2016 NBA Mock Draft #1

We’re halfway through the playoffs, but most teams are already looking ahead to next season. The NBA Combine is upon us and therefore draft decisions are still being made. The lottery takes place next week as well, which will tell us the specific order of the draft. Plus, coaching changes are happening, teams are prepping for free agency, and organizations are making plans for their future rosters. It’s a great time to do a mock draft.

Since many prospects are still being evaluated and teams haven’t started doing private workouts yet, this mock is not based upon what I’m predicting will happen. Instead, this mock is based upon what I believe should happen, and it gives an idea as to where I rank the prospects currently. Enjoy!

NOTE: The draft order below is based on the final NBA standings (and trades) as of 5/11/16.

2016 NBA Mock Draft #1

1. Philadelphia 76ers select: Brandon Ingram (SF, Duke)

The 76ers should not take another big man in Simmons, despite him being #1 on other scout draft boards. Ingram is a better offensive player, with better range, and plays a wing position which they need. In fact, I personally have Ingram above Simmons anyways.

2. Los Angeles Lakers select: Ben Simmons (PF, LSU)

I really don’t like the fit here (I like Ingram much better for LA), but Simmons is too tantalizing to pass up. I say you draft him and look to trade Julius Randle or Larry Nance. Randle in particular could bring you a top ten pick, in my opinion, in this year’s draft.

3. Boston Celtics (from Brooklyn) select: Thon Maker (PF, Australia)

I’m sure many will be surprised by this selection, but this is what I’d do. The Celtics need a good big man, and I think Maker is the best option. He’s risky for sure, but he’s clearly the most talented option. I don’t like the foreigner Bender, and while I considered Poeltl here, he disappeared too often in college for my liking. Maker provides a perfect blend of size, athleticism, versatility, and upside. And yes, I consider him a top 5 prospect.

4. Phoenix Suns select: Dragan Bender (PF, Croatia)

While I don’t love Bender as much as others, the Suns possess three first round picks this year and can use one to stash a player overseas. Many see Bender as a future All-Star, so he’s worth a selection here. I also believe help at forward is needed badly, and with their backcourt as loaded as it is, it’s easier to pass on Murray, Hield, and Dunn.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves select: Jamal Murray (SG, Kentucky)

Minnesota needs to continue finding young talent to add to their roster, and I love Murray for them because he can shoot it. While Rubio, Wiggins, and Mohammed are all athletes who deserve playing time, none of them can make outside shots consistently. Murray gives them a guard with range that can stretch defenses. Buddy Hield would be another solid option.

6. New Orleans Pelicans select: Buddy Hield (SG, Oklahoma)

Buddy Hield was amazing last year and the only flaw in his draft stock is his age. Seeing as he played four years in college, he’s already much older than many of the prospects he’s compared to. With that said, we know at this point that he can score in bunches from behind the arc, and he also flashed underrated athleticism last season. The Pelicans will likely lose Eric Gordon this summer, but can replace him with Hield, who will put up similar numbers right away (and will hopefully remain healthier).

7. Denver Nuggets (from New York) select: Jaylen Brown (SG/SF, California)

The Nuggets still have not found a dominant wing that can stay healthy, despite numerous efforts the past few seasons. Brown is worth a selection here to see if he can be the guy. He has massive upside, but is still fairly raw. If he’s coached up right though, he could be a dynamic player at the next level.

8. Sacramento Kings select: Kris Dunn (PG, Providence)

With Rondo potentially on his way out the door this summer, Dunn would be an instant starter for them at point guard. At that position, Dunn has great size and a unique skill set as he does everything well. His toughness would be good for a Kings team that struggles displaying that on a nightly basis. Newly minted HC Dave Joerger would appreciate that greatly.

9. Toronto Raptors (from Denver) select: Skal Labissiere (PF, Kentucky)

The Raptors don’t have a set guy at power forward. The fact that Luis Scola started in that spot often is a sad fact. Labissiere still has a ways to go, but he has some great traits to build on. His outside touch would give spacing for Valanciunas to work inside, and he could provide rim protection on the defensive end.

