Full 2-Round NBA Mock Draft Before The Final Four

1. Philadelphia – Ben Simmons (6-foot-10 Freshman SF, LSU)

Some people think Simmons will fall to No. 2 due to leadership concerns, but he is still the most talented, NBA ready player in the draft. Aside from his suspect jump shot, he’s an elite slasher with great court vision who will assist the development of Jahlil Okafor and Joel Embiid.

2. Los Angeles Lakers – Brandon Ingram (6-foot-10 Freshman SF, Duke)

Ingram has drawn some Kevin Durant comparisons thanks to his wiry frame and dominant scoring ability. He is a lot stronger than he looks and his wingspan allows him to shoot right over smaller opponents. Ingram could take over the scoring load for the Lakers next year.

3. Phoenix – Dragan Bender (7-foot-1 PF, Croatia)

The Suns need help in the frontcourt. Bender is a 7-foot-1 forward with the quickness and perimeter skills to play outside. He’ll spend a lot of time at PF, but his penetration skills make him a tough matchup. The Croatian would give Phoenix a long-term star in the frontcourt.

4. Boston – Henry Ellenson (6-foot-10 Freshman PF, Marquette)

Boston’s big men have struggled to consistently produce, so adding a talent like Ellenson would be ideal. He can score from all over the court and has the makeup of a modern stretch-four. Ellenson needs to improve defensively, but he attacks the glass and can do it all offensively.

5. Minnesota – Jamal Murray (6-foot-5 Freshman PG/SG, Kentucky)

Most people in Minnesota are tired of the Ricky Rubio show. By drafting Murray, they get a fearless point guard with size who can shoot it and create well. The Canadian was one of the nation’s top scorers in the second half of the season.

6. New Orleans – Kris Dunn (6-foot-4 Junior PG, Providence)

The Pelicans have a lot of talented players who just haven’t gelled together. With Jrue Holiday’s health as an issue, drafting Dunn would give the organization some much-needed excitement. Dunn is the draft’s top point guard because of his athleticism and court vision.

7. Sacramento – Buddy Hield (6-foot-4 Senior SG, Oklahoma)

Hield has been one of the best seniors in the past decade. Leading the Sooners to the Final Four will only help his skyrocketing stock. Sacramento’s uncertainty at shooting guard could be solved by adding an electric scorer like Hield.

8. Orlando – Jaylen Brown (6-foot-7 Freshman SF, California)

There is a good chance that Brown goes higher, but if he falls this far, the Magic would be wise to take him. Since it doesn’t seem like Victor Oladipo will be in Orlando for much longer, Brown could develop into that athletic slasher role.

9. Milwaukee – Jakob Poeltl (7-foot Sophomore C, Utah)

The Bucks were a disappointment this year. Poeltl would allow Greg Monroe to spend more time at the four. He seemed less engaged defensively this year, but he definitely has the skills to be a solid rim protector and post scorer.

10. Denver – Demetrius Jackson (6-foot-1 Junior PG, Notre Dame)

For the latter part of ACC play, Jackson went cold from the field. He was instrumental to Notre Dame’s tourney run, showing off his terrific athleticism and playmaking ability. Denver needs a guard who can run the team when Emmanuel Mudiay slides to off guard in certain lineups.

11. Toronto – Skal Labissiere (7-foot Freshman PF, Kentucky)

After a horrible stretch, Labissiere started to show glimpses of his pick-and-pop potential. He’s still as soft as a pillow, but he’s got great work ethic and the physical tools to be special. It may take some time, but Toronto has nothing to lose with a lottery pick that they shouldn’t have.

12. Boston – Ivan Rabb (6-foot-10 Freshman PF, California)

Boston definitely won’t keep all of their picks, but if they keep this one, Rabb would be a reasonable pick. Rabb rebounds, defends and runs the floor hard. At the very least, he’ll be a reliable energy guy.

13. Phoenix – Timothe Luwawu (6-foot-7 SG/SF, France)

P.J. Tucker isn’t the long-term answer at small forward. Luwawu might not be either, but he has the potential to be an effective wing defender who can slash and knock down open threes.

14. Chicago – Denzel Valentine (6-foot-6 Senior SG, Michigan State)

An early exit in the NCAA tournament took away from the terrific season Valentine had. While he lacks one elite quality, he is a very good shooter, rebounder and playmaker. Valentine would contribute right away as a versatile perimeter scorer next to Jimmy Butler.

