Robb: One Final NBA Mock Draft
By Brian Robb, CBS Boston
BOSTON (CBS) -- With the NBA Draft just a few hours away, here is one final mock draft to hold you over.
1. Philadelphia – Ben Simmons, F, LSU. The lanky wing could play up to four positions in today's NBA. His jump shot needs some work, but he's got the playmaking ability to help the Sixers ascent from the bottom of the NBA.
2. LA Lakers – Brandon Ingram, F, Duke. He's the best player in this draft in my mind. He's needs to add some strength but he has the size to get his shot off over most defenders. Shot creation is a necessity now more than ever in this league and Ingram showed plenty of flashes of that against elite competition in his one season at the ACC. The Lakers' rebuild is going to be painful, but Ingram is a building block for it.
3. Boston – Kris Dunn, G, Providence. There is going to be a trade associated with this pick in one way or another. If the Celtics are keeping it, say goodbye to Marcus Smart or Terry Rozier. Otherwise, they are moving it for a veteran piece plus more picks.
4. Phoenix – Marquese Chriss, F, Washington. Phoenix needs some help in the frontcourt and Chriss is an interesting gamble for an athletic pick-and-pop option. His defensive issues are well chronicled, but he's got the upside at age 19 to grow with the Suns' core.
5. Minnesota – Jamal Murray, G, Kentucky. The Wolves are in search of a shooter and the freshman 19-year-old fills that mold. He could eventually develop into a combo guard, but he's a nice complement at the two spot next to Ricky Rubio's in Minnesota's backcourt. With Wiggins and Towns already in place, the Wolves' future looks bright and Murray helps that as a floor spacer.
6. New Orleans – Buddy Hield, G, Oklahoma. With Eric Gordon headed to free agency and Anthony Davis entering his prime, the Hornets' don't have time to be patient. They want to get back into the playoff picture in the Western Conference and Hield is a prospect that helps them on that front immediately with his experience and shooting.
7. Denver – Dragan Bender, F, Israel. The international man of mystery joins a rebuilding Denver squad stockpiling young European bigs. The Nuggets have the ability to be patient with Bender as he grows into a versatile power forward on both ends of the floor.
8. Sacramento – Jaylen Brown, F, California. With defense being a top concern for the Kings following George Karl's departure, Brown would improve the team's perimeter issues immediately. At 6-foot-7 and with the ability to guard multiple positions, Brown would be a steal at No. 8.
9. Toronto – Deyonta Davis, F/C Michigan State. Luis Scola is not going to cut it at power forward anymore and Bismack Biyombo could be departing as well in the free agent market. The Raptors need some muscle and rebounding up front and Davis can provide a bit of both.
10. Milwaukee – Domantas Sabonis, PF/C, Gonzaga. One of the few big men in this draft who is ready to contribute immediately. He's got terrific passing vision and a nice touch around the basket that should help him compliment the Greek Freak and Jabari Parker up front.
11. Orlando – Malik Beasley, SG, Florida State.
12. Atlanta – Jakob Poeltl, PF/C, Utah.
13. Phoenix – Wade Baldwin, SG, Vanderbilt.
14. Chicago – Skal Labissiere, C, Kentucky.
15. Denver – Timothe Luwawu, SF, International
16. Boston – Ivica Zubac, C, International
17. Memphis – Juan Hernangomez, F, International
18. Detroit – Taurean Prince, SF, Baylor
19. Denver – Dejounte Murray, SG, Washington
20. Brooklyn – Demetrius Jackson, PG, Notre Dame
21. Atlanta – Henry Ellenson, F, Marquette
22. Charlotte – Georgios Papagiannis, C International
23. Boston – Brice Johnson F/C, UNC
24. Philadelphia – Ante Zizic, C, International
25. LA Clippers – DeAndre Bembry, SG/SF, St. Joseph's
26. Philadelphia - Malachi Richardson, SG, Syracuse
27. Toronto – Furkan Korkmaz, SG, International
28. Phoenix – Cheick Diallo, PF/C, Kansas
29. San Antonio – Damian Jones, C, Vanderbilt
30. Golden State – Diamond Stone, C, Maryland
Brian Robb covers the Celtics for CBS Boston and contributes to NBA.com, among other media outlets. You can follow him on Twitter @CelticsHub.
