2015 NBA Thread: I felt a great disturbance in the trolls, as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. (1 Viewer)

[GOB]

Buddy shoots and scores well enough already that it seems silly to hold his age against him.  As an aggressive shooting guard he should be able to average 15ppg at least right away, which is kind of where you hope a 19 year old ends up by his 3rd season. 

Buddy is going #5 to Minnesota, right? Seems like they could use the shooting and coming from Jamaica you know he will embrace the Minnesota weather.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Buddy shoots and scores well enough already that it seems silly to hold his age against him.  As an aggressive shooting guard he should be able to average 15ppg at least right away, which is kind of where you hope a 19 year old ends up by his 3rd season. 

Not too worried about the age thing especially considering he comes from the Bahamas and his growth/improvement over his 4 years.  

From NbaDraft.net (they have him going 3rd to the Celts):

Buddy Hield squashed the notion that he's an undersized SG with his superb 6-9 wingspan on a 6-5 frame, and 8-5 standing reach measurements, at the NBA draft combine. Hield capped off a tremendous Senior year by not only winning a number of National Player of the Year awards, but guiding the Sooners to the Final Four. He's improved considerably as a shooter and shot creator but can still improve his handle. He is a kid with a terrific attitude and a polished skill set. Buddy is a dangerous offensive player, showing the ability to score in a variety of ways as well as facilitate. His quick trigger and excellent ability to get shots off combined with a strong will to win and improve himself makes him a prospect with a lot of intrigue. He measured better than expected at the combine at a legit 6'5 with a 6'9 wingspan and a 8'5 standing reach, all very solid numbers for an NBA shooting guard. He also has a strong build and sneaky athleticism. For a player that wasn't even on some pundit's first round projections coming into the season, Hield helped his cause as much as anyone. 

Why Boston takes Buddy Hield: The Celtics continue to field offers for the pick, but ultimately may have trouble getting the value they seek for it. It is a bit of a hot potato pick as no GM wants to make a pick when there are so many evenly talented players to choose from. Going for a long term upside pick at three is also risky because of the added pressure placed upon going so high. Group think seems to favor Murray over Hield due to his age. But does Murray really have much upside left to develop? 

 

[Premier]

Cliff, let it go, fam. 

Moving forward, I have a real Saboner for Sabonis at #11. I hope he lasts that long. The more I see the more I like and I think he can thrive in today's NBA.

On board with this. Especially if they can then move Vuc for a wing who can shoot or play D. 

 

[Cliff Clavin]

I'm desperately hoping Toronto can trade some package of 9, 27, and a second rounder and move into the top 8....which means it probably doesn't happen.  Pretty frustrating having the 9th pick in an 8-player draft.  But then I remember that instead of the 9th pick would could still have Andrea Bargnani and I get happy again.

Ross' contract kicks in 30 days after the draft. Hopefully they take someone at 9 with the intent of packaging them with Ross.

 

[SWC]

i would really like to see the bangos move monroe and get potatoel he passes and runs well and would not stop the offense the way monroe does for the bucks and i wonder what they could get for monroe basically i would like to see them get more atheltic at c and with a guy who is a solid defender and also anyone with austrogermanic roots plays well in milwaukee which is why i will go to my grave never understanding why we traded dirk for a crappy tractor trailer take that to the bank bromigos 

 

[GOB]

On board with this. Especially if they can then move Vuc for a wing who can shoot or play D. 

Vucevic has a very attractive contract, especially after this free agency period.

Something like $12m a year for next 3.

He is only 25. Depending on what day you ask me, I'll say trade him. But who are you realistically going to get in return?

Obviously you could say LeBron in sign and trade, but what else are the Cavs throwing in?

 

[SWC]

sabonis love that he is the son of adidas sabonis who was one of my favorites ever that guy did old man pick up tricks in the nba and i for one loved it also love his shot but at six ten i do not know how much you want to risk yeah maybe you get a draymond green but i think that guy is a jagbag anyhow so hey here is swcs detailed analysis that i am sure all gms will rely on take that to the bank bromigos 

 

[Frostillicus]

Its Buddy, Murray, then Dunn for me.  I could potentially see Murray ahead of Hield if they like the ball handling more, but they shouldn't overthink this imo.  Get the best possible 3 point shooter you can.

Samesies.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

What am I missing re: Jaylen Brown?

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Lol at get rid of Vucevic and plug in Sabonis.  Seems like a berry berry bad idea to me.

 

[Kraft...]

What am I missing re: Jaylen Brown?

Same here, seems like another uber athlete with meh basketball skills. I wouldn't risk taking a chance on him with a high pick. 

 

[GOB]

Lol at get rid of Vucevic and plug in Sabonis.  Seems like a berry berry bad idea to me.

