2016 NBA Mock Draft For Both Rounds

1. Philadelphia 76ers – Ben Simmons (SF/PF, LSU)

Simmons fits the profile as the star playmaker Philadelphia desperately needs. Their open shopping of Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel hints toward the desire to draft Simmons over a more perimeter oriented Brandon Ingram.

2. Los Angeles Lakers – Brandon Ingram (SF, Duke)

No surprise here, as Ingram is everything the Lakers need right now. He’s the best scorer in the draft and still has room to grow physically. Kevin Durant comparisons are not too much pressure for a kid with the confidence to be a star in L.A.

3. Boston Celtics – Dragan Bender (PF, Croatia)

I expect Boston to trade this pick, but if not, Bender makes a lot of sense. At 7-foot-1, he has the mobility, ball-handling ability and touch to be a mismatch problem. He has a good head on his shoulders and could be Boston's future power forward,

4. Phoenix Suns – Jaylen Brown (SF, California)

If Bender falls, he would be a solid pick. Otherwise, Phoenix should look to fill their small forward hole since the power forward class is much deeper this year. Brown is a highly intelligent, athletic wing who profiles as a strong two-way player.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves – Kris Dunn (PG, Providence)

Dunn is the top guard in the draft with the size, athleticism and vision of an elite NBA point guard. Ricky Rubio said he might want out of Minnesota if they don’t make the playoffs, so they might should bring in Dunn for a team with a bright future.

6. New Orleans Pelicans – Jamal Murray (SG/PG, Kentucky)

Eric Gordon hasn’t worked out for the Pelicans. Murray has the outside shooting to make teams pay for doubling down on Anthony Davis. Although not a great athlete, the 6-foot-5 combo guard is a crafty offensive player who can contribute right away.

7. Denver Nuggets – Marquese Chriss (PF, Washington)

Denver needs rim protectors and shooters. Chriss offers both of those as a 6-foot-9 power forward who averaged 2.6 blocks per 40 minutes and shot 35 percent from three. He has huge upside at only 18 years old, but is also a big boom-or-bust risk.

8. Sacramento Kings – Buddy Hield (SG, Oklahoma)

Shooting is at a premium in the NBA right now, and Hield does it as well as anyone in this draft. Even if he never excels at any part of his game, he has a role as a knock down shooter. Sacramento could make Hield the starter from day one.

9. Toronto Raptors – Henry Ellenson (PF, Marquette)

Ellenson may slip due to defensive concerns, but he could be a steal. His shot has looked good in workouts and his handle and post skills make him a dangerous inside-out threat. Toronto needs an offensive big man like Ellenson to take the next step.

10. Milwaukee Bucks – Jakob Poeltl (C, Utah)

The Austrian big man can give the Bucks a true center that they need to man the paint. Poeltl’s post game is improving exponentially for a 20-year-old while his defense could become very valuable with his quickness defending pick-and-rolls.

11. Orlando Magic – Domantas Sabonis (PF/C, Gonzaga)

Sabonis brings a different dimension to the game with his energy level. Despite a subpar wingspan, he rebounds well and uses his footwork to score down low. Orlando lacks toughness at the power forward spot, so Sabonis would be a good fit.

12. Utah Jazz – Wade Baldwin (PG/SG, Vanderbilt)

Utah has taken point guards in two of the last three drafts. Trey Burke appears to be on his way out, and Dante Exum’s health is a concern. Having a long, athletic combo guard who can shoot and defend would be useful for the Jazz at this point.

13. Phoenix Suns – Skal Labissiere (PF/C, Kentucky)

Some teams are really high on Labissiere and others think he’s too soft to be successful. The Suns lack depth down low, where Labissiere would be given an opportunity to gain confidence and grow as a jump-shooting rim protector.