10. Milwaukee Bucks select: Jakob Poeltl (C, Utah)

The Bucks seemed like a team on the rise a year ago, now it seems as if they need a mini-rebuild. Rumors I’ve heard are that they may look to trade or dump Greg Monroe, despite signing him to a hefty contract last offseason. I agree with the move however, particularly if they can get something good in return. Poeltl would be a nice replacement.

11. Orlando Magic select: Domantas Sabonis (PF, Gonzaga)

Sabonis has been really good for two years in college. This past season he also had great stretches of play in the NCAA Tourney, including a dominant performance against Poeltl. I think he could play alongside Vucevic very well in Orlando, and would give the team better depth inside. This takes pressure off both Vucevic and the backcourt, who currently carry the load.

12. Utah Jazz select: Dejounte Murray (G, Washington)

The Jazz took a nice step forward this year, but still have some issues at point guard. Barring a point guard signing or trade, they should look to draft one. Murray isn’t a pure point guard, but could play that spot if coached correctly. He also can play off the ball if desired. His upside is why I took him over other guard prospects available at this point.

13. Phoenix Suns (from Washington) select: Denzel Valentine (SF, Michigan State)

While I had the Suns stashing a player with their last pick, this time they take a “safe” player. Valentine fills a need at small forward, and can provide everything a team would want. He can score, pass, rebound, defend, and initiate offense. His age limits his upside, but he’s mature enough to contribute right away.

14. Chicago Bulls select: Diamond Stone (C, Maryland)

Gasol and Noah could both be gone (free agents), which suddenly means the Bulls would be thin inside. At this stage of the draft process, not much separates the remaining players. So I prefer Stone above the other options. He has a lot of potential on both ends, and that was clear to see despite being underused in college.

15. Denver Nuggets (from Houston) select: Furkan Korkmaz (SG, Turkey)

Denver, with three first round selections, should take a risk with at least one of them. So taking Korkmaz is perfect for this squad as he’s a big time foreign scorer that could star in the NBA one day. Who knows how long he’ll play overseas, but the Nuggets can afford to wait a tad longer.

16. Boston Celtics (from Dallas) select: Deyonta Davis (PF, Michigan State)

Yet another team with three picks in the first round, Boston takes another big man with upside. He is a guy that can man the paint, finish in traffic, and is slowly developing a nice jump shot. Defending the pick-and-roll is also something Davis can do well. I think Brad Stevens would love this kid.

17. Memphis Grizzlies select: Tyler Ulis (PG, Kentucky)

The Memphis Grizzlies are getting a new coach, have nine free agents this summer, and now face a uncertain future. There are a lot of question marks surrounding the roster, so this pick is simply the player I like the most at this stage in the draft. I’m also predicting Mike Conley changes teams this summer. Ulis would especially make sense then.

18. Detroit Pistons select: Henry Ellenson (PF, Marquette)

Count me among those who think Morris is nothing more than a good bench player… not a starter. Ellenson could be a very nice option inside next to Drummond however, particularly due to his offensive versatility. He’s such a unique player that some teams will love him and others will will hate him. If I’m Detroit, I love him.

19. Denver Nuggets (from Portland) select: Brice Johnson (PF, North Carolina)

Similar to current big man Kenneth Faried, Johnson makes his living on rebounding and finishing. He has a very high motor and tremendous jumping ability. This would be a safe pick for Denver that ensures they get production from this draft choice. If I’m Denver, I’d also shop Faried since I’m taking a younger version of him here.

20. Indiana Pacers select: Malik Beasley (SG, Florida State)

The Pacers have a lot of guys who are streaky shooters or are shooters with limited range. For them to truly go “small” as Bird wants, they need shooters that can be relied upon consistently. And while Beasley has some deficiencies in other areas, his best attribute is his jump shot. That’s why this pick makes sense. If a solid versatile big falls to this spot (like Myles Turner last year), I’d take another one of those. In this scenario however, I didn’t see any fits I liked that well.

21. Atlanta Hawks select: Malachi Richardson (SG, Syracuse)

With nearly their whole roster at the end of their contracts this summer or next, Atlanta simply needs to find the best available player. Richardson was quietly a great one and done player, who emerged late in the year and helped guide Syracuse into the Final Four. He’s got solid size and plays hard at both ends. If they happen to lose Kent Bazemore this offseason, Richardson would help ease the loss. And if Kent comes back, Richardson makes the bench must better.