I don't think that's the plan or what was suggested.

We are signing Horford, Durant, and Conley.

Vucevic needs to go for salary cap purposes.

This is Gob for Orlando Magic Basketball.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Same here, seems like another uber athlete with meh basketball skills. I wouldn't risk taking a chance on him with a high pick. 

Uber athlete that can defend multiple positions.  Jumper is a work in progress but sounds like most believe it can be improved.  Seems like a nice prospect and good fit for the Celts.  Maybe worst case you get a Shabazz Muhammad energy guy I guess.

Edit: Watched some vids on him...dude can fly for sure.  

 

[Kraft...]

Uber athlete that can defend multiple positions.  Jumper is a work in progress but sounds like most believe it can be improved.  Seems like a nice prospect and good fit for the Celts.  Maybe worst case you get a Shabazz Muhammad energy guy I guess.

Edit: Watched some vids on him...dude can fly for sure.  

The defense is what I'm hearing people talk about. So many of those types flame out though 

 

[mr. furley]

Agreed.  It's the same year after year, but the NBA refs games differently in the playoffs vs the regular season.  It was insane watching the amount of clutching and grabbing that was allowed on Curry and Thompson off the ball in the playoffs and the Cavs ramped that up to the highest level with rarely a foul called.  They simply don't allow that in the regular season, and right or wrong that difference was IMO the key to the Finals (along with Draymond's stupidity getting suspended).  

my memory isn't so great regarding past sports events involving teams for which i have no rooting interest

was the "clutching & grabbing" really much worse than in previous years?  how does one judge that? based on the number of calls? the type of calls? the number of times a call was not made on an obvious bump/grab?

i watched the 80s/90s Knicks, Heat, Bulls, Pistons, Pacers, etc. those were some rough ####### games. in the 70s guys would straight fight on the court. rules changes in the NBA have made it more free flowing and allowed for a team like Golden State to run & gun freely.  is the perception that the change from regular season to playoffs THIS season was more significant than regular --> playoff changes in previous seasons (when controlling for how games were called in that individual season) or that somehow THIS playoff season was rougher and less regulated than any other playoff season in league history?

(i keep hearing this argument everywhere.. as though THIS year is the year the refs let the playoffs get physical)

 

[MattFancy]

New Foot Locker Draft commercial

This is pretty good

 

[thecatch]

I'm desperately hoping Toronto can trade some package of 9, 27, and a second rounder and move into the top 8....which means it probably doesn't happen.  Pretty frustrating having the 9th pick in an 8-player draft.  But then I remember that instead of the 9th pick would could still have Andrea Bargnani and I get happy again.

I think Sacramento would be willing to trade down at 8. There seems to be a drop off after the top 8 players though so I think it would take more than 27 to convince me to do that deal. 

 

[Tau837]

was the "clutching & grabbing" really much worse than in previous years?

No.

 

[Kev4029]

I'm desperately hoping Toronto can trade some package of 9, 27, and a second rounder and move into the top 8....which means it probably doesn't happen.  Pretty frustrating having the 9th pick in an 8-player draft.  But then I remember that instead of the 9th pick would could still have Andrea Bargnani and I get happy again.

The teams in the top 8 are there for a reason. It wouldn't surprise me at all for one of the teams between 3-8 to reach on somebody, it happens every year. Happened last year with the Kings, Pistons, and Hornets skipping on consensus top 7 pick Justice Winslow (and also Mudiay in the Kings' case). 2014 went mostly as anticipated. In 2013 the Cavs took Bennett rather than Noel or Oladipo. A consensus top tier player nearly always slips when some poorly ran team drafts for need and takes somebody a tier early.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

I'm desperately hoping Toronto can trade some package of 9, 27, and a second rounder and move into the top 8....which means it probably doesn't happen.  Pretty frustrating having the 9th pick in an 8-player draft.  

Unless one of the top 8 as a hard on for a PF that'll be plentiful from 9-20, I don't see them being able to move up. 9-27&2nd round wouldn't tempt me to move down (even 1 spot) & Toronto doesn't have anything interesting besides Jonas. At least the choice of a handful of PF fills a need. Then they can throw max dollars at Derozan and Mutombo.;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

Who knows maybe a franchise like Sac that lets every decent PG leave town will draft some garbage like Wade Baldwin who will fail and be out of the league before his 1st contract is up.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Each year there are always a number of busts and later pick surprises.  I never put much stock in an often media-driven "top 5" or "top 8" or whatever.  There is always value throughout the draft if the team picks right.

