The 2016 NBA draft is underway on ESPN from Barclays Center in New York.
In addition to the predicted top two picks, we got a big surprise as the Oklahoma City Thunder dealt key player Serge Ibaka to the rebuilding Orlando Magic for Victor Oladipo, another veteran and a lottery pick.
Follow along here as The Washington Post recaps the draft with in-depth analysis and the latest news and rumors.
NBA draft fashion | Mock draft via NBA beat writers | Top 50 prospects
Round 1 pick-by-pick analysis | Latest news
ROUND 1 ORDER AND ANALYSIS
1. Philadelphia 76ers
The pick: Ben Simmons, F, Louisiana State
The Sixers made the pick they told everyone – including Simmons himself – they were going to make, selecting the 6-foot-10, ball-handling power forward. Simmons came under criticism for the way LSU’s season played out, but here’s the bottom line: he averaged 19.2 points, 11.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists. His shooting is an issue, but he possesses exceptional floor vision, and can make passes virtually no player – let alone someone his size – can. This was the pick Philadelphia had to make, and gives them the face of the franchise they so desperately need as they begin to try and send their trajectory upward after three straight rough seasons. — Tim Bontemps
[Ben Simmons was already crossing over fools before he was even drafted]
What he brings: By this point, Ben Simmons is not a surprise. We know much about his deep and sui generis skillset, a 6-foot-10 forward who excels in transition, effectively clears the defensive glass, and is a mismatch for most defenders. And yes, his jump shot is very much a work in progress — per Hoop-Math.com, he has converted just 31.2 percent of his two-point shots (that aren’t at the rim) — but there is some evidence that suggests Simmons, a lefty, might actually be shooting with the wrong hand. And the big also showed flashes during his freshman year of being a more than capable defender; he has the length and anticipation to disrupt an opponent’s offensive rhythm, even if his stats don’t necessarily lend credence to this unrealized ability. –– Matthew Giles
2. Los Angeles Lakers
The pick: Brandon Ingram, F, Duke
Like Simmons at No. 1, this was the only other pick everyone was sure about. Ingram is a long, lanky player, who proved he could be a consistent three-point shooter while playing power forward for the Blue Devils this season. He gives the Lakers another long forward to pair with Julius Randle in the frontcourt and to complement their young back court of D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson. — Bontemps
What he brings: The lanky freshman forward doesn’t finish as well at the rim as you’d expect for someone who stands 6-foot-9 and whose length seems limitless. But that’s not why you draft Ingram (at least not yet; you can always teach explosiveness and strength training). You draft Ingram for his shooting. At face value, his percentages alone are impressive: he made 41 percent of his threes in 2016 and is an overall knock-down shooter (1.19 points per jump shot, per Synergy Sports). There are also few better at converting with a hand in his face (1.30) or when open (1.16). Coupled with a low turnover rate (just 13 percent, per Ken Pomeroy), Ingram was often unguardable at times at Duke. — Giles
3. Boston Celtics (from Brooklyn)
The pick: Jaylen Brown, F, California
The Celtics tried desperately to trade for a veteran difference maker, but decided (for now?) to stick here and took Brown, a rangy forward who can do it all. He struggled with his shot, shooting 29 percent from three-point range, but he is a terrific ball-handler at his size. If he can make the shot work, he has a chance to be a star – and swinging for the fences is what the Celtics needed to do if they kept this pick or not. — Bontemps
What he brings: One of the more cerebral players in the draft (what other freshman learns Spanish and guitar while also taking a graduate-level class?), Brown doesn’t excel at any skill, but he does several things well. He is exceedingly difficult to contain in the open court, using his natural strength, speed and ability to bulldoze defenders and convert 70.4 percent of his attempts in transition. He doesn’t shoot particularly well (a woeful 27 percent on two-point jump shots), but that can be taught. What can’t, though, is the defensive intensity Brown can impose on opponents —the 6-foot-7 Brown can guard up to four positions, switching on the perimeter or holding his own should he have to guard a big on the block. — Giles
