My first 2016 Mock and combine observations

[CFAN38]

With the combine passed and the only thing left to be released are the full athletic testing results I decided to throw together my first mock.

First a few quick combine observations.

1. Maker has to much physical potential not to go in the first round not to mention the fact that he is well spoken and reportedly a very hard worker. The team who gamble on him may have a 23 year old Tyson Chandler on their roster in 4 years.

2. Hield is bigger then originally thought and while it isnt a huge different being a solid built long 6'5 SG really adds to his possible versatility. He will be big enough to guard the majority of the backup SFs in the NBA.

3. Chriss is a legit PF with his size. He will take time to develop but could really pay dividends long term. He however is also the classic hyper athletic lottory bust ( Stromile Swift).

4. D Davis measured out better then I expected and has the size to play center in the NBA.

5. Diallo showed people why he was so highly ranked coming into Kansas. He looks to be a very similar player to Tristan Thompson and should be able to carve out a similare niche.

1   76ERS      Simmons
2   LAKERS      Ingram
3   CELTICS      Bender
4   SUNS      Brown
5   T-WOLVES   Hield
6   PELICANS      Murray
7   NUGGETS      Chriss
8   KINGS      Dunn
9   RAPTORS      Ellenson
10   BUCKS      Jackson
11   MAGIC      Poeltl
12   JAZZ              Labissiere
13   SUNS      Baldwin
14   BULLS      Valentine
15   NUGGETS      Luwawu
16   CELTICS      Davis
17   GRIZZLIE      Sabonis
18   PISTONS      Korkmaz
19   NUGGETS      Prince
20   PACERS      Maker
21   HAWKS      Bembry
22   BOBCATS      Diallo
23   CELTICS      McCaw
24   76ERS      Brogdon
25   CLIPPERS      Stone
26   76ERS      Ulis
27   RAPTORS      Zizic
28   SUNS      Bentil
29   SPURS      Fielder
30   WARRIORS   Onuako
         
31   CELTICS      Zubac
32   LAKERS      QI
33   CLIPPERS      Beasley
34   SUNS      LeVert
35   CELTICS      Seldon
36   BUCKS      D Murray
37   ROCKETS      B Johnson
38   BUCKS      D Jones
39   PELICANS      Hernangomez
40   PELICANS      M Richardson
41   MAGIC      Cornelie
42   JAZZ              Bolomboy
43   ROCKETS      Yabusele
44   HAWKS      Payotn 2
45   CELTICS      Finney-Smith

[The One]

Pretty cool.

I would be cool with Bender and Davis.

If it was possible, I would like Bender, Skal, and Maker.

[CFAN38]

The Logic behind the Cs picks in my mock,

#3 Bender, he is the BPA outside of Simmons and Ingram. This has been debated at length in this forum but the bottom line for me is who outside the top two has the best chance of really being a franchise foundation piece. If Bender proves to be as versatile a defender and offensive player as draft reporters say he will really change the Cs roster dynamic in a few years.

#16 Davis, he would be a nice long term player to see fall to #16. At over 6'10 237lbs with 7'2.5" wingspan he should get stronger and have no issue playing center in the NBA. While not statisicly productive at Migh St he showed alot of promise as a high end defensive role player. He is very athletic and mobile and in many ways is similar to a young Amir Johnson.

#23 McCaw, not a player I followed much during the season but he looked good at combine and is a shooter. With the previous picks of Young and Hunter I would say DA is trying to add a shooting wing to his young core so maybe he adds another.

#31 Zubac, he may go much higher then this. He is a big center who would make a great draft and stash.

#35 Seldon, at this point in the draft Seldon makes sense to me. Keep in mind last year it was widely reported the 16th pick came down to Rozier or Justin Anderson. In terms of physical profile and college stats Seldon and Anderson are very similar. He measured almost 6'6 with a 6'10.5" wingspan and a very solid 232lbs with 7.3%BF. He is a kid who fits a need for this team and to top it all of is from boston.

#45 Finney Smith, he 100% looks the part of a college player who carves out a bench wing role in the NBA. Great size at just under 6'8 with a near 7' wingspan a good shooter and productive college player. Honestly he will probably go much higher then I have mocked.


