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Columnists

Jun 20, 2016

TSN.ca 2016 NBA Mock Draft

The 2016 NBA Draft goes tonight from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Four teams have three picks each in the first round, while the Toronto Raptors have a pair, meaning only 20 clubs will pick in the first round. Have a look at TSN.ca's 2016 NBA Mock Draft.

Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons , The Canadian Press

The 2016 NBA Draft goes on Thursday night at 8pm et/5pm pt from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Four teams (the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets) have three picks each in the first round, while the Toronto Raptors have a pair (the New York Knicks' selection at No. 9 and their own pick at No. 27).

This means that only 20 clubs will pick in the first round.

Louisiana State freshman Ben Simmons is widely expected to be taken with the first-overall pick.

 

 

1. Philadelphia 76ers

Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons

PF, Louisiana State

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Melbourne
  • CLASS
    Freshman
  • HEIGHT
    6'10
  • WEIGHT
    240

The Skinny

Simmons initially seemed iffy about heading to the Sixers (Hey, can you blame him?), but the team's new management group has convinced him that they're headed in the right direction after a meeting with him during the NBA Finals. Simmons will become the first Aussie to go first overall in the NBA Draft since Andrew Bogut in 2005.

2. Los Angeles Lakers

Brandon Ingram
Brandon Ingram

SF, Duke

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Kinston, NC
  • CLASS
    Freshman
  • HEIGHT
    6'9
  • WEIGHT
    195

The Skinny

There are rumours surrounding misfit point guard D'Angelo Russell and a deal involving him (perhaps to the Sixers for Jahlil Okafor) could inform what Mitch Kupchak does with this pick. If Russell were to go, the Lakers would likely turn to a replacement point guard here, but assuming they stand pat, Ingram is the guy. What won't be easy for the ACC Rookie of the Year, though, will be stepping into the starting small forward role for the Lakers that just came open with the retirement of some guy named Kobe.

3. Boston Celtics (from Nets)

Buddy Hield
Buddy Hield

SG, Oklahoma

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Freeport, Bahamas
  • CLASS
    Senior
  • HEIGHT
    6'5
  • WEIGHT
    212

The Skinny

This is the first of a seemingly endless number (it's seven - three in the first, four in the second) of picks this season for the Celtics thanks to Danny Ainge's rebuild that is already bearing fruits. This is another pick that has trade talk surrounding it, but if the Celtics were to keep it, they could go in a number of directions with it. Dragan Bender is an enticing proposition, but a partner in the backcourt for Isaiah Thomas looks to be the goal here. The team is said to really like Jamal Murray after his pre-draft workout, but the maturity of Hield gives him the edge.

4. Phoenix Suns

Marquese Chriss
Marquese Chriss

PF, Washington

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Sacramento
  • CLASS
    Freshman
  • HEIGHT
    6'10
  • WEIGHT
    212

The Skinny

Chriss is the first big-risk, big-reward proposition in this year's class. The Suns have an obvious need for help at the 4 and Chriss's athleticism is mouth-watering, as is his speed, but it would be foolish to expect him to step in right away. Chriss only began playing competitive basketball at 14 and, though his ceiling is sky high, he's still incredibly raw and needs to put on considerable upper-body mass. 

5. Minnesota Timberwolves

Kris Dunn
Kris Dunn

PG, Providence

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    New London, CT
  • CLASS
    Junior
  • HEIGHT
    6'4
  • WEIGHT
    220

The Skinny

The T-Wolves have been dangling this pick for an NBA-ready starter (there were reports of talks with the Bulls over Jimmy Butler, but nothing seemingly materialized there) and there is still a chance they move it, but Dunn would be hard to pass up and it would spell the beginning of the end for Ricky Rubio. After injuries stunted his early years with the Friars, Dunn has developed into a poised, confident master of the pick-and-roll. Add him to the existing youthful core of Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns, Zach LaVine and Gorgui Dieng and new coach Tom Thibodeau could be knocking on the door to the playoffs sooner than later.

