POINT GUARDS / SHOOTING GUARDS / SMALL FORWARDS / POWER FORWARDS / CENTERS
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Power Forward / 6-10 / Louisiana State / Freshman
19.2 ppg, 11.8 rpg
The Sixers need scoring, but more than anything they need talent. And Simmons clearly is the most talented prospect available this year. Simmons gives the Sixers exactly what they've been missing, a superstar talent to put fans in the stands and hope for the future. |
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2. Phoenix: Dragan Bender
Power Forward / 7-0 / Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel) / 1997
2.1 ppg, 1.4 rpg
The Suns are a team in need of talent and currently have no power forward on their roster after trading away Markieff Morris. While it's unlikely that Bender could assume a starting role next year, he could potentially become a starting four in the next couple seasons. It would seem to be beneficial to him, as is the case with other prospects, to go a few spots later in the draft and thus minimize the extreme expectations. |
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Power Forward / 6-10 / Gonzaga / Sophomore
17.6 ppg, 11.8 rpg
The Kings are in need of a power forward and while there may be a few players that offer more upside for a team under pressure to produce (Sam Hinkie fleeced them out of a number of future picks), Sabonis makes perfect sense as a guy that can be an instant contributor. Being of Lithuanian descent also shouldn't hurt his cause with a Euro GM in Vlade Divac. |
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Power Forward / 6-9 / Washington / Freshman
13.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg
Chriss is one of the biggest boom or bust picks of this year's draft. He is likely two years away from contributing anything meaningful. But his combination of length, athleticism and shooting touch has scouts drooling. The Bucks can afford to wait as their nucleus is still a few years away. |
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Power Forward / 6-10 / Marquette / Freshman
17.0 ppg, 9.7 rpg
If Orlando believes in Ellenson's potential, he would provide a solid complement to Aaron Gordon with his face-up skills. Ellenson is well liked by scouts for his ability to hit shots and potential, considering his size and skill level. He may struggle initially with the speed of the NBA game, particularly on the defensive end, but the hope is that he will continue to gain speed and athleticism as his body matures. |
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Power Forward / 6-11 / Kentucky / Freshman
6.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg
Like the Nuggets, Phoenix is sitting on multiple first-round picks and can afford to take an "upside" prospect like Skal. He will likely be a D-Leaguer for one or more years but shows a lot of potential with his shooting, length and agility. |
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7. Chicago: Cheick Diallo
Power Forward / 6-9 / Kansas / Freshman
3.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg
Diallo is probably a bit of a reach at 14 considering his lack of readiness. But he's among a handful of prospects that need time and shows a higher motor and upside than many. He really impressed scouts in Chicago at the NBA combine. He struggled to see the floor at Kansas after the NCAA's unfortunate decision to hold him out early in the season. With Joakim Noah probably leaving, looking for frontcourt help makes sense for the Bulls. |
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8. Boston: Deyonta Davis
Power Forward / 6-10 / Michigan State / Freshman
7.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg
Davis has the talent to go higher, but could be a player that falls with a lot of competition at the power forward position. He hasn't received the best reviews during the draft process, with disappointing feedback coming from his NBA combine interviews and conditioning in workouts. With multiple picks, the Celtics can afford to gamble on a frontcourt player with upside that needs time. |
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Power Forward / 6-9 / North Carolina / Senior
17.0 ppg, 10.4 rpg
Charlotte knows Brice as well as anyone with him playing four years in their backyard at Chapel Hill. Johnson is routinely being underrated and projects as one of the elite level frontcourt athletes available. Playing for MJ's alma mater could seal the deal if Johnson indeed falls this far. |
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10. Toronto: Thon Maker
Power Forward / 7-0 / Australia / 1997
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Toronto likes length and athleticism. With international GM Masai Ujiri, Thon has both the African and Canadian connection. Maker could end up going higher, but his lack of experience and readiness might limit his draft ceiling. If Thon can add good weight and his legs hold up, he could end up being a steal at the end of the first round. |
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11. Phoenix: Ben Bentil
Power Forward / 6-8 / Providence / Sophomore
21.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg
As mentioned, the Suns' biggest need is at power forward and are projected to select a third straight 4-man to fill the void. While this selection is further down the draft board, Bentil is definitely the most ready of the three in Year One. Since chances are good they will address the starting role via free agency or trade, Bentil would also offer nice depth to the frontcourt. |
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Power Forward / 6-9 / New Mexico State / Sophomore
20.3 ppg, 11.6 apg
The champs will look for someone that can contribute right away as they have a window of opportunity with their nucleus in place. Siakam is just a sophomore but at 22 proved this year that he has some real polish to go with his motor. His high character and ability to defend gives him a good chance to find a spot in the first round and he would fit in well with Golden State. |
Key: (*) Standard salary for players selected with that pick in 2016-17.
from HoopsHype http://ift.tt/20ToVCS
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