*** players who I would love to see on the Celtics but the mock didn't warrant the pick. Hield (would take him any pick after 5), Poeltl (will be a good pro and like Hield I would take him after 5 ), Onuaku (if not for Davis pick at #16 would have taken him #23), Prince (would love the pick at #23) ), Maker (debated taking him #16 would be home run at #23), Fielder (will be an NBA player just a poor fit with IT i would take #23), Nigel Hayes likely to go back but well worth a look early second, Swanigan didn't look great in combine but long term will be a solid below the rim big needs to go back to school.   

[The One]

The Logic behind the Cs picks in my mock,

#3 Bender, he is the BPA outside of Simmons and Ingram. This has been debated at length in this forum but the bottom line for me is who outside the top two has the best chance of really being a franchise foundation piece. If Bender proves to be as versatile a defender and offensive player as draft reporters say he will really change the Cs roster dynamic in a few years.

#16 Davis, he would be a nice long term player to see fall to #16. At over 6'10 237lbs with 7'2.5" wingspan he should get stronger and have no issue playing center in the NBA. While not statisicly productive at Migh St he showed alot of promise as a high end defensive role player. He is very athletic and mobile and in many ways is similar to a young Amir Johnson.

#23 McCaw, not a player I followed much during the season but he looked good at combine and is a shooter. With the previous picks of Young and Hunter I would say DA is trying to add a shooting wing to his young core so maybe he adds another.

#31 Zubac, he may go much higher then this. He is a big center who would make a great draft and stash.

#35 Seldon, at this point in the draft Seldon makes sense to me. Keep in mind last year it was widely reported the 16th pick came down to Rozier or Justin Anderson. In terms of physical profile and college stats Seldon and Anderson are very similar. He measured almost 6'6 with a 6'10.5" wingspan and a very solid 232lbs with 7.3%BF. He is a kid who fits a need for this team and to top it all of is from boston.

#45 Finney Smith, he 100% looks the part of a college player who carves out a bench wing role in the NBA. Great size at just under 6'8 with a near 7' wingspan a good shooter and productive college player. Honestly he will probably go much higher then I have mocked.


*** players who I would love to see on the Celtics but the mock didn't warrant the pick. Hield (would take him any pick after 5), Poeltl (will be a good pro and like Hield I would take him after 5  #23), Onuaku (if not for Davis pick at #16 would have taken him #23), Prince (would love the pick at #23) ), Maker (debated taking him #16 would be home run at #23), Fielder (will be an NBA player just a poor fit with IT i would take #23), Nigel Hayes likely to go back but well worth a look early second, Swanigan didn't look great in combine but long term will be a solid below the rim big needs to go back to school.

Good logic. So only one Draft and Stash looks like. Will be tough to fit them all.

[walker834]

I still don't understand why Bender isn't higher for us in general.  The general consensus is wrong sometimes. Also a fan of davis. I'd be thrilled if we get those 2 with our top 2 picks.

[Tr1boy]

The Logic behind the Cs picks in my mock,

#3 Bender, he is the BPA outside of Simmons and Ingram. This has been debated at length in this forum but the bottom line for me is who outside the top two has the best chance of really being a franchise foundation piece. If Bender proves to be as versatile a defender and offensive player as draft reporters say he will really change the Cs roster dynamic in a few years.

#16 Davis, he would be a nice long term player to see fall to #16. At over 6'10 237lbs with 7'2.5" wingspan he should get stronger and have no issue playing center in the NBA. While not statisicly productive at Migh St he showed alot of promise as a high end defensive role player. He is very athletic and mobile and in many ways is similar to a young Amir Johnson.

#23 McCaw, not a player I followed much during the season but he looked good at combine and is a shooter. With the previous picks of Young and Hunter I would say DA is trying to add a shooting wing to his young core so maybe he adds another.

#31 Zubac, he may go much higher then this. He is a big center who would make a great draft and stash.

#35 Seldon, at this point in the draft Seldon makes sense to me. Keep in mind last year it was widely reported the 16th pick came down to Rozier or Justin Anderson. In terms of physical profile and college stats Seldon and Anderson are very similar. He measured almost 6'6 with a 6'10.5" wingspan and a very solid 232lbs with 7.3%BF. He is a kid who fits a need for this team and to top it all of is from boston.

