With the deadline for International players come and gone, this is a good time to complete another mock draft. The draft is in exactly two weeks.

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1. Philadelphia 76ers
SF/PF Ben Simmons, Fr, LSU
6'10, 239 lbs
Hometown: Fitzroy, Australia
2015-2016 Stats: 19.2 ppg, 11.9 rpg, 4.8 apg

Though Brandon Ingram continues to get mentions here, I still think Ben Simmons will be the choice. The fact that he refuses to conduct any workouts does not bother me. There really is little reason for Simmons to do anything but sit and wait, as he is a guaranteed top two pick. The 76ers will likely look to move Jahlil Okafor and roll with a future front court of Simmons, Dario Saric, Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid. Simmons has an NBA friendly game and could give Philadelphia fans a reason to return to the arena in 2016-2017.

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2. Los Angeles Lakers
SG/SF Brandon Ingram, Fr, Duke
6'9, 196 lbs
Hometown: Kinston, NC
2015-2016 Stats: 17.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg,  2.0 apg

Again, let's not put any stock into the thought that the Lakers will go with a big man over Brandon Ingram here. Though they did surprise with D'Angelo Russell last year, Jahlil Okafor is better than Marquese Chriss and Kristaps Porzingis is better than Dragan Bender. Ingram is far and away the best option here. He might not be a household name like Ben Simmons, but could have the more successful NBA career.

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3. Boston Celtics
(from Brooklyn Nets)
SG Jamal Murray, Fr, Kentucky
6'5, 201 lbs
Hometown: Kitchner, Ontario, Canada
2015-2016 Stats: 20.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.2 apg

I seriously doubt that the Celtics are going to end up drafting here. Trading this pick to the 76ers for Jahlil Okafor makes a bunch of sense for both sides. Boston gets a much needed boost of front court scoring, and Philadelphia will take the shooting ability of Jamal Murray here. Regardless, Murray has long been my third best prospect in this draft, and this would be a good spot for him to go. If Boston is stuck in this spot, expect Danny Ainge to go for a front court player like Marquese Chriss or Dragan Bender.

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4. Phoenix Suns
PF Marquese Chriss, Fr, Washington
6'10, 233 lbs
Hometown: Rancho Cordova, CA
2015-2016 Stats: 13.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.6 bpg


The Suns desperately need front court scoring after shipping Markieff Morris to the Wizards. Marquese Chriss reminds me of a more athletic Morris, actually. Chriss can fly and block shots, but is still a developing rebounder. The Suns will like his ability to get out and hit the jump shot. A month ago it would have been unheard of for Chriss to be a top five pick, but his pre-draft ascension reminds me of former Texas Longhorn Tristan Thompson. He is raw, but fits what today's NBA looks for out of their big men. 

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5. Minnesota Timberwolves
PF Dragan Bender, Croatia
7'1, 225 lbs
Hometown: Capljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina
2015-2016: 4.5 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 0.7 apg

Now that Tom Thibedeau is head coach and general manager, it is tough to determine what direction he will go. He has been notoriously tough on rookies, and if the Wolves do end up picking here, the player drafted might not make much of an impact. On paper, Dragan Bender would be a very solid fix next to Karl-Anthony Towns. Bender is much more raw than Kristaps Porzingis was last year, and is not as good of an athlete, but offers nice size and shooting ability.

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6. New Orleans Pelicans
C Jakob Poeltl, So, Utah
7'1, 239 lbs
Hometown: Vienna, Austria
2015-2016 Stats: 17.3 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 1.5 bpg

The Pelicans could go any direction with this pick, as only Anthony Davis and Tyreke Evans are sure things going forward. Kris Dunn is a popular choice here, but I think Davis needs some front court protection, so he is not forced to play center quite so much. Perhaps that will keep him from missing so many games. Jakob Poeltl can pass as a center in today's NBA. He is a bit weak, but has range on his jump shot and can rebound and block shots.

