My Euro 2016 team of the Tournament

Sadly, the European Championships came to an end last week, and the fact that it is another four years until Europe's elite compete against one another again feels like a lifetime away. Like me, you may too be in disbelief as to how a Portugal team that finished third-place in their group behind Hungary and Iceland managed to run out victors. But it's now time to recognise which players performed best. So, with that, here is my team of the tournament:

Manuel Neuer

Germany's no.1 had a fantastic campaign, despite his teams disappointing exit in the semi-finals. Neuer is fortunate to have had a sturdy defence in front of him, but that should not take away from how important he was between the sticks. The stopper is widely known for the sweeper-keeper role he plays, and that was no different at the Euros; Neuer saved his defence on many occasions coming out of his box to deal with long-balls over the top. Also, his distribution is vastly underrated, at 6 foot 4 inches, it is uncommon for a player to possess such great passing ability, let alone a goalkeeper - this provided a great platform for his team to begin attacks.

In the group stage, Neuer went through all three games without conceding a goal, which was then followed by yet another clean sheet in the last 16 against Slovakia. Neuer was finally beaten for the first time in the tournament in the quarter-final clash against Italy, when Leonardo Bonucci slotted past him from the penalty spot. The tie would then go on to a penalty shootout, in which, Neuer saved two spot-kicks to help his side progress through. A huge semi-final match against France was their reward and, unfortunately, it is a game the keeper will not look back on too fondly. He was once again faced with the task of saving a penalty-kick, but was unable to do so as Antoine Griezmann sent him the wrong way. Then, mid-way through the second-half, the usually dependable Neuer made an uncustomary error by dropping the ball in his area and was consequently punished by Griezmann. A sad end to Neuer's Euros, but he was still the most impressive keeper throughout the tournament.

Ashley Williams

The Welsh captain was fabulous throughout Euro 2016. The English-born centre-half was the linchpin of the Wales back line; he made several crucial tackles, blocks and headers on a regular basis. He played every minute of Wales' campaign, and made his sides most blocks (7) and clearances (43). Williams is the leader of the squad on and off the field, after each and every game the defender would give a team-talk on the pitch for the world to see; his passion was evident. The fact that the Swansea man is so reliable, that allows his team-mates to play with more freedom, with the trust that they have in Williams organising his fellow defenders and dealing with their opponents' attacking players. 

Williams put in three solid performances during the group stage, in which he and his defence gave away very few opportunities to the opposition. The centre-back did, however, make a costly error against England, when he mistimed a header in his own penalty area, resulting in a Jamie Vardy equaliser. Wales went on to lose the match, but bounced back with a resounding victory over Russia, topped off with a clean sheet. Williams was indispensable on their way to the Sem-finals, in particular against a talent-riddled Belgium outfit; the central defender scored a crucial headed goal in the match. It has to be said, Wales would probably not have progressed so far without their inspirational captain.

Leonardo Bonucci

The centre-half was a rock in a very solid Italian defence. He operated in the middle of a defensive back 3 with Juventus team-mates Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli - the trio seem to have an almost telepathic partnership. Bonucci played one of the passes of the tournament, a Pirlo esque ball over the top of the Belgium defence, assisting Manuel Giaccherini's opening goal. Whilst the firm centre-back was on the field, Italy only conceded on one occasion, in the quarter-finals when his side faced Germany. In that game, down one goal to nil, the Italians were awarded a penalty, and despite never taking a competitive penalty in his whole career, Bonucci stepped up and finished with aplomb. Unfortunately, the Italians were knocked out on penalties, but Bonucci's showings definitely warrant a place in the team of the tournament. 

On the back of his teams exit, Chelsea, now managed by former Italy boss, Antonio Conte, have had a bid of £38m rejected for his services.

Jérôme Boateng

Like pretty much all of the German defence, Boateng had an excellent Euros. Cool, calm and collected, the versatile centre-half, went very much under the radar throughout the tournament - that is when you know a central defender has been playing well. Boateng was the only constant in the heart of the defence, as he was the only centre-back to play in every game for his side. The Bayern Munich stalwart is one of the main reasons why Germany didn't concede a goal up until the quarter-finals, even if he was the man to give away the penalty which the goal came from. Disappointingly, Boateng picked up an injury in the semi-final against France - maybe he would have been there to stop that damning second French goal. Boateng was the best defender at Euro 2016.