#45 Finney Smith, he 100% looks the part of a college player who carves out a bench wing role in the NBA. Great size at just under 6'8 with a near 7' wingspan a good shooter and productive college player. Honestly he will probably go much higher then I have mocked.


*** players who I would love to see on the Celtics but the mock didn't warrant the pick. Hield (would take him any pick after 5), Poeltl (will be a good pro and like Hield I would take him after 5 ), Onuaku (if not for Davis pick at #16 would have taken him #23), Prince (would love the pick at #23) ), Maker (debated taking him #16 would be home run at #23), Fielder (will be an NBA player just a poor fit with IT i would take #23), Nigel Hayes likely to go back but well worth a look early second, Swanigan didn't look great in combine but long term will be a solid below the rim big needs to go back to school.

All risky choices (focusing mainly on the 1st 2 picks).   I question Benders ability to box out/grab tough rebounds.   And why is he not getting min. Please look below (I mean really??)

http://www.basketball-reference.com/euro/players/dragan-bender-1.html

Davis is another guy.   

You can't be enormed with only physical tools.   There has to be more to it.  Plus skills, Like what have you accomplished?? Intangibles?  Toughness?  Able to execute late in games/season. 

CBS does not look like a coach that has time to "start" fresh with anyone.   Lik popovich , you need to have "made it this far" into the journey on your own 1st

[CFAN38]

The Logic behind the Cs picks in my mock,

#3 Bender, he is the BPA outside of Simmons and Ingram. This has been debated at length in this forum but the bottom line for me is who outside the top two has the best chance of really being a franchise foundation piece. If Bender proves to be as versatile a defender and offensive player as draft reporters say he will really change the Cs roster dynamic in a few years.

#16 Davis, he would be a nice long term player to see fall to #16. At over 6'10 237lbs with 7'2.5" wingspan he should get stronger and have no issue playing center in the NBA. While not statisicly productive at Migh St he showed alot of promise as a high end defensive role player. He is very athletic and mobile and in many ways is similar to a young Amir Johnson.

#23 McCaw, not a player I followed much during the season but he looked good at combine and is a shooter. With the previous picks of Young and Hunter I would say DA is trying to add a shooting wing to his young core so maybe he adds another.

#31 Zubac, he may go much higher then this. He is a big center who would make a great draft and stash.

#35 Seldon, at this point in the draft Seldon makes sense to me. Keep in mind last year it was widely reported the 16th pick came down to Rozier or Justin Anderson. In terms of physical profile and college stats Seldon and Anderson are very similar. He measured almost 6'6 with a 6'10.5" wingspan and a very solid 232lbs with 7.3%BF. He is a kid who fits a need for this team and to top it all of is from boston.

#45 Finney Smith, he 100% looks the part of a college player who carves out a bench wing role in the NBA. Great size at just under 6'8 with a near 7' wingspan a good shooter and productive college player. Honestly he will probably go much higher then I have mocked.


*** players who I would love to see on the Celtics but the mock didn't warrant the pick. Hield (would take him any pick after 5), Poeltl (will be a good pro and like Hield I would take him after 5  #23), Onuaku (if not for Davis pick at #16 would have taken him #23), Prince (would love the pick at #23) ), Maker (debated taking him #16 would be home run at #23), Fielder (will be an NBA player just a poor fit with IT i would take #23), Nigel Hayes likely to go back but well worth a look early second, Swanigan didn't look great in combine but long term will be a solid below the rim big needs to go back to school.

Good logic. So only one Draft and Stash looks like. Will be tough to fit them all.

I agree but it is difficult to project out the draft not to mention the bottom of the 2nd round which I neglected to do at this point and and figure teams roster space issues. The Cs will have to move picks and draft and stash to make this offseason work but I was just doing a mock based on system fit and BPA. Didnt deal with roster limitations.

[chilidawg]

Thanks for doing that, looks well thought out.

I like Bender and Davis picks.  At 23 I'd go something like Zizic or Zubac, but I don't know anything about McCaw.  2nd round picks are always a crapshoot, but I'd stay away from Seldon.  I get the attraction, but he just never produced consistently in 3 years at Kansas.  Anderson was a much better college player.