6. New Orleans Pelicans

Jamal Murray
Jamal Murray

SG/PG, Kentucky

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Kitchener, Ont.
  • CLASS
    Freshman
  • HEIGHT
    6'4
  • WEIGHT
    205

The Skinny

Eric Gordon has likely played his last game as Pelican, so a point guard is first priority for NOLA. Kris Dunn would be their ideal get, but he's likely going to be off the board. Enter combo guard Murray. The Canadian is arguably the best pure shooter this draft, but will need to improve greatly on the defensive end if he were to become a full-time point guard.

7. Denver Nuggets

Dragan Bender
Dragan Bender

PF, Maccabi Tel Aviv

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Capljina, Bosnia
  • CLASS
    -
  • HEIGHT
    7'0
  • WEIGHT
    220

The Skinny

The Nuggets had five European players on their roster a year ago and went outside the NBA with their 2015 first rounder and took Emmanuel Mudiay. Bender, if available, looks to be a good fit here. Blessed with a 9'2 reach and a fine outside shot, Bender did not play a ton for Maccabi last year, which could scare teams away. A terrific playmaker for a player of his size, the hope is that Bender fills out his lanky frame.

8. Sacramento Kings

Jaylen Brown
Jaylen Brown

SG/SF, California

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Marietta, GA
  • CLASS
    Freshman
  • HEIGHT
    6'6
  • WEIGHT
    220

The Skinny

The worst-case scenario with this pick for the Kings would be Tyreke Evans 2.0, which is why Brown would be an interesting fit here. General manager Vlade Divac is said to have been impressed after meeting with Brown. Brown has NBA-ready size and strength and can cut to the rim with ease. Concerning is the level of inconsistency Brown showed at Cal this past season, but his ceiling might be too great to pass up on if the Kings view him as a successor to Rudy Gay. Another player to watch here is Gonzaga's Domantas Sabonis, whose father has a long history with Divac.

9. Toronto Raptors (from Knicks)

Jakob Poeltl
Jakob Poeltl

C, Utah

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Vienna
  • CLASS
    Sophomore
  • HEIGHT
    7'1
  • WEIGHT
    240

The Skinny

With the pick the Raps received from the Knicks for Andrea Bargnani, the team could turn to another European centre in Poeltl, but don't get scared. The big Austrian is a skilled blocker, can defend the pick-and-roll and keeps himself in fine shape. Though a decent passer, Poeltl's offensive game is a work in progress. His role on this Raptors team would be to spell Jonas Valanciunas as the chances of the team retaining fan favourite Bismack Biyombo in free agency don't appear to be very high. If the Raps don't go with Poeltl, power forwards Henry Ellenson and Jaylen Brown also make sense here.

10. Milwaukee Bucks

Henry Ellenson
Henry Ellenson

PF, Marquette

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Rice Lake, WI
  • CLASS
    Freshman
  • HEIGHT
    6'11
  • WEIGHT
    245

The Skinny

The Bucks will likely look for cover for Jabari Parker here and, like for the Raps, Jaylen Brown would make sense, but it will be tough for John Hammond to pass up the local boy in Ellenson. A floor-spacer with a slick jumper, Ellenson's best skill might be his rebounding, having led the Big East in RPG (9.9). But he's still very green, not particularly athletic and not exactly a polished defender.

11. Orlando Magic

Skal Labissiere
Skal Labissiere

C, Kentucky

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Port-au-Prince
  • CLASS
    Freshman
  • HEIGHT
    6'11
  • WEIGHT
    225

The Skinny

Heading into last season, the debate surrounding the 2016 NBA Draft centred around who would go first overall between Labissiere and Ben Simmons. Then Labissiere struggled mightily at Kentucky and the debate became lopsided in the Aussie's favour. Though he seemed to start turning a corner towards the end of the season, Labissiere still falls into the project category. Still, the potential is tantalizing with his slick jumper and raw athleticism. If the Magic take Labissiere here with the understanding that he won't contribute right away and need a couple of season's worth of polish, they might grab themselves a gem down the line.