14. Chicago Bulls – Demetrius Jackson (PG, Notre Dame)

The Bulls don’t seem ready to go into complete rebuild mode. Adding a guard who is ready to contribute should be at the top of their list. Jackson is a great penetrator who's used to playing in a spread offense that Fred Hoiberg wants to run.

15. Denver Nuggets – Furkan Korkmaz (SG, Turkey)

Korkmaz won’t be playing in the NBA for a couple years, but he is definitely worth the investment. The 18-year-old can shoot and handle the ball as well as just about any wing player in the draft. Denver could afford to stash Korkmaz for a while.

16. Boston Celtics – Timothe Luwawu (SG/SF, France)

At the very least, Luwawu should be able to find a role as a slasher who can defend multiple spots. His jump shot was much improved this season for Mega Leks. Boston could use a versatile wing if Evan Turner leaves.

17. Memphis Grizzlies – Malachi Richardson (SG, Syracuse)

Richardson would provide Memphis with the scoring punch they are looking for. It’s possible that his NCAA tournament performance may have created unrealistic expectations, but he is very capable of becoming a reliable wing scorer.

18. Detroit Pistons – Deyonta Davis (PF/C, Michigan State)

The Michigan native would be the first big off the bench on the Pistons. Like most young bigs, he’s still a little raw offensively. His ability to block shots and rebound in traffic will allow him to thrive next to Andre Drummond.

19. Denver Nuggets – Dejounte Murray (PG/SG, Washington)

Murray has a little bit of Jamal Crawford in him, with the ability to shake defenders and make contested shots in traffic. His ceiling is really high if he finds a consistent jumper. Denver would be able to take a shot at a project here.

20. Indiana Pacers – Thon Maker (PF, Australia)

Maker is one of the biggest question marks in recent memory. When it comes to the latter part of the first round, picking a player with historic athleticism for a 7-footer and a great motor really isn’t much of a risk. Maker is a lottery talent.

21. Atlanta Hawks – Ivica Zubac (C, Croatia)

Atlanta needs a big body to grow into the hole that Al Horford may leave in free agency. Zubac is only 18 and already has a solid body. With a few more years overseas, the 7-foot-1 center could come over ready to be a reliable low post scorer.

22. Charlotte Hornets – Malik Beasley (SG, Florida State)

Charlotte has passed on a number of shooting guards over the years, relying on trades to fill the spot. Shooting is still an issue for the Hornets, making a scoring guard like Beasley an ideal target.

23. Boston Celtics – Denzel Valentine (SG, Michigan State)

There are very serious concerns about a lingering knee issue for Valentine. He can legitimately play all three positions, even if he can’t guard opposing point guards. Boston would be taking a low risk this late in a versatile player like Valentine.

24. Philadelphia 76ers – Tyler Ulis (PG, Kentucky)

Ulis is 5-foot-10 and he appears to have a problem with his hip. Talent wise, he should go in the top 20, but a red flag injury on top of being short could have him slide. The 76ers really can upgrade any spot, and Ulis has that Philly toughness.

25. Los Angeles Clippers – Taurean Prince (SF, Baylor)

Prince is one of the safest picks in terms of what he brings with his energy and scoring prowess. The Clippers need to surround their stars with shot makers like Prince.

26. Philadelphia 76ers – Georgios Papagiannis (C, Greece)

Papagiannis is a powerful 7-foot-2 kid from Greece whose value is in his rebounding and shot blocking. His offensive instincts are impressive, even if he isn’t polished yet. Philadelphia should take a flier on the 18-year-old while he grows abroad.

27. Toronto Raptors – DeAndre Bembry (SF, Saint Joseph’s)

Bembry is smooth and composed with the ball in his hands. Toronto is a perfect fit for the Saint Joe’s star, as he would be able to act like a point forward in certain lineups. Plus, his maturity would keep Toronto moving in the right direction.

28. Phoenix Suns – Juan Hernangomez (SF/PF, Spain)

After seeing his brother get picked last year, Hernangomez will hear his name called in the first round thanks to his ability as an energetic forward. Phoenix would benefit from adding a player who competes with an edge.

