SPORTS

Rod Beard's NBA Mock Draft 1.0

Go through the gallery to see NBA Mock Draft 1.0 by Rod Beard of The Detroit News.
Go through the gallery to see NBA Mock Draft 1.0 by Rod Beard of The Detroit News.
Elsa, Getty Images
1. Sixers: Ben Simmons, 6-10, SF, LSU: The Sixers have stuck to “the process” for a long time — and have been bad the entire time —but this pick could be their quick exit from the NBA’s laughingstock. Simmons is a rare talent, but they’ll look hard also at Brandon Ingram, who has the desired skill set, but not the star power and immediate impact of Simmons.
1. Sixers: Ben Simmons, 6-10, SF, LSU: The Sixers have stuck to “the process” for a long time — and have been bad the entire time —but this pick could be their quick exit from the NBA’s laughingstock. Simmons is a rare talent, but they’ll look hard also at Brandon Ingram, who has the desired skill set, but not the star power and immediate impact of Simmons.
Andy Lyons, Getty Images
2. Lakers: Brandon Ingram, 6-9, SF, Duke: The Lakers lucked out in landing in the top three and keeping the pick. It’s a win-win for them, whether they end up with Simmons or Ingram, as the small-forward spot is a position of need and either can step in immediately and upgrade, with the departure of Kobe Bryant.
2. Lakers: Brandon Ingram, 6-9, SF, Duke: The Lakers lucked out in landing in the top three and keeping the pick. It’s a win-win for them, whether they end up with Simmons or Ingram, as the small-forward spot is a position of need and either can step in immediately and upgrade, with the departure of Kobe Bryant.
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3. Celtics: Dragan Bender, 7-1, PF, Israel: With three picks in the first round, the Celtics can stock their roster with young talent or make some trades to get veterans. They’ll likely do a little of both, but Bender will be the first building block, in case they lose Jared Sullinger, who’s a restricted free agent. Amir Johnson is unrestricted after next season.
3. Celtics: Dragan Bender, 7-1, PF, Israel: With three picks in the first round, the Celtics can stock their roster with young talent or make some trades to get veterans. They’ll likely do a little of both, but Bender will be the first building block, in case they lose Jared Sullinger, who’s a restricted free agent. Amir Johnson is unrestricted after next season.
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4. Suns: Jaylen Brown, 6-7, SG, California: Brown is oozing with athletic ability and could step in immediately and contribute, alongside Devin Booker. They’ll still need to add some frontcourt help, but this is a good start to what could be a transformative draft, getting them out of the basement in the Western Conference.
4. Suns: Jaylen Brown, 6-7, SG, California: Brown is oozing with athletic ability and could step in immediately and contribute, alongside Devin Booker. They’ll still need to add some frontcourt help, but this is a good start to what could be a transformative draft, getting them out of the basement in the Western Conference.
Young Kwak, AP
5. Timberwolves: Jamal Murray, 6-4, SG, Kentucky: They could use another scorer on the wing, to go with their young core of rookie of the year Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. They could also consider Buddy Hield at this spot, but Murray seems to be the more sure-fire bet.
5. Timberwolves: Jamal Murray, 6-4, SG, Kentucky: They could use another scorer on the wing, to go with their young core of rookie of the year Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. They could also consider Buddy Hield at this spot, but Murray seems to be the more sure-fire bet.
Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images
6. Pelicans: Buddy Hield, 6-5, SG, Oklahoma: New Orleans would love if Hield drops this far, as he’d be insurance in case they can’t bring back Eric Gordon. Hield was a scoring machine with the Sooners — and would be able to grow with Anthony Davis creating shot opportunities for him.
6. Pelicans: Buddy Hield, 6-5, SG, Oklahoma: New Orleans would love if Hield drops this far, as he’d be insurance in case they can’t bring back Eric Gordon. Hield was a scoring machine with the Sooners — and would be able to grow with Anthony Davis creating shot opportunities for him.
Streeter Lecka, Getty Images
7. Nuggets: Henry Ellenson, 6-11, PF, Marquette: Needing a big man, they’ll look also at Marquese Chriss, Jakob Poeltl and Skal Labissiere, but likely settle on Ellenson, who has rocketed up many draft boards and as he’s shown his shooting range from the outside. The Nuggets can run and Ellenson is nimble enough to play up-tempo.
7. Nuggets: Henry Ellenson, 6-11, PF, Marquette: Needing a big man, they’ll look also at Marquese Chriss, Jakob Poeltl and Skal Labissiere, but likely settle on Ellenson, who has rocketed up many draft boards and as he’s shown his shooting range from the outside. The Nuggets can run and Ellenson is nimble enough to play up-tempo.