[NBA draft fashion: Here’s what the players are wearing]
4. Phoenix Suns
The pick: Dragan Bender, F, Maccabi Tel Aviv
The Croatian star has been on scouts’ radar for years, and after finding a way to get minutes in the Israeli league as an 18-year-old, he will now be headed to Phoenix. Bender is going to need time to develop, to be sure, but Phoenix now has a power forward with ball skills who can fit in alongside former Maryland center Alex Len in the Valley of the Sun. — Bontemps
What he brings: Everyone will compare Bender, a 7-foot-1 big, to Kristaps Porzingis, but there are vast differences to their games. Bender is your father’s stretch-four, a forward who can pick-and-pop, fade and flare around the perimeter and shift defenses with his shooting. He is an intriguing prospect who is comfortable in catch-and-shoot situations. He’ll likely need some time to adjust to the NBA game, but he has a skillset that portends an impact player on both sides of the ball. — Giles
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
The pick: Kris Dunn, G, Providence
Dunn has been the apple of several team’s eyes in the days and hours leading up to Thursday’s draft as the clear-cut top guard available in this class. But after Boston and Phoenix – two teams with full back courts – stayed where they were, now Dunn will go to Minnesota, where he’ll be a perfect fit with their burgeoning young core as a defensive monster under the league’s best defensive coach in Tom Thibodeau. — Bontemps
What he brings: After a multitude of health issues and injuries Dunn accrued while at Providence, I thought he should have left the Big East school last season. But Dunn returned, lightened his load (using 76 percent of PC’s available minutes) and was much improved — a difficult task, considering his transcendence as a sophomore. Dunn exploits the slimmest of openings, confounding defenses with jet-quick moves and fleet footing. These cuts often result in passes that only Dunn envisions (often before he made his move), which helps to explain his nearly 42-percent assist rate. The jumper isn’t there yet, but it is improving — he upped his three-point percentage from sophomore to junior year, and he is skilled at getting his own shot. According to Hoop-Math.com, only a quarter of his half-court makes were assisted. — Giles
6. New Orleans Pelicans
The pick: Buddy Hield, G, Oklahoma
The sharpshooting guard from Oklahoma who wowed fans all season long will now be headed to the Big Easy, where he’ll give New Orleans some spacing for superstar big man Anthony Davis. Hield shot 45.7 percent from three-point range close to nine shots per game, numbers that should immediately translate to the NBA game. With Eric Gordon becoming a free agent, Hield should be the Pelicans’ starting shooting guard next season. — Bontemps
What he brings: Like Simmons, we all know what Hield accomplished during his four seasons in the Big 12. Hield improved throughout his college career, and while his perimeter game draws the most praise — the 6-foot-4 guard made 46 percent of his threes in 2016, and posted a whopping offensive rating of 1.26 — how he slightly tweaked his offensive resume is most impressive. Hield worked on his ball-handling and isolation game. Hield scored 1.11 points per iso (per Synergy), up from .5 points in 2015, and he demonstrated an enhanced ability to convert at the rim (57.9 percent). — Giles
7. Denver Nuggets (from New York)
The pick: Jamal Murray, G, Kentucky
Denver adds to its stable of young players by grabbing Murray, a 6-foot-5 guard who has played both spots. With Emmanuel Mudiay and Gary Harris already on the roster, Murray will have the benefit of not being rushed into a bigger role than he’s capable of handling, considering he doesn’t even turn 20 until February. — Bontemps
What he brings: Only two freshmen in Division I history made 113 threes in a season. One was Murray, the 6-foot-4 guard. The other? Steph Curry. Murray was in elite company during his lone season in Lexington, and he was maddening for opposing defenses, flitting about the half court in constant motion. Murray innately knows how to run his defender off the hip of a teammate, and free himself — if only for a moment — before converting a jumper. Per Synergy, Murray made an astonishing 1.5 points per off screen jump shot. — Giles