12. Utah Jazz

Wade Baldwin
Wade Baldwin IV

PG, Vanderbilt

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Meutchen, NJ
  • CLASS
    Sophomore
  • HEIGHT
    6'4
  • WEIGHT
    200

The Skinny

This is another spot where a trade is a possibility, especially if the Jazz aren't in love with anybody. Baldwin has a 6'11 wingspan, which is ridiculous when you consider that he is a point guard. Laterally quick as all hell, Baldwin is, perhaps, the best defensive guard available in the draft, but there are questions about his offensive ability. A good three-point shooter, Baldwin struggles in man-to-man coverage and it's a been a struggle to get him to drive. Still, he projects to eventually become an NBA starter and a year backing up Dante Exum wouldn't be the worst idea for Baldwin. 

13. Phoenix Suns (from Wizards)

Dejounte Murray
Dejounte Murray

SG/PG, Washington

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Seattle
  • CLASS
    Freshman
  • HEIGHT
    6'5
  • WEIGHT
    162

The Skinny

One of the luxuries in having three first-round picks like the Suns do is the ability to draft the best player available and that looks to be Murray here. The fact that Murray is available is a bit of a surprise, considering he didn't check in with the NBA underclassmen advisory committee before deciding to go pro. Though slight now, Murray is expected to grow into his frame. He's got solid ball-handling skills and is dangerous in transition, but might be too reliant on his floater because of an inconsistent jump shot. 

14. Chicago Bulls

Deyonta Davis
Deyonta Davis

PF, Michigan State

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Muskegon, MI
  • CLASS
    Freshman
  • HEIGHT
    6'10
  • WEIGHT
    240

The Skinny

Changes with the Bulls are coming and it's not a matter of if, but when and how many. While there is trade talk surrounding Jimmy Butler (there's that rumour about the T-Wolves and the fifth pick) and Derrick Rose (to the Lakers for D'Angelo Russell?), free agents Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol are almost guaranteed to be elsewhere next season, so the need for a power forward is obvious for Fred Hoiberg's team. Enter Davis, who actually didn't work out for any team outside the top 10. Davis is a late bloomer who could eventually develop into a nightly double-double. Davis is a traditional rim protector with good athleticism, but his rawness leads to poor discipline and over-aggressiveness on defence.

15. Denver Nuggets (from Rockets)

Domantas Sabonis
Domantas Sabonis

PF, Gonzaga

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Portland, OR
  • CLASS
    Sophomore
  • HEIGHT
    6'10
  • WEIGHT
    240

The Skinny

One of three teams with three picks in the first round, the Nuggets could elect to move one or more of their picks, but Sabonis could work out nicely for Mike Malone's team.The son of Lithuanian legend Arvydas Sabonis, the younger Sabonis has some of the old man in him. Dominant on post-ups, Sabonis is polished for a player of only 19 and is growing in comfort with his outside shot A tenacious rebounder, Sabonis looked dominant against fellow draft-eligible big Jakob Poeltl in the NCAA Tournament.

16. Boston Celtics (from Mavs)

Furkan Korkmaz
Furkan Korkmaz

SG, Anadolu Efes

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Istanbul
  • CLASS
    -
  • HEIGHT
    6'7
  • WEIGHT
    175

The Skinny

The Celtics have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to picks with eight. Because of the sheer number of players they could be bringing in, barring deals, it makes a lot of sense to draft at least a couple of European players who can be kept overseas at least in the interim. A terrific shooter from just about anywhere on the court, Korkmaz has tremendous court vision and an ability to pick out mismatches in the opposition's defence. He's going to need to put on some weight and shore up defensively before making an impact in the NBA. In fact, considering that he's still only 18, it would behoove anybody who drafts Korkmaz to keep him in Turkey at least for next season and maybe for longer.

17. Memphis Grizzlies

Malachi Richardson
Malachi Richardson

SG/SF, Syracuse

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Trenton, NJ
  • CLASS
    Freshman
  • HEIGHT
    6'6
  • WEIGHT
    200

The Skinny

With the departure of Mike Conley in free agency looking likely, the Grizzlies could look for a point guard here (especially if a guy like Baldwin falls), but an athletic 2 makes sense, as well. Richardson has a lot of different looks on offence and is more than capable of attacking the rim. A hard worker, Richardson is also a fine facilitator of the ball. The biggest knock against him might be the refinement needed in his shot.