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8. Kings: Kris Dunn, 6-4, PG, Providence: Rajon Rondo isn’t going to be around forever and the Kings will jump at the opportunity to snag Dunn with a pick this late. With Rondo’s future up in the air, Dunn will have the chance to contribute and become the eventual starter — which could serve to appease DeMarcus Cousins, at least a little bit.
8. Kings: Kris Dunn, 6-4, PG, Providence: Rajon Rondo isn’t going to be around forever and the Kings will jump at the opportunity to snag Dunn with a pick this late. With Rondo’s future up in the air, Dunn will have the chance to contribute and become the eventual starter — which could serve to appease DeMarcus Cousins, at least a little bit.
Streeter Lecka, Getty Images
9. Raptors: Marquese Chriss, 6-10, PF, Washington: With the pick from the Knicks, the Raptors could address their frontcourt depth issues. Luis Scola is an unrestricted free agent and standouts DeMar DeRozan and Bismack Biyombo have player options, which could muddy the short-term future, especially if they don’t get past the Cavaliers.
9. Raptors: Marquese Chriss, 6-10, PF, Washington: With the pick from the Knicks, the Raptors could address their frontcourt depth issues. Luis Scola is an unrestricted free agent and standouts DeMar DeRozan and Bismack Biyombo have player options, which could muddy the short-term future, especially if they don’t get past the Cavaliers.
Elaine Thompson, AP
10. Bucks: Jakob Poeltl, 7-1, C, Utah: The experiment with Greg Monroe didn’t work out quite the way the Bucks expected. They’ll look to get bigger in the middle and Poeltl fits the bill. They have the pieces to be a contender, but need to mature gradually, which didn’t happen this season.
10. Bucks: Jakob Poeltl, 7-1, C, Utah: The experiment with Greg Monroe didn’t work out quite the way the Bucks expected. They’ll look to get bigger in the middle and Poeltl fits the bill. They have the pieces to be a contender, but need to mature gradually, which didn’t happen this season.
Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images
11. Magic: Skal Labissiere, 7-0, PF, Kentucky: By trading Tobias Harris, the Magic looked to be building around Victor Oladipo and Evan Fournier, but there’s no real apparent blueprint. Labissiere gives them some size in the middle, with some shooting range, though they’ll need to continue to develop Mario Hezonja and Aaron Gordon.
11. Magic: Skal Labissiere, 7-0, PF, Kentucky: By trading Tobias Harris, the Magic looked to be building around Victor Oladipo and Evan Fournier, but there’s no real apparent blueprint. Labissiere gives them some size in the middle, with some shooting range, though they’ll need to continue to develop Mario Hezonja and Aaron Gordon.
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12. Jazz: Denzel Valentine: 6-5, SG/SF, Michigan State: The national player of the year could fit with almost any team because of his versatility but the Jazz won’t pass on the opportunity to solidify their backcourt with Valentine, who could complement Gordon Hayward well and provide another solid offensive option.
12. Jazz: Denzel Valentine: 6-5, SG/SF, Michigan State: The national player of the year could fit with almost any team because of his versatility but the Jazz won’t pass on the opportunity to solidify their backcourt with Valentine, who could complement Gordon Hayward well and provide another solid offensive option.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News
13. Suns: Deyonta Davis, 6-10, PF, Michigan State: After addressing the wing with Jaylen Brown at No. 4, the Suns get a talented big man in Davis, who flashed his potential in his only season with the Spartans. He could become a force around the rim, going nicely with their solid backcourt and wings.
13. Suns: Deyonta Davis, 6-10, PF, Michigan State: After addressing the wing with Jaylen Brown at No. 4, the Suns get a talented big man in Davis, who flashed his potential in his only season with the Spartans. He could become a force around the rim, going nicely with their solid backcourt and wings.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News
14. Bulls: Domantas Sabonis, 6-10, PF, Gonzaga: With uncertainty surrounding their frontcourt — Joakim Noah is an unrestricted free agent and Pau Gasol has a player option — the Bulls will look to fill at least one of the holes. With Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler, the Bulls seek a big who doesn’t need the ball to be effective.
14. Bulls: Domantas Sabonis, 6-10, PF, Gonzaga: With uncertainty surrounding their frontcourt — Joakim Noah is an unrestricted free agent and Pau Gasol has a player option — the Bulls will look to fill at least one of the holes. With Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler, the Bulls seek a big who doesn’t need the ball to be effective.
Jamie Squire, Getty Images
15. Nuggets: Furkan Korkmaz, 6-7, SG, Turkey: They’ll have some flexibility with three first-round picks — and this one possibly could be a trade — but could they could let Korkmaz develop more overseas and not make a pick for need at this point. He’s only 18 years old and will need to fill out his frame to bang in the NBA.