 

[thecatch]

Unless one of the top 8 as a hard on for a PF that'll be plentiful from 9-20, I don't see them being able to move up. 9-27&2nd round wouldn't tempt me to move down (even 1 spot) & Toronto doesn't have anything interesting besides Jonas. At least the choice of a handful of PF fills a need. Then they can throw max dollars at Derozan and Mutombo.;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

Who knows maybe a franchise like Sac that lets every decent PG leave town will draft some garbage like Wade Baldwin who will fail and be out of the league before his 1st contract is up.

1, I sort of like Wade Baldwin (so do the draft express guys), and 2, what decent PGs have left Sacramento?

 

[Abraham]

Yup.  In a league that now values speed and ballhandling there is no reason on earth for Chriss to go ahead of Murray, Dunn, and Heild. But I suspect he will go ahead of at least one of them. Same with Brown going ahead of a more polished guy. 

 

[MAC_32]

So I have watched replays of The Block about 20 times today. 

I am still amazed at it. Every. Single. Time. 

Maybe the greatest defensive play I can ever remember. 

National stage is just different because so many don't watch these guys game in and game out, but seeing that play out of LeBron and the 3 from Kyrie was not a new thing to me.  I've seen them both do that several (a dozen? more?) times.  Love's d'ing up of Curry in the final moments though?  That'll be my lasting memory from game 7.  I've never seen that out of him.  

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

How many years had they been searching for a PG & Sac let Isaiah Thomas leave for nothing. Just a joke of franchise. Worst case, you make him an elite 6th man for the peanuts he's making. They deserve to suck forever.

Even modern day Rondo is better than Wade Baldwin. Baldwin's a bench talent that might find a role as a bit defender in the NBA. I think absolutely nothing of him as a PG.

 

[Kraft...]

How many years had they been searching for a PG & Sac let Isaiah Thomas leave for nothing. Just a joke of franchise. Worst case, you make him an elite 6th man for the peanuts he's making.

Even modern day Rondo is better than Wade Baldwin. Baldwin's a bench talent that might find a role as a bit defender in the NBA. I think absolutely nothing of him as a PG.

I wondered why they didn't just stick with Darren Collison and give him more of a shot, this was before he was an abuser though

 

[thecatch]

How many years had they been searching for a PG & Sac let Isaiah Thomas leave for nothing. Just a joke of franchise. Worst case, you make him an elite 6th man for the peanuts he's making. They deserve to suck forever.

Even modern day Rondo is better than Wade Baldwin. Baldwin's a bench talent that might find a role as a bit defender in the NBA. I think absolutely nothing of him as a PG.

Maybe you are right about Baldwin, maybe not. I don't watch a lot of college ball so I'm relying on the pre draft scouting reports. I think he's a bit of a reach at 8 but I'm reading the Jazz really like him at 12. I think he's probably picked somewhere in the lottery. 

I'm the last person to defend the honor of Kings's management over the last 10-11 years, and neither the Kings nor the Suns should have given Thomas away, but he's not a long term standing answer at starting PG. He's a fantastic combo guard, ideally off the bench for a contender. Rondo is bad and the Kings need to let him walk. Unfortunately with Collison's legal issues they need to find another PG who can play big minutes either in the draft or (gulp) FA. 

 

[coyote5]

i would really like to see the bangos move monroe and get potatoel he passes and runs well and would not stop the offense the way monroe does for the bucks and i wonder what they could get for monroe basically i would like to see them get more atheltic at c and with a guy who is a solid defender and also anyone with austrogermanic roots plays well in milwaukee which is why i will go to my grave never understanding why we traded dirk for a crappy tractor trailer take that to the bank bromigos 

We were never getting Nowitzki, brochacho.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Maybe you are right about Baldwin, maybe not. I don't watch a lot of college ball so I'm relying on the pre draft scouting reports. I think he's a bit of a reach at 8 but I'm reading the Jazz really like him at 12. I think he's probably picked somewhere in the lottery. 

I'm the last person to defend the honor of Kings's management over the last 10-11 years, and neither the Kings nor the Suns should have given Thomas away, but he's not a long term standing answer at starting PG. He's a fantastic combo guard, ideally off the bench for a contender. Rondo is bad and the Kings need to let him walk. Unfortunately with Collison's legal issues they need to find another PG who can play big minutes either in the draft or (gulp) FA. 

Fire up the  Abe trade machine where he gives Rubio away to another team.

 

[SWC]

Same here, seems like another uber athlete with meh basketball skills. I wouldn't risk taking a chance on him with a high pick. 

Uber athlete that can defend multiple positions.  Jumper is a work in progress but sounds like most believe it can be improved.  Seems like a nice prospect and good fit for the Celts.  Maybe worst case you get a Shabazz Muhammad energy guy I guess.