22. Charlotte Hornets select: AJ Hammons (C, Purdue)

Seeing as they have selected Cody Zeller and Frank Kaminsky recently, let’s take a third Big Ten big man… In all seriousness, this pick is made due to the potential losses of Al Jefferson and Marvin Williams. They also struggle to protect the rim, even with those guys, and Hammons excels in that area. Plus, he’s shown development in his post game and is the best big man remaining on my board. If a shooter falls in their lap here, that would be another solid selection.

23. Boston Celtics select: Malcolm Brogdon (SG, Virginia)

While Boston went with large upside big men with their first two picks, this time they take a safer player that can log minutes on the perimeter. He’d be a perfect second team player that can contribute right away, particularly important with Evan Turner at the end of his contract. Many see him as a second round pick, but I like him better than Justin Anderson who was taken at #21 last year in a better draft class.

24. Philadelphia 76ers (from Miami) select: Caris LeVert (SG, Michigan)

As you can tell by both of my picks so far for Philadelphia (LeVert and Ingram), I’d acquire perimeter players if I’m the GM in this draft. LeVert has been injured a lot recently, but he can do nearly everything well and still has room to grow. If healthy, I wouldn’t be surprised if he started for the 76ers next season in this scenario.

25. Los Angeles Clippers select: Marquese Chriss (PF, Washington)

While I’m not a huge Chriss fan, this is tremendous value for him and he could be a valuable backup (or replacement) for Blake Griffin. He is still raw in areas, but that of course means he has massive upside.

26. Philadelphia 76ers (from Oklahoma City) select: Timothe Luwawu (SG, France)

He’s a major scoring prospect from a country that’s given the NBA solid players. The athleticism is there as well and he can play on both ends. As I’ve done with other teams in this mock, teams with three picks have options and stashing a player is a decent decision for a team rebuilding. Obviously, I’m still picking wings for the 76ers in hopes of finding some production there.

27. Toronto Raptors select: Patrick McCaw (SG, UNLV)

This is my insurance policy in case Derozan is in a different uniform in a few months. McCaw is a tad streaky, but he can score in bunches and possesses a lot of talent. I like his size for the position and I think he’d fit in well in Toronto.

28. Phoenix Suns (from Cleveland) select: Ben Bentil (PF, Providence)

Bentil exploded onto the scene this season and was a lethal scoring machine in the Big East. He did it from inside, outside, and in between. And while the Suns took Bender at #4 in this draft, it may take a few years to get him to the states. Bentil could come in right now and make a difference off the bench (or more in time).

29. San Antonio Spurs select: DeAndre Bembry (SG/SF, St. Joe’s)

Bembry is the type of player the Spurs seem to always draft or acquire; which is to say that he’s unique. He has great speed, quickness, and athleticism, which makes him a dynamic defender. His raw offensive game would be polished nicely in San Antonio too. In many ways, he reminds me of Kawhi Leonard when he was coming out of college. You know how that’s worked out for the Spurs.

30. Golden State Warriors select: Cheick Diallo (PF/C, Kansas)

Despite not playing much for the Jayhawks last year, I still love this kid’s potential and thought he was handled all wrong last year by Bill Self. I remember watching him play a year ago in the McDonald’s All-American game and at the Nike Hoop Summit, and thought he was better than the majority of players in his class (including many taken above him in this mock). That’s the guy the Warriors would be selecting here. His high motor and ability to do the little things is exactly what they need, as all their big men (except Green) will be free agents this year or next. I guess what I’m saying is that this could be Bogut’s potential replacement.

By: The Sports Guys

5 NBA Trades that Should Happen

I'll start by saying that none of these trades are rumored. Don't read this and think that they will happen or even be considered. These are simply bold, blockbuster trades that would change the NBA landscape and are fun to think about. Plus, I'd consider these moves if I were a GM and felt led to change it up. Let's take a look:


5 Bold, Blockbuster NBA Trades


NOTE: These trades don't list the full details of the entire transaction, just the core pieces. In nearly every deal below, players, trade exceptions, and even picks would have to be thrown in for value and salary purposes.