15. Nuggets: Furkan Korkmaz, 6-7, SG, Turkey: They’ll have some flexibility with three first-round picks — and this one possibly could be a trade — but could they could let Korkmaz develop more overseas and not make a pick for need at this point. He’s only 18 years old and will need to fill out his frame to bang in the NBA.
Twitter @FurkanKorkmazFK
16. Celtics: Taurean Prince, 6-8, SF, Baylor: If they keep the pick, the Celtics could be making a luxury selection here, getting Prince to help build their frontcourt depth. Prince is a good, tough, two-way player, which fits with their core. But they could look to get insurance for their backcourt with this or a later pick, too.
16. Celtics: Taurean Prince, 6-8, SF, Baylor: If they keep the pick, the Celtics could be making a luxury selection here, getting Prince to help build their frontcourt depth. Prince is a good, tough, two-way player, which fits with their core. But they could look to get insurance for their backcourt with this or a later pick, too.
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17. Grizzlies: Demetrius Jackson, 6-1, PG, Notre Dame: The focus will be on re-signing unrestricted free agent Mike Conley and getting more quality pieces around Zach Randolph, who will be unrestricted after next season. Jackson is quick and athletic and could be a good fallback plan if they can’t bring back Conley.
17. Grizzlies: Demetrius Jackson, 6-1, PG, Notre Dame: The focus will be on re-signing unrestricted free agent Mike Conley and getting more quality pieces around Zach Randolph, who will be unrestricted after next season. Jackson is quick and athletic and could be a good fallback plan if they can’t bring back Conley.
Elsa, Getty Images
18. Pistons: Wade Baldwin IV, 6-4, PG, Vanderbilt: They sorely need a backup point guard, and if they keep the pick, they would covet Baldwin’s size. They would love to get a shot at Demetrius Jackson or Domantas Sabonis if they are available. A trade is probably more likely, as adding another developing rookie to a young core isn’t the primary option.
18. Pistons: Wade Baldwin IV, 6-4, PG, Vanderbilt: They sorely need a backup point guard, and if they keep the pick, they would covet Baldwin’s size. They would love to get a shot at Demetrius Jackson or Domantas Sabonis if they are available. A trade is probably more likely, as adding another developing rookie to a young core isn’t the primary option.
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19. Nuggets: Tyler Ulis, 5-9, PG, Kentucky: Another luxury pick, but they can afford to take a gamble here. If last season’s choice, Emmanuel Mudiay, isn’t the answer, they can flex the lineups with Ulis at the point. Again, they could trade here, but they just need an infusion of talent, and Ulis could fit the bill.
19. Nuggets: Tyler Ulis, 5-9, PG, Kentucky: Another luxury pick, but they can afford to take a gamble here. If last season’s choice, Emmanuel Mudiay, isn’t the answer, they can flex the lineups with Ulis at the point. Again, they could trade here, but they just need an infusion of talent, and Ulis could fit the bill.
Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images
20. Pacers: Stephen Zimmerman, PF, UNLV: The experiment with Paul George at power forward just didn’t work out for the Pacers. They’ll have a chance to fill the void with Zimmerman, a skilled big man who only had one year in college, but could continue to develop, with Myles Turner.
20. Pacers: Stephen Zimmerman, PF, UNLV: The experiment with Paul George at power forward just didn’t work out for the Pacers. They’ll have a chance to fill the void with Zimmerman, a skilled big man who only had one year in college, but could continue to develop, with Myles Turner.
Ethan Miller, Getty Images
21. Hawks: Damian Jones, 6-11, C, Vanderbilt: There’s plenty of uncertainty around whether Al Horford will return, so the Hawks will try to find a fill-in in the draft. Jones is a reasonable risk at this point, but they’ll have a choice of several other bigs following him in the first round.
21. Hawks: Damian Jones, 6-11, C, Vanderbilt: There’s plenty of uncertainty around whether Al Horford will return, so the Hawks will try to find a fill-in in the draft. Jones is a reasonable risk at this point, but they’ll have a choice of several other bigs following him in the first round.
Andy Lyons, Getty Images
22. Hornets: Malik Beasley, 6-5, SG, Florida State: Beasley impressed in his only season with the Seminoles and the Hornets will have plenty of holes to try to fill. Beasley is a nice value pick this low in the first round, but they’ll have problems if they can’t bring back unrestricted free agents Al Jefferson, Marvin Williams, Courtney Lee and Nicolas Batum.
22. Hornets: Malik Beasley, 6-5, SG, Florida State: Beasley impressed in his only season with the Seminoles and the Hornets will have plenty of holes to try to fill. Beasley is a nice value pick this low in the first round, but they’ll have problems if they can’t bring back unrestricted free agents Al Jefferson, Marvin Williams, Courtney Lee and Nicolas Batum.