18. Detroit Pistons

Denzel Valentine
Denzel Valentine

SG/SF, Michigan State

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Lansing, MI
  • CLASS
    Senior
  • HEIGHT
    6'5
  • WEIGHT
    210

The Skinny

Valentine is a tough local kid and fits right in with what Stan Van Gundy is trying to do with the Pistons. It's almost too perfect, isn't it? Well, it might be. Teams are reportedly growing increasingly leery Valentine's long-term durability because of a recent MRI on his right knee. For his part, Valentine doesn't believe there to be an issue, but it could be enough for teams to pass on the versatile swingman.

19. Denver Nuggets (from Blazers)

Cheick Diallo
Cheick Diallo

PF/C, Kansas

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Kayes, Mali
  • CLASS
    Freshman
  • HEIGHT
    6'9
  • WEIGHT
    220

The Skinny

With their third pick of the first round, Denver could look to another project - whether that means a European player to keep over sees or a collegiate one requiring some seasoning. Kansas' Diallo falls into that latter category. Not too dissimilar to Kenneth Faried, Diallo brings a tenacious energy to the floor. His over seven-foot wingspan belies the fact that he's undersized at either the 4 or the 5, but his decent set of hands can make up for that. He's still very much unpolished and could likely benefit from a season in the D-League, where he can work on developing a jumper.

20. Indiana Pacers

Ante Zizic
Ante Zizic

C, Cibona

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Split, Croatia
  • CLASS
    -
  • HEIGHT
    7'0
  • WEIGHT
    250

The Skinny

Zizic had a fine season in the Croatian league and, while he certainly needs some refining, he appears to be NBA-ready. As witnessed in their first-round series against the Toronto Raptors, the Pacers could use some help at the 5 and the big Croat can provide that, especially on the boards. Not a great shooter, another thing that Zizic will need to do when adjusting to the NBA is reining in his agressiveness. Failing to do so will result in fouls and fewer minutes.

21. Atlanta Hawks

Juan Hernangomez
Juan Hernangomez

SF, Movistar Estudiantes

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Madrid
  • CLASS
    -
  • HEIGHT
    6'9
  • WEIGHT
    230

The Skinny

The younger brother of Willy, a 2015 pick by the Knicks, Hernangomez won't feature in the NBA any time soon. He won the ACB Liga's Young Player of the Year Award this past season at Movistar Estudiantes and impressed with his jump shot. Another couple of year of development in Spain works just fine for the Hawks who have an All-Star at small forward in Paul Millsap. All-Star Al Horford is a free agent, so it's possible the Hawks could look for a 4 or a 5 here for help in his stead.

22. Charlotte Hornets

Malik Beasley
Malik Beasley

SG, Florida State

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Alpharetta, GA
  • CLASS
    Freshman
  • HEIGHT
    6'5
  • WEIGHT
    190

The Skinny

This selection would be made with the understanding that Courtney Lee is moving on in free agency. Beasley finished third in PPG among freshman behind only Ben Simmons and Jamal Murray, impressing with his consistency on offence. A solid shooter and a good athlete, Beasley would do well with improving his ball-handling in order to adjust to the pro game. Undersized, Beasley will also need to work on creating his own shot.

23. Boston Celtics

Timothe Luwawu
Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot

SG/SF, Mega Leks

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Cannes
  • CLASS
    -
  • HEIGHT
    6'9
  • WEIGHT
    175

The Skinny

If I were a betting man, I'd wager that at least one of the Celtics' three first-round picks will be moved on draft night, but if they were to draft out of their own spot here at 23, another European-based player makes sense. A sharp-shooting swingman with a solid commitment to defence, Luwawu could be NBA-ready after putting on a little bit of upper-body weight. Going to a team like the Celtics would afford his development the advantage of not being rushed.

24. Philadelphia 76ers (from Heat)

DeAndre' Bembry
DeAndre' Bembry

SG/SF, St. Joseph's

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Charlotte
  • CLASS
    Junior
  • HEIGHT
    6'5
  • WEIGHT
    205

The Skinny

The reigning Atlantic 10 Player of the Year at St. Joe's in Philly, Bembry would make for a popular pick here among Sixers fans. Deadly when driving to the basket, Bembry's stock has dramatically risen in recent weeks thanks to a tremendous showing at the draft combine. While he's very good off of the ball and a committed defender, Bembry is going to need to improve his poor jump shot to score at the NBA level. 