Edit: Watched some vids on him...dude can fly for sure.  

i do not go in for uber athaletes who will get better because joe alexander thats why brohans take that to the bank 

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

i do not go in for uber athaletes who will get better because joe alexander thats why brohans take that to the bank 

Yeah, there is that risk for sure.   Brown's jumper doesn't look miserable...I'd say he could use another year of college, but if you're a lottery guy that's going as high as #3, more power to you.

 

[SWC]

We were never getting Nowitzki, brochacho.

they drafted him so not only were they getting him they actually had him and then they traded him for tractor trailer who i never liked a mi because someone thought he was the next barkley or whatever at least that is how i remember it take that to the bank bromigo 

 

[Eephus]

i do not go in for uber athaletes who will get better because joe alexander thats why brohans take that to the bank 

Giannis down?

 

[coyote5]

they drafted him so not only were they getting him they actually had him and then they traded him for tractor trailer who i never liked a mi because someone thought he was the next barkley or whatever at least that is how i remember it take that to the bank bromigo 

the trade was arranged before Dallas picked Traylor at 6.  If the Bucks hadn't agreed, Dallas would have drafted Dirk at 6.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Simmons & Dunn would be interesting fit together as both are ball dominant guys. Dunn has a ton of Dwayne Wade to him and probably the guy outside Top 2 most likely to become a superstar at the NBA level.

Ben Simmons has been informed by the 76ers that he will be the No.1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft on Thursday.
Chris Haynes reports that that 76ers have told Simmons camp that they will use the top pick on the 19-year-old. Rumors of a promise had been swirling after Simmons unexpectedly worked out for the Sixers and it looks like those rumors have come to fruition. The 76ers are reportedly looking to move frontcourt bodies to open up minutes for Simmons, so he should be an interesting mid-round option in fantasy drafts with his expected usage.

 
 
Source: Chris Haynes on Twitter




The 76ers are reportedly pushing hard for a trade with the Celtics that would allow them to land Kris Dunn with the No. 3 overall pick.
It's unclear if the trade centers around Jahlil Okafor or Nerlens Noel, but the Sixers have reportedly told Dunn's camp they are trying to make the trade happen before Thursday's draft. The Celtics would seemingly have the upper hand in negotiations with the draft just two days away, but a trade that lands Dunn in Philadelphia and one of the Sixers big men in Boston makes a lot of sense for both teams.

Related: Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor
 
Source: CelticsBlog

 

[SWC]

Giannis down?

do not bee smirch the good name of anteaternintendo hey i guess what i should have said is that i do not like guys who are lousy at basketball but uber athletes who will get better at basketball hopefully i do not think my main greek freek was ever not good at basketball he has always gotten it now he is just still growing which is ridiculous and probably the result of some comic book green slime or something and actually still good at basketball and getting better so bam there is a totally unsustainable position in an argument taken by the swcer basically what i am saying is cut me some slack on this one joe alexander thats why take that to the bank

 

[SayWhat?]

my memory isn't so great regarding past sports events involving teams for which i have no rooting interest

was the "clutching & grabbing" really much worse than in previous years?  how does one judge that? based on the number of calls? the type of calls? the number of times a call was not made on an obvious bump/grab?

i watched the 80s/90s Knicks, Heat, Bulls, Pistons, Pacers, etc. those were some rough ####### games. in the 70s guys would straight fight on the court. rules changes in the NBA have made it more free flowing and allowed for a team like Golden State to run & gun freely.  is the perception that the change from regular season to playoffs THIS season was more significant than regular --> playoff changes in previous seasons (when controlling for how games were called in that individual season) or that somehow THIS playoff season was rougher and less regulated than any other playoff season in league history?

(i keep hearing this argument everywhere.. as though THIS year is the year the refs let the playoffs get physical)

I would agree with others that the playoffs weren't called any differently this year than in previous years.  Where I think the difference lies is in the emphasis on cleaning up the clutching, grabbing, hand checking during the regular season in recent seasons to allow for the athletes in today's game to shine athletically and showcase their skills.  That wasn't the case 10-15+ years ago, where clutching, grabbing, and hand play was the norm not only during intense playoff series, but also during the regular season. 

But now a team like the Warriors is allowed to run this finesse ball movement offense during the regular season where the clutching, grabbing, and physical play isn't allowed and then all of a sudden in the playoff all bets are off...especially the deeper into the playoffs you get.   Speaking solely to the Cavs series, I think the Warriors failures were a combination of not getting good looks due in part to that physical off-the-ball play by the Cavs that isn't allowed during the regular season, but also the Cavs overall intensity ramp-up defensively and extending that defensive pressure well beyond the three point line.  The Warriors simply didn't counter those things with any semblance of adjustments to get easier looks towards the rim and attack that pressure.  Instead they just forced more threes than they should've considering what the defense was attempting to accomplish (no threes at all costs!).

