- Publish date:
Mock Draft
Can one of these lottery picks help his team to next year's Finals? (Probably not)
1 76ERS BEN SIMMONS
SF-PF
LSU
A potential franchise player. After three years of tanking, Philly has to swing for the fences.
2 LAKERS BRANDON INGRAM
SF
DUKE
He can play and defend multiple positions. For Luke Walton and the young Lakers, he's perfect.
3 CELTICS DRAGAN BENDER
PF
CROATIA
The 7-footer has long-term potential—and great trade value if the Celtics want a star who can help sooner.
4 SUNS MARQUESE CHRISS
PF
WASHINGTON
The draft's biggest wild card! Nobody has a better combination of size and perimeter skills.
5 TIMBERWOLVES KRIS DUNN
PG
PROVIDENCE
Dunn's energy, playmaking and defense would be a perfect fit with the new Thibs regime.
6 PELICANS JAMAL MURRAY
PG-SG
KENTUCKY
Scouts have questioned his D and athleticism, but everyone agrees on his three-point shooting.
7 NUGGETS BUDDY HIELD
SG
OKLAHOMA
Everyone's favorite college player got better every year at Oklahoma, so there's room to improve.
8 KINGS JAYLEN BROWN
SG-SF
CALIFORNIA
A lackluster year at Cal hurt his stock, but it doesn't change his long-term potential.
9 RAPTORS JAKOB POELTL
C
UTAH
He's probably the player who's most ready to help a team next year, which bodes well for the Raptors.
10 BUCKS TIMOTHE LUWAWU
SG-SF
FRANCE
Throw a 6'7" swingman into the lineup, and Team Science Fiction could get even scarier.
11 MAGIC DEYONTA DAVIS
PF-C
MICHIGAN STATE
Davis could've used another year with Tom Izzo but has the raw skills to grow into a starting center.
12 JAZZ DENZEL VALENTINE
PG
MICHIGAN STATE
The most well-rounded player in college basketball, his biggest question is defense.
13 SUNS HENRY ELLENSON
PF-C
MARQUETTE
Ellenson has the size and skills to project like a younger Kevin Love—with the same D shortcomings.
14 BULLS WADE BALDWIN
PG-SG
VANDERBILT
He'd be a great fit next to (or a potential replacement for) Jimmy Butler or Derrick Rose.
For a complete mock draft, go to SI.com/nba
