This big board is sure to change as we approach the draft in June. With no team order set this is how I believe the players expected to enter the draft stack up to this point.
1. Ben Simmons (Freshman, SF/PF, LSU)
No introduction required here. Simmons has been as advertised and despite concerns over his lack of a jump shot, should be the overall top pick in June. Guard like mobility and handling with vision and passing ability that is being compared to Magic Johnson. All of this packed in a 6'10" frame, we could be looking at a generational talent.
2. Brandon Ingram (Freshman, SF, Duke)
What a consolation prize Brandon Ingram will make for whatever team falls just short in the Ben Simmons sweepstakes. Ingram has come on strong since the start of December averaging over 20 PPG. His length and shooting ability give Ingram the potential to be a 2-way star at the next level.
3. Kris Dunn (Junior, PG, Providence)
The cream of the crop when it comes to point guards in the upcoming draft, Kris Dunn is going to make teams rethink their guard situation. Elite size for a point guard at the next level, standing 6'4" with a 6'9" wingspan, Dunn could wreak havoc on the defensive end. The biggest question surrounding Dunn was his shooting ability but he has shown improvement shooting over 37% from beyond the arc this season.
4. Dragan Bender (18 y/o, PF, Croatia)
This years mystery man, Dragan Bender is already receiving comparisons to Kristaps Porzingis due to his jump shot and mobility at over 7 feet. Just like international players before him there comes a level of uncertainty but his upside is too high to pass up on.
5. Jaylen Brown (Freshman, SF, California)
A prototypical wing player, California's Jaylen Brown has shown the ability to get to the basket and finish with super athletic dunks and play high level defense. He'll need to improve his jump shot to be a true scoring threat but that potential is there.
6. Jamal Murray (Freshman, PG/SG, Kentucky)
Murray started the year somewhat inconsistent but has come on as the Wildcats' biggest scoring threat with the ability to play either guard position at the next level. Murray has shown he can score from anywhere on the court as well as superb athleticism. Consistency is key for Murray to become a star in the NBA.
7. Ivan Rabb (Freshman, PF, California)
Many scouts thought Rabb would be more of a project in his freshman season and get drafted based on his potential. On the contrary, Rabb has shown he can flat out play, averaging over 13 rebounds per 40 minutes. Rabb will probably have to put on some more muscle to be as effective at the next level but his 6'11" frame will allow him to do so.
8. Henry Ellenson (Freshman, PF, Marquette)
A true stretch 4, Ellenson has drawn comparisons to Kevin Love with his ability to knock down shots as well as bang down low for rebounds. His biggest test at the next level will be the ability to finish against length which he has struggled against.
9. Jakob Poeltl (Sophomore, C, Utah)
The top Center prospect in the upcoming draft is Utah's 7 foot Jakob Poeltl. The big man is considered a safe pick because of his athleticism and his ability to protect the rim. However, Poeltl has also been a very efficient scorer as his post moves have become more effective as well as being a very good offensive rebounder.
10. Buddy Hield (Senior, SG, Oklahoma)
Buddy is the best pure scorer in this years class showing he can fill it up against even the best teams when he scored 46 against Kansas. He has shown he can score efficiently from anywhere on the floor and has to be checked at all times. Teams are reluctant to draft Seniors very high, especially ones that are undersized, but for a team that needs points, Buddy could be their guy.
11. Wade Baldwin IV (Sophomore, PG, Vanderbilt)
Flying a little under the radar, Baldwin is now flying up draft boards and could very well be a top 10 pick come June. Baldwin has elite size standing 6'3" with a ridiculous 6'10" wingspan for his position. There are no real holes in Baldwin's game, he's an excellent defender as well as a high level shooter from deep.
Korkmaz has a lot of the same potential that got the Magic to take Mario Hezonja with the 5th pick in the last draft. However, Korkmaz needs more time to develop before he can really make an impact at the next level. A draft and stash is a possibility for whoever selects him.
13. Skal Labissiere (Freshman, PF/C, Kentucky)
Some mock drafts have started to take Skal completely off their boards in the belief that he will return to Kentucky for his Sophomore season. While Skal has been a major disappointment to this point the potential is still there. Foul trouble has been a huge problem for him as he needs to add more weight to be able to bang down low. Still, if he decides to forego his sophomore year Skal won't slip past the lottery.