15. Deyonta Davis (6-foot-10 Freshman PF/C, Michigan State)

There is still a decent chance that Davis returns for his sophomore year, but if he doesn’t, he should get picked in the middle part of the first round. His energy and defensive potential make him an intriguing prospect. This pick would give Utah some security if Rudy Gobert leaves after next year.

16. Denver – Marquese Chriss (6-foot-9 Freshman PF, Washington)

Chriss is a pure upside pick after a solid freshman season. He’s a bouncy shot blocker who can already shoot from outside, but still lacks patience. Chriss could be a better player than Kenneth Faried in a couple years.

17. Denver – Furkan Korkmaz (6-foot-7 SG, Turkey)

Korkmaz has benefited from playing against grown men in Europe and is one of the more exciting overseas players. He is still very slight, but he has the skill set to be a productive role player who can play multiple positions. Denver could stash him for a few years and inherit a talented, NBA-ready player down the road.

18. Detroit – Domantas Sabonis (6-foot-11 Sophomore PF/C, Gonzaga)

Following a dominant season at Gonzaga, Sabonis is primed to be a productive contributor in the NBA. There isn’t a post guy in the draft who plays the game as hard as the Lithuanian native. Detroit lacks length upfront, and Sabonis would complement Andre Drummond well.

19. Indiana – Diamond Stone (7-foot Freshman C, Maryland)

Stone is one of those old-school, back-to-the-basket post players people claim are becoming extinct. I think there’s still a spot in the league for a 7-footer with nimble footwork. The Pacers could benefit from having another young post to play with Myles Turner.

20. Memphis – Tyler Ulis (5-foot-9 Sophomore PG, Kentucky)

It could be argued that Ulis was the best point guard in college basketball this year. His height is the only thing keeping him out of the lottery, but teams will regret passing on him later. If Mike Conley signs elsewhere, Ulis would be able to compete for the starting job right away.

21. Charlotte – Wade Baldwin (6-foot-3 Sophomore PG/SG, Vanderbilt)

Charlotte lacks reliable shooters in their backcourt. Baldwin is incredibly long and can shoot the lights out from deep. His playmaking also took a big step this year, so the Hornets could have a steal if he falls to 21.

22. Philadelphia – Stephen Zimmerman (7-foot Freshman C, UNLV)

I know most 76ers fans don’t want another center on the team, but chances are that Zimmerman will need some time to adjust to the NBA. Zimmerman is an uber-athletic big man who should be a solid weapon in the pick-and-roll with his shooting ability.

23. Philadelphia – Isaia Cordinier (6-foot-5 SG, France)

Cordinier offers a lot of intrigue with his athleticism and ability to create off the dribble. He may need some more seasoning overseas, but he seems like the type of talent that Philadelphia would wait on.

24. Atlanta – Ante Zizic (6-foot-11 C, Croatia)

The 19-year-old Croatian is having one of the most efficient seasons that Europe has seen. He’s already a tenacious rebounder who runs the floor well. His post-up game is still progressing, but Zizic projects as a solid role player with starter upside. Atlanta may need a center as soon as next year.

25. Los Angeles Clippers – Damian Jones (7-foot Junior C, Vanderbilt)

Jones had a little bit of a disappointing season for a team that underperformed overall. With a solid moves in the low block and a developing jump shot, he will find a spot with teams looking for size. The Clippers obviously have DeAndre Jordan, but Jones is a more legitimate post scorer.

26. Toronto – Taurean Prince (6-foot-7 Senior SF, Baylor)

Prince is one of the safer picks in terms of scorers in this draft. Aside from his age, he brings a lot to the table with his length and offensive prowess. Toronto could use some scoring punch off the bench, especially if they don’t re-sign James Johnson.

27. Philadelphia – Juan Hernangomez (6-foot-9 SF/PF, Spain)

As bad as the 76ers may be, I can’t imagine them keeping all of these picks. Hernangomez is going to find a spot in an NBA rotation as an energy guy who can stretch the floor.

28. Phoenix – Thomas Bryant (6-foot-9 Freshman C, Indiana

The bad news is that Bryant still has an attitude issue. The good news is that he’s a monster down low and could be a force in the paint if he puts it all together. Right now the Suns don’t have a guy they can consistently give it to in the post. Bryant could be that guy.