Trade 1: New York Deals #4


Minnesota Receives: No. 4 Pick


New York Receives: Ricky Rubio and Nikola Pekovic


While Minny may have to take on Jose Calderon to make this work, the key for them would be landing the #4 pick in the draft. Remember, they also possess the #1 pick, so this would give them a potential trio of Towns (or Okafor), Mudiay (or Russell), and Wiggins to build around. They also have young talent in LaVine, Bennett, Muhammed, etc. This team would suddenly possess the most young talent in the NBA. Parting with Rubio and Pekovic also gives them a lot more cap space so they can make a run at a young stud in free agency such as Leonard, Jordan, or Monroe.


For New York, this trade would accelerate their rebuild by giving them two players that can make an impact immediately. And these moves wouldn't keep them from attacking free agency with vigor either. This comes down to if they want to take time to develop the player taken at #4, or if they truly want players to help them win right now.


Trade 2: LA Lands a Stud


Los Angeles Receives: Derrick Rose


Chicago Receives: No. 2 Pick, Eric Bledsoe or Brandon Knight, Nick Young


Phoenix Receives: Joakim Noah, Jordan Clarkson


Why would Chicago do this? For me, they can't base their entire future on the health of Derrick Rose. Despite the immense talent in Chicago, they haven't taken advantage because their "best player" has been injured during the playoffs or beforehand hurting team chemistry (like this season). Also, Noah has become a liability on offense at times, which killed them against Cleveland a couple weeks ago. By dealing those two, they can land Okafor in the draft to replace Noah, Bledsoe or Knight (in a sign-and-trade) to replace Rose, and they add a wing scorer in Young to fill in for Dunleavy who is a free agent (or be a 6th man off the bench). These moves make them younger and much more dangerous offensively. These moves would be in addition to locking up Butler long-term this offseason, and they would still possess pick #22. Who knows, by dealing Rose they could even ask for more.


For LA this move is easy. Pairing Rose with Kobe is too enticing to pass up. This would make them instant contenders, and it would give free agents even more reason to sign with LA this offseason. Why wouldn't Love want to go play close to home alongside Rose and Kobe? Or why wouldn't Marc Gasol want to go play in a place that turned his brother into a champion and play with those two? This also ensures them a superstar when Kobe retires in a year. The only downside is that Julius Randle may also have to be involved in this deal in some capacity.


This decision for Phoenix is all about playing style. After repeatedly failing to earn a playoff spot playing with two point guards, are they finally ready to move on from that strategy and play legitimately? Noah would vastly improve their defense, give them a veteran leader that still plays at a high level, and provide them with the best big man they've had in years. Clarkson is also a very intriguing player that has been actually solid for LA, and would allow them to still have another good point guard alongside whoever they choose to keep (Bledsoe or Knight). Final details could include another piece also.


Trade 3: OKC Officially Becomes Durant's Team


Oklahoma City Receives: Victor Oladipo, Reggie Jackson, Channing Frye


Orlando Receives: Russell Westbrook


Detroit Receives: Elfrid Payton


Over the last few years, the best I ever saw OKC play was in the 2013-14 season when Westbrook was injured. At that point, the team was Durant's and he truly flourished for the first time in his career (en route to his only MVP season). In my opinion, Westbrook holds Durant and the team back. He's a ballhog, scoring first point guard. Those guys don't win championships. The last time a team with a true score-first point guard won a championship was in the 80's with Isaiah Thomas. Plus I think Durant is on pace to leave next season unless something changes. This move brings back Reggie Jackson in a sign-and-trade (who was the point guard when Westbrook was injured that season) and gives Durant a rising star sidekick in Oladipo (whom I love). Frye also stretches the floor as a shooting big. If they re-sign Kanter this offseason, this is a team that can win a championship very soon.


Orlando has said recently they want to speed up their recovery to relevancy. Westbrook would do that. This deal would allow them to get a superstar, keep their pick at #5, and pair him with Vucevic who is an emerging stud. Orlando was a contender many years ago with a star and a team built around him (Howard), so they can do that again with Westbrook.