Steve Helber, AP
23. Celtics: Ante Zizic, 6-11, C, Croatia: More trade bait here, but there might not be a big market for questionable players this low in the first round. They could take a shot at a center like Zizic, 19, and let him develop more in Europe instead of having to depend on him to contribute immediately.
23. Celtics: Ante Zizic, 6-11, C, Croatia: More trade bait here, but there might not be a big market for questionable players this low in the first round. They could take a shot at a center like Zizic, 19, and let him develop more in Europe instead of having to depend on him to contribute immediately.
Twitter @ante_zizic
24. Sixers: Dejounte Murray, 6-5, PG, Washington: Besides a consistent scorer, the Sixers lacked a solid point guard. Murray will give T.J. McConnell a challenge and his size at the point will be welcome. With the picks, the Sixers could add to their depth almost anywhere, except for the frontcourt. A trade for a veteran wouldn’t hurt, either.
24. Sixers: Dejounte Murray, 6-5, PG, Washington: Besides a consistent scorer, the Sixers lacked a solid point guard. Murray will give T.J. McConnell a challenge and his size at the point will be welcome. With the picks, the Sixers could add to their depth almost anywhere, except for the frontcourt. A trade for a veteran wouldn’t hurt, either.
Ethan Miller, Getty Images
25. Clippers: Brice Johnson, 6-10, PF, North Carolina: His size and athleticism would fit well with the Clippers, who like to run and they could use him in the half-court offense also. They also have some glaring needs on the wings, but don’t need to address those as immediately, especially with some of the Blake Griffin trade rumors.
25. Clippers: Brice Johnson, 6-10, PF, North Carolina: His size and athleticism would fit well with the Clippers, who like to run and they could use him in the half-court offense also. They also have some glaring needs on the wings, but don’t need to address those as immediately, especially with some of the Blake Griffin trade rumors.
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26. Sixers: Patrick McCaw, 6-6, SG, UNLV: They can never have enough scorers and this provides some depth for Nik Stauskas, who has struggled to find his footing. If they get three contributors with all of their first-round picks, this could make the years of turmoil and horrible results almost worth it.
26. Sixers: Patrick McCaw, 6-6, SG, UNLV: They can never have enough scorers and this provides some depth for Nik Stauskas, who has struggled to find his footing. If they get three contributors with all of their first-round picks, this could make the years of turmoil and horrible results almost worth it.
Ethan Miller, Getty Images
27. Raptors: Juan Hernangomez, 6-9, SF/PF, Spain: The backcourt is solid, so they’ll only need to add pieces to the frontcourt and depending on their long-term outlook for Jonas Valanciunas, they can take a long-term gamble on Hernangomez, who could be a stretch forward or play power forward in smaller lineups.
27. Raptors: Juan Hernangomez, 6-9, SF/PF, Spain: The backcourt is solid, so they’ll only need to add pieces to the frontcourt and depending on their long-term outlook for Jonas Valanciunas, they can take a long-term gamble on Hernangomez, who could be a stretch forward or play power forward in smaller lineups.
Esteban Novillo Pelaez
28. Suns: Thon Maker, 7-1, PF, Australia: He’s still very raw, but the Suns, with their litany of picks, can take some gambles here. They’ve addressed the other needs and if they choose to go with a big here, Maker could be the project that pays off for them later down the road.
28. Suns: Thon Maker, 7-1, PF, Australia: He’s still very raw, but the Suns, with their litany of picks, can take some gambles here. They’ve addressed the other needs and if they choose to go with a big here, Maker could be the project that pays off for them later down the road.
Charles Rex Arbogast, AP
29. Spurs: Cheick Diallo, 6-9, PF, Kansas: They don’t know what Tim Duncan and David West, who have player options, are going to do. The disappointing early exit in the playoffs may mean that they choose to get a pick who might play quickly, and Diallo raised some eyebrows since his single season at Kansas.
29. Spurs: Cheick Diallo, 6-9, PF, Kansas: They don’t know what Tim Duncan and David West, who have player options, are going to do. The disappointing early exit in the playoffs may mean that they choose to get a pick who might play quickly, and Diallo raised some eyebrows since his single season at Kansas.
Jamie Squire, Getty Images
30. Warriors: DeAndre Bembry, 6-5, SF, St. Joseph’s: What does the team that has almost everything get for itself? A luxury pick. They can go in so many different directions with this pick, but if they lose Harrison Barnes or Leandro Barbosa, it could leave a hole on the wings, which Bembry could fill.
30. Warriors: DeAndre Bembry, 6-5, SF, St. Joseph’s: What does the team that has almost everything get for itself? A luxury pick. They can go in so many different directions with this pick, but if they lose Harrison Barnes or Leandro Barbosa, it could leave a hole on the wings, which Bembry could fill.
Patrick Smith, Getty Images