8. Sacramento Kings (TRADED TO PHOENIX SUNS)
The pick: Marquese Chriss, F, Washington
We finally have a trade! After plenty of rumors that didn’t come to fruition, the Phoenix Suns have acquired the eighth pick in the draft to take Chriss, an athletic 6-foot-10 forward who has skyrocketed up draft boards in recent weeks. While Chriss is raw — he fouled out of about half of his games this season, per DraftExpress’ Jonathan Givony — he has the kind of long-term upside a team like the Suns should be after. — Bontemps
What he brings: One of the only one-and-dones in the lottery era who wasn’t a highly regarded recruit entering college, Chriss has skyrocketed up the draft charts thanks, in part, to his athleticism and rawness. Standing 6-foot-9, Chriss can sky over opponents, and is nearly unstoppable when he has open space in front of him. He couples that natural skill with a burgeoning pick and pop game, hitting 35 percent from deep. And because Chriss has only been playing basketball for the past few years, he is a highly malleable stretch-four. Translation: the ceiling is very high. — Giles
9. Toronto Raptors (from Denver via New York)
The pick: Jakob Poeltl, C, Utah
This pick feels like it could come with a trade down the road. Poeltl is a center — as is Jonas Valanciunas, one of Toronto’s best players. The Raptors have been shopping this pick hard to try to get a power forward with shooting range to play alongside Valanciunas. If they do keep Poeltl, though, he’ll give them an immediate replacement for free agent Bismack Biyombo as Valanciunas’s backup. — Bontemps
What he brings: One of the few traditional back-to-the-basket bigs in Division I last season, the 7-footer has a deft touch around the rim and learned how to make an initial move quicker in the post as a sophomore. For Poeltl, every shot comes in the paint: according to Hoop-Math.com, nearly 85 percent of his looks were within a few feet of the basket (he made 69 percent of those shots). But, as was demonstrated in his outing versus Domantas Sabonis, Poeltl struggles while facing stronger and more athletic bigs, and one aspect of his game that he might expand is his short-to-mid range game, which he showcased (albeit infrequently): .71 points per shot. — Giles
10. Milwaukee Bucks
The pick: Thon Maker, F, Athletic Institute
Maker, a 7-foot-1 power forward, is one of the most unique and controversial prospects in this draft. Milwaukee taking him means the Bucks have added yet another long, rangy player to a roster full of such specimens — as well as someone who is going to take some time to develop. Given how young Milwaukee’s roster remains, and the fact that Coach Jason Kidd was just inked to a three-year contract extension, the Bucks have the time to do so. — Bontemps
[Just how old is Thon Maker? NBA scouts reportedly aren’t sure.]
What he brings: All we know about Maker, a 7-foot-1 center with a unique blend of athleticism and eye-popping reach (9-foot-3 wingspan), is that he dominated Ballislife mixtapes. How that translates to the NBA is debatable, but Maker and others have ruminated that his style of play is reminiscent of Kevin Garnett. Whether that comes to fruition is unknown, but we’ll always have this game-stopping, ankle-breaking crossover.
11. Orlando Magic (TRADED TO OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER)
TRADE ALERT: Barclays Center is buzzing about the trade between the Magic and Thunder, with Serge Ibaka going to Orlando for a package of Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova and the draft rights to Domantas Sabonis. Ibaka gives the Magic the ability to stretch the floor that they desperately need, in addition to being the defensive anchor they need. For Oklahoma City, this allows the Thunder to play Kevin Durant full-time at power forward, and gives them another wing to play in smallball lineups in Oladipo. — Bontemps
[The Magic might want to stay off Twitter for awhile after that Serge Ibaka trade]
The pick: Domantas Sabonis, PF/C, Gonzaga
Sabonis, the son of legendary center Arvydas Sabonis, averaged a double-double for Gonzaga last season while shooting over 35 percent from three-point range. For an Orlando team that both needed spacing on offense and another big man — either to put in its rotation or eventually to replace Nikola Vucevic — Sabonis is a perfect fit. — Bontemps
What he brings: The sophomore big’s shot chart is a thing of beauty.