This is fairly simple for Detroit as they are surely going to lose Reggie Jackson in free agency. By agreeing to a sign-and-trade, they can replace him with Payton, who could turn out to be a star after a strong rookie campaign. Better get something than nothing.


Trade 4: Each Team gets a Redo


Charlotte Receives: Joe Johnson, Mason Plumlee


Brooklyn Receives: Lance Stephenson, Marvin Williams, Gerald Henderson, Noah Vonleh


Brooklyn has said publically they would love to deal their big money players (Deron, Joe, Brook), but they haven't found a suitor. Charlotte signed Lance Stephenson after a career year in Indy, but it was a disaster and they are looking to trade him. So this works for both teams.


Brooklyn gets a number of contributors here, including two younger players with upside in Vonleh and Stephenson. They shed the massive salary of Joe Johnson in the process, and can start looking at the future.


Charlotte importantly gets a shooter in this deal, something they desperately need. Plumlee gives them another power forward inside to split time with Zeller. Both players would help Charlotte improve immediately, potentially enough to get into the playoffs.


Trade 5: Denver Gets a Star Again


Denver Receives: No. 20 Pick, DeMar DeRozan


Toronto Receives: No. 7 Pick, Wilson Chandler, Randy Foye


Denver continues to idle in the same position year after year. By acquiring DeRozan, they finally land a true scorer on the perimeter and a star to go to in crunch time. This also unclutters their roster a bit. A lineup of Lawson, DeRozan, Gallinari, Faried, and Nurkic is actually very formidable. In the deal, they may or may not get the 20th pick in return, which means they could still pick in the first round despite parting with #7.


As we saw in the Eastern Conference Playoffs, Toronto doesn't have enough as constructed to be a true contender. Losing DeRozan hurts, but they can land a stud at #7 that can likely contribute quickly. Chandler and Foye will both help instantly as well. This also gives the Raptors a lot more depth, and it may free up money now and in the future to spend on free agents. This deal becomes even better if they figure out how to make the deal happen without trading their pick at #20.


By: The Sports Guys

NBA Mock Draft 3

The NBA regular season is done and the playoffs are underway. College basketball is also completed and we’re nearing the end of the early declaration period. So this mock today comes with a little more clarity than the last couple of mocks.

With that said, the draft lottery still has to take place, more in depth analysis will happen with the NBA prospects, and many foreign players will need to still make their intentions known. Trade and free agent rumors will affect the draft this summer as well. Nonetheless, there are at least 14 teams out there already looking ahead to next season. This will help.

Last year we did four mock drafts. We got a lot right in our final mock, but missed on many picks as well. We’ll do our best once again to bring you accurate analysis. Today, Andrew will start with the top pick, but then we’ll let Greg take the next two (#2 and #3), then Andrew will take two, and we’ll continue until the first round is complete. This mock will be first round only, but we’ll add in the second round next time.

NOTE: The draft order below is based on the final NBA standings (and trades) as of 4/22/15.

2015 NBA Mock Draft 3

1. Minnesota Timberwolves select: Karl-Anthony Towns (C, Kentucky)

1st and 2nd Mock: Jahlil Okafor (C, Duke)

For the first time in any of our mocks, we do not have Okafor going #1. A late season surge and a great NCAA Tourney by Towns has moved him past Okafor for now on my big board. He isn’t quite as skilled offensively (although it’s close), but he’s better defensively by a mile. I would love to see those two square off at the combine or at a team visit though. As for Minnesota, a Towns/Wiggins combo moving forward has so much upside and would make fans giddy.

2. New York Knicks select: Jahlil Okafor (C, Duke)

1st and 2nd Mock: Emmanuel Mudiay (PG, China)

Unlike my colleague, I don’t think the comparison between Okafor (my #1) and Towns is that close.  The Knicks are going to be ecstatic picking either player, but to have Okafor drop to them here has got to make them excited. Okafor seemingly fits the style of the Knicks better than Towns does as well.

3. Philadelphia 76ers select: Justise Winslow (SF, Duke)

1st Mock: D’Angelo Russell (G, Ohio State)

2nd Mock: Karl-Anthony Towns (C, Kentucky)

Winslow was a key catalyst to Duke winning the national championship. On a team with a lot of talent, he was almost always the X factor. When Winslow played well, his team didn’t lose.  His shooting improved throughout the season and he is a plus defender on the perimeter. Philly could use help in those areas.