14. Deyonta Davis (Freshman, PF, Michigan State)
If you look at the numbers Davis may not jump at you as a lottery pick but like Karl-Anthony Towns last year, the numbers don't tell the whole story. Davis has a nose for the ball and has been a put back machine for the Spartans this year. Playing less than 20 minutes per game, Davis has double-double averages per 40.
15. Denzel Valentine (Senior, SG, Michigan State)
Valentine does it all for the Spartans and should be able to play multiple positions at the next level. Versatility is what will drive his draft stock due to his underwhelming athleticism. However, if his shooting stroke stays consistent, Valentine can be a nice fit for any team.
16. Timothe Luwawu (20 y/o, SF, France)
Playing in the Adriatic league, Luwawu is one of the top scorers with the ability to guard multiple positions. He's had a very strong start to 2016 and should solidify himself as a mid round pick.
17. Cheick Diallo (Freshman, PF/C, Kansas)
A lot was expected of Diallo coming into his freshman year at Kansas. Although it hasn't been what he hoped for , Diallo has still been ultra effective when he gets in.
18. Stephen Zimmerman (Freshman, C, UNLV)
Another 7 footer, Zimmerman is going to need some time until he's fully NBA ready but the skills are there. Very athletic and can create his own shot as well as find open teammates. When he's on the floor the offense runs through him and he has really shown off his high upside.
19. Grayson Allen (Sophomore, SG, Duke)
Allen has exploded onto the scene this year as Duke's leading scorer. He's a little undersized for his position but thanks to his elite athleticism he can make up for what he lacks in height.
20. Diamond Stone (Freshman, C, Maryland)
Stone could really be a lot higher on this list if he was playing more. Lately, he's looked unstoppable ever since his 39 point outburst against Penn State. He has made the most of his minutes and if he decides to make the jump to the NBA, Stone could make for a steal.
21. Melo Trimble (Sophomore, PG, Maryland)
A big improvement from his freshman season for Trimble who is scoring and passing just as well. Turnovers have been a problem as of late but he does a very good job of setting his teammates up for easy buckets. He lacks the explosiveness that has become more common among PG's and is not the best defender which could really hurt him at the next level.
22. Caris LaVert (Senior, SG, Michigan)
LaVert has been plagued by injuries in college. Otherwise, he's a terrific player who has great size and length with the ability to fill it up from deep. If he can put the injuries behind him, LaVert could defy the expectations given to a senior taken outside of the lottery.
23. Dwayne Bacon (Freshman, SG/SF, Florida State)
His size allows him to play multiple positions and his athleticism allows him to compliment his outside scoring ability with inside scoring ability. He'll need to show he's not just one dimensional at the next level.
24. Demetrius Jackson (Junior, PG, Notre Dame)
Jackson won't "wow" you with his play but he has a knack for making the "right" play for his team. He has shown a great ability to shoot from deep as well as the mid-range. Size is a huge question moving forward for Jackson however as he stands just 6'1".
25. Brice Johnson (Senior, PF, North Carolina)
Johnson projects as a high energy guy at the next level but there are underrated parts to his game. Around the basket he is almost automatic with great leaping ability. Also, he has shown great touch from the free throw line which makes you think there is reason to hope for a consistent mid ranger jumper.
26. Damian Jones (Junior, C, Vanderbilt)
Already having declared for the draft, Jones is playing under a microscope and for him, consistency is really the key. He likes to play above the rim but has shown the potential to have a more all around offensive game in the future.
27. Taurean Prince (Senior, SF, Baylor)
Prince has legitimate potential to become a 3-and-D player at the next level. When he's on his game, Prince can be a real stat sheet stuffer as his playmaking ability has continued to produce.
28. Domantas Sabonis (Sophomore, PF, Gonzaga)
The problem with Sabonis is that he does not have an elite aspect to his game. Not a great athlete or shooter, Sabonis puts up his numbers but constantly being active and in the right spot. Could be worth a look for a team drafting in the later part of the first round.
29. Malik Newman (Freshman, PG/SG, Mississippi State)
A rough season for Newman who had lottery pick aspirations coming into the season. He hasn't been able to score very efficiently but has flashed potential that could make a team take a chance on him as a combo guard.
30. Pascal Siakam (Sophomore, PF, New Mexico State)
The numbers for Siakam are spectacular but the competition has been anything but. Still, his motor and hustle make you think he can find a fit somewhere.
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