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7. Denver Nuggets
SG Buddy Hield, Sr, Oklahoma
6'5, 212 lbs
Hometown: Freeport, Bahamas
2015-2016 Stats: 25.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 2.0 apg


With three of the first 19 picks in this draft, Denver can afford to go with the best available player here. Throw Buddy Hield in the mix with Gary Harris and Will Barton, and Denver will have one of the deepest shooting guard trios in the league. The Nuggets need players who can put the ball in the basket, and the reigning NCAA Player of the Year definitely qualifies in that aspect.

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8. Sacramento Kings
PG/SG Kris Dunn, Jr, Providence
6'4, 205 lbs
Hometown: New London, CT
2015-2016 Stats: 16.4 ppg, 6.2 apg, 5.3 rpg

Kris Dunn could go as high as third overall, so to land a good player at such a position of need has to be a coup for Sacramento. The defensive minded guard would be a great fit for a Dave Joeger led team. Dunn does not need to score to be effective, and can rebound, defend and defer to DeMarcus Cousins. A fine replacement for Rajon Rondo, who will likely move on during free agency.

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9. Toronto Raptors
(from New York Knicks)
PF/C Skal Labissiere, Fr, Kentucky
7'0, 216 lbs
Hometown: Port-Au-Prince, Haiti
2015-2016 Stats: 6.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.6 bpg

The Raptors are expected to lose Bismack Biyombo in free agency, which would leave the team woefully thin at the front court positions. Toronto stole this pick from the Knicks for Andrea Bargnani a few years back, so with house money they could gamble on the upside of Skal Labissiere. It was not long ago that Labissiere was the second overall recruit behind Ben Simmons. He is raw and a project, but his length, shot blocking ability and defensive potential will probably make him a lottery pick.

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10. Milwaukee Bucks
PF/C Henry Ellenson, Fr, Marquette
7'0, 242 lbs
Hometown: Rice Lake, WI
2015-2016 Stats: 17.0 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 1.5 bpg

Henry Ellenson was not quite the second coming of Kevin Love during his lone season at Marquette, but he had a fantastic year. At his best Ellenson can handle the ball, rebound and even hit the occasional three pointer, though his stretch four capabilities are a bit overstated. Unless Kris Dunn unexpectably falls, the Bucks will probably look to fill the front court rotation, and the Wisconsin native would be a decent option.

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11. Orlando Magic
SG/SF Jaylen Brown, Fr, California
6'7, 223 lbs
Hometown: Marietta, GA
2015-2016 Stats: 14.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.0 apg

On pure talent alone, Jaylen Brown would be a top five pick. The problem is, his game does not quite fit what teams look for in wing players these days. He is not a great shooter, and his defensive metrics leave something to be desired, although the potential is there to be a strong defender. I think he could be in for a bit of a draft day tumble, though I doubt he falls out of the lottery all together. The Magic have a great young core and landing Frank Vogel could make them a playoff contender sooner rather than later. Brown would be a nice rotational piece in Orlando.

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12. Utah Jazz
SG/SF Timothe Luwawu, France
6'7, 205 lbs
Hometown: Cannes, France
2015-2016 Stats: 14.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.8 apg


The Jazz have been knocking on the Western Conference playoff door for the past couple of seasons. All Utah needs is better luck in the health department, continued development from a talented group of youngsters, and stability at the point guard position. Unfortunately, Utah will not find an immediate starting point guard here, or even much of an upgrade over Dante Exum, Raul Neto or Trey Burke, so they go a different direction. Timothe Luwawu is a shooter and a solid wing defender, which makes him an ideal 2016 small forward. He faces a steep learning curve coming from the Adriatic league to the NBA, but he, along with Rodney Hood, could give Utah a great backup shooting guard/small forward duo.

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13. Phoenix Suns
(from Washington Wizards)
C Ante Zizic, Croatia
7'0, 249 lbs
Hometown: Split, Croatia
2015-2016 Stats: 13.4, ppg, 8.0 rpg, 1.4 bpg


The Suns have three first round picks and might not use them all on players who will suit up in 2016-2017. Ante Zizic might be considered a bit of a reach here, but he reminds me a lot of Jusuf Nurkic, who was a late lottery pick a few seasons ago. Zizic is a beast down low, and is an improving defender. The Suns could opt to stash Zizic for a year or two, though if he is picked this high he may opt to come to the states right away.

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14. Chicago Bulls
PG/SG Wade Baldwin IV, So, Vanderbilt
6'4, 202 lbs
Hometown: Metuchen, NJ
2015-2016 Stats: 14.1 ppg, 5.2 apg, 4.0 rpg


For the first time since the Bulls drafted Derrick Rose in 2008, there is uncertainty facing the franchise. Rumors have Chicago listening to offers on Jimmy Butler and Rose. On top of that, long time big man Joakim Noah is likely to depart as a free agent, as is Pau Gasol. All in all, no one quite knows what Chicago will look like next year, so they just take the best available player here. Wade Baldwin IV is a combo scoring guard with good size, who can play point guard in a pinch. He could be the replacement for Rose, or Butler, or Aaron Brooks. No one quite knows.

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15. Denver Nuggets
(from Houston Rockets)
PF/C Deyonta Davis, Fr, Michigan State
6'11, 237 lbs
Hometown: Muskegon, MI
2015-2016 Stats: 7.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.8 bpg


With their second pick, Denver opts to beef up it's front court. Deyonta Davis was not highly used at Michigan State, but he was impressive when he was on the court. The former top recruit has great size, is very strong and can rebound and block shots. He would be a nice fit in a Mike Malone led defense.

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16. Boston Celtics
(from Dallas Mavericks)
PF/C Domantas Sabonis, So, Gonzaga
6'10, 231 lbs
Hometown:  Kaunas, Lithuania
2015-2016 Stats: 17.5 ppg, 11.8 rpg, 1.8 apg

Predicting what the Celtics are going to do with their 84 draft picks is a futile exercise. What I do expect is for Boston to draft a few European prospects, try to make a ton of trades, and come out of this draft with one or two rookies to add to the roster. Looking at Boston's needs, front court depth is the number one issue. Few college basketball players had as good of a season as Domantas Sabonis. I do not like his NBA chances quite as well, because he does not have one discernible NBA skill, and is not a tremendous athlete. He should make a living as a solid backup big man who can rebound and knock down some jump shots.

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17. Memphis Grizzlies
SG Furkan Korkmaz, Turkey
6'7, 185 lbs
Hometown: Bakirkoy, Turkey
2015-2016 Stats: 4.3 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 0.6 apg


It seems the Grizzlies have failed to draft a key piece of the rotation since Mike Conley almost a decade ago. That has caught up to them, as injuries and a lack of depth capsized the 2015-2016 season. Furkan Korkmaz has the talent to develop into a Richard Hamilton-like offensive weapon, though it will take a year or two. Korkmaz is extremely raw, and frail, and may need to continue to hone his game overseas.

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18. Detroit Pistons
SG Denzel Valentine, Sr, Michigan State
6'6, 210 lbs
Hometown: Lansing, MI
2015-2016 Stats: 19.2 ppg, 7.8 apg, 7.5 rpg


I think Denzel Valentine will fall a bit in this draft, though that would be a mistake. He is an all around threat who is a better shooter than scouts are giving him credit for. This is a bad draft, and Valentine is a pretty strong bet to develop into a nice bench option. The Pistons could draft the versatile Michigan native and use him as a backup at both guard and the small forward positions.

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19. Denver Nuggets
(from Portland Trail Blazers)
SF/PF Juan Hernangomez, Spain
6'9, 220 lbs
Hometown: Madrid, Spain
2015-2016 Stats: 9.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 0.6 apg


Denver has used the European market well in recent seasons, and will almost assuredly come out of this draft with another draft and stash candidate or two. Juan Hernangomez is a dead ringer for fellow countryman Nikola Mirotic. He is the definition of a stretch four, able to play both forward positions and knock down three pointers. Hernangomez is raw, but could develop given time.

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20. Indiana Pacers
PG Demetrius Jackson, Jr, Notre Dame
6'2, 194 lbs
Hometown: Mishawaka, IN
2015-2016 Stats: 15.8 ppg, 4.7 apg, 3.5 rpg


Larry Bird is completely obsessed with building a roster that will push the pace, and few players in this draft are as quick as Demetrius Jackson. George Hill is entrenched as the starting point guard, but Jackson is a tailor made backup, who can come in and provide instant offense for 15 to 20 minutes per night.

