POSTED BY: DANNY THOMPSON Full Court Press Radio
The NBA Draft is today and for fans of teams that aren’t the Cleveland Cavaliers, your Basketball Christmas Day is here. We had one major trade happen since the last Mock that I posted earlier in the week, so here is my final Mock Draft before Thursday’s Draft. This time I go a bit deeper with my thoughts on the players in the 1st Round. Please read this with the song playing in the background. (Makes it more intense)
1) Philadelphia 76ers: Ben Simmons, SF/PF, LSU
2) Los Angeles Lakers: Brandon Ingram, SF, Duke
3) Boston Celtics (via Brooklyn Nets): Buddy Hield, G, Oklahoma
4) Phoenix Suns: Marquiss Chriss, PF- Washington
5) Minnesota Timberwolves: Jamal Murray, G, Kentucky
6) New Orleans Pelicans: Kris Dunn- G- Providence
7) Denver Nuggets (via New York Knicks): Jalen Brown, SF, California
8) Sacramento Kings: Dragan Bender, F, Maccabi Tel Aviv
9) Toronto Raptors (via Denver Nuggets): Henry Ellenson, PF, Marquette
10) Milwaukee Bucks: Jakob Poeltl, C, Utah
11) Orlando Magic: Skal Labassere, PF/C, Kentucky
12) Atlanta Hawks (via Utah Jazz): Furkan Korkmaz, SG, Turkey
13) Phoenix Suns (via Washington Wizards):Deyonta Davis, PF, Michigan State
14) Chicago Bulls: Wade Baldwin, PG, Vanderbilt
15) Denver Nuggets (via Houston Rockets): Timothe Luwawu, SF, France
16) Boston Celtics (via Dallas Mavericks): Domatas Sabonis, C, Gonzaga
17) Memphis Grizzlies: Malachi Richardson, SG, Syracuse
18) Detroit Pistons: Denzel Valentine, SG/SF, Michigan State
19) Denver Nuggets (via Portland Trail Blazers): Dejounte Murray, PG/SG, Washington
20) Indiana Pacers: Brice Johnson, SF/PF, North Carolina
21) Atlanta Hawks: Cheick Diallo, PF/C, Kansas
22) Charlotte Hornets: Thon Maker, PF/C, Australia
23) Boston Celtics: Ante Zinic, C, Croatia
24) Philadelphia 76ers (via Miami Heat): Malik Beasley, SG, Florida State
25) L.A. Clippers: DeAndre Bembry, G, St. Joesphs
26) Philadelphia 76ers (via Oklahoma City Thunder): Demetrius Jackson, PG, Notre Dame
27) Toronto Raptors: Juan Hernangomez, PF, Spain
28) Phoenix Suns (via Cleveland Cavaliers): Ivica Zubac, C, Croatia
29) San Antonio Spurs: Diamond Stone, C, Maryland
30) Golden State Warriors: Taurean Prince, SF, Baylor
Thoughts:
Simmons as the number one pick shows that Philadelphia is all-in on the most talented player in the draft, instead of the player who I think fits their current roster better in Ingram.
Ingram is ready made for Los Angeles and as long as they don’t get silly in free agency, Ingram could be a starring piece right next to DeAngelo Russell and Julius Randle in Los Angeles.
Hield, is still at number 3, but that could change. Boston does need an outside shooter
Chriss is the scariest player in the draft, has a lot of Chris Bosh in him but there are signs of Tyrus Thomas as well
Murray and Minnesota are a perfect match, now can Thibs get him to play defense is the question.
Speaking of questions, Kris Dunn should answer all of the Pelicans guard issues. He can play both spots and will be a perfect partner for Anthony Davis.
Jaylen Brown could go as high as number 3 (I think that’s who Boston wants to take at 3, but want to move down) his athleticism would be a hit in Denver. Him and Will Barton on the wings is a very solid duo.
Dragan Bender at 8 to the Kings is a great spot for him. He’s long and can defend. Slide him right next to DeMarcus Cousins. But be patient with him in the meantime.
Ellenson is a solid fit in Toronto and a better option at Power Forward than Patrick Patterson and Luis Scola
Poelti will give the Bucks a solid center and will allow Jason Kidd to put Greg Monroe back at Power Forward, his natural position. Wouldn’t be surprised if a Point Guard is taken here either.
Orlando like Boston doesn’t want to keep this pick, but Skai if kept will fill a gaping hole at Center because he can protect the rim and has solid range on his jump shot.
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