Full First Round NBA Mock Draft

Ingram had a spectacular year at Duke and it  skyrocketed him from not even a top 20 high school recruit to the possible number one pick in the NBA draft. His combination of offensive skill and length – a 7’4 wingspan – make him very Durant-esque. The Lakers needs this type of length on the defensive end and his jumper would be key to their offense. Overall, this seems like a perfect pick for the Lakers

Hield’s shooting ability is unquestioned and the Celtics need shooting ability right now. He may not have the potential that Ingram or Simmons holds but Hield is a near finished product and the most NBA ready player in this year’s draft. Boston would be the perfect fit despite the three guards already playing in their rotation. If Boston passes on Hield it shows that they are trying to fill a position and not going for the best player available.

Bender is a lanky power forward out of Israel who is going to get a great NBA oppurtunity due to last seasons success of the Knicks foreign draft pick, Kristaps Porzingis. Although most people say Bender hasn’t faced tough competition, Maccabi Telaviv and the Euroleague, in general, are no joke. Bender has potential to be an All-Star for years to come because of his combination of shooting ability and athleticism. The Suns are looking for big men and they need someone for the future. Bender may take a few years to develop and Phoenix would be the perfect place to do so.

A shooter out of Kentucky, Murray had solid freshman season. His shooting ability is among the best in the draft, the question about Murray is his ability to create for himself and play defense. His position on the court is also in question, he can play point guard on the offensive end but defensively he struggles to move his feet and could be exposed by quicker guards at the next level. Despite all these concerns, Minnesota really needs shooting. Murray provides that.

Dunn is a great defender and that will translate to the next level. New Orleans could use another playmaker as Jrue Holiday just doesn’t seem to be working out for them. Dunn provides them with solid playmaking ability and fantastic defense. His only downside could be his streaky shooting and suspect decision making.

Denver has the potential to make the playoffs next year. They got help from Emmanuel Mudiay last season and their foreign big men of Jokic, Nurkic and Lavuergne look to be good for many years to come. They don’t necessarily need a wing defender but Brown looks to be a solid prospect and very difficult to pass up on despite his shooting struggles.

This is the perfect draft for the Hatian big man who struggled in his only college season at Kentucky. His athleticism is off the charts and his hooting looks to be above average for a power forward. His feel for the game and motor are two huge question marks, but if the Kings don’t trade Cosuins he could fit alongside him. If they do trade Cousins then Labissiere could be the center or power forward of the future.

Marquette struggled all year, but Ellenson really turned into a fantastic prospect throughout the season. Rarely do you find a guy with his potential and ability to do just about everything offensively at this spot in the draft. Toronto needs a power forward, badly. Patrick Patterson has struggled all postseason and the lack of offensive production at that position is why Ellenson would be a perfect fit for them despite his dreadful defense.

The Austrian big man had a great yet short lived career at Utah and looks to be the best center in the draft. His combination of athleticism, skill down low and defensive instincts makes him the perfect backup to the slow powerful free agent signee Greg Monroe – who disappointed for Milwaukee during the 2015-16 season. Poeltl lacks a jump shot that the Bucks desperately need but Poeltl seems to be a pretty solid fit overall for the young Bucks.

Chriss is an 18-year-old with loads of potential. After a great season at Washington, Chriss looks to be an obvious choice for Orlando at the power forward spot with his skill set. He can provide shooting and athleticism right away but he does need to develop his strength and finishing ability around the rim.

After a disappointing NCAA tournament loss to Middle Tennessee State, Valentine suffered a lot of criticism despite a great career under Tom Izzo at Michigan State. The Jazz could use another wing, preferably one who has experience and can provide solid minutes behind Gordon Hayward. Valentine fits the bill. His athleticism is in question but his overall game is among the best in the draft.

Phoenix would need a wing if they draft Bender. The frenchman Luwawu could provide solid defense and versatility to a Suns team in need of a wing to play alongside Devin Booker.

Aaron Brooks doesn’t seem to be the answer at the backup point guard spot and Ulis’ playmaking ability is among the best in the draft. His size is definitely in question but that won’t concern many teams picking in this range as anyone with Ulis’ skill level could easily be a top-five pick if he was 4-5 inches taller.

The big man out of Michigan State looks like he could be a solid pro. His shooting ability and athleticism could no doubt make him a top-ten pick but the concern for him is his strength and defensive ability, both of which could be an issue at the next level

The Celtics could use rim protection and Jones could provide that in a couple of years. With so many bigs on the roster, the Celtics can wait.

Jackson was a very good shooter at Notre Dame and showed off his athleticism last season for the Fighting Irish. The Grizzlies really need a point guard, whether Conley leaves or stays. Jackson could fit very well into their offense as well.

The son of former NBA player and international great Arvydas Sabonis, Sabonis had a good but not great career at Gonzaga. His potential to be a dominant post player is apparent and Detroit could use his physical ability and energy right away off the bench.

Baldwin showed flashes of greatness at Vandy and looks to be a good backup throughout his NBA career. His defense is on the shaky side but his length and offensive ability can provide the Nuggets with a solid backup to Mudiay right away.

Korkmaz could be a contributor to Indiana’s offense right away. His shooting and feel for the game are off the charts. His defense might not be at NBA level but Indiana is looking to score quickly and shoot threes. Korkmaz falling to 20 would be the perfect fit for the Pacers.

Prince had a great career at Baylor and with Kent Bazemore a free agent to be, Prince could be the possible starter for Atlanta right away. His game is perfect for a solid NBA role player. He plays great tough defense and can shoot the three ball at a near 40 percent clip.

Beasley has a great stroke from the outside and could immediately contribute to Charlotte despite being an undersized 19-year-old prospect.

Boston has three first round picks and they could really use another project big man to stash, despite the fact Zizic may take a few years.

A dominant NCAA tournament has Richardson’s stock rising and Philly could use another wing player, even though they’ll almost certainly have Simmons or Ingram

The Clippers don’t need much but defense on the wing could be a big part of this draft for them. McCaw could provide them with defensive intensity and shooting ability at the wing for years to come.

The 76ers could take a shot on a guy with lots of potential this late in the first round. Qi has a small frame, despite standing at 7’2. He only weighs around 220 pounds as well. He has shown throughout the combine that he has offensive skill and shot blocking ability.

Maker could be a nice pick in about five years. He gained lots of hype by potentially being the first player out of high school to be drafted since 2005. His shot blocking potential is off the charts. Toronto can afford to be patient with Maker which will be key in his development

Stone dissapointed at Maryland and looks to be a guy with lots of potential. Phoenix is always looking for guys with potential, especially in their rebuilding process.

A shooter who plays overseas, nothing sounds more Spurs-like.

Diallo didn’t play much at Kansas and could be a project but the Warriors have the time to develop him.