NBA Mock Draft 2016: Detroit Pistons Get Backcourt Help

Brandon Ingram may be the safer pick in the long run but Ben Simmons has the higher ceiling and is more ready physically to contribute right away. After years toiling at the bottom of the NBA barrel, the 76ers need a dynamic talent like Simmons to start the reorientation of their rebuild under new general manager Bryan Colangelo.

The Lakers would probably prefer to make their own pick between Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram but ending up with a guarantee of one of the two is a nice consolation prize. Ingram has drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant and while an optimistic projection, the Lakers could do a lot worse as the post-Kobe Bryant era begins.

With a total of three first round draft picks and eight picks total, the Boston Celtics could use their picks to make a splash in the trade market instead of making a selection here. If they do hold on to the pick, Dragan Bender would give them a high-upside pick with size, mobility, passing ability and some shooting range.

It’s possible the Suns would be eyeing Dragan Bender with this pick but with him off the board here, they can opt for Jaylen Brown and play him at small forward. The backcourt is the team’s strength right now but the board doesn’t fall in their favor to consider other forward options.

The Timberwolves already have Ricky Rubio and Tyus Jones, acquired on draft day last year, at the point but it would be hard to pass up on Kris Dunn as the young point guard to pair with blossoming young starts in Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns.