Chad Ford Mock 9.0

[Eddie20]

3. Boston Celtics (via Nets)

Jaylen Brown
Cal
Freshman
Forward

The draft really starts to get interesting at No. 3, and Boston has everyone on edge.

The Celtics continue to explore every option. While the ideal scenario has them packaging this pick along with other assets and landing a superstar, so far they are coming up empty. That's not to say they won't get a deal. Teams tend to get more serious in trade talks 72 hours before the draft. As of right now, the Celtics don't have a deal they like.


If they keep the pick, I think it's safe to say the Celtics have it down to four (or maybe five) options -- Brown, Dunn, Chriss and Jamal Murray. Dragan Bender, who works out for the Celtics on Tuesday, might have a shot as well.

Brown and Chriss are the upside picks. Both are tempting to the Celtics for what they could eventually become. They are elite athletes who are still figuring out their game.

Dunn and Murray are ready to contribute immediately. While Dunn doesn't necessarily fit a need, he would right away be the best point guard they've had on the roster since Rajon Rondo. Murray's shooting makes him an ideal fit, though his defensive issues give Boston pause.

We had Dunn here on our last mock and he's still a very strong contender. However, he has refused to work out for Boston, and while it's not a deal breaker for the Celtics, Brown's terrific workout in Boston seems to have swung the momentum his direction.

He has one of the highest ceilings of any player in this draft. If he hits it, the Celtics would finally have their star.



16. Boston Celtics (via Mavericks)

Deyonta Davis
Michigan State
Freshman
Forward

The Celtics will be intrigued by several of the international prospects on the board. They definitely don't want to keep all their draft picks, but I think they'll have a hard time passing on Davis if he's on the board.

He has some elite physical tools and could become a terrific defender. The Celtics will have to be patient with him, but he's great value here.




23. Boston Celtics

Cheick Diallo
Kansas
Freshman
Forward

Diallo didn't really do much at Kansas last season, but that won't stop a team like the Celtics from grabbing him -- especially after his strong play at the NBA combine.

He is tough and athletic, and he might have the best motor in the draft. He's raw. But had he stayed in school another season, he probably would have been a lottery pick next year. That makes him good value here and potentially a starter on the Maine Red Claws.

The whole 1st rd ...

The NBA draft is just days away, and teams are making decisions about which players to take.

Our latest mock draft is based on my conversations with NBA scouts and general managers over the past few days.




1. Philadelphia 76ers

Ben Simmons
LSU
Freshman
Forward

The Sixers have had vigorous internal debates about Simmons versus Brandon Ingram. Kris Dunn has also entered the discussion at times.

While Dunn and Ingram fulfill bigger needs for the Sixers, they keep coming back to this same point in discussions: When it comes to sheer talent and upside, Simmons is hands down the best prospect in the draft.


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While the team has concerns about Simmons, it will be very hard to pass on him, especially when head coach Brett Brown thinks he can find a way to deploy him as the team's point guard.

Simmons playing the 1 is the best chance of greatness -- for him and Philly.

Video: Prospect breakdown Video


2. Los Angeles Lakers

Brandon Ingram
Duke
Freshman
Forward

There has been talk of the Lakers flirting with Marquese Chriss and Jaylen Brown at No. 2. But I think that talk more accurately reflects their attempt to get another pick in the top five.

If they stay at No. 2, it will be Ingram or Simmons -- whichever guy falls here. Ingram is a perfect fit on the current Lakers roster, and after Simmons, I think he has the most upside.

Video: Prospect breakdown Video


3. Boston Celtics (via Nets)

Jaylen Brown
Cal
Freshman
Forward

The draft really starts to get interesting at No. 3, and Boston has everyone on edge.

The Celtics continue to explore every option. While the ideal scenario has them packaging this pick along with other assets and landing a superstar, so far they are coming up empty. That's not to say they won't get a deal. Teams tend to get more serious in trade talks 72 hours before the draft. As of right now, the Celtics don't have a deal they like.


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If they keep the pick, I think it's safe to say the Celtics have it down to four (or maybe five) options -- Brown, Dunn, Chriss and Jamal Murray. Dragan Bender, who works out for the Celtics on Tuesday, might have a shot as well.

Brown and Chriss are the upside picks. Both are tempting to the Celtics for what they could eventually become. They are elite athletes who are still figuring out their game.

Dunn and Murray are ready to contribute immediately. While Dunn doesn't necessarily fit a need, he would right away be the best point guard they've had on the roster since Rajon Rondo. Murray's shooting makes him an ideal fit, though his defensive issues give Boston pause.