4. Los Angeles Lakers select: Emmanuel Mudiay (PG, China)

1st Mock: Willie Cauley-Stein (PF/C, Kentucky)

2nd Mock: D’Angelo Russell (G, Ohio State)

With Winslow going earlier than expected at #3, the Lakers had their choice between Mudiay and Russell. Either would be an excellent fit with LA, but I like Mudiay for them better. Russell is similar to Jordan Clarkson, who they drafted a year ago (Clarkson played well this season too). Mudiay gives them something different and gives them a great point guard prospect that they haven’t had in a long time.

5. Orlando Magic select: D’Angelo Russell (G, Ohio State)

1st Mock: Myles Turner (PF, Texas)

2nd Mock: Kristaps Porzingis (PF, Latvia)

Justise Winslow is probably the best player for them here due to his position and could end up being the pick come draft day. But in this mock he’s off the board and Russell is clearly the best player available anyways. Russell complicates the backcourt a little bit since they already have emerging stars Elfrid Payton and Victor Oladipo at guard, but he offers skills those two don’t. With Oladipo’s lengthy arms and athleticism, you could see him slide to the 3 to allow Russell to join the starting lineup alongside he and Payton.

6. Sacramento Kings select: Myles Turner (PF, Texas)

1st Mock: Karl-Anthony Towns (C, Kentucky)

2nd Mock: Justise Winslow (SF, Duke)

Turner has a ton of upside. He has range for a big man, is a very capable defender, and still has some room to develop offensively inside. He can play right away and contribute defensively alongside Cousins.

7. Denver Nuggets select: Willie Cauley-Stein (PF/C, Kentucky)

1st Mock: Stanley Johnson (SF, Arizona)

2nd Mock: Willie Cauley-Stein (PF/C, Kentucky)

Cauley-Stein doesn’t have much of an offensive game. If he did, he’d probably be the #1 overall pick as he’s the best defensive player in the draft. If he can translate his athleticism into a serviceable offensive game, he can be a good player in the NBA for a long time. In fact, he probably can without it.

8. Detroit Pistons select: Kristaps Porzingis (PF, Latvia)

1st Mock: Justise Winslow (SF, Duke)

2nd Mock: Stanely Johnson (SF, Arizona)

For the record, I’m not one that often loves international prospects. But Porzingis offers the most upside of any player remaining and could be a perfect fit with Detroit. The team is likely losing Greg Monroe this offseason, so Porzingis could be the long term replacement and perfect compliment to Andre Drummond inside.

9. Charlotte Hornets select: Devin Booker (SG, Kentucky)

1st Mock: Trey Lyles (PF, Kentucky)

2nd Mock: Mario Hezonja (SF, Croatia)

I admit that I have a man crush on Devin Booker as a draft prospect (he’s in that 5-7 range on my draft board). But Charlotte needs offense, particularly players that can shoot. Booker is clearly the top shooter in the draft, and he’s also sneaky athletic. When I think about him as a pro, I think Klay Thompson over and over. I also considered Mario Hezonja here but I doubt MJ picks a foreign player.

10. Miami Heat select: Stanley Johnson (SF, Arizona)

1st Mock: Kristaps Porzingis (PF, Latvia)

2nd Mock: Myles Turner (PF, Texas)

The Heat want to win now before Wade declines any further. They should and will pick best available player here. That’s Stanley Johnson, a great defender and emerging offensive player. I’d be shocked if he lasts this long on draft day.

11. Indiana Pacers select: Frank Kaminsky (PF, Wisconsin)

1st Mock: Mario Hezonja (SG, Croatia)

2nd Mock: Melo Trimble (PG, Maryland)

The Pacers are back in the lottery for the first time in years. Bird seems to like veteran college players capable of producing immediately. Kaminsky is therefore the perfect selection, and would be the long-term solution when David West’s contract is up.