 

[SWC]

the trade was arranged before Dallas picked Traylor at 6.  If the Bucks hadn't agreed, Dallas would have drafted Dirk at 6.

man i did not know that but i just googled it up and now i see you are right the swcer admits when he is wrong but i am still mad we traded him because hey i am also stupid so i guess take that to the bank 

 

[JuniorNB]

Simmons & Dunn would be interesting fit together as both are ball dominant guys. Dunn has a ton of Dwayne Wade to him and probably the guy outside Top 2 most likely to become a superstar at the NBA level.

Ben Simmons has been informed by the 76ers that he will be the No.1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft on Thursday.
Chris Haynes reports that that 76ers have told Simmons camp that they will use the top pick on the 19-year-old. Rumors of a promise had been swirling after Simmons unexpectedly worked out for the Sixers and it looks like those rumors have come to fruition. The 76ers are reportedly looking to move frontcourt bodies to open up minutes for Simmons, so he should be an interesting mid-round option in fantasy drafts with his expected usage.

 
 
Source: Chris Haynes on Twitter




The 76ers are reportedly pushing hard for a trade with the Celtics that would allow them to land Kris Dunn with the No. 3 overall pick.
It's unclear if the trade centers around Jahlil Okafor or Nerlens Noel, but the Sixers have reportedly told Dunn's camp they are trying to make the trade happen before Thursday's draft. The Celtics would seemingly have the upper hand in negotiations with the draft just two days away, but a trade that lands Dunn in Philadelphia and one of the Sixers big men in Boston makes a lot of sense for both teams.

Related: Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor
 
Source: CelticsBlog

Was hoping the Sixers would trade Okafor for the Celt's #3 pick, but was/am hoping they take Buddy Hield.

 

[Insein]

Simmons and Embiid. The next powerhouse!

 

[JuniorNB]

Simmons and Embiid. The next powerhouse!

Dario Sarik. Noel..... Playoff team.

 

[tjnc09]

I'm not a basketball trainer. Any skills that will make him look a good player even when his three pointers aren't falling. He's not getting wide open looks in the playoffs like teams give him for the 82 game regular season. You can't be a one trick pony once it becomes playoff time. Curry looked very ordinary against Cleveland and only slightly better against OKC. You could see who the true superstars of the game were in those two series. I'm sure Curry would like to be in that conversation one day.

Curry was averaging 1.27 ppp vs Irving in the finals prior to game 7.  All they had to do was allow him more isolation, spread out the floor and he would have had an easy time roasting Irving.  Instead they kept running screens like they did all year and Cleveland was able to switch on Curry to a much better defender.  That's a terrible oversight by the Warriors coaching staff, not so much Curry.  

 

[JuniorNB]

Curry was averaging 1.27 ppp vs Irving in the finals prior to game 7.  All they had to do was allow him more isolation, spread out the floor and he would have had an easy time roasting Irving.  Instead they kept running screens like they did all year and Cleveland was able to switch on Curry to a much better defender.  That's a terrible oversight by the Warriors coaching staff, not so much Curry.  

Sorry, but that's BS. The Jordans and Lebrons of the world don't get neutralized because of a coach's decision. Which is all anyone is saying about Steph..he's a good player and great shooter. But not an all-time great who can single-handedly take over a game.

 

[tdoss]

Curry's inability to shake and bake the hapless Love at the end was pretty much proof that Curry had run out of gas in every way.

The guy was just drained.  Epic regular season run, Cav's physical play, his body breaking down earlier in playoffs, game 5 loss broke his spirit, wife losing her mind on twitter, Kyrie abusing him, LeBron stuffing him, his damn shoes turned him into a nationwide joke, etc.

The guy went from America's darling to an afterthought in an instant with that mouth guard toss.

 

[SayWhat?]

Alright, any with ESPN Insider want to PM me the Ford/Bilas mock draft?

 

[MattFancy]

Alright, any with ESPN Insider want to PM me the Ford/Bilas mock draft?

1. 76ers

Ford: Simmons. Bilas: Simmons

2. Lakers

Ford: Ingram. Bilas: Ingram

3. Celtics

Ford: Dunn. Bilas: Dunn

4. Suns:

Ford: Chriss. Bilas: Murray

5. T'Wolves

Ford: Murray. Bilas: Hield

Any team you're looking for in particular?

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Alright, any with ESPN Insider want to PM me the Ford/Bilas mock draft?

Just post it here imo 

 

[SayWhat?]

Any team you're looking for in particular?

