Ford Mock 9.1 Update

[colincb]

Seems to be incorporating some of the scuttlebutt we're hearing.

Sixers:

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.

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.

~~~

Celtics

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 Brown here on our last mock and he's still a very strong contender. He has one of the highest ceilings of any player in this draft. If he hits that ceiling, the Celtics would finally have their star. However, Dunn's ability to help right now combined with his trade value around the league -- most of the teams trying to trade up are hoping to grab Dunn -- give him the edge.

Otherwise, Deyonta Davis at 16, Cheick Diallo at 23.

[Evantime34]

I love Davis and Diallo at 16 and 23. We haven't had guys with their length and athleticism since KG left.

I pray they don't pick Dunn, Hield or Chriss at 3 but everyone else Ford mentions sounds good to me.

[Who]

Philly should go after Brandon Knight. He would be a good fit next to Ben Simmons if they plan on Simmons doing the majority of the ball-handling and playmaking.

[Csfan1984]

For Simmons to work as a Point forward they need a lot of shooters. Heild at 3 makes sense if they can move Okafor for that pick.