My most recent mock draft doesn't see a ton of movement at the top, but within the middle there is a lot. The biggest mover is undoubtedly Cameron Payne, who jumped from No. 21 to No. 14 this time around. He's impressing in workouts and could very well go in the lottery by the time things end. Others who rise a little bit include Devin Booker and Rashad Vaughn, both of whom will benefit from the fact that shooters are as valuable as ever in the league.
The biggest faller this time around is Robert Upshaw, who was flagged at the combine with a heart condition. It's unknown how serious the issue but, it's just another red flag in the draft status of one of this draft's most divisive prospects. It's hard to see how he ends up going in the first round and getting guaranteed money for multiple years at this point.
Other notes include the fact that team plans are becoming a bit more clear. The Knicks and Celtics seem to be the two teams that will cause the most problems with trades, given New York's need for assets and Boston's surplus. Anything with those two teams could happen on draft night and it wouldn't be outrageous.
Here's the latest full mock draft:
| NBA Mock Draft | |
| Round 1 | |
| 1. Minnesota Timberwolves | |
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Karl-Anthony Towns, PF, Kentucky: While D'Angelo Russell and Emmanuel Mudiay are going to work out for Minnesota, it seems likely that the pick will be one of the two big men on the board: Jahlil Okafor and Karl Towns. Despite signals out of Minnesota that Okafor is favored by Flip Saunders, I'm still going with Towns here. Simply put, Towns is the perfect prospect for what the Wolves need, and I think they're going to see that once he comes in for a workout. He'd provide the shooting and rim protection that they need going forward around Andrew Wiggins and Ricky Rubio, as well as the offensive flexibility to play both in the post or in space. The pick is far from set in stone, but right now my guess is that they eventually settle on Towns. |
| 2. Los Angeles Lakers | |
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Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke: Another team that is interviewing and working out a lot of guys in order to send out smoke signals in 10 different directions. Still, my guess is that they decide not to pass on what could be a generationally good offensive big man in Okafor. This roster is so light on talent that they should be taking best player available, and for me that's the Duke center that finished third among freshmen nationally in both scoring and rebounding, as well as finished second nationally in field-goal percentage among all players. His footwork and strength are tremendous, and he's the kind of guy that might end up leading the Lakers back to the playoffs. |
| 3. Philadelphia 76ers | |
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D'Angelo Russell, SG, Ohio State: The Sixers are an extremely tight-lipped organization, so it's going to be tough to get any sort of true indication as far as what they're thinking before the draft starts. Having said that, Russell just seems like a match made in heaven. He's the kind of lead ball-handler with all-star offensive potential that would mesh well with their current long-term pieces as a floor-spacer and pick-and-roll maestro. A lot of guys could be in the fold here, from Emmanuel Mudiay to Justise Winslow to Mario Hezonja. Again, the Sixers' decision makers don't release information. But Russell is the common sense guy here. |
| 4. New York Knicks | |
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Justise Winslow, SF, Duke: The Knicks are the team in the top-five most likely to trade down. If that's the case, look for a team moving up to target either Winslow (who would likely be a fit at No. 5 with Orlando) or Emmanuel Mudiay (who probably won't get past the Kings at No. 6). But if they do stay here, Winslow makes a great deal of sense as a player that could fit perfectly with Carmelo Anthony on both ends of the floor. Still, this is another roster that is extremely low on talent, so any of Winslow, Mudiay, Willie Cauley-Stein, Kristaps Porzingis and Hezonja will likely be in play at No. 4, as the Knicks still aren't sure which direction they're going to go in. |
| 5. Orlando Magic | |
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Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Kentucky: The Magic typically like a certain kind of player. They like defensively-oriented players that are terrific athletes with high character. Cauley-Stein checks all of those boxes as the draft's best defensive player and one of the most fluid athletes at 7-feet tall that we've seen in a long time. Other guys who could be in play here include Mario Hezonja if they decide to prioritize shooting, or Kristaps Porzingis if they want to go for the home run. |
| 6. Sacramento Kings | |