Gareth Bale

In a tournament where many of the world's best players didn't quite have the impact they had hoped for, Bale was quite the opposite. The electrifying, deft attacker had a superb Euros, he was the driving force of just about every attack, and can certainly be regarded as the talisman of the Welsh squad. Over the last few years the Welsh superstar has carried this team, and some say, he just about single handedly guided them to their first tournament since 1958. Without Bale, it is exceedingly unlikely that Wales would have progressed all the way to the semi-finals.

Bale found the net in each of the three group stage matches, including a dipping 30-yard free-kick against England. Operating just off the centre-forward, the Welshman was fabulous in the final group game against Russia, a victory which sealed his sides first-place finish in Group B. The Real Madrid man wasn't as effective during the knockout rounds, but he did provide a key assist in the last 16 against Northern Ireland that was significant in his team making it through to the next round. Bale can look back on his tournament with plenty of satisfaction.

Renato Sanches

The 18-year-old is the most exciting young Portuguese talent to come out of the country since Cristiano Ronaldo, so no pressure. Sanches wasn't selected in the starting lineup for the first two games of the tournament, but from that moment onwards he was phenomenal. The €35m rated man performed like a player beyond his years, it was exciting to see such talent, and a fearless attitude from the youngster. The box-to-box midfielder added a different dimension to a team which was severely lacking in the centre of the park. Sanches' inspirational performance in the quarter-finals against Poland was certainly his best game of the tournament; he provided a smart left-footed finish from the edge of the area to level up the game, and in addition to that, dispatched a magnificent penalty in the shoot-out. Maybe Portugal wouldn't have gone on to win the Euros without EUFA's Young Player of the Tournament.

Aaron Ramsey

Amongst several top performers in the Welsh side, Ramsey was the pick of the bunch. Throughout the championships the central midfielder was extraordinary, his tenacity was very much something to be admired. Ramsey optimised the attitude of his team, with his passion, spirit and tireless exuberance. The Arsenal man maintained a solid partnership with fellow Premier League midfielder, Joe Allen. The pair worked very well in tandem, with each of them covering their team-mate when need be. Ramsey provided the most assists in the tournament (4), and also added an important goal against Russia. In the quarter-finals the creative, blonde haired midfielder put in a monumental display, in which he laid on two of his teams three goals. Unfortunately, Ramsey received his second yellow card of the Euros in that same match against Belgium, which ultimately meant he would miss the next round of the tournament. If he had been eligible to play in the semi-final match with Portugal, who knows what could have happened.

Dimitri Payet

The magnificent attacking midfielder was unbelievable for the hosts France during the group stage matches. With his team faltering in front of goal, Payet managed to find the net in the opening clash of the tournament against Romania; he also registered an assist in that same game. On the back of that excellent performance, the silky Frenchman capitalised once again in the dying embers of the match, with Albania the unfortunate party to his brilliance that time out. Payet certainly had a huge impact for France at the Euros; he provided a cutting edge in the final-third where, at times, his team-mates were slightly lacklustre. When his side faced Iceland in the quarter-finals, Payet was once again superb; in a game whereby he scored one and assisted another. The West Ham man was the best French midfielder at the tournament - Les Blues may not have progressed all the way to the final without Payet.

Mesut Özil

I must admit, Özil wasn't one of the first names that sprung to mind when picking my best team of the tournament. However, the Germany #10 was key to his nations run to the latter stages of the Euros. Özil was excellent in Germany's Group C matches against Ukraine, Poland and Northern Ireland; his vision and guile helped create several chances for his team. The craftsman's stats don't give justice to how well he played throughout the tournament, it is the work Özil does to find space and begin attacks for his side where the German really comes to the fore. The playmaker was given a free-role to roam across the pitch, cause damage from deep, and pick pockets in front of the opposing defence. If the German squad had more offensive options, other than Mario Gomez, Özil would no doubt have been pushing for top of the assists table.