29. San Antonio Spurs – Ante Zizic (C, Croatia)

Zizic is one of the most talented all-around international players in the draft. He moves well, plays hard and finishes with aggression at the rim. San Antonio is moving toward a younger core where a player like Zizic will fit right in.

30. Golden State Warriors – Damian Jones (C, Vanderbilt)

Festus Ezeli will probably seek a bigger contract elsewhere, and Andrew Bogut isn’t getting any younger or healthier. Jones is a very athletic big who can block shots. While he may be gone by this pick, Jones would be productive for the Warriors.

31. Boston Celtics – Cheick Diallo (PF, Kansas)

Due to how shallow this draft is, a team may take a chance on Diallo in the latter part of the first round. If teams pick more ready players, he would be worth the selection here with the hope that he can be an effective rim-running shot blocker.

32. Los Angeles Lakers – Brice Johnson (PF/C, North Carolina)

At 6-foot-11, his thin frame may be an issue at center, but with his leaping ability he could become a stretch five. Johnson would add to an improving frontcourt in L.A.

33. Los Angeles Clippers – Petr Cornelie (PF/C, France)

Cornelie is one of the true stretch fives in the draft. He’s a legit 7-foot with the mechanics to shoot from well behind the three-point line. The Clippers could wait a while and inherit him when he gets stronger.

34. Phoenix Suns – Patrick McCaw (SG, UNLV)

Phoenix has a lot of positions to improve. Shooting guard isn’t one of the glaring needs, but McCaw can play and defend all three spots on the perimeter. He has the look of a solid role player, especially if he goes to a lowly team like Phoenix.

35. Boston Celtics – Malcolm Brogdon (SG, Virginia)

Boston has built a culture of toughness that Brogdon would fit into perfectly. Despite being only 6-foot-5, he is one of the best perimeter defenders in the draft.

36. Milwaukee Bucks – Anthony Barber (PG, NC State)

The experiment to play Giannis Antetokounmpo at point guard had good results at the end of the year. Barber can score the ball at will and could be the punch for their second unit.

37. Houston Rockets – A.J. Hammons (C, Purdue)

Hammons would be the best shot blocker on the Rockets next year when Dwight Howard leaves. After being known as a defensive specialist, he showed an outside shot that should allow him to play in different lineups.

38. Milwaukee Bucks – Paul Zipser (SF, Germany)

If the season started today, Jason Kidd wouldn’t have a small forward he trusts. Zipser is one of the most experienced players in the draft. He does a little bit of everything well, including defend which will earn him minutes in Milwaukee.

39. New Orleans Pelicans – Chinanu Onuaku (C, Louisville)

Onuaku had to get surgery but looks to be in good shape. He could take a similar path as former Louisville star Gorgui Dieng. New Orleans doesn’t really use Omer Asik, so maybe Onuaku could be valuable at center.

40. New Orleans Pelicans – Rade Zagorac (SF, Serbia)

Zagorac is a skilled small forward who handles the ball in the open court like a point guard. With a 7-foot-3 wingspan and fluid athleticism, he can impact the game defensively and on the glass. Zagorac could be one of the top steals in the draft.

41. Orlando Magic – Isaiah Whitehead (PG/SG, Seton Hall)

With the strength of a running back, Whitehead can power through defenders. In terms of his point guard skills, he still has a ways to go, even though he is a natural playmaker. Orlando could use a backup point guard who can score the ball.

42. Utah Jazz – Diamond Stone (C, Maryland)

There is nothing wrong with planning for the long term. Stone would give the Jazz some security down low while improving his overall game. He should be able to at least get some time with his back-to-the-basket skills.

43. Houston Rockets – Isaiah Cousins (PG/SG, Oklahoma)

Cousins has good size at a position that he just started playing last year. He should be able to stay in front of NBA guards with his length. His outside shooting touch will make him intriguing to the Rockets as a floor spacer next to James Harden.