A few first round big men: Domantas Sabots, Skal Labissiere, Jakob Poeltl and Henry Ellenson. pic.twitter.com/rfBaqwSoiX
— Shot Analytics (@ShotAnalytics) June 23, 2016
Sabonis made 61.5 percent of his twos, and few opponents can move the big off the block when he is establishing position. He has an array of post moves, and the lower body strength to gain an edge — according to Hoop-Math.com, more than 50 percent of his attempts are at the rim. Sabonis is also able to use that same strength to stymie fellow bigs on the other side of the ball (e.g., Jakob Poeltl during the 2016 NCAA tournament). Add his defensive rebounding acumen (28.2 percent), and the 6-foot-11 Sabonis has consistently proven to be a difficult matchup. — Giles
12. Utah Jazz (TRADED TO THE ATLANTA HAWKS)
The pick: Taurean Prince, F, Baylor
Prince might be best-known for his answer to a question in the aftermath of Baylor’s upset loss to Yale in the NCAA Tournament, but he’s a rugged forward with shooting ability that can give them some depth at both forward spots. In fact, Prince even has a similar look to a player the Hawks could’ve used last season after having him the year before: DeMarre Carroll. — Bontemps
What he brings: A prototypical three-and-D candidate, Prince connected on 36.1 percent of his threes during his final season at Baylor. When teams man up on the 6-foot-8 Prince, he is able to use a quick first step and athleticism to get to the rim and finish — per Hoop-Math.com, Prince converted 60 percent of those shots, and only 59 percent were assisted. Prince is a lock-down defender, and posted block and steal rates of more than 2 percent. — Giles
13. Phoenix Suns (from Washington — TRADED TO SACRAMENTO KINGS)
The pick: Georgios Papagiannis, C, Greece
The latest out-of-nowhere pick in what is quickly becoming an insane draft, Papagiannis is an 18-year-old who seems to be a ways away from being a serious contributor in the NBA. But after the Sacramento Kings snatched up several picks in this draft, they appeared to decide to take a chance on a high-upside youngster. — Bontemps
What he brings: A 7-foot-2 big who spent a year state-side at the Westtown School, Papagiannis is a skilled scorer who is comfortable in the paint and also stepping out in the mid-range. He’ll provide offensive spacing in the half court, and has soft hands that will prove beneficial in corralling offensive rebounds. Defensively, he is a bit more of a question mark, but Papagiannis wasn’t taken in the lottery because of his defensive skillset. This was very much a pick based on his deft touch throughout the half court. — Giles
14. Chicago Bulls
The pick: Denzel Valentine, G/F, Michigan State
If the Bulls do hang onto Jimmy Butler, it’s easy to see the all-star pairing with Valentine to give the Bulls a pair of dynamic, ball-handling wing players capable of doing everything on both ends. Valentine averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.8 assists for Michigan State this season, and should be an instant contributor for the Bulls. — Bontemps
What he brings: His vision is outstanding, with a preternatural ability to know where on the court each of his teammates is located, and how best to get them the ball in scoring position. He assisted on 45.8 percent of the Spartans’ makes in 2016, and what separates him from other dishers is his willingness, and confidence, in making a pass that seems foolhardy but is perfectly timed. Opposing defenses can’t sag off the 6-foot-5 Valentine, who is a skilled shooter (44.4 percent from deep in 2016), which gives the senior another advantage on offense. The Spartans thrived when Valentine was driving the lane and then dumping down once a big stepped up to cut off his lane, or finding a perimeter shooter, which should make Valentine a guard perfectly suited to the space-and-pace era. — Giles
15. Denver Nuggets (from Houston)
The pick: Juan Hernangomez, F, Spain
Hernangomez was one of the top international prospects in this draft, a 6-foot-9 forward who averaged 9.7 points and 5.7 rebounds while shooting 35 percent from three-point range as a 20-year-old in the Spanish ACB League, arguably the best league in the world outside of the NBA. Hernangomez joins a stable of young European big men in Denver including Nikola Jokic, Jusuf Nurkic, Joffrey Lauvergne and Danilo Gallinari. — Bontemps
