NBA Draft 2016: Mock Draft Projections for 1st-Round Players Who Will Be Steals

By now, NBA draft enthusiasts are familiar with the big names in this year's selection process.

The first tier consists of LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons and Duke Blue Devils swingman Brandon Ingram. The second tier features Kentucky Wildcats combo guard Jamal Murray, Providence Friars floor general Kris Dunn, international stretch 4 of intrigue Dragan Bender, Oklahoma Sooners sharpshooter Buddy Hield and California Golden Bears forward Jaylen Brown.  

But beyond those clear-cut groupings, things get murky.

So with the June 23 spectacular just a few weeks away, it's time to roll out a new first-round mock draft, focusing on potential steals outside of the lottery. 

Pick	Team	Selection
1	Philadelphia 76ers	Ben Simmons, F, LSU
2	Los Angeles Lakers	Brandon Ingram, F, Duke
3	Boston Celtics (via Brooklyn Nets)	Dragan Bender, PF, Maccabi Tel Aviv
4	Phoenix Suns	Jaylen Brown, F, California
5	Minnesota Timberwolves	Kris Dunn, G, Providence
6	New Orleans Pelicans	Buddy Hield, G, Oklahoma
7	Denver Nuggets (via New York Knicks)	Jamal Murray, G, Kentucky
8	Sacramento Kings	Marquese Chriss, F, Washington
9	Toronto Raptors (via Denver Nuggets)	Deyonta Davis, F/C, Michigan State
10	Milwaukee Bucks	Jakob Poeltl, C, Utah
11	Orlando Magic	Skal Labissiere, F/C, Kentucky
12	Utah Jazz	Denzel Valentine, G/F, Michigan State
13	Phoenix Suns (via Washington Wizards)	Wade Baldwin IV, G, Vanderbilt
14	Chicago Bulls	Henry Ellenson, F, Marquette
15	Denver Nuggets (via Houston Rockets)	Malik Beasley, G, Florida State
16	Boston Celtics (via Dallas Mavericks)	Furkan Korkmaz, G, Anadolu Efes
17	Memphis Grizzlies	Domantas Sabonis, C, Gonzaga
18	Detroit Pistons	Tyler Ulis, PG, Kentucky
19	Denver Nuggets (via Portland Trail Blazers)	Timothe Luwawu, G/F, Mega Leks
20	Indiana Pacers	Malachi Richardson, G/F, Syracuse
21	Atlanta Hawks	DeAndre' Bembry, F, Saint Joseph's
22	Charlotte Hornets	Damian Jones, C, Vanderbilt
23	Boston Celtics	Taurean Prince, F, Baylor
24	Philadelphia 76ers (via Miami Heat)	Demetrius Jackson, PG, Notre Dame
25	Los Angeles Clippers	Cheick Diallo, C, Kansas
26	Philadelphia 76ers (via Oklahoma City Thunder)	Malcolm Brogdon, G, Virginia
27	Toronto Raptors	Thon Maker, F/C, Sudan
28	Phoenix Suns (via Cleveland Cavaliers)	Dejounte Murray, G, Washington
29	San Antonio Spurs	Ante Zizic, C, Cibona Zagreb
30	Golden State Warriors	Ivica Zubac, C, Mega Leks

Potential 1st-Round Steals to Monitor

Timothe Luwawu, G/F, Mega Leks

French swingman Timothe Luwawu may not be a household name in draft conversations just yet, but it shouldn't be long until he's mentioned in the same breath as potential lottery picks thanks to his gaudy athleticism. 

While Luwawu still needs to refine his jumper after shooting 39.8 percent from the field and 37.2 percent from three in 28 Adriatic League games last season, per RealGM.com, his ability to blaze past defenders and finish at the rim in transition jumps out on tape.

"Luwawu is an explosive leaper that's always a threat to throw down," SB Nation's Kevin O'Connor wrote. "At 6'7", with a long wingspan, Luwawu can handle the rock well enough to penetrate, though most of his posters come in the open floor." 

Although his arsenal needs fine-tuning when it comes to playmaking in the pick-and-roll and via catch-and-shoot situations, Luwawu's experience on a professional stage in Europe bodes well for his transition to the NBA. 

In the middle stages of the first round, a team that has multiple picks and is willing to gamble, such as the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics, could represent an intriguing fit. 

Demetrius Jackson, G, Notre Dame

Demetrius Jackson is listed as a point guard at 6'2", but positional archetypes don't quite apply when discussing the Notre Dame Fighting Irish ball-handler.

Despite averaging a career-best 4.7 assists per game during his junior season in South Bend, Indiana, Jackson is at his best when he's moving toward the rim with a full head of steam as a determined scorer off the bounce. 

Not only does he have a nose for the bucket, as evidenced by his conversion rate of 61.7 percent at the rim last season, per Hoop-Math.com, but he can also use the threat of the blow-by to keep defenders on their heels and free up space for two-point or three-point jumpers. 

PPG	APG	RPG	SPG	FG%	3P%	PER
15.8	4.7	3.5	1.2	45.1%	33.1%	21.0

Jackson is also an expert at navigating ball screens, which should make his adjustment to the professional ranks far less painless.

"Him on the court gives you a chance to beat anybody because he understands his weaponry and he doesn’t get tired,” Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski said in January, per the Chicago Tribune's Paul Skrbina. "He is an old, strong guy, and he is perfect mentally. He is just really poised. He is a terrific player."

Should Jackson last until late in the first round, the Philadelphia 76ers would be wise to add him to a backcourt that's devoid of depth. Though Jackson may never develop into a full-time starter as a floor general, he can provide a spark and offer stability thanks to his three years of experience at Notre Dame. 

So while he may not be the most upside-laden talent in this year's class, Jackson has the tools necessary to carve out a long-term career as an NBA role player. 

Malcolm Brogdon, G, Virginia 

Speaking of players who may not be packed with upside, Virginia Cavaliers guard Malcolm Brogdon comes to mind as a potential steal at the end of Round 1.

The 23-year-old played four seasons at Virginia and was named a consensus All-American during his final two. His lockdown expertise on defense earned him ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors to go with an ACC Player of the Year nod.  

However, Brogdon doesn't plan on letting years of collegiate experience turn him into a stigmatized prospect as draft day approaches. 

"A lot of people talk about the one-and-dones, the guys with all the potential," Brogdon said at the NBA Draft Combine, per the Charlotte Observer's Rick Bonnell. "But for me, I pride myself as being the older, more mature one. The guy who can come in and help a team right away."

At 6'6" and 223 pounds, Brogdon is also among the most versatile defenders in this year's class. Not only can he guard opposing shooting guards, but a wingspan in excess of 6'10" means he has the flexibility to defend 3s and even 4s in small-ball alignments.  

"The way the NBA is evolving, (broad-spectrum defenders) like Draymond Green, like Kawhi Leonard are more of a commodity," Brogdon said, per Bonnell. "Teams want guys who can play a bunch of roles and guard a bunch of positions. I really think that helps me because I’m a versatile player."

If he wants to evolve into a legitimate NBA three-and-D threat, Brogdon will need to continue to refine his three-point shot after shooting a career-best 39.1 percent from distance last year. However, there's no denying he's on the right track following a standout career in Charlottesville. 

Stats courtesy of Sports-Reference.com unless noted otherwise. Heights and weights courtesy of DraftExpress.com.