We had Dunn here on our last mock and he's still a very strong contender. However, he has refused to work out for Boston, and while it's not a deal breaker for the Celtics, Brown's terrific workout in Boston seems to have swung the momentum his direction.

He has one of the highest ceilings of any player in this draft. If he hits it, the Celtics would finally have their star.

Video: Prospect breakdown Video


4. Phoenix Suns



Marquese Chriss
Washington
 Freshman
 Forward

The Suns have a glaring hole at the 4 after trading Markieff Morris. They need someone who can really stretch the floor from that position and have two terrific options in Chriss and Bender. Bender is a better rebounder and a better shooter. Chriss is a much better athlete and has a higher ceiling.

Given how strong the West is and how far the Suns have to go, I think Phoenix can wait on Chriss to develop and hope his career path follows another famous Sun: Shawn Marion.

Video: Prospect breakdown  Video


5. Minnesota Timberwolves

Kris Dunn
Providence
Junior
Guard

The Wolves seem to have four players strongly in the mix at No. 5: Dunn, Brown, Jamal Murray and Bender.

Murray and Bender fit obvious needs for shooting. Dunn and Brown don't fit much of a need. Still, coach Tom Thibodeau loves elite defenders and Dunn is the best perimeter defender in the draft. Also, landing Dunn could allow the Wolves to eventually move Ricky Rubio.

Video: Prospect breakdown  Video


6. New Orleans Pelicans

Jamal Murray
Kentucky
Freshman
Guard

The Pelicans need guards badly. Eric Gordon is a free agent. Jrue Holiday is in the last year of his deal and has struggled to stay healthy. Murray, Dunn and Buddy Hield will all be intriguing.

Dunn's point guard abilities are coveted by head coach Alvin Gentry. Both Murray and Hield can come in and improve the team's shooting from day one. This will be a very tough call for the Pelicans, but given the way the draft board is playing out, Murray seems like a terrific fit. His ability to shoot and play multiple positions should be a big help in New Orleans.

Video: Prospect breakdown Video


7. Denver Nuggets

Dragan Bender
Croatia
Age: 18
Forward/center

It sounds as if the Nuggets are content to take whomever falls to them at No. 7. In my draft tiers column on Friday, Tiers 1-3 consisted of seven players. Really, any of five players -- Murray, Dunn, Brown, Chriss and Bender -- could be here. It's that fluid.

So the Nuggets just grab the last available guy. If it's Bender, he's a steal at No. 7. He's not an ideal fit given the Nuggets' current personnel, but you just don't pass on his talent at No. 7.

Video: Prospect breakdown Video


8. Sacramento Kings

Buddy Hield
Oklahoma
Senior
Guard

The Kings are praying Hield falls to them at No. 8. He has been on Vlade Divac and owner Vivek Ranadive's radar for months and is exactly the sort of player they need -- both as a shooter and as a high-character player who is focused on winning.

If Hield isn't here, Murray or Dunn would be great fits as well. The dark horse here is Domantas Sabonis. I hear the Kings are very high on him.

Video: Prospect breakdown  Video


9. Toronto Raptors (via Knicks)



Domantas Sabonis
 Gonzaga
Sophomore
 Forward

Power forward is Toronto's biggest need and the choice probably will come down to Sabonis, Henry Ellenson, Skal Labissiere and Deyonta Davis. You can make an argument for all four.

Labissiere is the best shooter and has the highest ceiling (but also the lowest floor). Ellenson gives you a lot more skill but without the same elite athleticism. Davis is a freak athletically, but the furthest behind offensively.

Sabonis hits the sweet spot for the Raptors. He's strong, tough, ready to play now and the most skilled of the four. He isn't a great athlete, but that's the only real thing holding him back.

Video: Prospect breakdown Video


10. Milwaukee Bucks

Dejounte Murray
Washington
Freshman
Guard

The Bucks really need shooting, but there isn't a wing in this range who makes sense. Jakob Poeltl fits another need. He's a big center who moves well without the ball and would immediately be a defensive upgrade over Greg Monroe.

However, the Bucks have never been afraid to roll the dice and Murray's upside, combined with Jason Kidd's waning patience with Michael Carter-Williams, makes him a great pick here. Based on talent, he has top-five upside.

Video: Prospect breakdown  Video


11. Orlando Magic

Skal Labissiere
Kentucky
Freshman
Forward/center

Labissiere has been at this position in our mock for a while. I think this is the point in the draft where reward starts to outweigh risk for many players.