What he brings: A perimeter player with the body of a power forward, the 6-foot-9 Hernangomez has a soft and sound perimeter stroke and is comfortable from deep. He isn’t limited to just outside shooting; he can use a quick first step to attack off the dribble and finish at the rim. — Giles
16. Boston Celtics (from Dallas)
The pick: Guerschon Yabusele, F, France
Yabusele is a fascinating prospect. Listed at 6-foot-8 and 270 pounds by DraftExpress, he also shot over 40 percent from three-point range last season — albeit on less than two attempts per game. Still, on a night the Celtics entered hoping to make some big moves to change their fortunes, fans will likely not be thrilled about a French forward they’ve never heard of. — Bontemps
[Celtics’ first-round draft pick was just as stunned as fans — only in French]
What he brings: The 6-foot-8 Yabusele is tailor-made for the NBA’s pace-and-space era. He’ll provide perimeter support, and open up the Boston half-court offense — per Synergy, he converted 45 percent of his pick-and-pop attempts — and he is quick enough to step away from the basket and guard opposing guards and forwards alike. A few years ago, Yabusele might have been waiting in the Barclays Center stands until deep into the second round, but as the NBA continually evolves, the big’s potential is vast. — Giles
17. Memphis Grizzlies
The pick: Wade Baldwin IV, G, Vanderbilt
Memphis stayed in state with this pick, going with a guard from nearby Nashville. At a minimum, he is capable of being a backup to Mike Conley, if Conley re-signs with the team this summer, and if Conley doesn’t, Baldwin could be a long-term replacement for him as the team’s starting point guard. At 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, he’s a big, physical player at the point. — Bontemps
What he brings: It’s difficult to judge the 6-foot-3 sophomore based solely on stats. Yes, he can connect from deep (40.6 percent), and he excels at forcing defenders to try to stop the guard — he drew six fouls per 40 minutes (according to KenPom). But what makes Baldwin such an intriguing prospect is his decision-making during pick-and-roll scenarios. The Commodores didn’t often utilize the P&R game, but when the ball was in Baldwin’s possession, bigs scored 1.47 points per roll. Though Vandy’s perimeter game struggled throughout the year, Baldwin was adept at finding open shooters — more than half of his passes in P&R situations were to spot-up shooters. — Giles
18. Detroit Pistons
The pick: Henry Ellenson, F, Marquette
Stan Van Gundy gets his man. Instead of trading for Donatas Motiejunas at the trade deadline, the Pistons take Ellenson, who has a similar skillset and will be on a rookie contract. Ellenson is a big who can rebound and stretch the floor, and is a nice complement to both center Andre Drummond and to Detroit’s stable of combo forwards. — Bontemps
What he brings: What is enticing about Ellenson is his rumored long-range touch. When the 6-foot-11 big arrived at the Big East school, he was supposed to open up the Golden Eagles’ offense with his perimeter touch (and freeing Luke Fischer from the suffocating defensive attention that hounded him in 2015). Instead, Ellenson struggled with consistency all season, making just 28 percent of his threes. But they weren’t bad shots; his motion is sound, and the looks were clean until the moment they clanged off the iron, so Ellenson has the potential to transform into a competent pick-and-pop big. He isn’t a stiff either, grabbing more than a quarter of opponents’ misses, and he excels on the break, outletting the board and then beating most of the other nine players down the court for the bucket — Ellenson made nearly 80 percent of his transition attempts, per Hoop-Math.com, which led the squad. — Giles
19. Denver Nuggets (from Portland)
The pick: Malik Beasley, G, Florida State
After taking Jamal Murray at No. 7, the Nuggets turn around and take Beasley at No. 19. Like Murray, he’s young (19 until November) and a shooter (hit over 38 percent of his attempts from three-point range). The Nuggets keep stocking up on talent, which should give them options as they continue to try to improve the roster moving forward.