29. San Antonio – Ivica Zubac (7-foot-1 C, Bosnia)

Over the next few years, the Spurs are going to have to move towards a younger core. Zubac knows how to use his size to rebound and protect the paint. He also utilizes nice moves to score over other posts. If he waits until next year, Zubac could be a borderline lottery pick.

30. Golden State – Malcolm Brogdon (6-foot-5 Senior SG, Virginia)

Brogdon came into the year without a defined draft stock, but after improving his offensive game, he established himself as a lock to be selected. Brogdon is the best perimeter defender in the draft, and he can also hit open threes. He’s the perfect team player for Golden State.

31. Boston – Dejounte Murray (6-foot-5 Freshman PG/SG, Washington)

Murray looks the part of an NBA point guard. The freshman is an electric scorer who can put up points in a hurry. He uses his long arms and instincts to jump passing lanes and pull down an impressive amount of rebounds. He’s going to need time to work on his jump shot and decision making.

32. LA Lakers – Grayson Allen (6-foot-4 Sophomore SG, Duke)

Put Allen’s cockiness and tripping tendencies to the side, and you’ll see a sharpshooter with terrific athleticism. He could develop into a solid two-way player if he leaves his tactics in college. Spending a year at point guard should only help his transition.

33. Phoenix – Malik Beasley (6-foot-5 Sophomore SG, Florida State)

Many believed Beasley would be overshadowed by fellow freshman Dwayne Bacon, but he turned out to be a more efficient player. He scores, competes and most importantly can shoot. Phoenix would have an eventual replacement for Archie Goodwin’s role.

34. LA Clippers – Brice Johnson (6-foot-9 Senior PF, North Carolina)

Johnson’s postseason push could very well catapult him into the first round. For the first time in his career, the senior brought effort every night and the results showed. No one knows where Blake Griffin will end up, so Johnson would be a smart pick here.

35. Boston – Petr Cornelie (7-foot PF/C, France)

Cornelie is a long, agile stretch-four who essentially operates on the perimeter. For a second-round pick, there would be little risk and high reward in selecting Cornelie with the hope of adding enough bulk to allow him to contribute.

36. Milwaukee – Anthony Barber (6-foot-2 Junior PG, NC State)

Barber is hiring an agent and will be in the draft. Shooting was a big key for him this year, as he proved that he can make outside shots from all over. Milwaukee could use Barber as a spark off of the bench.

37. New Orleans – A.J. Hammons (7-foot Senior C, Purdue)

Outside of healthy guards, the center position is the Pelicans’ biggest need. Hammons is going to be a lethal shot blocker in the NBA if he gets the opportunity.

38. Orlando – Melo Trimble (6-foot-3 Sophomore PG, Maryland)

Trimble took a significant step backwards this season, but he was also hurt for a good part of the year. While not an explosive athlete, the sophomore gets into the lane and creates contact as well as anyone. Orlando could use a point guard with a score-first mentality.

39. Milwaukee – Michael Gbinije (6-foot-7 Sophomore SG, Syracuse)

As is usually the case, a deep NCAA tournament run will help Gbinije’s stock. He can do a little bit of everything at 6-foot-7, from shooting to handling the ball to guarding multiple spots. He should be off the boards by the middle of the second round.

40. Houston – Malik Newman (6-foot-4 Freshman SG/PG, Mississippi State)

There was a time when I thought Newman would be a lock to go in the lottery. An inconsistent season at college exposed some weaknesses, but the potential is still there for a young kid whose game translates better to the pro level. Houston would give him a chance to play freely.

41. New Orleans – Caris LeVert (6-foot-7 Senior SG, Michigan)

After another season-ending injury, it seems likely that LeVert’s health will scare away a number of teams. He was having a terrific season at Michigan utilizing his complete game, but teams need to verify his health before committing to any selection.

42. Dallas – Gary Payton II (6-foot-3 Senior PG, Oregon State)

One of the country’s premier perimeter defenders, the Glove’s son played his way into a draft spot. Outside of his jump shot, there is a lot to like about Payton II. Dallas has veteran point guards who could help his transition to the league.

43. Atlanta – DeAndre Bembry (6-foot-6 Junior SF, Saint Joseph’s)

The Hawks are a few lost free agents away from a total rebuild. Bembry would probably be a first-round pick if he proved to have a reliable outside shot. He’ll give Atlanta value as a heady wing man.

44. Utah – Paul Zipser (6-foot-8 SF, Germany)

Zipser uses his size to defend and get to his spots on offense. He’s a pretty good leaper with a consistent jump shot. Zipser is 22 years old, so he’s probably not getting selected on upside. Utah is lacking small forward depth.