44. Atlanta Hawks – Jake Layman (SF, Maryland)

Atlanta is still at a point where they can compete in the East. Layman has a team-first mentality that should make his offensive versatility more intriguing to the Hawks.

45. Boston Celtics – Stephen Zimmerman (C, UNLV)

Zimmerman is a first-round talent who could scare teams away with a knee injury. He is an ideal pick-and-pop player who resembles what a modern center looks like. If he can stay healthy, he would be a steal in the second round.

46. Dallas Mavericks – Michael Gbinije (SG, Syracuse)

Dallas would be smart to take a player who fills a bunch of needs. Gbinije can do a lot with his defense and spot-up shooting. He would be a good fit for a team lacking size on the wing.

47. Orlando Magic – Zhou Qi (C, China)

Some expect Qi to be picked in the first round. He is an intriguing prospect with his 7-foot-7 wingspan and feathery outside touch. Orlando would have nothing to lose with picking Qi this late.

48. Chicago Bulls – Caris LeVert (SG, Michigan)

Chicago has been in need of a wing next to Jimmy Butler for years. While injuries railroaded LeVert’s career at Michigan, he is 6-foot-7 yet plays with the pace of a point guard. With a clear physical, LeVert would be worthy of a first-round pick.

49. Detroit Pistons – Kahlil Felder (PG, Oakland)

Felder has lived in Michigan his whole life. If a team should feel comfortable taking the 5-foot-9 dynamo, it should be the Pistons who actually need another point guard.

50. Indiana Pacers – Yogi Ferrell (PG, Indiana)

If Ty Lawson plans to go into free agency, the Indiana product would be another miniature point guard who can create offense. Ferrell has been able to build a legacy in Indiana that the Pacers could use to ease his transition to the NBA.

51. Boston Celtics – Isaia Cordinier (SG, France)

Boston could afford to use this pick on a player for the future. Cordinier has a lot of physical gifts and natural skills that could make him a contributor down the line.

52. Utah Jazz – Ben Bentil (PF, Providence)

Thanks to the overwhelming shift to stretch fours, players like Bentil should be in high demand. He has impressed a lot of teams in workouts and could go as early as the late first round. If he falls here, he’d be the best player on the board.

53. Denver Nuggets – Guerschon Yabusele (PF, France)

Yabusele is a monster of a man who would be a long-term project for any organization. There is no reason to knock a team for taking a chance on the Frenchman this late.

54. Atlanta Hawks – Joel Bolomboy (PF, Weber State)

Specialists can find a way into the league. Bolomboy is a rebounding freak who goes up and snatches boards at an alarming rate. He has a more developed offensive game than he gets credit for, but rebounding is what will get him drafted.

55. Brooklyn Nets – Gary Payton II (PG, Oregon State)

Payton II will make his mark as a defensive guard until his offensive game catches up. Any team could use a guard who can lock down on the many elite point guards in the league.

56. Denver Nuggets – Wayne Selden (SG, Kansas)

Selden could turn out to be a really productive player if he accepts a role as a slasher who plays defense off the bench. Spending three years in college allowed him to put it all together and become a solid prospect.

57. Memphis Grizzlies – Pascal Siakam (PF, New Mexico State)

Memphis can’t be content with their aging frontcourt. Siakam can spend some time learning to be a pro behind Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol.

58. Boston Celtics – Zach Auguste (PF/C, Notre Dame)

Auguste has been in Massachusetts for a while, and likely has been on the Celtics' radar for a couple years. He has worked out with nearly 20 teams over the past few months, but I think Boston will take him if they still have this pick.

59. Sacramento Kings – Robert Carter (PF, Maryland)

Maryland allowed Carter to show a lot of his ability as a stretch four. He is a bit undersized, so knocking down those outside shots could allow him to become a sort of Patrick Patterson type down the line.