What he brings: The 6-foot-5 freshman was the Seminoles’ best offensive option in 2016, scoring 1.02 points per play (according to Synergy), and he showed promise in catch-and-shoot situations (1.14 points). More than 90 percent of his three-point attempts in the half court were assisted, and when he was forced to use his dribble to create for himself, it was obvious Beasley was somewhat uncomfortable: he converted just 39.6 percent of his two-point field goals. But there weren’t many DI players who could convert as well, or often, from deep as the Florida State guard. — Giles
20. Indiana Pacers (TRADED TO BROOKLYN NETS)
The pick: Caris LeVert, G, Michigan
LeVert averaged 16.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists through 15 games last season as a senior at Michigan before suffering a broken foot. The 6-foot-7 guard has missed time each of the past two seasons with injuries, but has proven to be an excellent shooter and playmaker. The question now will be if he can stay healthy for a Nets team that needs all the help it can get. — Bontemps
What he brings: Before LeVert, a 6-foot-7 wing, was lost for the 2016 season with a foot injury, LeVert was a player of the year candidate. LeVert made nearly 40 percent of his threes during his Michigan career, and he has enough speed and length to get an edge on defenders and convert under the glare of an opponent’s gameplan. He is also proficient at creating his own offense — during the 2015 season, which, before an injury sidelined him, was an indicator of how LeVert tweaked his game, just 17 percent of his shots at the rim were assisted, and he made 37 percent of his long-range shots on just 13 assists. — Giles
21. Atlanta Hawks
The pick: DeAndre Bembry, F, Saint Joseph’s
After taking Taurean Prince with the No. 12 pick, the Hawks came back and grabbed DeAndre Bembry with the No. 21 selection. Bembry was the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year for Saint Joseph’s, leading the Hawks into the NCAA tournament with averages of 17.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists. The Hawks clearly have tried to upgrade on the wing, and have done so. — Bontemps
What he brings: The 6-foot-6 junior is smooth. His game is never hurried, and despite being the focus of the entirety of an opponent’s scouting report, Bembry is consistently able to move about the court at his own pace. His jump shot is wildly inconsistent, but that’s beside the point. Bembry’s potential is all based on versatility, and how he can play multiple positions on both offense and defense. He led the Hawks in usage rate, yet only turned the ball over on 12 percent of his possessions. — Giles
22. Charlotte Hornets (TRADED TO SACRAMENTO KINGS)
The pick: Malachi Richardson, G, Syracuse
What he brings: There isn’t a player in the draft who benefited more from the NCAA tournament than Richardson. Without the Orange’s run, the freshman wing is likely back at the ACC school in 2016-17; instead, he will showcase his burgeoning perimeter game:
A few expected mid-first round guards: Malachi Richardson, Malik Beasley & Denzel Valentine. pic.twitter.com/KfLnraM7Qm
— Shot Analytics (@ShotAnalytics) June 23, 2016
Richardson made a whopping 41.5 percent of his threes in ACC play, and shines when he is able to use his above-average athleticism to make hustle plays (converting 100 percent of his offensive putbacks; second on the team, per Hoop-Math.com, in transition field goal attempts). It will be interesting how that same athleticism translates to the defensive side of the ball. He played the wing within Cuse’s 2-3 zone, and while he was able to close out quickly and challenge what were seemingly open shots, he didn’t often have to defend on an island. — Giles
23. Boston Celtics
The pick: Ante Zizic, C, Crotia
With their third pick in the first round, the Celtics went with a center, taking Croatian big man Ante Zizic. He doesn’t even turn 20 until January, yet averaged over 13 points, eight rebounds and nearly two blocks per game in the Adriatic League last season. Zizic is a free agent, however, so him being a draft-and-stash isn’t assured. — Bontemps
What he brings: The 6-foot-11 Zizic is extremely physical when on the court, and has a skillset — and propensity for tip dunks — that should lead to more than a few “SportsCenter” highlights. At the moment, his game is dependent on paint touches and pick and rolls, and the big has the requisite energy and competitive nature to mix it up with other bigs. — Giles
24. Philadelphia 76ers (from Miami via Cleveland)
The pick: Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, F, France
Luwawu has the potential to be what every team in the NBA is searching for: a capable defender and three-point shooter on the wings. At 6-foot-7 and having shot over 37 percent from three-point range for Mega Leks last season in the Adriatic League, he gives Philadelphia an option on the wing, where the 76ers need depth. — Bontemps