12. Utah Jazz select: Mario Hezonja (SF, Croatia)

1st Mock: Kevon Looney (F, UCLA)

2nd Mock: Kelly Oubre (SF, Kansas)

The Jazz aren’t going to take over the Western Conference any time soon. So Hezonja is worth a selection here due to his long-term upside as a potential star. If he stays overseas a little longer, that would be just fine with Utah.

13. Phoenix Suns select: Trey Lyles (PF, Kentucky)

1st Mock: Montrezl Harrell (PF, Louisville)

2nd Mock: Devin Booker (SG/SF, Kentucky)

The Suns just missed the playoffs and could go many directions with this pick. They are a tough team to project though because they are unpredictable (as we saw at the trade deadline). Lyles is the best player available however so that’s why he was the choice for now.

14. Oklahoma City Thunder select: Sam Dekker (F, Wisconsin)

1st Mock: Frank Kaminsky (PF, Wisconsin)

2nd Mock: Kevin Looney (F, UCLA)

OKC is clearly in win-now mode and Dekker can help them do that. He gives them depth behind Kevin Durant at small forward and can get it done on both sides of the court.

15. Atlanta Hawks (from Brooklyn) select: Kelly Oubre (F, Kansas)

1st Mock: Kelly Oubre (SF, Kansas)

2nd Mock: Frank Kaminsky (PF, Wisconsin)

Oubre may end up going in the lottery come draft day, but his slide is to Atlanta’s advantage here. Oubre gives them an intriguing bench option that could blossom into a starter down the road. I don’t think his upside is sky high, but I’ve been wrong before.

16. Boston Celtics select: Kevin Looney (F, UCLA)

1st Mock: R.J. Hunter (SG, Georgia State)

2nd Mock: Cliff Alexander (PF, Kansas)

What’s working against Looney is that his NBA position is unclear. But he ended the college season playing well and he seems to be improving his jumpshot. That will be important in the NBA. If there is a coach I trust to get the most out of a player though it’s Coach Stevens, who could have been Coach of the Year in my opinion. So this is a good fit.

17. Milwaukee Bucks select: Montrezl Harrell (PF, Louisville)

1st Mock: Cliff Alexander (PF, Kansas)

2nd Mock: Montrezl Harrell (PF, Louisville)

I’m a big Harrell fan and once thought he’d be a top ten pick for sure. I think his age is working against him. But the Bucks could use an interior presence with his massive motor. He’d block shots, rebound, and defend for Kidd’s club. Oh, and he’d dunk a lot too.

18. Houston Rockets (from New Orleans) select: Kris Dunn (PG, Providence)

1st Mock: Sam Dekker (SF, Wisconsin)

2nd Mock: Trey Lyles (F, Kentucky)

The Rockets clearly need more depth at point guard. In fact, they’ll likely need to do better than Beverly in the starting lineup if they want to win a NBA title. Dunn isn’t as known as some of the other players in this draft class, but he has the chance to be special. His talent is outstanding and he’s one that could do better in the NBA than in college.

19. Washington Wizards select: R.J. Hunter (SG, Georgia State)

1st Mock: Jerian Grant (PG, Notre Dame)

2nd Mock: Domantas Sabonis (PF, Gonzaga)

Hunter became more known when he hit the shot of the NCAA tourney against Baylor in the opening round. He’s got good size for a shooting guard and can clearly score. The only question he’ll have to answer at the combine is if he is athletic enough and aggressive enough to play in the league.

20. Toronto Raptors select: Jerian Grant (PG, Notre Dame)

1st Mock: Jacob Poeltl (C, Utah)

2nd Mock: Bobby Portis (PF, Arkansas)

Toronto made the playoffs but aren't making a good showing there. They simply don’t have the explosive scorers like many other teams have (such as the Wizards who they are playing currently). Grant isn’t a pure point guard and could end up playing off the ball a little bit more in the NBA. But he is a scorer and that’s what the Raptors need.

21. Dallas Mavericks select: Tyus Jones (PG, Duke)

1st Mock: Bobby Portis (PF, Arkansas)

2nd Mock: Jerian Grant (PG/SG, Notre Dame)

I love Tyus Jones and would likely take him in the top ten. So if I’m Dallas I sprint to the podium to select him here. Rondo has been a disaster so I’m assuming he won’t be back. Tyus Jones would make others around him better, wouldn’t demand the ball in any way, and could come up big when leaned upon (as we saw in the championship game and many other big games this past season). This is a perfect fit.