Antoine Griezmann

As expected, Griezmann was the biggest threat in front of goal for the French side. After a less than impressive opening day performance, the forward's attitude to being dropped from the starting lineup in the next game was commendable; in which, he came off the bench to score a crucial injury-time goal. Operating as a second-striker just off Olivier Giroud, Griezmann picked up second balls, created chances and was deadly in front of goal.

With his side one nil down in the last 16 against Ireland, the skilful frontman stepped up and scored two goals to grant his team a passage to the next round. He then followed that display up with another influential performance, in which, he found the net yet again and laid on two assists. In France's colossal semi-finals encounter with Germany, Griezmann proved to be the difference, as he scored both goals in his sides 2-0 win. Having six goals to his name heading to the final, expectations were high on Griezmann delivering again, but he was unfortunately unable to do so and France consequently fell at the final hurdle. Griezmann was named the Player of the Tournament and received the Golden Boot award.

Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portugal captain didn't get off to the best of starts at the Euros, but there was a feeling of inevitability that it was only a matter of time before he started to show what he's all about. Ronaldo cut the shape of a frustrated figure following his sides first two games ending in draws, in which he didn't get on the scoresheet, and had also missed a late penalty against Austria. But from that point onwards his luck started to change, as he registered two goals in a 3-3 draw with Hungary, securing his teams passage into the knockout rounds. He would end the tournament with three goals and three assists to his name.

It's not just his undoubted talent on the field that this team relied upon, if you watched much of Portugal you would see how bigger part Ronaldo plays in motivating his team-mates, and passing out instructions to them. Even after the bitter disappointment of suffering a cruel injury in the final, the forward was still kicking every ball from the sidelines. There is no man in the Portuguese national set up who would want to win the tournament more than Ronaldo, as he adds yet another honour to his glittering career. There is simply no way that this heavily unfavored Portuguese side would have gone on to claim the trophy without his impact on the tournament.

Durant's Decision 

  As an Oklahoma City Thunder fan I knew this day would come, Kevin Durant is testing Free Agency and is set to sign a new contract. Where he'll sign remains to be clear, we all assume wherever Durant signs it'll likely only be a year long deal so that he can benefit from the salary cap rising next season (going from $70 million this season, to $94.1 million per team next year). 

 Durant's favourable options have been dwindling down. I'll put, in my opinion, the order of the 6 teams who Durant has expressed interest in (The Thunder, Warriors, Spurs, Celtics, Heat, and Clippers) are likely to sign him.

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS 

 The Clippers took a solid run at him, describing the possibility of a 'big 4' to Durant, he would be playing alongside perennial All-Stars Blake Griffin, and Chris Paul, and also his 2016 USA Olympic teammate DeAndre Jordan. The opportunity to play under highly regarded Head Coach Doc Rivers is something that a lot of players in the NBA would snap up, Durant hasn't been blessed by playing for what we consider future Hall of Fame calibre coaches, having played under P.J Carlesimo on a bad Thunder squad who only won 22% of their 95 games with, Carlesimo in charge. Scotty Brooks who in turn coached OKC to win 62% of their 545 games with him in charge (though that largely had to do with the team's successful drafting of young talent) was let go in the summer of 2015. Billy Donovan who had a very successful coaching career in the college ranks for the past 20 years, these are all good coaches in their own right but Durant may be at a point in his career where he's looking to lean on a coach who has won a title in the NBA as a Head Coach, like Doc Rivers has. After the re-signing of guards Austin Rivers and Jamal Crawford on July 3rd, to questionably large contracts, it would seem pretty evident that they themselves even feel like they're out of contention to land the #1 Free Agent. Rivers is set to make $35 million over the next 3 years ($11.6m/yr) and reigning Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford is going to be earning $42 million in the next 3 years in LA ($14m/yr). 