Thanks!  Was looking more for the read than the actual picks as I'm a bit bored.

 

[Kev4029]

We'll see if I can get this to work (Ford/Bilas Mock)...

Spoiler

1. Philadelphia 76ers


Will pick: Ben Simmons, F, Fr., LSU

Ford: On the surface, Simmons doesn't appear to be a great fit in Philly. The Sixers need guards in the worst way and are already loaded with bigs. However, Simmons isn't your ordinary big guy. He's a point guard in the body of a power forward.

The more the Sixers have broken down the tape, the more they think he might actually be the answer to their point guard woes. His court vision and ball-handling abilities for his size are uncanny and will create huge mismatches on both ends of the floor.

It might be a rocky transition for Simmons -- as it is for most rookie point guards -- but if the Sixers play to his strengths, he has a real shot at being a superstar someday.

Should pick: Ben Simmons, F, Fr., LSU

Bilas: Simmons is the best overall prospect. He stands out above every other player in every area except one: shooting. He is the best rebounder, playmaking forward and passer -- and he is capable of defending multiple positions. He was not focused on defending at the highest level at LSU, but I have seen him do it. He is capable.

His shot is not broken, but he is not confident in it at all. He rarely took a jump shot during his freshman season and still put up historic numbers. Simmons is not quite a sure thing, but he does so many things well that he would be my selection at No. 1.


2. Los Angeles Lakers


Will pick: Brandon Ingram, F, Fr., Duke

Ford: The Lakers have raised eyebrows the past few weeks by giving multiple workouts to several other lottery prospects like Buddy Hield. However, I believe those extra workouts are meant to cover their bases if they obtain a second lottery pick.

Ingram is the clear choice for the Lakers if he's here. He fills a huge hole at the 3. The Lakers need his length, shooting and defensive versatility badly. He's going to need to get much stronger, but based on upside he immediately becomes the most talented player on the Lakers' roster.

Should pick: Brandon Ingram, F, Fr., Duke

Bilas: Ingram is a multidimensional prospect who can shoot, handle and defend. He has extraordinary length and was used quite a bit in isolation.

Ingram is a year younger than Simmons and will develop further. He is a very good shooter with range and was the first Duke player since Shane Battier to post 80 made 3s and more than 40 blocked shots. While he did not excel in pick-and -roll situations, Ingram was terrific in isolation.

Ingram is worthy of being selected No. 1, but the only thing he does better than Simmons is shoot. His body is thin and wiry and he needs additional strength. His potential is not quite as high as Simmons', but there is less risk because of his jumper.


3. Boston Celtics


Will pick: Kris Dunn, PG, Jr., Providence

Ford: The Celtics' preferred choice is to trade the pick. If they can find a partner willing to take a package of the No. 3 pick plus other assets in return for a young All-Star, they'll make the deal. If they are forced to keep the pick, it's much harder to tell which direction they're leaning.

There are five players still in the mix, but I think it likely will come down to two: Cal's Jaylen Brown and Providence's Dunn. Dunn is the more proven product and could come in and help right away.

Brown provides more upside. He already has an NBA body and elite athleticism. If he can start knocking down jumpers, his ceiling will be very, very high.

You could justify either selection, but it feels like they're leaning toward Dunn at the moment.

Should pick: Kris Dunn, PG, Jr., Providence

Bilas: Dunn is the third-best prospect in this draft. He is long-armed, very athletic and an elite defender who gets steals and impacts the game without scoring. He gets to the rim and is excellent in transition. While streaky, Dunn can shoot it from range and he also gets to the foul line.

His shot has improved dramatically over the years and he is an excellent passer. Dunn has star potential as a big point guard.


4. Phoenix Suns


Will pick: Marquese Chriss, F, Fr., Washington

Ford: The Suns' biggest need is at the 4. After moving Markieff Morris to the Wizards at the trade deadline, they've had a major hole there.

Chriss and Croatia's Dragan Bender appear to be the two final candidates in Phoenix. Bender is more NBA-ready. He's a better shooter and defender right now than Chriss. And I believe Bender has a better overall feel for the game.

But Chriss' elite athletic abilities and higher ceiling make him tough to pass up. He's one of the best athletes I've ever come across at his size and has major offensive potential as well.

Should pick: Jamal Murray, G, Fr., Kentucky

Bilas: Murray is a combo guard with a knack to score. He is used to having the ball in his hands, but worked well without the ball at Kentucky. He can really shoot it -- hitting 113 3s this season -- and has a quick trigger with terrific range.

He is a good rebounder and finisher for his position, but does not excel pulling up off the dribble. If Murray can play some point guard, he is an excellent pick at No. 4.