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Emmanuel Mudiay, PG, China: This would be the absolute best-case scenario for the Kings. Mudiay would be an absolutely perfect fit for the George Karl's pick-and-roll heavy, uptempo offense. Plus, point guard is something of a need, and Mudiay's size could allow the Kings to play some interesting dual point guard lineups. With Vlade Divac as the new man in charge, it wouldn't be crazy to see him opt for Mario Hezonja or Kristaps Porzingis, but that's likely only if Mudiay is gone. This one just fits on too many levels. |
| 7. Denver Nuggets | |
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Mario Hezonja, SG, Croatia: If the Nuggets needed one thing last year, it was help on the wing. Hezonja is a plus athlete and plus shooter, and also brings a flair and energy to the game that the Nuggets could use to sell to the fanbase. He also fits within the Nuggets' penchant for selecting international players, as they're known to have one of the best worldwide scouting staffs in the NBA. This one just fits perfectly, although Porzingis would likely be an option here too. |
| 8. Detroit Pistons | |
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Kristaps Porzingis, PF, Latvia: Stan Van Gundy is a big fan of playing offensive basketball that is predicated on space with a great interior presence. Well, they already have that center in Andre Drummond, so now it's about finding the space. Porzingis profiles very well a stretch-4 that will be able to defend on the perimeter, help to protect the weak side of the rim, and potentially even begin to create his own shots. If Porzingis drops to No. 8, it would also represent a pretty high value pick, given the effusive praise that is showered upon him by league officials. |
| 9. Charlotte Hornets | |
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Devin Booker, SG, Kentucky: The Hornets are the team picking ninth in a draft that features a pretty clear drop off after the top-eight prospects for me. Still, they'd likely be happy to end up with Booker as they probably can't envision a better shooting guard fit in between long-term pieces Kemba Walker and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Also, it's clear the Hornets have an interest in him, as they met with him at the combine, and will meet with him again on June 8. The team could do worse than to come away with what for my money is the best shooter in the draft. |
| 10. Miami Heat | |
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Stanley Johnson, SF, Arizona: This would be a pretty perfect fit, as the Heat could use some help both on the wing and at the 4 spot depending on what they can get from Josh McRoberts next season. Johnson represents the kind of positional versatility and defensive potential that coach Erik Spoelstra will likely value in a player, and he could also be a pretty perfect fit in between Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh if Luol Deng departs this summer. This would be a home run for both parties. |
| 11. Indiana Pacers | |
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Frank Kaminsky, C, Wisconsin: It seems the Pacers want a player that can come in and contribute immediately, and if that's the case they should look no further than last season's Wooden Award winner. He'd fit a positional need given the Pacers' uncertainty in the frontcourt with both Roy Hibbert and David West possessing player options for the final year of their contract. Plus, he'd give the Pacers a new element offensively to play with, as he'd provide shooting from the frontcourt as well as the ability to attack closeouts and score. |
| 12. Utah Jazz | |
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Kelly Oubre Jr., SF, Kansas: Oubre would give the Jazz something they don't have on the wing as a terrific athlete who could become a true two-way star. Guys like Gordon Hayward and Alec Burks profile to be there long-term, but Oubre's ability to get out in transition and potentially defend make him tough to pass up. Other options include big guys like Myles Turner, Bobby Portis and Kevon Looney. This is a team that could really just take the best guy they have on their board. |
| 13. Phoenix Suns | |
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Myles Turner, C, Texas: The questions surrounding Turner's athleticism and physicals are legitimate in front offices around the NBA. So why not place him with the Suns, a team with a medical and training staff that is terrific at getting guys' muscles to fire in the right places. Turner also fits them from a schematic standpoint, as he could help replace the kind of player that left them in Channing Frye last offseason, as well as give them a different kind of dimension next to Alex Len, who might be best off as a 25-minute per game guy anyway. |
| 14. Oklahoma City Thunder | |