6th most likely

MIAMI HEAT

 The Heat would be next on my 'least likely to sign him' list. First and foremost Miami re-signed their young center, Hassan Whiteside. Whiteside inked a deal that's believed to be worth $98 million over 5 years ($19.6m/yr), but other than that Miami are yet to make more than that one positive move since free agency started on July 1st. Dwyane Wade, who has spent all 13 of his NBA seasons playing for Miami, is exploring Free Agency after being disappointed in the contract he was offered in south beach. Luol Deng who has only played 2 seasons for the Heat has just signed for the LA Lakers. The Heat's Tyler Johnson, who had a break-out season this year, was offered on July 3rd a $50 million deal that lasts four years (12.5m/yr) with the Brooklyn Nets. Miami, who own Johnson's 'Gilbert Arenas Provisional', have 3 days to match Brooklyn's offer sheet otherwise Johnson will become a member of the Nets. The likelihood is that Miami won't match the offer made and will be forced to let him go. The appeal for Durant to come isn't enough to warrant him committing his future, with the current roster the Heat aren't a team who are going to be challenging for a championship, if Wade leaves they'll more than likely be challenging for a Playoff berth.

5th most likely 

SAN ANTONIO SPURS

 The Spurs are contenders for a championship, year in and year out, and that must be appealing to someone like Durant, who is considered a top 5 player in the league but is yet to win an elusive title. The biggest question for me in this situation would be, how well would Durant, someone who is heavily regarded as an isolation player, bode on a team that is noted for their selflessness and ball movement? Being the focal point of the Thunder's offence for the last 9 years Durant has had the 'green light' to shoot whenever, and wherever he has been on the court. Maybe Durant is ready to give up on the iso plays are become a 'system player'? In a San Antonio system he'd still thrive and have lots of open shots. The knock on the Spurs is the age of some of their key players, we know Kawhi Leonard is a 25 year old star who continues to improve season by season and that LaMarcus Aldridge is a proven 30 year old who looks to have a lot of good years still in him. Manu Ginobli, and Tim Duncan, who've both spent their entire NBA careers at San Antonio look ready to retire after the 2016/2017 season. Two of the key players who have been a large reason for the Spurs' prolonged success over the last 14 seasons will no longer be there, and I do think that slightly hinders Durant's chances of going. San Antonio are in no way in need of a 'rebuild', or anything to that effect, but I feel like if Durant was leaving to purely to have more opportunities to win a title he'd stand more of a chance on a team like the Warriors, and the Thunder.

4th most likely

BOSTON CELTICS

 The  Boston Celtics have thrown a spanner in the works for a lot of people, with the roster they had last season Boston were projected to finish the season as the 9th or 10th seed in the Eastern Conference, but they surprised a lot of people by playing consistently great basketball throughout the course of the year and finishing 5th, 1 win away from finishing 3rd. The play of point guard Isaiah Thomas was mesmerising at times, along with the lock-down defence of Avery Bradley and Marcus Smart, the Celtics deserved all the praise they got. Brad Stevens has shown why he's been quickly regarded as one of the best Head Coaches in the league, his savvy demeanor and play-by-play decisions helped shape the outcome of their season, whilst simultaneously grabbing the attention, and respect, of veteran Head Coaches like Greg Popovich (Spurs), and Rick Carlisle (Mavericks). Celtics have made it clear that they're done rebuilding, and are ready to take the next step and compete for a title, that's been shown with the drafting of 19 year old small forward Jaylen Brown in this year's NBA Draft, along with the acquisition of 4-time All-Star center Al Horford. It's to be noted that Durant has been trying to recruit Horford to come to Oklahoma City and join the Thunder with him. Durant is clearly a fan of Horford so it's a clever move by Boston to try and tempt Durant in with the chance of playing together, whether it will work is yet to be seen, but a good move from Boston regardless.

3rd most likely 

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS 

 The Warriors, a similar argument could be made for Golden State Warriors as I made for the Spurs, Warriors are another team who like to have a lot of ball movement, although unlike the Spurs they do have players, Steph Curry and Klay thompson, who excel in isolation situations. Harrison Barnes looks set to leave the Bay Area and go on to become a main contributor on another team, which works out perfectly for the Warriors' chances of luring Durant. Making it all the way to the NBA Finals the last 2 years, winning a championship in the 2014/2015 season against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and then in turn falling short in the 2015/2016 season against the same Cavaliers. A rivalry is starting to develop that we hope could one day emulate the Magic Johnson led LA Lakers against Larry Bird led Boston Celtics of the 80s, or the Isiah Thomas led Detroit Pistons, against the Michael Jordan led Chicago Bulls of the late 80s and early 90s. Everyone wants to be a part of history, Kevin Durant is hungry for titles and in my opinion Warriors are certainly a team that have shown they're after the same goal, the team is young and extremely talented, if Durant chose to sign for GSW they would be, in most people's eyes, virtually unstoppable. I'd consider them very much in contention to sign the former MVP. 