5. Minnesota Timberwolves



Will pick: Jamal Murray, G, Fr.,


Ford: The Wolves are also exploring trading their pick in return for young veterans who can help the team move from rebuilding to the playoffs. If they can get their hands on a player like Jimmy Butler, they'll move this pick. If they keep it, they seem to have narrowed it down to Dunn, Jaylen Brown and Murray.

New head coach and team president Tom Thibodeau loves defense, and Dunn is the best perimeter defender in this draft. If he's on the board, I think he's the pick here. Brown also provides defense, but he's much rawer than Dunn. Murray gives the Wolves a shooter who can play both backcourt positions. He's not a great defender, but his versatility should serve Minnesota well.

Should pick: Buddy Hield, G, Sr., Oklahoma

Bilas: Dunn should be gone by the time Minnesota selects, and Hield makes a lot of sense.

He is a big-time shooter who has great range and can spot up and get his shot off quickly and with ease. He is not proficient out of screen-and-roll situations, but he works his tail off, defends and finishes at the rim. Hield was a winner in college and works really hard to improve his game.


6. New Orleans Pelicans


Will pick: Jaylen Brown, F, Fr., Cal

Ford: The Pelicans are another team apparently shopping their pick in hopes of landing a young veteran who can expedite the rebuilding process. If they keep the pick, they need a lot of help in their backcourt.

Eric Gordon is a free agent this summer. Jrue Holiday is in the last year of his contract and has been fighting through injuries the past two seasons. The team needs both shooting and playmaking.

If Dunn were still on board, he'd be ideal. If he's gone, the choice will likely be between Brown, Murray and Hield. Murray and Hield are lights-out shooters. Hield is more NBA-ready and a better athlete. Murray is more versatile, bringing the ability to play both the 1 and the 2. Brown isn't a great shooter yet, but he's physical and has the potential to be an elite defender -- a must on a team that ranked 28th in defense last year.

Should pick: Marquese Chriss, F., Fr., Washington

Bilas: Chriss is a freak athlete with an incredible 7-foot wingspan. He has not played a ton of basketball to this point, but he's young and has the mechanics and potential to be a great player. He's also an excellent shot-blocker, though he has quite a bit to learn in pick-and-roll situations and transition.


7. Denver Nuggets


Will pick: Dragan Bender, F/C, Croatia

Ford: At this point the Nuggets will just sit back and see who falls to them at No. 7. There are scenarios where one of Brown, Chriss, Dunn or Murray are still on the board. In this one, it's Bender who falls. If he does, he's a steal here.

The Nuggets have had a lot of luck with international players lately, and Bender's ability to stretch the floor at the 4 could make Kenneth Faried expendable this summer.

Should pick: Jaylen Brown, F, Fr., Cal

Bilas: Murray likely will be gone at No. 6, so the Nuggets can take a big-time athlete in Brown (assuming that Chriss is gone as well).

Brown attacks the rim and can guard positions 1 through 4, but he has limited ability to hit a jump shot. Brown can get downhill off of ball screens but is turnover-prone. Still, with his youth, athleticism and NBA frame, he has terrific potential.


8. Sacramento Kings


Will pick: Buddy Hield, SG, Sr., Oklahoma

Ford: If he drops this far, I think Hield going to Sacramento is the surest thing in the draft. General manager Vlade Divac and owner Vivek Ranadive have been scouting him heavily all year. He fits a huge need they have at the 2 for perimeter shooters.

Plus, Hield's high character and work ethic are major bonuses on a team that has struggled with both over the years.

Should pick: Dragan Bender, F, Croatia

Bilas: Bender has some high-level experience, playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv. He is tall and long and can really shoot it, making him good value at No. 8.


9. Toronto Raptors


Will pick: Domantas Sabonis, PF, So., Gonzaga

Ford: The Raptors' biggest need is at the 4 and they'll have a number of intriguing options here. Sabonis, Kentucky's Skal Labissiere, Marquette's Henry Ellenson and Michigan State's Deyonta Davis could all be fits. Sabonis, however, may fit best.

He is the most NBA-ready of the group, brings toughness as a rebounder and surprised NBA scouts in workouts with his shooting ability (something he didn't get to show off too often at Gonzaga). The other guys have a higher upside, but given where the Raptors are in their process, drafting a player who can fit a need right now may take precedence.

Should pick: Deyonta Davis, F, Fr., Michigan State

Bilas: Sabonis would be a really good selection here because he is productive and he plays his tail off on every play. However, I see Davis being the selection due to his size, length, athleticism and excellent potential as a rebounder and shot-blocker.

Davis has a good touch on his shot but did not have to score much for Michigan State. He has a chance to be very, very good. Per 40 Minutes, Davis averaged more than 16 points, 11.8 rebounds and 3.9 blocked shots.