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Cameron Payne, PG, Murray State: I buy that there is legitimate interest between the Thunder and Payne, but I sincerely doubt that any promise has been made as has been rumored. Payne would give the Thunder an option next to Russell Westbrook as well as a steady, high-IQ guard off the bench who could score. My guess is that ends up being his best role, but it's one that would work perfectly for the Thunder. |
| 15. Atlanta Hawks | |
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Bobby Portis, PF, Arkansas: Paul Millsap and Pero Antic are both free agents, as well as DeMarre Carroll and Elton Brand. Plus, Mike Scott's production stumbled down the stretch in the playoffs, so it might make sense to supplement what they have already in Portis, a player that should fit their scheme perfectly as a guy who can shoot away from the hoop. Portis is a totally unselfish player that might be able to make an impact in his rookie season due to his intensity and high motor, as well as his skill level. |
| 16. Boston Celtics | |
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Trey Lyles, PF, Kentucky: I don't think the Celtics end up selecting here. They have four picks in this draft and seven picks in next year's draft to use as ammo for a trade, as well as a cavalcade of middling rotation pieces to use as sweeteners. So basically, I have allotted them the best player available on my board, Trey Lyles. Lyles is a guy that any of Indiana, Utah or Phoenix could be interested in, and the Knicks have already made their interest in him (at whatever level it may be) known. The Celtics here and the Knicks above them at No. 4 are going to be the teams that make this draft go haywire. |
| 17. Milwaukee Bucks | |
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Kevon Looney, PF, UCLA: If there are two things the Bucks have been interested in over the past few drafts, it's length and the ability to play multiple positions defensively. Looney has potential to provide both of those things as his near-7-4 wingspan shows to go with his burgeoning defensive game and terrific rebounding ability. |
| 18. Houston Rockets | |
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Tyus Jones, PG, Duke: James Harden has said he'd like the organization to upgrade the guard position next to him this offseason. Jones fits the typical Rockets' billing as a young player that grades out extremely well in analytical models after his national championship-winning season at Duke. The organization has also already brought him in for a workout, and is known to be doing their due diligence. |
| 19. Washington Wizards | |
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Jerian Grant, PG, Notre Dame: Grant would give the Wizards versatility in the backcourt, and a very solid backup option behind John Wall and Bradley Beal. This one seems pretty perfect, given that he can play both positions and that the Wizards need some help at each backup spot. |
| 20. Toronto Raptors | |
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Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SF, Arizona: Hollis-Jefferson was one of the first prospects the Raptors brought in to work out, and profiles well on a team that really struggled defensively. It also doesn't hurt that he'd fit a positional need, given that the Raps small forward spot is rather unsettled right now beyond DeMar DeRozan occasionally filling in there. |
| 21. Dallas Mavericks | |
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Sam Dekker, SF, Wisconsin: The Mavericks only have Dirk Nowitzki, Chandler Parsons and Devin Harris guaranteed to return next season as rotation players. So they'll be going with best player available given that their roster uncertainty. Even though Dekker does play the same position as Parsons and even Dirk to a lesser extent as a secondary position in small-ball lineups, the Mavericks will be able to use him regardless. |
| 22. Chicago Bulls | |
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Delon Wright, PG, Utah: The rise of Cameron Payne up draft boards for teams has certainly helped all of the other point guards, including Wright. He now becomes an option a bit earlier than he might have been a month ago as the No. 5 point guard in this class. He fits with the Bulls as a solid backup for the injury-riddled Derrick Rose, and at 23-years-old he should be more likely to play early than some others. |
| 23. Portland Trail Blazers | |
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Montrezl Harrell, PF-C, Louisville: Harrell fits the Blazers from a positional need, especially if LaMarcus Aldridge decides to take his talents elsewhere. Harrell was one of the first players that the Blazers brought in for a workout, and figures to fit both if Aldridge stays or if he goes as a high motor bench guy early in his career. |
| 24. Cleveland Cavaliers | |