I'm surprised by all the talk about Hield's size.  He went from 6'4.5 to 6'5 and that's supposed to be meaningful?  Our starting SG is 6'2.  Hield has plenty of size, and a good wingspan to boot.  I'd take him at 4.

[Tr1boy]

My picks
Jaylen Brown
Sabonis
Brogdon
Finney Smith

Out
Sullinger
Zeller
Turner
Young

[CFAN38]

The Logic behind the Cs picks in my mock,

#3 Bender, he is the BPA outside of Simmons and Ingram. This has been debated at length in this forum but the bottom line for me is who outside the top two has the best chance of really being a franchise foundation piece. If Bender proves to be as versatile a defender and offensive player as draft reporters say he will really change the Cs roster dynamic in a few years.

#16 Davis, he would be a nice long term player to see fall to #16. At over 6'10 237lbs with 7'2.5" wingspan he should get stronger and have no issue playing center in the NBA. While not statisicly productive at Migh St he showed alot of promise as a high end defensive role player. He is very athletic and mobile and in many ways is similar to a young Amir Johnson.

#23 McCaw, not a player I followed much during the season but he looked good at combine and is a shooter. With the previous picks of Young and Hunter I would say DA is trying to add a shooting wing to his young core so maybe he adds another.

#31 Zubac, he may go much higher then this. He is a big center who would make a great draft and stash.

#35 Seldon, at this point in the draft Seldon makes sense to me. Keep in mind last year it was widely reported the 16th pick came down to Rozier or Justin Anderson. In terms of physical profile and college stats Seldon and Anderson are very similar. He measured almost 6'6 with a 6'10.5" wingspan and a very solid 232lbs with 7.3%BF. He is a kid who fits a need for this team and to top it all of is from boston.

#45 Finney Smith, he 100% looks the part of a college player who carves out a bench wing role in the NBA. Great size at just under 6'8 with a near 7' wingspan a good shooter and productive college player. Honestly he will probably go much higher then I have mocked.


*** players who I would love to see on the Celtics but the mock didn't warrant the pick. Hield (would take him any pick after 5), Poeltl (will be a good pro and like Hield I would take him after 5 ), Onuaku (if not for Davis pick at #16 would have taken him #23), Prince (would love the pick at #23) ), Maker (debated taking him #16 would be home run at #23), Fielder (will be an NBA player just a poor fit with IT i would take #23), Nigel Hayes likely to go back but well worth a look early second, Swanigan didn't look great in combine but long term will be a solid below the rim big needs to go back to school.

All risky choices (focusing mainly on the 1st 2 picks).   I question Benders ability to box out/grab tough rebounds.   And why is he not getting min. Please look below (I mean really??)

http://www.basketball-reference.com/euro/players/dragan-bender-1.html

Davis is another guy.   

You can't be enormed with only physical tools.   There has to be more to it.  Plus skills, Like what have you accomplished?? Intangibles?  Toughness?  Able to execute late in games/season. 

CBS does not look like a coach that has time to "start" fresh with anyone.   Lik popovich , you need to have "made it this far" into the journey on your own 1st

Yes they are risky choices but the reality is that risks need to be taken to get rewarded. A prime example was the Pacers drafting Turner last year 11th. Aside from Poeltl and Hield I do not see a player in the 3-12 range who will really carve out a rotational place next season if the Cs plan on building from this season success. Hield will get consideration at #3 but ultimately he is a 22 year old who will produce in the NBA but doesn't have a really high end ceiling where Bender is 18 and could some day be a boarder line franchise player. It goes back to the constent issue potential vs now. My favorite example was the Magics debate years ago over Okafor or D Howard. In hind site Okafor was good but plateaued having little more development left after college, Howard become a top 5 player in the league.   

[CFAN38]

Thanks for doing that, looks well thought out.

I like Bender and Davis picks.  At 23 I'd go something like Zizic or Zubac, but I don't know anything about McCaw.  2nd round picks are always a crapshoot, but I'd stay away from Seldon.  I get the attraction, but he just never produced consistently in 3 years at Kansas.  Anderson was a much better college player.

I'm surprised by all the talk about Hield's size.  He went from 6'4.5 to 6'5 and that's supposed to be meaningful?  Our starting SG is 6'2.  Hield has plenty of size, and a good wingspan to boot.  I'd take him at 4.