What he brings: A shooter in a draft that is chock full of skilled perimeter players, the 6-foot-7 Luwawu is skilled in both catch-and-shoot and off-the-dribble possessions. He uses his athleticism, and 6-foot-11 wingspan, to finish through traffic and well above the rim, and both attributes also allow him to defend multiple positions. He could cause havoc defending within isolation scenarios. — Giles
25. Los Angeles Clippers
The pick: Brice Johnson, F, North Carolina
Johnson led North Carolina to the national title game, averaging 17 points and more than 10 rebounds per game. He should be able to step right in and give the Clippers some production off the bench — something Los Angeles Coach Doc Rivers will undoubtedly want for his team that’s trying to win now, not later. — Bontemps
What he brings: What is most interesting about Johnson’s game is how he redefined himself as a senior. He became truly dominant around the basket, converting 85.8 percent of his attempts around the rim (per Hoop-Math.com), and he boosted his accuracy when he stepped away from the hoop — he made nearly 50 percent of those shots. He has a quick first jump, and even quicker second jump, and became one of the nation’s best defensive rebounders (28.5 percent), which was an issue as a junior (22.7 percent). Coupled with his athleticism, which is most apparent in transition, and Johnson, who was the KenPom Player of the Year, was the most underrated player to attempt more than 400 field goals. – Giles
26. Philadelphia 76ers (from Oklahoma City via Denver and Cleveland)
The pick: Furkan Korkmaz, G, Turkey
Right on the heels of taking French wing Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, the 76ers turned around and took Turkish guard Furkan Korkmaz, another excellent shooting young wing. Korkmaz, who doesn’t turn 19 until July, shot 42 percent in limited minutes in Euroleague play. He has expressed a willingness to come over now and play, even to the point of possibly paying for his own buyout. — Bontemps
What he brings: A 6-foot-7 project who has one definite skill — perimeter shooting. He’s not the type of guard who can create his own offense, but can contribute offensively with a deft three-point touch and a feel for a ball movement. — Giles
27. Toronto Raptors
The pick: Pascal Siakam, F, New Mexico State
What he brings: The 6-foot-9 forward is all energy and motor. He has grabbed more than 13 percent of the Aggies’ offensive rebounds during his two seasons at NMSU, and he can convert at a high rate (71 percent, per Hoop-Math.com). He worked on his midrange game as a sophomore, and it is still developing (41.5 percent), but Siakam showcased an ability to crash the glass and outrebound more physical and taller opponents. He did struggle when defending quicker bigs on the perimeter, and didn’t excel at pick-and-roll situations, but no matter — Siakam continually wowed with that rebounding skillset. — Giles
28. Phoenix Suns (from Cleveland via Boston — TRADED TO SACRAMENTO KINGS)
The pick: Skal Labissiere, F/C, Kentucky
A year ago this time, Labissiere was expected to be a contender for a top-five selection — if not the top overall pick in this draft. Now he’s fallen all the way to No. 28, where the Kings finally stopped his free-fall by making him their third pick of the first round. Labissiere disappointed in his season at Kentucky, but has the physical tools to be an impact player if he can ever harness them. — Bontemps
What he brings: When the 6-foot-11 Labissiere arrived at Kentucky, it wasn’t a smooth transition. Coach John Calipari insisted on playing the big on the block, a similar strategy that he used when Karl-Anthony Towns was still in Lexington, but unlike KAT, Labissiere was ill-equipped to succeed in the paint. The frosh, though, is much better when he can be used in the pick and roll and flashing to the high post, and then converting with a smooth, and mechanically sound, midrange jumper — per Shot Analytics, Labissiere connected on 45 percent of his shots from either elbow. He is also a skilled shotblocker (10.3 percent), and has the length to challenge shots even when an opponent beats him off the dribble. — Giles
29. San Antonio Spurs
The pick: Dejounte Murray, F, Washington
One of three players — along with Labissiere and Deyonta Davis, who has yet to have his name called — who slipped much farther than anyone expected, Murray is a long, athletic point guard. Listed at 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, he averaged 16.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.8 steals in his freshman season at Washington. Still only 19, he adds some length and athleticism to a Spurs roster that needs it in its back court. — Bontemps