22. Chicago Bulls select: Terry Rozier (PG, Louisville)

1st Mock: Justin Anderson (SF, Virginia)

2nd Mock: AJ Hammons (C, Purdue)

The Bulls have been privately and publically thinking about parting with Rose at some point. His injuries continue to hamper the team. Rozier can do a lot of the same things as Rose when it comes to penetrating and creating. He isn’t the same finisher and doesn’t have the same build as Rose though, but would still be a solid prospect.

23. Portland Trailblazers select: Dakari Johnson (C, Kentucky)

1st Mock: Delon Wright (PG, Utah)

2nd Mock: R.J. Hunter (SG, Georgia State)

Dakari Johnson didn’t see the floor a ton at Kentucky due to the depth they had at the position (including #1 Towns), but he did well when he played. Plus, you can’t teach height which he has, and Portland could use another big body.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers select: Justin Anderson (SF, Virginia)

1st Mock: Tyrone Wallace (PG, California)

2nd Mock: Terry Rozier (PG, Louisville)

Since the Cavs are trying to win now, it makes sense for them to add a polished player, that can contribute towards winning, rather than a project. Anderson seems to be a safe pick as you know what you’ll get with him. He doesn’t have a big ceiling however.

25. Memphis Grizzlies select: Bobby Portis (PF, Arkansas)

1st Mock: Devin Booker (SG, Kentucky)

2nd Mock: Tyus Jones (PG, Duke)

Interior depth is a surprising need for Memphis, especially if they lose Gasol this summer. I don’t love Portis but he seems to possess some decent skills that could translate to the next level. So even though I don’t love the player, he fills a need.

26. San Antonio Spurs select: Delon Wright (PG, Utah)

1st Mock: Tyus Jones (PG, Duke)

2nd Mock: Justin Anderson (SF, Virginia)

Wright is a terrific defender, leader, and has great size for a point guard. Even though he doesn’t have a polished offensive game, he’d make plays off the bench for the Spurs. He just seems to be a SA player.

27. Los Angeles Lakers (from Houston) select: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (SF, Arizona)

1st and 2nd Mock: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (SF, Arizona)

Talent is one thing the Lakers lack and it’s one thing Hollis-Jefferson has. Will he be a big time player immediately? No. But his upside is large and he can at least provide a defensive spark in year one.

28. Boston Celtics (from LAC) select: Robert Upshaw (C, Washington)

1st Mock: Terry Rozier (PG, Louisville)

2nd Mock: Delon Wright (PG, Utah)

Upshaw is flying under the radar due to his off the court issues. But he could be one of the best big men in this entire draft after the top two guys. Boston could use a shot blocker inside and Upshaw can fill that need right away. If Boston decides his immaturity is behind him, he’s definitely worth a first round pick.

29. Brooklyn Nets (from Atlanta) select: Cameron Payne (PG, Murray State)

1st Mock: Caris LeVert (SG, Michigan)

2nd Mock: Sam Dekker (SF, Wisconsin)

Payne is another player that is under the radar due to his small school status. I wouldn’t be surprised though is a team in the top 20 falls in love with him. The Nets know Deron Williams won’t be around much longer so adding another option now is key. Payne is also the best point guard left in this mock.

30. Golden State Warriors select: Tyler Harvey (SG, Eastern Washington)

1st Mock: Buddy Hield (SG, Oklahoma)

2nd Mock: Jacob Poeltl (C, Utah)

Harvey led the nation in scoring last year and can get it done by shooting or driving. The main question with Harvey though is about his size and if he’s tall enough to play shooting guard. If teams evaluate him as a point guard, does he have enough ball handling and passing ability to thrive there? On the flip side, the same questions were asked about Steph Curry, and we see how that turned out for the Warriors. That’s why they won’t be afraid to make this pick.

So there you have our third mock for the NBA Draft. As we stated above, this will undergo some major changes moving forward. You agree or disagree with our projected picks? Let us know in the comment section.

By: The Sports Guys