For me personally Hield's size is a perception thing. I always viewed Hield only as a SG but seeing him measure out slightly bigger made me realize that he isn't going to be limited on defense and will in fact have some versatility. 

[Tr1boy]

The Logic behind the Cs picks in my mock,

#3 Bender, he is the BPA outside of Simmons and Ingram. This has been debated at length in this forum but the bottom line for me is who outside the top two has the best chance of really being a franchise foundation piece. If Bender proves to be as versatile a defender and offensive player as draft reporters say he will really change the Cs roster dynamic in a few years.

#16 Davis, he would be a nice long term player to see fall to #16. At over 6'10 237lbs with 7'2.5" wingspan he should get stronger and have no issue playing center in the NBA. While not statisicly productive at Migh St he showed alot of promise as a high end defensive role player. He is very athletic and mobile and in many ways is similar to a young Amir Johnson.

#23 McCaw, not a player I followed much during the season but he looked good at combine and is a shooter. With the previous picks of Young and Hunter I would say DA is trying to add a shooting wing to his young core so maybe he adds another.

#31 Zubac, he may go much higher then this. He is a big center who would make a great draft and stash.

#35 Seldon, at this point in the draft Seldon makes sense to me. Keep in mind last year it was widely reported the 16th pick came down to Rozier or Justin Anderson. In terms of physical profile and college stats Seldon and Anderson are very similar. He measured almost 6'6 with a 6'10.5" wingspan and a very solid 232lbs with 7.3%BF. He is a kid who fits a need for this team and to top it all of is from boston.

#45 Finney Smith, he 100% looks the part of a college player who carves out a bench wing role in the NBA. Great size at just under 6'8 with a near 7' wingspan a good shooter and productive college player. Honestly he will probably go much higher then I have mocked.


*** players who I would love to see on the Celtics but the mock didn't warrant the pick. Hield (would take him any pick after 5), Poeltl (will be a good pro and like Hield I would take him after 5 ), Onuaku (if not for Davis pick at #16 would have taken him #23), Prince (would love the pick at #23) ), Maker (debated taking him #16 would be home run at #23), Fielder (will be an NBA player just a poor fit with IT i would take #23), Nigel Hayes likely to go back but well worth a look early second, Swanigan didn't look great in combine but long term will be a solid below the rim big needs to go back to school.

All risky choices (focusing mainly on the 1st 2 picks).   I question Benders ability to box out/grab tough rebounds.   And why is he not getting min. Please look below (I mean really??)

http://www.basketball-reference.com/euro/players/dragan-bender-1.html

Davis is another guy.   

You can't be enormed with only physical tools.   There has to be more to it.  Plus skills, Like what have you accomplished?? Intangibles?  Toughness?  Able to execute late in games/season. 

CBS does not look like a coach that has time to "start" fresh with anyone.   Lik popovich , you need to have "made it this far" into the journey on your own 1st

Yes they are risky choices but the reality is that risks need to be taken to get rewarded. A prime example was the Pacers drafting Turner last year 11th. Aside from Poeltl and Hield I do not see a player in the 3-12 range who will really carve out a rotational place next season if the Cs plan on building from this season success. Hield will get consideration at #3 but ultimately he is a 22 year old who will produce in the NBA but doesn't have a really high end ceiling where Bender is 18 and could some day be a boarder line franchise player. It goes back to the constent issue potential vs now. My favorite example was the Magics debate years ago over Okafor or D Howard. In hind site Okafor was good but plateaued having little more development left after college, Howard become a top 5 player in the league.

Turner still was productive prior to the draft.   
Davis at 16 (due to potential) I can live with.  But not bender at #3.   He is not able to "hang" in the currently league he is playing in. He will certaintly will not be able to in NBA nor even NBDL leagues

In addition if alot goes well for Davis he can surpass a mature prospect like Sabonis, but I mean alot has to go well. 

sabonis will be able to give you solid rebounding , maturity, IQ,  efficient scoring.     Rarely do these mid teens (risky prospects) amount to anything.   Can you list even 3 in the last 3 drafts?

[Celtics4ever]

The Logic behind the Cs picks in my mock,

#3 Bender, he is the BPA outside of Simmons and Ingram. This has been debated at length in this forum but the bottom line for me is who outside the top two has the best chance of really being a franchise foundation piece. If Bender proves to be as versatile a defender and offensive player as draft reporters say he will really change the Cs roster dynamic in a few years.