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Justin Anderson, SF, Virginia: The Cavs will likely want to try to solidify the wing this offseason with guards J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert due to be free agents. Anderson fits perfectly for what the Cavs want to do as a potential 3-and-D player that might work well next to LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. |
| 25. Memphis Grizzlies | |
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Jarell Martin, PF, LSU: The Grizzlies would likely love one of Hollis-Jefferson, Wright or Anderson to be available for this pick. Also, if not for Robert Upshaw's issues, he probably would be the pick here. However, with none of those guys being on the table, the Grizzlies opt for Martin, an athletic 6-9 big man who worked out with the team on June 9. |
| 26. San Antonio Spurs | |
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R.J. Hunter, SG, Georgia State: Hunter fits the Spurs perfectly here. He's a terrific off-ball mover, and they'll likely be looking to fill the void of Danny Green as a shooter in case he leaves in the offseason. A stash here is also very distinct possibility in order for the team to continue to create cap space. |
| 27. Los Angeles Lakers | |
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Christian Wood, PF, UNLV: The Lakers got their man early in the draft in Jahlil Okafor, and in this pick (which they basically got for free for taking on Jeremy Lin for a season) they swing for the fences. Wood is a high-upside type of player that might eventually become a stretch-4 that can rebound and block shots as long as he can get into better shape and develop his lower body. |
| 28. Boston Celtics | |
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Chris McCullough, PF, Syracuse: Another team with a second first-round pick swings for the fences here. The Celtics don't have a ton of length on the interior, so drafting McCullough gives them a chance to develop someone inside that might be able to protect the weak side of the rim and do a lot of things with his fluid athleticism. |
| 29. Brooklyn Nets | |
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Rashad Vaughn, SG, UNLV: Vaughn is a guy that could rise up past this point come draft night if he continues to do well in workouts. He finished second among freshmen in scoring in the nation this season, and has a pretty interesting skill set. Plus, he's young at only 18-years-old. He has a long way to develop, but this is the kind of home run the Nets might want to take given their lack of upcoming picks. |
| 30. Golden State Warriors | |
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Terry Rozier, PG, Louisville: Rozier's a guy that will be right on the edge of the first round, and here he gets to play with the NBA finalist Warriors. This is basically a best player available type situation, where the Warriors take a backup point guard that they could trust to defend and possibly take over as a spark plug for Leandro Barbosa. |
| Round 2 | |
| 31. Minnesota Timberwolves | |
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Michael Frazier II, SG, Florida: The Wolves take a shot on a shooter here that could develop into a decent weapon in between Wiggins and Rubio. |
| 32. Houston Rockets | |
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Jordan Mickey, PF, LSU: The Rockets love taking athletic forwards who could defend multiple positions next to Dwight Howard. Mickey fits that. |
| 33. Boston Celtics | |
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Aleksandar Vezenkov, SF, Bulgaria: If the Celtics keep all four picks (they won't), they'll use a couple as stashes. Vezenkov would be a great stash candidate. |
| 34. Los Angeles Lakers | |
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Olivier Hanlan, PG, Boston College: Hanlan would provide some scoring punch and pick-and-roll prowess for the Lakers' backcourt. |
| 35. Philadelphia 76ers | |
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Michael Qualls, SG, Arkansas: Qualls is the kind of potential athletic/defensive guy that Sam Hinkie might really like. |
| 36. Minnesota Timberwolves | |
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Alpha Kaba, PF, France: Kaba has worked out for the Wolves, and presents an intriguing draft and stash option as a stretch-4. |
| 37. Philadelphia 76ers | |
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Nikola Milutinov, C, Serbia: The Sixers are going to have to stash some of these picks. They already have some rim protection, so here they get some skill. |
| 38. Detroit Pistons | |
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Guillermo Hernangomez, C, Spain: Hernangomez would be a solid stash and potential backup for Andre Drummond. |
| 39. Charlotte Hornets | |
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Andrew Harrison, PG, Kentucky: Harrison could probably play in the same backcourt as Kemba Walker, or become a solid backup option. |