2nd most likely

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

The Thunder are the most likely to re-sign Durant, for a few reasons. They were one game away from playing in the NBA Finals this season, they had the Warriors on the ropes, down 3-1, but couldn't find a way to close it out and eventually lost 4-3. That left a sour taste in the mouth of all the players on the Oklahoma roster but Durant and Westbrook especially, having 31.9% and 32.6% respective Usage Percentage. Two of the three highest USG% for both rosters during the WCFs, meaning those two had the ball in their hands, dictating the play action for the majority of all 7 games, which subsequently means they are primarily going to be the ones who receive the blame from critics, even though they posted incredible personal stats (Durant - 30ppg, 8rpg, 3apg, 1.7spg. Westbrook - 26.7ppg, 7rpg, 11.3apg, 3.7spg). The pairing of the two superstars clearly works, having gone to the Western Conference Finals 4 times out of the last 6 years, and the 2 where they didn't make it was heavily due to injuries to both Durant and Westbrook. The emergence of Steven Adams in the 2016 Playoffs must be an appealing prospect for Durant looking forward. As Serge Ibaka has shied away from what he once brought to the team Thunder GM Sam Presti felt it was the right time to part ways with the Congolese power forward, trading him on Draft night to the Orlando Magic and in turn receiving up-and-coming combo guard Victor Oladipo, seasoned forward Ersan İlyasova, and the draft rights to newly drafted Domantas Sabonis from Gonzaga University. The Thunder are continually in the race for a championship, with the new additions and the potential of Victor Oladipo being able to take pressure off of Durant and Westbrook by being able to create his own shots, something that Ibaka couldn't do, things are looking more promising in Oklahoma. Talented players isn't the only reason I see Durant signing, the monetary side of the game will factor into his final decision, and he stands to earn more money by signing a one year deal with the Thunder this year and then re-signing next season when the increased salary cap comes into action. Durant has the potential to earn $228+ million in the next 6 years if he decides to stay in Oklahoma, signing for the $26,540,000 one year max, then signing for a further 5 year $202,358,125 in Free Agency this time next year, with that Durant would be earning a cool $40,471,625 per year. He has come out and said his decision will be based purely on a basketball view. I personally think it's going to be an incredibly close call, but I feel the familiarity of Oklahoma will just edge it. That, and the fact no one likes moving... 

Most likely

http://www.sports.yahoo.com/

http://www.basketball-reference.com/

http://www.sports-reference.com/

http://twitter.com/nbacapanlyst/

NBA Mock Draft 2016 - Charlie Wilson

1)    Philadelphia 76ers: Ben Simmons – F

The best and most ‘NBA ready’ player in the draft, Ben Simmons will almost certainly be selected with the first pick by the Sixers. The Aussie is an extremely versatile offensive player, who defines the role of point-forward. He can score in the paint at will whilst being a tenacious rebounder. But Simmons’ biggest strength is that he is most effective when running the show. He has terrific handles and is an elite passer.  Simmons must improve his mid-range and 3pt shooting at the NBA level, however this should not and will not concern teams. Plenty of players have entered the league without a reliable jump shot and learnt themselves one in their first few years. Adding him along with Joel Embiid, Dario Saric, Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor (providing they don’t trade him to Boston for the #3 pick) and Philly gets their franchise player in Ben Simmons.

NBA Comparison - LeBron James

2)    Los Angeles Lakers: Brandon Ingram – F

Long and wirey, Brandon Ingram has a smooth stroke from the perimeter, but adding muscle to his thin frame is a must when he enters the league. Ingram has impressive ball-handling skills to go with his slender frame, the comparisons to Kevin Durant are there for everyone to see. The Lakers have a hole at small forward, and Ingram would be a solid building block along with D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson.

