Since our last roundup right after the lottery, several mock drafts have made updates.
You wouldn't think there could be a lot of change in predictions for the No. 5 overall pick in the NBA Draft, which the Minnesota Timberwolves own. But you'd be wrong.
Last time out, a lot of people thought the Wolves might select Oklahoma shooting guard Buddy Hield, and now he can hardly be found. The consensus does seem to be that Minnesota will take a guard -- Kris Dunn or Jamal Murray, anyone?
With just two weeks left until the draft, we'll try to do at least one more update of the mocks. In the list below, we've included the previous mock selection(s) when applicable.
And now, the latest mocks:
Andrew Sharp of SI.com: Kris Dunn, PG, Providence, JR. "I'm pretty sure I still prefer the upside of Jamal Murray here, but it's tough to argue against Dunn. He gives Minnesota some Ricky Rubio insurance in case of injury or a trade down the line, and his explosive presence in the backcourt would be a nice counterpoint to Zach LaVine's more laconic approach. Most importantly, the more I think about this pick, the more I remember that Tom Thibodeau is in charge of personnel in Minnesota. If there's a point guard available who throws himself all over the court and can help immediately, do you really see Thibs passing on him?" (Previously: Henry Ellenson, F/C, Marquette, FR.)
Derek Bodner of USAToday.com: Jamal Murray, SG, Kentucky, FR. "Jamal Murray was one of the best shooters, and scorers, in his freshman class, which is exactly what Minnesota needs to surround Karl-Anthony Towns with." (Previously: Murray.)
Chad Ford of ESPN Insider: Jamal Murray, G, Kentucky, FR. "Murray could go as high as No. 3. He's seriously in the mix with the Celtics. If he slides past them, the Wolves will have to take a long look. His shooting ability would fill a major need and his ability to play multiple positions is a plus. Buddy Hield, Bender and Ellenson are also real options (as are Dunn and Chriss if they are still on the board), but the Wolves would probably be making a mistake if they pass on Murray." (Previously: Kris Dunn, G, Providence, JR.)
Sam Vecenie of CBSSports.com: Kris Dunn, PG, Providence, JR. "With Tom Thibodeau in tow, it's relatively easy to see why he would like a player like Kris Dunn. Dunn is about as good a defensive player as you'll find, plus is quite good offensively with great vision and athleticism. Yeah, he does overlap a bit with Ricky Rubio. But you need more than two guards in the rotation, and right now there's just not another trustworthy guy on the roster." (Previously: Jamal Murray, G, Kentucky, FR.)
Gary Parrish of CBSSports.com: Dragan Bender, BF, Israel, n/a. "Bender is widely regarded as the top draft-eligible prospect who didn't play college basketball this season, and there's little doubt he'll be selected in the top half of the lottery. He's an 18-year-old forward who would fit nicely between Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. If he's available here, Minnesota would be thrilled." (Previously: Bender.)
Paul Banks of the Washington Times and David Kay of The Sports Bank via WalterFootball.com: Jamal Murray, SG, Kentucky, FR. "The Timberwolves need to add a three-point threat to their young roster, and Murray is a terrific scorer whether shooting it from the outside or driving to the bucket." (Previously: Buddy Hield, SG, Oklahoma, SR.)
NBADraft.net: Jamal Murray, SG/PG, Kentucky, FR. (Previously: Murray.)
DraftExpress.com: Kris Dunn, PG, Providence, JR. (Previously: Dunn)
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report: Kris Dunn, PG, Providence, JR.
Hoops Hype: Jamal Murray, PG, Kentucky, FR. "Murray would give a very talented Minnesota backcourt additional stability and shooting ability. He could spell Ricky Rubio in spot duty at the point and also gives clutch play and leadership."
Basketball Insiders: Alex Kennedy -- Kris Dunn, PG, Providence, JR; Joel Brigham -- Buddy Hield, SG, Oklahoma, SR; Moke Hamilton -- Dunn; Steve Kyler -- Jamal Murray, SG, Kentucky, FR. (Previously: Kennedy -- Hield; Brigham -- Hield; Hamilton -- Dunn; Steve Kyler -- Hield.)
DraftTek: Jamal Murray, SG, Kentucky, FR. (Previously: Buddy Hield, SG, Oklahoma, SO.)
NESN's Nicholas Goss: Jamal Murray, G, Kentucky, FR.