What he brings: Nicknamed “Baby Boy” by fellow Husky Marquese Chriss, Murray’s slight frame wasn’t an impediment during his freshman season. At 6-foot-4, he has the size and vision to exploit defensive mismatches, assisting on a quarter of UW’s makes while on the court. His offensive progression was steady, and his most effective shot is the floater, making 45 percent of those attempts (which, per DraftExpress, led the entire draft field). What is most appealing, though, about Murray is his defensive potential. The guard had a steal rate of nearly 3 percent, and he showcased a quick first step and ball-hawking instinct. He also was one of the Huskies’ best defensive rebounders, and as he improves his conditioning and strength training, his defense may soon outshine his scoring. — Giles
30. Golden State Warriors
The pick: Damian Jones, C, Vanderbilt
What he brings: The 7-footer announced his junior season would be his last at Vanderbilt, and then the Commodores, picked by many to challenge for the SEC title, struggled mightily. But Jones, who is stealthily athletic, pairs a dependable post game with a soft touch around the rim. He struggled when facing more athletic bigs (Jameel Warney’s showing was a clinic when Stony Brook faced Vandy), but he has soft hands that should prove valuable in pick-and-roll possessions. Jones was much more of a question mark defensively; he is sometimes out-shined on the defensive glass (just 17.3 percent defensive rebounding rate), and fouls way too often for a big that used more than 60 percent of the team’s minutes. — Giles
SECOND ROUND
31. Boston Celtics (From Philadelphia via Miami)
32. Los Angeles Lakers
33. Los Angeles Clippers (From Brooklyn)
34. Phoenix Suns
35. Boston Celtics (From Minnesota via Phoenix)
36. Milwaukee Bucks (From New Orleans via Sacramento)
37. Houston Rockets (From New York via Sacramento and Portland)
38. Milwaukee Bucks
39. New Orleans Pelicans (From Denver via Philadelphia)
40. New Orleans Pelicans (From Sacramento)
41. Orlando Magic
42. Utah Jazz
43. Houston Rockets
44. Atlanta Hawks (From Washington)
45. Boston Celtics (From Memphis via Dallas)
46. Dallas Mavericks
47. Orlando Magic (From Chicago)
48. Chicago Bulls (From Portland via Cleveland)
49. Detroit Pistons
50. Indiana Pacers
51. Boston Celtics (From Miami)
52. Utah Jazz (From Boston via Memphis)
53. Denver Nuggets (From Charlotte via Oklahoma City)
54. Atlanta Hawks
55. Brooklyn Nets (From Los Angeles Clippers)
56. Denver Nuggets (From Oklahoma City)
57. Memphis Grizzlies (From Toronto)
58. Boston Celtics (From Cleveland)
59. Sacramento Kings (From San Antonio)
60. Utah Jazz (From Golden State)
LATEST NEWS AND RUMORS
Thunder trades Serge Ibaka to Magic for Victor Oladipo, more
Reprinted from above, via Tim Bontemps:
Barclays Center is buzzing about the trade between the Magic and Thunder, with Serge Ibaka going to Orlando for a package of Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova and the draft rights to Domantas Sabonis. Ibaka gives the Magic the ability to stretch the floor that they desperately need, in addition to being the defensive anchor they need. For Oklahoma City, this allows the Thunder to play Kevin Durant full-time at power forward, and gives them another wing to play in smallball lineups in Oladipo. — Bontemps
Keep an eye on that No. 3 pick — Celtics and Bulls discussing mega-deal
Bulls have held advanced discussions w/ Celtics centered on Jimmy Butler and No. 3 pick. Bulls love Kris Dunn. But Bulls don’t love Cs offer
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) June 23, 2016
Jae Crowder has been involved in the Bulls-Celtics talks, per a source.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) June 23, 2016
Kings acquire 20th pick for Marco Belinelli
Sacramento is trading guard Marco Belinelli to Charlotte for the No. 22 pick, league sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) June 23, 2016
Nets send Thad Young to Pacers for 20th pick
For the first trade of draft day, the Brooklyn Nets dealt forward Thad Young to the Indiana Pacers for the 20th pick and a future second round pick. Here’s The Post’s Tim Bontemps’s analysis:
By trading Thaddeus Young to the Pacers, the Nets have signaled their intent to build through the draft. The question now is, what comes next? The possibility exists for them to get more picks tonight — and given the unpredictability of this draft, it seems eminently possible.
For the Pacers, adding Young gives them the combo forward they need to play alongside Paul George and Myles Turner, and along with trading George Hill for Jeff Teague shows they are committed to playing smaller and faster next season — a stated goal of team president Larry Bird.
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