NBA Comparison – Kevin Durant

3)    Boston Celtics: Buddy Hield – G

I believe Celtics will continue to actively shop this pick in hopes of landing a proven player who can help them right now. Watch out for a trade with the Sixers for Jahlil Okafor. If that happens, the Sixers will select Kris Dunn with the 3^rd overall pick. However, if the Celtics unable to swing a deal, they has a decision to make and plenty of names are in play; Jamal Murray, Kris Dunn, Buddy Hield, Dragan Bender, Jaylen Brown and Marquese Chriss. As a Boston Celtics fan myself, if we cannot swing the pick for Jahlil Okafor or another proven NBA star, I’m hoping that the Celtics draft Buddy Hield. The Boston Celtics NEED a shooter. Danny Ainge confirmed that Hield hit 85/100 3pt attempts at a Celtics pre-draft workout… Enough said.

NBA Comparison – James Harden

4)    Phoenix Suns: Dragan Bender – F

The Suns should be ecstatic if Bender drops to them at No. 4 since they have a glaring need at power forward, plus he is someone who can add versatility to the frontcourt since he is a multi-dimensional forward with great skill for his size. Marquese Chriss would be another option here. Bender’s lack of production last year in Europe is a little concerning. He has an extremely high ceiling but it may take time before he can begin to realise and maximise his talent and potential.

NBA Comparison – Nikola Mirotic/Kristaps Porzingis

5)    Minnesota Timberwolves: Kris Dunn – G

The Timberwolves need to move on from Ricky Rubio. Although Rubio has improved his outside shooting, he is still far from a reliable shooter, is turnover prone and is a below average defender. Dunn is a true point guard and would be an upgrade to Rubio with his superior athleticism and already elite defence.  He has great ball-handling abilities and is an accomplished passer to go with impressive rebounding numbers for a guard. Dunn came up clean in physicals, as some thought his shoulders could trigger red flags.

NBA Comparison – John Wall

6)    New Orleans Pelicans: Jamal Murray – G

The Pelicans should be thrilled if either Murray or Hield fell to them since they need depth at shooting guard with Eric Gordon entering free agency. Murray is a terrific scorer whether shooting it from the outside or driving to the bucket. Most impressively, Murray is a great shooter on the move, he shot 56% coming off screens. But his lack of speed and athleticism will likely limit him to being a shooting guard.

NBA Comparison – Bradley Beal/OJ Mayo

7)    Denver Nuggets: Marquese Chriss – F

The Nuggets are a tough team to figure out since they need an upgrade in talent all across the board. Therefore, they likely take the best player on their board. Though still developing his all-around game. Chriss is one of the biggest boom-or-bust picks of this year's draft. He is likely two years away from contributing anything meaningful. But his combination of length, athleticism and shooting touch has scouts drooling.

NBA Comparison – Aaron Gordon

8)    Sacramento Kings: Jaylen Brown – F

The Kings could go in a number of directions, so taking the best available player is likely their best option. Jaylen Brown has the ideal combination of size, strength and athleticism for the next level, and would add some physicality and aggressiveness on the wing. He is one of the most players on the fast-break in this draft along with being a good finisher when driving to the basket. Brown must develop an outside shot if he is to achieve his full potential at the NBA level.

NBA Comparison – Andre Iguodala

9)    Toronto Raptors: Jakob Poeltl – C

Bismack Biyombo is about to get paid after his performances in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Raptors can’t afford to keep him. With good defensive players at a premium, I think the Raptors will take Poeltl with this pick. The Austrian is liked by many scouts for his ability to play both ends of the floor and would add depth to the Raptors' frontcourt. An athletic standout such as Marquese Chriss is another option here if he were to fall, but Poeltl gives them solid value at #9 and depth behind Valanciunas.

NBA Comparison – Al Horford

10) Milwaukee Bucks: Deyonta Davis – F

Davis has huge potential to be an elite interior defender, he averaged 1.8 blocks in just 18 minutes per game last season. Davis possesses the physical attributes of a prototypical four-man in the NBA, but he needs to become more efficient on the offensive end. Although still raw, Davis stock has hugely risen over the past few weeks, he has not worked out for any teams who have a pick outside the top ten.