Labissiere is a terrific shot-blocker and has the ability to stretch the floor. He'd be perfect next to Nikola Vucevic, but the Magic would have to be patient with him.

Video: Prospect breakdown  Video


12. Utah Jazz

Jakob Poeltl
Utah
Sophomore
Center

The Jazz don't have any immediate needs. Whomever lands here will struggle to find minutes on a loaded roster. This is an exercise in taking the best player available.

There are a lot of options here and I think it may be tough to pass on Henry Ellenson if he's on the board. But Poeltl's ability to help right now at a key position probably gives him the slight edge. Wade Baldwin, Furkan Korkmaz and Labissiere (if available) are other real options here.

Video: Prospect breakdown  Video


13. Phoenix Suns (via Wizards)

Henry Ellenson
Marquette
Freshman
Forward/center

We had the Suns drafting a stretch-4 with their first pick. Why a second?

A source in Phoenix told me they believe Chriss might end up being a 3 in the NBA someday given his elite physical tools. Putting Ellenson on the floor next to him at the 4 (and he also can play the 5) gives the Suns another versatile option. Ellenson would certainly be a steal at this position in the draft.

Video: Prospect breakdown  Video


14. Chicago Bulls

Wade Baldwin IV
Vanderbilt
Sophomore
Guard

The Bulls could go in a number of directions. They need help pretty much everywhere. Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol could leave in free agency. Derrick Rose could get moved in a trade.

Baldwin would give the Bulls a versatile guard who can play two positions, defend and shoot the ball. I'm not sure he's a point guard, but he sees the floor well enough to play that position in the pros.

Video: Prospect breakdown Video


15. Denver Nuggets (via Rockets)

Furkan Korkmaz
Turkey
Age: 18
Shooting guard

I don't see the Nuggets keeping all three of their picks. If they do, you can expect that at least one of them -- and possibly two -- will be draft-and-stash prospects.

Korkmaz is a major talent who is probably ready to play now, but could also use another year in Turkey. His shooting ability is especially attractive to teams.

Video: Prospect breakdown  Video


16. Boston Celtics (via Mavericks)

Deyonta Davis
Michigan State
Freshman
Forward

The Celtics will be intrigued by several of the international prospects on the board. They definitely don't want to keep all their draft picks, but I think they'll have a hard time passing on Davis if he's on the board.

He has some elite physical tools and could become a terrific defender. The Celtics will have to be patient with him, but he's great value here.

Video: Prospect breakdown Video


17. Memphis Grizzlies

Malachi Richardson
Syracuse
Freshman
Guard

With a 7-foot wingspan, the ability to shoot the 3 and a quick first step that gets him to the rim, Richardson is a very intriguing prospect with plenty of upside.

He has been shooting the ball well in workouts. He's an upside pick, but if he hits his potential he has some special abilities. Also look out for Euro big man Ivica Zubac here. The Grizzlies are high on him as well.

Video: Prospect breakdown  Video


18. Detroit Pistons



Thon Maker
Australia
Age: 19
Forward

Denzel Valentine seems like an obvious fit in Detroit, but concerns about the long-term health of his knees are giving some teams pause. If the Pistons pass on him at 18, then you'll know the concerns were significant, as they really like him.

Maker is trending in the opposite direction. He's nowhere near ready to play in the NBA, but his upside is so intriguing and he's a very good long-term fit in Detroit next to Andre Drummond. If the Pistons are patient, Maker could pay off big-time.

Video: Prospect breakdown Video


19. Denver Nuggets (via Blazers)

Ante Zizic
Croatia
Age: 19
Center

An all-international draft for the Nuggets! Makes sense given the success they've had lately with international prospects.

Zizic wouldn't really fill a need. But he's a talent -- an elite rebounder with an NBA body and great motor. I doubt the Nuggets bring him over right away -- I'm not even sure that they'd keep him -- but he's a terrific addition here.


20. Indiana Pacers

Juan Hernangomez
Spain
Age: 20
Forward

The Pacers need help at point guard and power forward.

There aren't any real great point guard prospects left on the board. Hernangomez has really impressed in workouts to the point that I think he has moved into the teens on many draft boards. Teams want stretch-4s and his ability to step in and play right now is a big plus.


21. Atlanta Hawks



Ivica Zubac
Bosnia
Age: 19
Center

Teams are split on the Zizic-Zubac debate. While most lean Zizic because of toughness and rebounding ability, Zubac's offensive game is attractive to teams looking for bigs who can still score in the paint.

The Hawks could definitely use another big in their frontcourt. If they're patient with him, Zubac could be a steal down the road.


22. Charlotte Hornets

Denzel Valentine
Michigan State
Senior
Forward/guard

Valentine is sliding down draft boards over concerns that his knees may not be able to hold up over the long haul. Some teams are very concerned. Others, not so much.

The Hornets love the talent and he's a great fit with the way they want to play. His shooting and passing abilities at the guard position are very attractive. Will they be willing to take the risk?

Video: Prospect breakdown  Video


23. Boston Celtics

Cheick Diallo
Kansas
Freshman
Forward

Diallo didn't really do much at Kansas last season, but that won't stop a team like the Celtics from grabbing him -- especially after his strong play at the NBA combine.

He is tough and athletic, and he might have the best motor in the draft. He's raw. But had he stayed in school another season, he probably would have been a lottery pick next year. That makes him good value here and potentially a starter on the Maine Red Claws.


24. Philadelphia 76ers (via Heat)

Malik Beasley
Florida State
Freshman
Guard

The Sixers need shooting in the worst way and Beasley would be a steal at this point in the draft.

A stress fracture suffered before the season began at Florida State has hurt his draft position, but he's an elite athlete with deep range on his jumper. He's a very good fit.

Video: Prospect breakdown  Video


25. Los Angeles Clippers

DeAndre Bembry
St. Joseph's
Junior
Forward

Bembry is getting looks as high as the Pistons at No. 18. His feel for the game, court vision and athleticism are all intriguing.

He isn't a great shooter, which hurts his stock, but after Simmons he might be the best passer in this draft.

Video: Prospect breakdown Video


26. Philadelphia 76ers (via Thunder)

Patrick McCaw
UNLV
Sophomore
Guard

The 76ers need wings, and after McCaw's performance at the combine I think he has a shot at going here.

He's not only a good athlete who can defend multiple positions, but he's also a terrific passer and an emerging shooter.


27. Toronto Raptors

Guerschon Yabusele
France
Age: 19
Forward

Yabusele is built like a brick house. He's one of the strongest players in the draft, but he's also skilled. He moves well despite his size and has a shot that goes all the way out to the 3-point line.

The Raptors love toughness and Yabusele brings that. And given the fact that this is the Raptors' second first-round pick, a draft-and-stash type player like Yabusele makes some sense.


28. Phoenix Suns (via Cavaliers)

Timothe Luwawu
Florida State
Freshman
Guard

The Suns have three picks this draft. They won't want to have all three in the NBA and keeping Luwawu in Europe should help his development.






Luwawu is a very good athlete and has the potential to be a lockdown defender in the NBA who can guard multiple positions. His offense is still a work in progress. If he ever improves his jump shot, he's got a real chance to be a good 3-and-D player in the NBA.


29. San Antonio Spurs

Demetrius Jackson
Notre Dame
Junior
Guard

Tony Parker is starting to age and Patty Mills is just solid as a backup.

While Jackson would probably come off the bench at this stage of his career as well, he has all the physical tools to be a good point guard down the road and would fit well into the Spurs' culture.

Video: Prospect breakdown Video


30. Golden State Warriors



Damian Jones
Vanderbilt
 Junior
 Center

Two of the Warriors' true centers -- Anderson Varejao and Festus Ezeli -- are free agents this summer. There should be room on the roster for a player like Jones, who not only is an elite athlete but can also stretch the floor.

Video: Prospect breakdown Video

[Surferdad]

I like and respect Chad Ford. However on #3 he is not saying anything that is new, plus personal opinion thrown in.

[JOMVP]

Poeltl at 12? How do we get there to get him.

[hpantazo]

I like and respect Chad Ford. However on #3 he is not saying anything that is new, plus personal opinion thrown in.

He does say the Celtics don't have a deal that they like yet.

[TheSundanceKid]

So it was Murray, Chriss and Brown. Then Dunn was added. Now a day later Bender also has a shot. As I said before, noone knows what the Cs will do

[Eddie20]

So it was Murray, Chriss and Brown. Then Dunn was added. Now a day later Bender also has a shot. As I said before, noone knows what the Cs will do

There could me some misinformation being thrown out from the Cs. This was at the very beginning of the article:

Our latest mock draft is based on my conversations with NBA scouts and general managers over the past few days.

[Surferdad]

I like and respect Chad Ford. However on #3 he is not saying anything that is new, plus personal opinion thrown in.

