ROUND 1 |
1. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS |
|
Ben Simmons, F, LSU: LSU's disappointing season hasn't hurt Simmons' reputation much with NBA scouts. He's still the consensus projected top pick regardless of which franchise actually picks first, and he's the type of transcendent talent who will likely make an impact from the first moment he steps on an NBA court. The 6-10 forward still needs to develop a jumper, sure. But Simmons is uniquely gifted in so many other ways. He's a prospect with real All-Star potential. |
2. LOS ANGELES LAKERS |
|
Brandon Ingram, SF, Duke: Ingram is, in my opinion. the only prospect who could replace Simmons at the top of this draft, and, frankly, I won't be surprised if he eventually does because there's just so much to like. He's tall and skilled and capable of playing either forward position, especially once his body fills out. If Ingram is available when the Lakers pick, they'd be wise to select him and fortunate to have him as part of a young core also featuring D'Angelo Russell and Julius Randle. |
3. PHOENIX SUNS |
|
Jamal Murray, SG, Kentucky: Murray has done things this season that no other Kentucky freshman who has played under John Calipari -- John Wall, Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns, etc., -- has ever done, and he'll be the latest great one-and-done star to bounce from Lexington to the lottery. He's not the point guard some project him to be. But he's a terrific off-guard whose game will translate perfectly to the NBA, and he could be a big scorer in the league for many, many years. |