25. Los Angeles Clippers

Brice Johnson
Brice Johnson

PF, North Carolina

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Orangeburg, SC
  • CLASS
    Senior
  • HEIGHT
    6'10
  • WEIGHT
    210

The Skinny

Spending a full four year at Chapel Hill allowed Johnson to refine what has become a very good midrange jumper. A good rebounder, Johnson's energy would work well to spell Blake Griffin off the bench, but he could use with some extra upper-body weight. The Clippers could look for a back-up to Chris Paul with this pick, as well.

26. Philadelphia 76ers (from Thunder)

Demetrius Jackson
Demetrius Jackson

PG, Notre Dame

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    South Bend, IN
  • CLASS
    Junior
  • HEIGHT
    6'1
  • WEIGHT
    195

The Skinny

The Sixers make this pick provided that Jackson doesn't go to the Clippers with the previous selection. A local kid from South Bend who excelled at ND, Jackson's toughness and energy have become his calling cards. He's going to need that in the pro game because he's not a particularly big guy. His impressive speed could help him carve a niche in the NBA.

27. Toronto Raptors

Thon Maker
Thon Maker

C, Athlete Institute

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Perth
  • CLASS
    -
  • HEIGHT
    7'0
  • WEIGHT

The Skinny

There is no team in this draft more intimately familiar with Maker than the Raptors. Plying his trade in nearby Orangeville, Ontario from Australia via Sudan, Maker could be the rawest player available. It even comes as a surprise that he chose to enter the draft instead of heading to the NCAA or playing pro overseas. Maker is mobile and athletic and has a fine outside shot, but his decision-making skills need work and he has very little confidence in his passing ability. Defensively, Maker is going to need to improve in the post and add some core and lower body weight to fill into his seven-foot frame. A full season or more in the D-League is a must. From a marketing perspective, Maker would be a helluva way to sell Raptors 905 in their second season.

28. Phoenix Suns (from Cavs)

Zhou Qi
Zhou Qi

C, Xinjiang Flying Tigers

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Xinxhiang, China
  • CLASS
    -
  • HEIGHT
    7'2
  • WEIGHT
    218

The Skinny

When you have three first rounders, you're allowed to take a flyer and this is what Zhou is for the Suns. Zhou will remain in China for the immediate future and likely until he puts on a significant amount of weight. A terrific shooter with great lateral movement, Zhou led the Chinese league in blocks a season ago. There seems to be some question over how old Zhou actually is with some saying that he's as old as 24 and as young as 20. Consensus seems to be that he's 22.

29. San Antonio Spurs

Taurean Prince
Taurean Prince

SF, Baylor

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    San Marcos, TX
  • CLASS
    Senior
  • HEIGHT
    6'8
  • WEIGHT
    220

The Skinny

If Juan Hernangomez is somehow still available here, rest assured, he's the Spurs' guy, but that's wishful thinking. RC Buford has a knack for finding useful players deep in drafts (the last time the Spurs selected at #29, they took Cory Joseph) and they could have another one in Prince. The player Prince is most often compared to is DeMarre Carroll with his ability to defend multiple positions. A good shooter from deep, Prince is going to need to fill out to compete at the NBA level.

30. Golden State Warriors

Diamond Stone
Diamond Stone

C, Maryland

VITALS

  • HOMETOWN
    Milwaukee
  • CLASS
    Freshman
  • HEIGHT
    6'10
  • WEIGHT
    255

The Skinny

Harrison Barnes probably isn't leaving as a restricted free agent, but the Warriors could look for some cover here with this pick. If not, Stone could be a nice addition to the frontcourt. There have been questions about Stone's maturity and conditioning (a petulant episode against Wisconsin's Vitto Brown in February resulted in an ejection and suspension), but the player vows that neither will be an issue. A good rebounder with agility, Stone is a menace in the paint. If he can stay in shape and make a better commitment to defence, he could be a late - I'm so sorry - gem for the Warriors.