10. Milwaukee Bucks


Will pick: Dejounte Murray, PG, Fr., Washington

Ford: The Bucks could go in a lot of directions here. But Jason Kidd's long-term search for a franchise point guard makes me believe they'll settle in on Murray at No. 10 over the likes of a Jakob Poeltl or Labissiere. Brandon Knight and Michael Carter-Williams haven't been what Kidd is looking for.

While Murray is more raw than both players, his instinctual feel for the game and toughness give Kidd the tools he's been coveting in a guard. If Murray can develop a passable jump shot, he's got a chance to be the best point guard prospect in this draft five years from now.

Should pick: Denzel Valentine, F, Sr. Michigan State

Bilas: Valentine is not the raw athlete that Murray is, but he is the better player and has a better feel for the game.

Valentine is a terrific passer, shooter and rebounder. The only thing he lacks is elite athleticism, which would just hurt him on the defensive end.


11. Orlando Magic


Will pick: Skal Labissiere, F/C, Fr., Kentucky

Ford: The Magic have two needs right now: rim protection and a big man who can stretch the floor. Labissiere meets both.

His freshman season at Kentucky was a major disappointment and drafting him this high comes with serious risks. But the talent is clearly there, and if the Magic allow him to play to his strengths, he could be a major get for them down the road. The last thing Magic fans want to hear right now is patience, but Skal's talent may make him worth the wait.

Should pick: Skal Labissiere, F/C, Fr., Kentucky

Bilas: If Orlando wants shot-blocking and a big who can shoot it, Labissiere makes some sense.

He had a rough freshman season at Kentucky, and his workouts have been all one-on-none. Labissiere is not strong in his upper body or his lower base. He blocks shots and can make face-up jumpers, but he does not rebound at a high rate, which is a bit troubling. Still, Labissiere is a good prospect who is worth the risk here.


12. Utah Jazz


Will pick: Jakob Poeltl, C, So., Utah

Ford: The Jazz have a starting five they really like. They also have impressive depth at a number of positions, so this pick isn't necessarily about filling a need. It's about just adding another good player to the roster.

While the Jazz are looking at several higher upside prospects like Murray, Wade Baldwin, Malachi Richardson, Davis and Furkan Korkmaz, Poeltl is great value here. He still has significant upside and fits a need as a backup behind Rudy Gobert.

Should pick: Wade Baldwin IV, PG, So., Vanderbilt

Bilas: Baldwin is athletic, strong and can shoot it well. Over the past couple of years, Baldwin has proved to be a long-armed, strong point guard who can pass it and run an offense.

Baldwin is a good shooter and solid playmaker and has very good defensive potential.


13. Phoenix Suns


Will pick: Henry Ellenson, F/C, Fr., Marquette

Ford: This is the second lottery pick for Phoenix, and a trade is a real possibility. Both the Spurs and Clippers have shown significant interest in moving up in the draft for this pick. If the Suns keep it, given the need at power forward, don't be surprised if they spend both picks addressing the need.

Ellenson lacks Chriss' athleticism, but he is more skilled offensively right now, is a better rebounder and can play both the 4 and the 5, giving Phoenix lots of positional versatility.

Korkmaz, Baldwin and Richardson are other prospects who will get long looks here.

Should pick: Henry Ellenson, F/C, Fr., Marquette

Bilas: Ellenson makes a lot of sense here, as does Sabonis. If Ellenson is still available, he should be the choice.

He has good size and is very skilled. He can rebound and will be a better shooter in time. Eventually, Ellenson should be able to play the 4 and the 5 in the NBA.


14. Chicago Bulls


Will pick: Wade Baldwin IV, PG, So., Vanderbilt

Ford: The Bulls are looking at a potential rebuild in Chicago this summer. Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol could leave in free agency. Derrick Rose and Taj Gibson are in the last year of their contracts. After missing the playoffs, it might be time to start over. A trade is the most obvious route for them.

If they keep the pick, Baldwin seems like a very good fit as a potential heir to Rose. He's big and athletic and he can shoot the rock. He's not a great passer yet, but as Rose proved, having the athletic tools to score is another way to have a long career in the NBA as a point guard.

Should pick: Domantas Sabonis, PF, So., Gonzaga

Bilas: Sabonis is strong and relentless on the glass and defense. He has shown that he can shoot it from range, he has excellent footwork in the post and he plays extremely hard. Sabonis will fit the culture of the Bulls and make the team tougher immediately.

 

[GOB]

Thanks!  Was looking more for the read than the actual picks as I'm a bit bored.

Ford part is pure drivel.

Now get back to work.