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21. Atlanta Hawks
SF Taurean Prince, Sr, Baylor
6'8, 220 lbs
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
2015-2016 Stats: 16.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.3 apg


The Hawks were simply not the same without DeMarre Carroll in 2015-2016. No one is mistaking Taurean Prince for Carroll, but he offers some of the same skills. Prince has good size, the ability to be a very good defender and can knock down three point shots. Those skills should make him a first round pick, perhaps as high as the late lottery.

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22. Charlotte Hornets
PF Brice Johnson, Sr, North Carolina
6'11, 209 lbs
Hometown: Cordova, SC
2015-2016 Stats: 17.0 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 1.5 bpg


The Charlotte franchise had it's best season since returning to the NBA, and will surprisingly pick 22nd. The Bobcats/Hornets have long been fans of upper classmen with strong resumes. Brice Johnson, the Carolina native, exploded as a senior. He reminds of Brendan Wright, and could become a high energy backup big man.

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23. Boston Celtics
C Ivica Zubac, Croatia
7'1, 265 lbs
Hometown: Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
2015-2016 Stats: 10.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.2 bpg


See previous Celtics commentary. Ivica Zubac has the look of an old school center, and would have been a very popular pick in the 90's, when NBA teams always had to have that 7'1, 270 pound load on the roster. Zubac will be a very popular draft and stash pick in hopes that he can turn that potential into production. 

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24. Philadelphia 76ers
(from Miami Heat)
PG Tyler Ulis, So, Kentucky
5'10, 149 lbs
Hometown: Matteson, IL
2015-2016 Stats: 17.3 ppg, 7.0 apg, 3.0 rpg

Tyler Ulis is undersized. And....? That may be the only knock against the Kentucky great. He could not have landed in a better situation than Philadelphia. Even as a late first round rookie, he will immediately become the best point guard on the roster. He can shoot, and takes tremendous care of the basketball. It would not surprise me one bit if Ulis becomes the best point guard in this class.

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25. Los Angeles Clippers
SF DeAndre Bembry, Jr, Saint Joseph's
6'6, 207 lbs
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
2015-2016 Stats: 17.4 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 4.5 apg


The Clippers tried Paul Pierce, Luc Mbah a Moute and Jeff Green at the small forward position, and all failed miserably. Unfortunately, the Clippers are almost maxed out salary cap wise, and picking 25th will not give them an instant starter. If DeAndre Bembry was a better shooter, he could be a lottery pick, as he does everything else so well. He has the chance to develop into an Evan Turner-like wing player at the next level.

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26. Philadelphia 76ers
(from Oklahoma City Thunder)
SG Malik Beasley, Fr, Florida State
6'5, 190 lbs
Hometown: Alpharetta, GA
2015-2016 Stats: 15.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.5 apg

I like Malik Beasley as one of the best true shooting guards in this draft. There are rumblings and worries about a metal rod in his leg, but I still think he finds a spot in the first round. As bad as Philadelphia's point guard spot was last year, the two guard position was not much better. Even as two late first round picks, the combination of Tyler Ulis and Beasley is already better than the prior TJ McConnell/Nik Stauskas duo. 

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27. Toronto Raptors
PF Guerschon Yabusele, France
6'8, 270 lbs
Hometown: Dreux, France
2015-2016 Stats: 11.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.1 apg


With so many teams owning multiple first round picks in this draft, expect more European prospects drafted in the first round than usual. France has a good track record for NBA talent, and expect a couple more French players to be drafted this year. Guerschon Yabusele does not have the prettiest body, but is a strong rebounder who can surprise with his shooting range. If he can improve his physique and stamina, the Raptors could have a future starter.