| 40. Miami Heat | |
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Mouhammadou Jaiteh, C, France: Jaiteh has apparently worked out for the Heat, and could be a solid stash option for them (or even a guy they could have for next year). |
| 41. Brooklyn Nets | |
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Rakeem Christmas, C, Syracuse: With Brook Lopez maybe opting out this offseason, makes sense to shore up the reserves inside. |
| 42. Utah Jazz | |
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Norman Powell, SG, UCLA: More athleticism on the wing for the Jazz, as Powell is a potential defensive stopper and transition athlete. |
| 43. Indiana Pacers | |
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Anthony Brown, SF, Stanford: He's been in with the Pacers already, and they could use further shooting from the wing. |
| 44. Phoenix Suns | |
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Cliff Alexander, PF, Kansas: The Suns can afford to take a risk here, and they do so with Alexander, a big man who can run the floor and finish. |
| 45. Boston Celtics | |
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Georges Lucas Alves de Paula, PG, Brazil: de Paula is a physical freak, and the Celtics like guys in the backcourt who can defend like he can. |
| 46. Milwaukee Bucks | |
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Timothe Luwawu, SG, France: The Bucks have 13 players under contract for next season, so a stash here is likely. Luwawu fits their M.O. |
| 47. Philadelphia 76ers | |
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Cedi Osman, PG, Macedonia: The Sixers have likely seen a ton of Osman, given that he plays on the same team as Dario Saric. |
| 48. Oklahoma City Thunder | |
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Lucas Dias, SF, Brazil: The Thunder have nearly a full roster under contract for next year, so a trade or stash seems likely here. |
| 49. Washington Wizards | |
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Jonathan Holmes, SF, Texas: The Wizards could use a guy like Holmes to develop as a potential stretch-4 option. |
| 50. Atlanta Hawks | |
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Dakari Johnson, C, Kentucky: The Hawks do have Walter Tavares coming over, but it never hurts to continue to build depth inside given how many forwards they have coming in free agency. |
| 51. Orlando Magic | |
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J.P. Tokoto, SF, North Carolina: Tokoto is a high energy, highly athletic defensive wing that needs to work a lot on his jumper. |
| 52. Dallas Mavericks | |
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Arturas Gudaitis, C, Lithuania: The Mavs will likely want to keep cap space open, so they stash an intriguing, fluid athlete here in Gudaitis. |
| 53. Cleveland Cavaliers | |
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Robert Upshaw, C, Washington: Upshaw's fall ends here, as the Cavs could use a backup center behind Timofey Mozgov, and can also afford to take a risk here in the troubled center. The Cavs' culture with LeBron James will continue to grow strong, and hopefully LeBron can get him to shape up and act right. For Upshaw, I'd be surprised at this point if a team offers him guaranteed money, given the problems with his past and the heart issue that was flagged at the combine. |
| 54. Utah Jazz | |
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Moussa Diagne, C, Senegal: They could use a big, and there's no way they use all three of these picks on American players given their international staff. |
| 55. San Antonio Spurs | |
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Daniel Diez, SF, Spain: Diez shot exceedingly well from 3 this season, and might profile as a Matt Bonner replacement. |
| 56. New Orleans Pelicans | |
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Richaun Holmes, PF, Bowling Green: The athletic Holmes might be able to stick as a backup big in the NBA. |
| 57. Denver Nuggets | |
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Marc Garcia, SG, Spain: Garcia is still a pretty skinny guard that might not make it over. Also could pull out if his stock is this low given that he's 19. |
| 58. Philadelphia 76ers | |
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Joseph Young, SG, Oregon: Young is the kind of smart pick-and-roll combo guard that might carve out a role with the Sixers. |
| 59. Atlanta Hawks | |
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Andzejs Pasecniks, C, Latvia: Pasecniks is a 7-footer that can step away and shoot a little bit. Fits the Hawks desire to space the floor, at least. |
| 60. Philadelphia 76ers | |
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Mateusz Ponitka, SG, Poland: A 6-6 shooting guard who is auto eligible from Poland. He won MVP of the Adidas EuroCamp in June. |