NBA Comparison – Ed Davis

11) Orlando Magic: Skal Labissiere – F/C

Orlando and Skal appear to be an excellent fit. The Magic need to add talent and Skal could really surprise given the right set of circumstances. The Magic could use a boost in talent inside next to Nikola Vucevic. Labissiere is a still-developing big man who has the tools to be a major factor on both ends of the floor. He is a project and won't be a major contributor right away, but could pay huge dividends down the road. While the Magic already have Aaron Godon, Skal would offer a much-needed shooter to the team and a good compliment to AG.

NBA Comparison – Channing Frye

12)  Atlanta Hawks: Wade Baldwin IV - G

Baldwin’s size (6-foot-4), his defensive versatility (6-11 wingspan) and improvement as a catch-and-shoot player (40% from 3pt) gives him the positional versatility that could make him an interesting fit in Utah’s uncertain backcourt rotation. Baldwin can attack the basket and has good athleticism, helping him finish. Baldwin must work on his decision making as a point guard, as well as his shot selection. After trading away Jeff Teague to the Pacers, the Hawks have a need at PG.

NBA Comparison – Eric Bledsoe

13)  Phoenix Suns: Henry Ellenson - F

Concerns over Ellenson’s defensive contributions could cause him to slide on Thursday night, but he has huge potential on offense, averaging 17ppg as a freshman at Marquette. After losing the Morris twins and especially if they do not take one with the 4^th pick. Ellenson could be a sleeper in this draft. He reminds me of Kevin Love, can rebound and has a great outlet pass. Ellenson needs to improve his 3pt shot if he is to be successful at the stretch 4 in the NBA.

NBA Comparison - Kevin Love

14) Chicago Bulls: Malik Beasley – G

There are rumours here that the Bulls will look for Derrick Rose's replacement and opt for someone like Wade Baldwin. But word is the Bulls really like Beasley and will be willing to look past the tibia issue and select him on upside. The Bulls could use some outside-shooting, Malik Beasley shot 39% from 3pt range as a freshman. He also is tenacious on defence. Could play the 2 guard if Jimmy Butler is going to play small forward.

NBA Comparison - Devin Booker

15) Denver Nuggets: Furkan Korkmaz – G

Yes… The Denver Nuggets select another European we have all never heard of. At 18 years of age, Furkan Korkmaz struggled to find a consistent role in the Turkish League last year. However, his size and athleticism give him huge potential. Also, he is a good shooter (40% 3pt). Korkmaz needs to add some strength to his game in all aspects, but he has all the tools to develop into a starting SG in the future.

NBA Comparison - Evan Fournier

16) Boston Celtics: Domantas Sabonis – F

While Sabonis doesn’t have the interior shot blocking Boston desperately needs, his ability to rebound and score inside would be a great addition for this young Celtics team that is a few players away from competing in the East. Sabonis is also has good passing abilities and runs the floor well, getting him baskets in transition.

NBA Comparison - Nikola Jokic

17) Memphis Grizzlies: Malachi Richardson – G

The Grizzlies could be losing Mike Conley and a couple other guards in free agency, so there is a pressing need in the backcourt. Malachi Richardson has a smooth looking jump shot and good size for the next level. His play during Syracuse's run to the Final Four really helped his stock, and Memphis could use some perimeter shooting help on the wing.

NBA Comparison - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

18) Detroit Pistons: Denzel Valentine – G

Detroit's owner and Coach Tom Izzo are extremely tight, so aside from proximity there's a connection here. Also Van Gundy wants tough-nosed players and preferably ones that can come in and produce. Valentine was a beast last season for the Michigan State Spartans, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game. He could add to an already impressive young backcourt at Detroit. Denzel's knees are a concern. But scouts feel a team in the late teens like Detroit could look past that and draft him anyway.

NBA Comparison -  Gordon Hayward

19) Denver Nuggets: Dejounte Murray - G

Murray is a versatile combo guard who makes his mark in numerous different ways on the court. He has risen on a lot of draft boards because of his excellent combination of size and athleticism. He’s still figuring out how to play the game, but he could be a decent long-team gamble.

NBA Comparison -  Victor Oladipo

20) Indiana Pacers: Diamond Stone – C

Scouts believe Diamond Stone could have the highest ceiling for a big-man in this draft. He has shown that he can shoot, even step outside and make shots. Along with Myles Turner… Think of the floor-spacing! He has good lateral quickness and runs the floor well for a big. He has also shown he has post moves.