He does say the Celtics don't have a deal that they like yet.

Of course, what is he supposed to say? If they had a deal, that would be much bigger news than a mock draft. This is what I mean by nothing new.

[Tr1boy]

Davis and Diallo are not a fit under CBS.   They have mediocre iq/feel for game and can't shoot.  Diallo mid range jump shot looks ok at workouts.   

Diallo at 23 or 31 is fine.

At 16 Celtics should take Sabonis if he drops.  Otherwise grab Ellenson , Juan Hernangomez  or Zimmerman

[Evantime34]

Three athletic guys with plus length for their position? where do I sign up?

[danglertx]

If we use 3 and 16 there is no way we draft a player who plays here this year at 23.  We either trade to next year, use it to move up with 2nds from 16 or start with the stash players.  I like the Chinese guy myself at 23 but one of the other big men stashes might do.

[Evantime34]

Davis and Diallo are not a fit under CBS.   They have mediocre iq/feel for game and can't shoot.  Diallo mid range jump shot looks ok at workouts.   

Diallo at 23 or 31 is fine.

At 16 Celtics should take Sabonis if he drops.  Otherwise grab Ellenson , Juan Hernangomez  or Zimmerman

Watch this, I think Davis can shoot he just wasn't afforded the opportunity to at Michigan State.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ex71mgTJ4

Diallo knocked down some shots in the midrange at the combine.

I think they could fit into Stevens system, the C's just really haven't had the opportunity to play long athletic shot blocking/rim running bigs, that doesn't mean they can't fit.

[Tr1boy]

Davis and Diallo are not a fit under CBS.   They have mediocre iq/feel for game and can't shoot.  Diallo mid range jump shot looks ok at workouts.   

Diallo at 23 or 31 is fine.

At 16 Celtics should take Sabonis if he drops.  Otherwise grab Ellenson , Juan Hernangomez  or Zimmerman

Watch this, I think Davis can shoot he just wasn't afforded the opportunity to at Michigan State.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ex71mgTJ4

Diallo knocked down some shots in the midrange at the combine.

I think they could fit into Stevens system, the C's just really haven't had the opportunity to play long athletic shot blocking/rim running bigs, that doesn't mean they can't fit.

Davis touch and footwork around the basket is "shaky"

[Surferdad]

Davis and Diallo are not a fit under CBS.   They have mediocre iq/feel for game and can't shoot.  Diallo mid range jump shot looks ok at workouts.   

Diallo at 23 or 31 is fine.

At 16 Celtics should take Sabonis if he drops.  Otherwise grab Ellenson , Juan Hernangomez  or Zimmerman

Watch this, I think Davis can shoot he just wasn't afforded the opportunity to at Michigan State.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ex71mgTJ4

Diallo knocked down some shots in the midrange at the combine.

I think they could fit into Stevens system, the C's just really haven't had the opportunity to play long athletic shot blocking/rim running bigs, that doesn't mean they can't fit.

Davis touch and footwork around the basket is "shaky"

Really? He looked pretty fluid for a big man.

[Eddie20]

Davis and Diallo are not a fit under CBS.   They have mediocre iq/feel for game and can't shoot.  Diallo mid range jump shot looks ok at workouts.   

Diallo at 23 or 31 is fine.

At 16 Celtics should take Sabonis if he drops.  Otherwise grab Ellenson , Juan Hernangomez  or Zimmerman

Watch this, I think Davis can shoot he just wasn't afforded the opportunity to at Michigan State.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ex71mgTJ4

Diallo knocked down some shots in the midrange at the combine.

I think they could fit into Stevens system, the C's just really haven't had the opportunity to play long athletic shot blocking/rim running bigs, that doesn't mean they can't fit.

Davis touch and footwork around the basket is "shaky"

Really? He looked pretty fluid for a big man.

Yes, he's definitely a smooth player for a young big. Could make Mickey expendable as a result of a higher ceiling. Most scouts project that Davis will eventually be a 5, as his 19 year old body matures. As is, he has good length (7' 2.5" wingspan with a 9' 0.5" standing reach), solid height (6' 10.5") and weight (237,) and blocked 4.1 shots per 40 minutes.

[Phantom255x]

A lot of mocks nowadays seem to have Thon Maker in the Top-20 of the first round. (Possibly a late lottery selection)

Before it was said you could get him in the late first round-early second round.

Just something I've noticed recently. And I'm not just basing it off this mock but others have had Maker moving up in the mocks (and again, there are tons of mock drafts out there so I'm not speaking about all of them in general).