45. Houston – Wayne Selden (6-foot-6 Junior SG, Kansas)

Even though it took a few years for Selden to come into his own, he still possesses enough potential to go higher than this. Selden is a physical guard who showed great improvement on his three-point shot. Houston would just be picking the best player available here.

46. Orlando – Robert Carter (6-foot-8 Junior PF, Maryland)

Carter benefited from playing on a team that allowed him to show off all of his skills. Inside he can bang against smaller forwards and he can step outside for isolation plays or to shoot it. One issue may be what position he plays, as he is even undersized for a power forward.

47. Chicago – Damion Lee (6-foot-6 Senior SG, Louisville)

The Bulls need scoring and they need it soon. Lee’s age and experience would be a plus for a team looking for immediate contributors. He’s got a future as a spot-up shooter who can space the floor.

48. Detroit – Yogi Farrell (6-foot Senior PG, Indiana)

Ferrell’s height seems a little inflated at 6-foot. Despite this lack of size, he is strong, quick and can score over size. In a shallow point guard class, Ferrell should find a spot in the second round.

49. Indiana – Jake Layman (6-foot-9 Senior SF/PF, Maryland)

Layman would probably have been picked last year, but he returned to help lead Maryland to the Sweet 16. Versatility is what separates Layman, as he can play multiple roles on a team based on the lineup. He could impress enough in individual workouts and interviews to go higher.

50. Boston – Sheldon McClellan (6-foot-5 Senior SG, Miami)

After a strong junior year, McClellan improved his efficiency in his final season. He’s not a great athlete, a bit undersized and already 23 years old. His scoring should entice some team to pick him in the second round.

51. Denver - Aleksander Vezenkov (6-foot-9 SF/PF, Bulgaria)

Vezenkov would be one of the most proven international scorers in the draft if he chooses to enter. At 6-foot-9, he has the size to play either forward spot and effectively stretch the floor. Denver is known to take flyers on international prospects.

52. Boston – Ben Bentil (6-foot-9 Sophomore PF, Providence)

Bentil was one of the nation’s most improved players this year, improving his scoring average by nearly 15 points. Even though he’s not overly explosive, Bentil can score in a variety of ways. With the right team, he could develop into a reliable role player.

53. Utah - Dorian Finney-Smith (6-foot-8 Senior SF, Florida)

There aren’t many pure shooters in this year’s draft. Finney-Smith will bring size and outside shooting to any team picking in the second round.

54. Atlanta – Shawn Long (6-foot-10 Senior PF/C, LA Lafeyette)

Long is going to gain a lot of traction once teams have him in for individual workouts. A poor shooting season shouldn’t take away from the talent he provides. Atlanta is probably going to need some size if they lose their frontcourt.

55. Brooklyn – Joel Bolomboy (6-foot-9 Senior PF, Weber State)

Bolomboy is going to hear his name called on draft night because of his ability as a rebounder and rim protector. With Brooklyn, Bolomboy would be able to fight for playing time right away.

56. Memphis – Jarrod Uthoff (6-foot-9 Senior PF, Iowa)

As the year went on, Uthoff seemed to fall off in terms of aggressiveness and production. You can’t deny his defensive potential, but he’s going to need to show a consistent motor if he wants to earn a spot on a roster.

57. Denver – A.J. English (6-foot-4 Senior SG/PG, Iona)

English will benefit from his strong performance against Iowa State in the NCAA tournament. At this point, he is a borderline second-rounder, but I think his abilities as a playmaker and outside shooter will be enough.

58. Boston – Nedim Buza (6-foot-8 SF, Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Usually at this point of the draft, teams look for international players they can keep overseas if their roster if full. The Celtics would obviously be way beyond that point by now, so Buza would give them a knockdown shooter for the future.

59. Sacramento – Zach Auguste (6-foot-10 Senior PF/C, Notre Dame)

Auguste’s main issues are his defense and his lack of offensive diversity. Auguste has the physique that should benefit from an NBA weight training program, and he’s already lethal in the pick-and-roll game. If he continues improving his face-up game, some team will take a chance on him.

60. Utah - Alpha Kaba (6-foot-10 PF/C, France)

Kaba has great physical tools, highlighted by a 7-foot-5 wingspan. He is a project pick that could pay huge dividends down the road if he continues to learn the game.