NBA Mock Draft 2016: Latest Pre-Lottery Projections for 1st-Round Action
Even though Tuesday's lottery will transform the whole first round, there is still time for one more NBA mock draft to provide a reference point for the changes.
The recent NBA Draft Combine in Chicago has led to shifts in stock throughout the draft, even if many of the top prospects didn't take part in the workouts. Players who took advantage of the opportunity will be rewarded for their efforts and could even hear their names called in the first round on June 23.
As far as the top of the first round is concerned, most of the shifts will take place after the order is set. The players won't get better or worse, but the needs for each organization will be different. Still, the latest mock draft reflects how things are at the moment before the lottery creates more chaos.
| 1 | Philadelphia 76ers | Brandon Ingram | SG | Duke |
| 2 | Los Angeles Lakers | Ben Simmons | PF | LSU |
| 3 | Boston Celtics (via BKN) | Jamal Murray | SG | Kentucky |
| 4 | Phoenix Suns | Dragan Bender | PF | Croatia |
| 5 | Minnesota Timberwolves | Kris Dunn | PG | Providence |
| 6 | New Orleans Pelicans | Jaylen Brown | SF | California |
| 7 | Denver Nuggets (via NYK) | Henry Ellenson | PF | Marquette |
| 8 | Sacramento Kings | Buddy Hield | SG | Oklahoma |
| 9 | Toronto Raptors (via DEN) | Jakob Poeltl | C | Utah |
| 10 | Milwaukee Bucks | Demetrius Jackson | PG | Notre Dame |
| 11 | Orlando Magic | Marquese Chriss | PF | Washington |
| 12 | Utah Jazz | Timothe Luwawu | SF | France |
| 13 | Phoenix Suns (via WAS) | Denzel Valentine | SF | Michigan State |
| 14 | Chicago Bulls | Wade Baldwin IV | PG | Vanderbilt |
| 15 | Denver Nuggets (via HOU) | Furkan Korkmaz | SG | Turkey |
| 16 | Boston Celtics (via DAL) | Deyonta Davis | PF | Michigan State |
| 17 | Memphis Grizzlies | Domantas Sabonis | PF | Gonzaga |
| 18 | Detroit Pistons | Malachi Richardson | SF | Syracuse |
| 19 | Denver Nuggets (via POR) | Tyler Ulis | PG | Kentucky |
| 20 | Indiana Pacers | Skal Labissiere | PF | Kentucky |
| 21 | Atlanta Hawks | DeAndre' Bembry | SF | Saint Joseph's |
| 22 | Charlotte Hornets | Cheick Diallo | C | Kansas |
| 23 | Boston Celtics | Brice Johnson | PF | North Carolina |
| 24 | Philadelphia 76ers (MIA) | Thon Maker | C | Australia |
| 25 | Los Angeles Clippers | Taurean Prince | SF | Baylor |
| 26 | Philadelphia 76ers (OKC) | Dejounte Murray | PG | Washington |
| 27 | Toronto Raptors | Ben Bentil | PF | Providence |
| 28 | Phoenix Suns (via CLE) | Malik Beasley | SG | Florida State |
| 29 | San Antonio Spurs | Ante Zizic | C | Croatia |
| 30 | Golden State Warriors | Malcolm Brogdon | SF | Virginia |
Rising Prospects
Malachi Richardson, SF, Syracuse
You don't want to overrate the NCAA tournament when it comes to evaluating a prospect, but Malachi Richardson took as much advantage of the spotlight as almost anyone in the country.
The freshman was a star for Syracuse on its surprise run to the Final Four, most notably scoring 23 points against Virginia in the Elite Eight. This put him on the map for NBA scouts, and they have liked what they've seen in recent weeks, according to ESPN's Chad Ford (via Brent Axe of Syracuse.com):
Mike Waters of Syracuse.com later reported his official decision to sign an agent and remain in the draft.
Richardson already has the tools to be a quality guard or small forward at the next level, showcasing a great slashing ability to go with a solid outside shot. He has the athleticism to make a difference on both ends of the court and is young enough (20) to provide optimism for future development.
While he was under the radar for NBA teams most of the season, the late bloomer should be taken in the first round.
DeAndre' Bembry, SF, Saint Joseph's
The five-on-five scrimmages at the combine were mostly for second-round picks and potentially undrafted players showing their value for NBA teams. DeAndre' Bembry didn't fit in this category but participated anyway, per Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report:
While some would say these games only give someone like Bembry a chance to hurt his stock, the fact is the Saint Joseph's product used this opportunity to separate himself from the pack. He was clearly one of the best players on the court in these contests and showed what makes him such an intriguing prospect.
At 21, Bembry is a relatively polished prospect with the ability to create his own shot as well as fill up the box score in a variety of ways. He can pass, rebound and play defense as well as almost anyone in the class.
There might not be as much upside as other projected lottery picks, but the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year will almost certainly play an important role in an NBA rotation as soon as next season and will stay there for a long time.
Although there aren't many sure things in this draft, Bembry could be one of the safer prospects you'll find in the middle-late first round.
Cheick Diallo, C, Kansas
It's hard to get a good evaluation on a player who averaged just three points per game in 7.5 minutes per contest in his only collegiate season. However, Cheick Diallo showed why he is a quality prospect at the combine.
The freshman turned heads right away with his measurements—NBA.com officially lists him at 6'9" with a 7'4.5" wingspan. He then showed how his length and athleticism could help during the scrimmages, excelling as a scorer, rebounder and shot-blocker.
Diallo explained why his specific skill set is what teams are looking for in a big man, per Sean Deveney of Sporting News:
"They was asking me, (they would) like some player who can protect the rim. I said, ‘Yeah, that’s a job I like to do.’ Because I’m the best, I can block shots, I can rebound the ball, I can run the floor. They said they need this type of player. I said, ‘I can do it.’ That’s the thing Cheick can do best. I am not going to try and do 3-point shots, no, I am not like that. Just show what I can do.
"
While the forward is obviously raw, it's clear he can help a team right away by doing the dirty work on the court. He has a high motor and is willing to rebound and play defense. As he improves his offensive skill set, he will be even more valuable down the line.
As organizations continue to get a deeper look during workouts, it wouldn't be surprising to see him move all the way up into the lottery.
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