He avoided the combine for a reason could it be that 27.5" max vertical?   

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Dragan-Bender-62877/

The average NBA standing  vertical is 28".  His is 24"

That is an alarming lack of power.

Porzingas cam and could jump a lot higher.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/26/sports/basketball/kristaps-porzingis-drafted-by-knicks-with-fourth-overall-pick.html

Big difference there folks.  Bender can't jump as well as Sully.

http://jaredsullingervertical.weebly.com/

You know your in trouble when a guy jumps worse than Sully.

How doesn't this alarm people?

[Eddie20]

The Logic behind the Cs picks in my mock,

#3 Bender, he is the BPA outside of Simmons and Ingram. This has been debated at length in this forum but the bottom line for me is who outside the top two has the best chance of really being a franchise foundation piece. If Bender proves to be as versatile a defender and offensive player as draft reporters say he will really change the Cs roster dynamic in a few years.

He avoided the combine for a reason could it be that 27.5" max vertical?   

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Dragan-Bender-62877/

The average NBA standing  vertical is 28".  His is 24"

That is an alarming lack of power.

Porzingas cam and could jump a lot higher.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/26/sports/basketball/kristaps-porzingis-drafted-by-knicks-with-fourth-overall-pick.html

Big difference there folks.  Bender can't jump as well as Sully.

http://jaredsullingervertical.weebly.com/

You know your in trouble when a guy jumps worse than Sully.

How doesn't this alarm people?

He couldn't attend the combine, but you know that already and simply choose to ignore it. Can you find any reputable person that does NOT have him in their top 5?

[Evantime34]

The Logic behind the Cs picks in my mock,

#3 Bender, he is the BPA outside of Simmons and Ingram. This has been debated at length in this forum but the bottom line for me is who outside the top two has the best chance of really being a franchise foundation piece. If Bender proves to be as versatile a defender and offensive player as draft reporters say he will really change the Cs roster dynamic in a few years.

#16 Davis, he would be a nice long term player to see fall to #16. At over 6'10 237lbs with 7'2.5" wingspan he should get stronger and have no issue playing center in the NBA. While not statisicly productive at Migh St he showed alot of promise as a high end defensive role player. He is very athletic and mobile and in many ways is similar to a young Amir Johnson.

#23 McCaw, not a player I followed much during the season but he looked good at combine and is a shooter. With the previous picks of Young and Hunter I would say DA is trying to add a shooting wing to his young core so maybe he adds another.

#31 Zubac, he may go much higher then this. He is a big center who would make a great draft and stash.

#35 Seldon, at this point in the draft Seldon makes sense to me. Keep in mind last year it was widely reported the 16th pick came down to Rozier or Justin Anderson. In terms of physical profile and college stats Seldon and Anderson are very similar. He measured almost 6'6 with a 6'10.5" wingspan and a very solid 232lbs with 7.3%BF. He is a kid who fits a need for this team and to top it all of is from boston.

#45 Finney Smith, he 100% looks the part of a college player who carves out a bench wing role in the NBA. Great size at just under 6'8 with a near 7' wingspan a good shooter and productive college player. Honestly he will probably go much higher then I have mocked.


*** players who I would love to see on the Celtics but the mock didn't warrant the pick. Hield (would take him any pick after 5), Poeltl (will be a good pro and like Hield I would take him after 5 ), Onuaku (if not for Davis pick at #16 would have taken him #23), Prince (would love the pick at #23) ), Maker (debated taking him #16 would be home run at #23), Fielder (will be an NBA player just a poor fit with IT i would take #23), Nigel Hayes likely to go back but well worth a look early second, Swanigan didn't look great in combine but long term will be a solid below the rim big needs to go back to school.

Five rookies is too many for the roster next year. The Seldon and Finney-Smith moves need to be draft and stash players.

I really like Davis. If he's available at 16 I think that's a no brainer. I like the Bender pick, but would be fine with Hield, Murray, or even Brown at that pick. I think the talent among that group is pretty fluid.

At 23, if we don't go draft and stash I like Brogdon, Bembry or Diallo.