2. L.A. Lakers

Brandon Ingram | SF | Duke

Freshman | 18 | 6-9, 196

Insider info: In a draft many consider to have a significant dropoff after the second pick, the Lakers will be happy to "settle" for whomever the Sixers pass. Ingram is the player the Lakers would have targeted at No. 1 had they won the lottery, sources told The Vertical. He is a perfect fit for their roster and should generate a great deal of excitement about the future.







3. Boston Celtics (from Brooklyn)

Kris Dunn | PG | Providence

Junior | 22 | 6-4, 205

Insider info: The draft begins here, with as many as five players who could be candidates for this spot. The Celtics would love to trade this pick for an NBA-ready player who is a better fit on their existing roster, but that may be somewhat of a long shot based on recent history. Dunn likely has the highest immediate trade value because he plays a position that is very weak in this draft, even if the Celtics already have plenty of guards. The Celtics likely won’t be scared off by not receiving his medical info from his agents or by not working him out. Their own team doctor performed Dunn’s shoulder surgery a few years ago, and they may know him better than anyone in this draft having played close by in Providence.







4. Phoenix Suns

Marquese Chriss | PF | Washington

Freshman | 18 | 6-10, 225

Insider info: After unloading Markieff Morris at the deadline, the Suns are likely in the hunt for a starting power forward and could be attracted to Chriss’ athleticism, skill and upside. His tantalizing talent has made him one of the fastest-rising prospects of the draft. Dragan Bender is also a candidate here.







5. Minnesota Timberwolves

Buddy Hield | SG | Oklahoma

Senior | 22 | 6-4, 214

Insider info: Minnesota could really use some outside shooting, and Buddy Hield is arguably the best shooter in this class. The senior should be set to contribute immediately, which helps on a roster that is already among the youngest in the NBA. His deficiencies defensively could be mitigated by playing alongside bigger guards Ricky Rubio and Zach LaVine. He is polished enough to join an outstanding young core that includes Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins.







6. New Orleans Pelicans

Jamal Murray | PG/SG | Kentucky

Freshman | 19 | 6-5, 201

Insider info: The Pelicans’ backcourt is unsettled at the moment, with a dozen different players earning a starting nod at one point or another over the course of the season. Eric Gordon, Tyreke Evans and Jrue Holiday have all struggled with injuries and none is under contract past next season, which means New Orleans will look at all of the top guards available. Murray was one of the most prolific scorers in college basketball despite being a freshman.







7. Denver Nuggets (from New York)

Dragan Bender | PF | Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israeli League

18 | 7-1 | 225

Insider info: Bender could be the third-best player in this draft, but his youth, physical immaturity and struggle getting consistent playing time have caused some teams to get cold feet. At this point in the draft, Denver could definitely afford to be patient with the young Croatian, whom many feel has a huge upside because of his defensive versatility, perimeter shooting and outstanding feel for the game.







8. Sacramento Kings

Jaylen Brown | SF | California

Freshman | 19 | 6-7, 222

Insider info: Many feel the draft drops off significantly after the eighth pick, with many different opinions on whom the next best prospect might be. That should make for a fairly easy choice for the Kings, even if Brown’s inexperience and lack of perimeter shooting don’t make him an ideal fit.







9. Toronto Raptors (from Denver)

Jakob Poeltl | C | Utah

Sophomore | 20 | 7-1, 242

Insider info: Free agent Bismack Biyombo likely became too expensive for Toronto this summer because of his tremendous playoff campaign. The Raptors will need to fill that void with a solid backup center, and Poeltl looks ready. Poeltl is considered the best center in this draft and has plenty of upside physically and skill-wise to continue to grow.







10. Milwaukee Bucks

Henry Ellenson | PF/C | Marquette

Freshman | 19 | 6-11, 231

Insider info: Greg Monroe has been somewhat of a disappointment since signing as a free agent last summer, which could prompt the Bucks to explore alternative options at the position. Ellenson will likely end up playing the center position because of his lack of foot speed, but has the versatility needed offensively to fit in very nicely alongside their existing core.







Story continues