NBA Comparison - Nikola Vucevic

21) Atlanta Hawks: Cheick Diallo – PF

Cheick is one of the players that Atlanta is said to be very high on. He may take a while to see the floor, but as he showed at the NBA combine, his length and motor gives him a lot of intrigue. Diallo struggled to break into the Kansas rotation, averaging just 7.5 minutes per game as a freshman. However, scouts believe he has the physical tools to develop into a high-level defender. If Atlanta is convinced that Al Horford will leave in free agency, they could target a more ready player such as Damian Jones or Diamond Stone.

NBA Comparison - Kenneth Faried

22)  Charlotte Hornets: Damian Jones – C

Jones was one of the few players who got a clean bill of health on his medical reports, but he ended up tearing his pectoral muscle in a workout and is now out for the summer league and won't be back until training camp. Jones likely won't slide far despite the injury as he's an athletic big that can shoot it. Although never quite developing as much as scouts had hoped, Jones still has a lot of potential as a shot blocker and pick-and-roll threat.

NBA Comparison - Steven Adams

 

23) Boston Celtics: Brice Johnson – PF

Two things that Boston needs: Shot blocking and Leadership. Brice Johnson brings both of these. Johnson is also an effective as a scorer around the basket and at the rim. He also possesses a certain tenacity on the glass that will help him to get into the Boston rotation right away. One word pops up when you look at scout's analysis of Brice Johnson - Winner.

NBA Comparison - Ed Davis

24) Philadelphia 76ers: Demetrius Jackson – G

The explosive, playmaking point guard the Sixers need. Jackson has a good combination of speed and strength will help in giving him success against opposing guards in the NBA. Jackson must improve on defense and his perimeter jumper is lacking.

NBA Comparison - Eric Bledsoe

25)  Los Angeles Clippers: DeAndre Bembery – F

Well liked for his toughness. Bembry’s passing, defensive versatility and potential as a slasher would give the Clippers an infusion of talent on the wing, which they have lacked over the past 3-4 seasons. If he improves his outside-shooting, he could be a great pick-up for the Clippers.

NBA Comparison - Archie Goodwin

26)  Philadelphia 76ers: Timothe Luwawu – F

A steadily improving wing with ideal NBA size, many think Luwawu projects as a three-and-D type of prospect for the next level. He is a good shooter, can handle the ball and his athleticism is through the roof. A risky pick, but a risk the Sixers can afford to make after taking Simmons.

NBA Comparison - Thabo Sefolosha

27) Toronto Raptors: Ante Zizic – C

Zizic’s stock is rising, fast. He could potentially end up going higher (#20 to Pacers, maybe). If he falls to #27, the Raptors won’t pass on him. His combination of size, mobility, shot blocking ability and soft touch around the basket would be tough to pass up. Big potential for trade if Raptors take Zizic after selecting Poeltl.

NBA Comparison - Nikola Pekovic

28) Phoenix Suns: Taurean Prince – F

The Suns already have two lottery picks and can look to add another prospect here. Taurean Prince is able to step up as a scorer, as a slasher and a shooter, he can crash the boards and is a willing passer. Prince is also more than capable defender. Remember the dude who defined the rebound in that interview? Yup, that was him. Could be a good 3 & D guy.

NBA Comparison - Jae Crowder

29) San Antonio Spurs: Ben Bentil – F

The Spurs have an aging frontcourt and could use some young options. Bentil was one of the most improved players in the country this past season as he can muscle down low in the paint, yet also step out and knock down jumpers. He’s tough in the paint and a good free-throw shooter when he gets to the line.

NBA Comparison - Nikola Jokic

30) Golden State Warriors: Thon Maker – C

The Golden State Warriors can afford to take a chance here. News emerging today is that several teams who removed Thon Maker from first round draft boards due to his age. It is believed that he is 21-23, rather than 19, his listed age. I’m going to go out on a limb, and predict the Warriors will take him. Maker is a legit 7-footer who can stretch the floor, can rebound and can block and alter shots. He can also handle the ball, after playing from the wing earlier in his career. Maker could be a great fit for the Warriors. Boom or bust potential.

NBA Comparison - Chris McCullough