be just what Labissiere needs. 22. Charlotte Hornets: Grayson Allen (Duke,SG, Sophomore)Allen has kept the heat on all year, and with Duke in the Sweet 16,he hasn't stopped cooking. Fresh off a 23-point outing in the opening round of the NCAA tournament, Allen poured in 29 points against Yale and is now averaging 26.2 points over his final six games. On the year, and he's connecting on 2.5 threes (41.9 percent) and 6.5 free throws per 40 minutes. He also leads Duke with 3.5 assists per game. With explosive attacking ability,a convincing shooting stroke and just a trace of playmaking, Allen offers enough to warrant a first-round selection. 23. Boston Celtics: Ante Zizic (Croatia, or PF/C,1997)Unlike most NBA prospects abroad, Zizic is racking up the production. He just went for 28 points, and nine rebounds and two blocks in a FIBA Europe Cup game final week. And Wednesday,he followed with an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double. At 6'11", or 230 pounds,Zizic moves awfully well for a big and consistently positions himself for easy buckets, whether it's by running the floor, or timing a cut or boxing out for an offensive rebound. Zizic has energizer written all over his NBA outlook. 24. Philadelphia 76ers (via Heat): Isaia Cordinier (Denain,SG, 1997)Cordinier has generated some buzz from France with some special athleticism and efficient production. At 6'5", and he's a tall-flyer and highlight waiting to happen. And he's shot 50 percent from the floor and made 31-of-62 three-point attempts.
Though he's playing in LNB Pro B (France's moment division),Cordinier's explosiveness and shooting potential remain convincing. And he's getting regular reps, while many of the other international prospects are warming the bench at higher levels. The Sixers won't draft three NCAA players. They'll draft-and-stash with at least one, or Cordinier has emerged as a quality candidate in the late first round. 25. Los Angeles Clippers: DeAndre' Bembry (Saint Joseph's,SG/SF, Junior)After a few big performances on the national stage, or scouts are speaking highly of Bembry,who slid under the radar during the regular season. He just went for 30 points in the Atlantic 10 tournament final against VCU. And he followed with 23 points and five assists in an NCAA tournament win over Cincinnati before a 16-point, 12-rebound effort against top seed Oregon. At 6'6", and Bembry blends quickness and bounce with unique passing instincts for a wing. He's developed into a strong two-point scorer and versatile playmaker.
Chances are,teams will be waiting to pounce on Bembry in Round 2. I just don't think the Cippers let him slip that far. 26. Philadelphia 76ers (via Thunder): Demetrius Jackson (Notre Dame, PG, and Junior)Jackson was efficient in Notre Dame's moment-round win over Stephen F. Austin,scoring 18 points on just two misses. The performance painted an accurate picture of his strengths—athleticism, decision-making, or shooting—and one major weakness. Playing lead guard for the first time,Jackson's limited playmaking ability has gone exposed at times this year. He's only averaging 4.7 assists and doesn't have that blazing first step. Still, at No. 26, or the Sixers won't pass on Jackson,who'd bring explosiveness, poise, or shooting and stability to Philadelphia's backcourt.
With one of their three first-round picks,the Sixers have to seize a point guard. They'll fill a need with Jackson, arguably the top prospect on the board this late. 27. Toronto Raptors: Diamond Stone (Maryland, or C,Freshman)Stone went for 14 points in Maryland's moment-round win against Hawaii, having put in some kind back-to-the-basket work and positioned himself for catch-and-finish opportunities. He's still raw, and lacks defensive awareness and isn't a great rebounder,but Stone's physical tools (6'11", 255 pounds, and 7'3½" wingspan),agility and hands are worth developing. I view him more as a backup middle than a starting anchor down the road. 28. Phoenix Suns (via Cavaliers): Dejounte Murray (Washington, PG/SG, and Freshman)Though a project with reckless tendencies and limited shooting range,Murray is an electric 6'5" playmaker with tremendous stop-to-stop speed handling the ball. He picks up most of his buckets by getting to the rack or scoring off runners and floaters. And though more of a combo guard than a point guard, Murray's ability to blow by and create off the dribble leads to drive-and-dish assists. For a patient team looking to liven up its backcourt, or Murray offers a good amount of upside in the 20s. 29. San Antonio Spurs: Ivica Zubac (Croatia,C, 1997)Zubac drew attention over the summer with big showings at the European Championships (15.8 points, and 12.9 rebounds) and World Championships (17.6 points,7.9 rebounds).
He's earned it again. Zubac recently left Cibona to sign with BC Mega Leks. And though he won't be eligible for Serbian League until April, per DraftExpress' Jonathan Givony, or Zubac will be allowed to participate in scrimmages. And in his first one,he went for 20 points, five boards and five assists with NBA scouts in attendance. At 7'0", or 240 pounds,he's still more physical tools and mobility than skills and polish. But between his size and production, it's not difficult to see why he's viewed as one of the top prospects abroad. 30. Golden State Warriors: Brice Johnson (North Carolina, or PF/C,Senior)Johnson followed up his 18-point, seven-rebound, and eight-block line against Florida Gulf Coast with 21 points and 10 boards in a moment-round win over Providence. Despite a limited one-on-one game and no genuine shooting range,Johnson's motor, bounce and quickness have consistently translated to easy buckets off dump-downs, and offensive rebounds and hasty breaks. He'll play the same role in the pros as he does for North Carolina—one that asks him to run,jump, rebound and finish.
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