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28. Phoenix Suns
(from Cleveland Cavaliers)
SG/SF Patrick McCaw, So, UNLV
6'7, 181 lbs
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
2015-2016 Stats: 14.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.9 apg

The Suns could easily go the foreign route again, but I have them drafting a wing player to help with depth. Patrick McCaw is a bit underrated. He can handle the ball, run the floor and even hit the three point shot. He is squarely on the first round bubble, but could have a future in the NBA.

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29. San Antonio Spurs
C Diamond Stone, Fr, Maryland
6'10, 254 lbs
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
2015-2016 Stats: 12.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.6 bpg

Fifteen years ago, Diamond Stone would have been a top five pick. However, the game has changed, and if your big men do not have range on their jump shots, they could be considered a liability. Stone had an up and down freshman season, but scouts cannot forget his great 39 point, 12 rebound performance. Stone could be a future starter in this league. Every once in a while the Spurs actually draft American prospects, and Stone would be good value here.

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30. Golden State Warriors
PF Thon Maker, Australia
7'1, 216 lbs
Hometown: Sudan



Thon Maker is the ultimate wild card. He is a great athlete who is a YouTube legend, but it is still unsure of whether his skills will translate to the NBA level. Maker could be a late lottery pick, mid second round pick, or anywhere in between. I will split the difference and place him in the late first round. The Warriors have little to lose here.

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Round 2

31. Boston Celtics (from Philadelphia 76ers) - SF Paul Zipser, Germany
32. Los Angeles Lakers - PF/C Damian Jones, Jr, Vanderbilt
33. Los Angeles Clippers (from Brooklyn Nets) - PF Cheick Diallo, Fr, Kansas
34. Phoenix Suns - PF/C Zhou Qi, China
35. Boston Celtics (from Minnesota Timberwolves) - PF Ben Bentil, So, Providence
36. Milwaukee Bucks (from New Orleans Pelicans) - SG/SF Malachi Richardson, Fr, Syracuse
37. Houston Rockets (from New York Knicks) - C AJ Hammons, Sr, Purdue
38. Milwaukee Bucks - SF Rade Zagorac, Serbia
39. New Orleans Pelicans (from Denver Nuggets) - PG/SG Dejounte Murray, Fr, Washington
40. New Orleans Pelicans (from Sacramento Kings) - SG Malcolm Brogdon, Sr, Virginia
41. Orlando Magic - C Stephen Zimmerman, Fr, UNLV
42. Utah Jazz - PF Pascal Siakam, So, New Mexico State
43. Houston Rockets - PF Petr Cornelie, France
44. Atlanta Hawks (from Washington Wizards) - PF/C Chinanu Onuaku, So, Louisville
45. Boston Celtics (from Memphis Grizzlies) - PF/C Robert Carter, Jr, Maryland
46. Dallas Mavericks - SG/SF Michael Gbinije, Sr, Syracuse
47. Orlando Magic (from Chicago Bulls) - C Georgios Papagiannis, Greece
48. Chicago Bulls (from Portland Trail Blazers) - PF Joel Bolomboy, Sr, Weber State
49. Detroit Pistons - SG Isaia Cordinier, France
50. Indiana Pacers - SG Isaiah Whitehead, So, Seton Hall
51. Boston Celtics (from Miami Heat) - C Gracin Bakumanya, France
52. Utah Jazz (from Boston Celtics) - PG/SG Caris LeVert, Sr, Michigan
53. Denver Nuggets (from Charlotte Hornets) - PG Gary Payton II, Sr, Oregon State
54. Atlanta Hawks - PG Kay Felder, Jr, Oakland
55. Brooklyn Nets (from Los Angeles Clippers) - PG Anthony Barber, Jr, North Carolina State
56. Denver Nuggets (from Oklahoma City Thunder) - C Andrey Desyatnikov, Russia
57. Memphis Grizzlies (from Toronto Raptors) - PG Yogi Ferrell, Sr, Indiana
58. Boston Celtics (from Cleveland Cavaliers) - SG Sheldon McClellan, Sr, Miami
59. Sacramento Kings (from San Antonio Spurs) - SG/SF Wayne Selden, Jr, Kansas
60. Utah Jazz (from Golden State Warriors) - SG Isaiah Cousins, Sr, Oklahoma