NBA mock draft: Figure Simmons and Ingram as top two, then ‘Everything is up for grabs’

The speculation in NBA circles is that Louisiana State’s Ben Simmons is the draft equivalent of a slam dunk and will be the first player selected in the draft Thursday, by the Philadelphia 76ers.

The strong belief among league officials is that Duke’s Brandon Ingram will be the second player taken in the draft, by the Lakers.

After that, when the Boston Celtics go third, “Everything is up for grabs,” said an Eastern Conference executive who was not authorized to speak publicly.

That’s because many feel the Celtics have their eyes on three different players. There have also been reports that Boston is shopping the pick to land a veteran player.

So the Celtics just might hold the key to how the rest of the first round unfolds.

Here’s a look at The Times’ mock draft:

1. Philadelphia: Ben Simmons, Louisiana State, forward, 6-10, 240. Simmons denied reports that the 76ers “promised” to draft him first. But he met only with them and worked out only for them. He’ll be in Philly.

2. Lakers: Brandon Ingram, Duke, forward, 6-9, 196. The Lakers view the lanky Ingram as the perfect fit for their team. They loved his workout and think the way he plays says a lot about his character.

3. Boston: Kris Dunn, Providence, guard, 6-4, 220. This is the wild-card pick. Dunn is a very good defender and would be another guard the Celtics could use in their small-ball attack.

4. Phoenix: Marquese Chriss, Washington, forward, 6-10, 235. The Suns are in the market for a power forward, and Chriss fits their needs. Though only 18, he’s a high-wire athlete who can do a little bit of everything on offense.

5. Minnesota: Jamal Murray, Kentucky, guard, 6-4, 205. The Timberwolves have worked hard to move this pick. But if they keep it, Minnesota is in need of a shooting guard.

6. New Orleans: Buddy Hield, Oklahoma, guard, 6-5, 215. Hield is the best shooter in the draft. The Pelicans are desperate for a backcourt player who can spread the floor to help Anthony Davis.

7. Denver: Dragan Bender, Croatia, forward, 7-0, 220. Some think Bender can be the next European star, like the Knicks’ Kristaps Porzingis. The Nuggets have a history of drafting players from Europe.

8. Sacramento: Jaylen Brown, California, guard-forward, 6-6, 225. Brown could go higher, but he won’t get past the Kings. He has an NBA-ready body and has improved his shaky college jumper.

9. Toronto: Domantas Sabonis, Gonzaga, forward-center, 6-10, 240. He’ll be able to play some power forward and some center in small lineups. Sabonis makes up for his lack of athleticism with hustle.

10. Milwaukee: Jakob Poeltl, Utah, center, 7-1, 240. The big man from Australia is surprisingly mobile and active for his size. He will run the floor in transition for easy baskets.

11. Orlando: Deyonta Davis, Michigan State, forward-center, 6-10, 240. Davis will contribute right away mostly as a defender who can block shots and grab rebounds.

12. Atlanta: Skal Labissiere, Kentucky, forward-center, 7-0, 215. The Hawks got this pick Wednesday from Utah in a three-team trade. If Al Horford leaves in free agency, Labissiere can help.

13. Phoenix: Furkan Korkmaz, Turkey, guard, 6-7, 175. Korzkmaz is a very good outside shooter whom the Suns like as a wing player. He has a lot of range on his jumper.

14. Chicago: Henry Ellenson, Marquette, forward-center, 6-11, 245. His versatility as an offensive threat may help the Bulls. He can be a stretch four and he has a nice low-post game.

15. Denver: Denzel Valentine, Michigan State, guard, 6-5, 210. Valentine has dropped somewhat in the draft because of reports of a serious knee issue.

16. Boston: Dejounte Murray, Washington, guard, 6-5, 170. People like his size, athleticism and abilities. Murray has a lot of upside.

17. Memphis: Malachi Richardson, Syracuse, guard, 6-6, 200. The Grizzlies need wing players. Memphis denied that Richard was given a promise to play for them.

18. Detroit: Ante Zizic, Croatia, center, 6-11, 230. His size and ability to rebound make him an attractive player.

19. Denver: Damian Jones, Vanderbilt, center, 6-11, 245. The potential is there for Jones to become a starter.

20. Indiana: Brice Johnson, North Carolina, forward, 6-10, 210. Johnson improved all four seasons in college. He can get up off the floor and makes the 15-foot jumper.

21. Atlanta: Wade Baldwin, Vanderbilt, guard, 6-4, 200. Having traded Jeff Teague to the Pacers, the Hawks are looking for a backup point guard.

22. Charlotte: DeAndre Bembry, St. Joseph’s, guard-forward, 6-5, 205. Bembry can play multiple positions. He sees the floor well for a wing player.

23. Boston: Ivica Zubac, Croatia, center, 7-0, 245. At only 19, Zubac is a prime candidate for the Celtics — who have three first-round picks — to keep in Europe for a while.

24. Philadelphia: Taurean Prince, Baylor, forward, 6-8, 220. A top-notch athlete who is good in transition. He has to improve his outside shot.

25. Clippers: Demetrius Jackson, Notre Dame, guard, 6-1, 195. Jackson is tough and competitive. He could turn into a nice backup point guard.

26. Philadelphia: Stephen Zimmerman, Nevada Las Vegas, forward-center, 6-11, 235. His only season in college wasn’t spectacular, but Zimmerman is considered a good prospect nonetheless.

27.Toronto: Diamond Stone, Maryland, center, 6-10, 255. The Raptors could use another big guy with some skills.

28. Phoenix: Timothe Luwawu, France, guard-forward, 6-7, 195. Most likely, Luwawu will play next season in Europe.

29. San Antonio: Tyler Ulis, Kentucky, guard, 5-10, 150. He’s pretty small, but Ulis is tough and competitive.

30. Golden State: Guerschon Yabusele, France, forward, 6-8, 260. The Warriors don’t expect him to be on the court next season, preferring to leave him in Europe to develop some more.

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