NBA mock draft 2016: Bulls change focus from guard to big man

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Gonzaga’s Domantas Sabonis (right) could be targeted by the Bulls with the 14th pick. | Jesse Tinsley/AP

Derrick Rose was sent to the Knicks in a five-player trade Wednesday. In return, the Bulls added guards Jose Calderon and Jerian Grant, as well as big man Robin Lopez.

The trade changed the Bulls’ outlook in the NBA draft. Their most pressing need shifted from a point guard to an athletic big man.

1. 76ers

Ben Simmons, PG/F, LSU — Enough of a mystery to pass over, but too much raw talent to pass up.

2. Lakers

Brandon Ingram, SF, Duke — Grew up under the tutelage of Jerry Stackhouse, so don’t let the lanky frame fool you. Tougher than he looks.

3. Celtics

Jamal Murray, SG, Kentucky — The Celtics need outside shooting and Murray is a marksman from the three. Can also play some point.

4. Suns

Marquese Chriss, PF, Washington — Burst on the scene this season, and might have the highest ceiling of any top five pick.

5. Timberwolves

Kris Dunn, PG, Providence — Buddy Hield is intriguing, but Dunn is a lock-down defender that Tom Thibodeau can mold into All-Star status.

6. Pelicans

Buddy Hield, SG, Oklahoma — Eric Gordon is a free agent and Hield will be the perfect replacement. Flat-out scorer.

7. Nuggets

Jaylen Brown, SG/SF, California — Athletic ability is off the charts, and already has an NBA body.

8. Kings

Dragan Bender, F, Croatia — Dragan, meet Boogie. Boogie, this is Dragan. Enjoy.

9. Raptors

Henry Ellenson, C/PF, Marquette — The Raptors need a power forward and the 19-year-old is a perfect fit.

10. Bucks

Jakob Poeltl, C/PF, Utah — Would love Ellenson to fall to them, but not likely happening.

11. Magic

Skal Labissiere, PF, Kentucky — Never met the hype at Kentucky, but will go into a good situation with the young Magic and coach Frank Vogel.

12. Jazz

Wade Baldwin IV, PG/SG, Vanderbilt — His versatility to play either guard spot makes Baldwin a solid pick for the Jazz.

13. Suns

Deyonta Davis, PF, Michigan State — A bit of a gamble here, but with so many picks the Suns can gamble on the upside.

14. BULLS

Domantas Sabonis, PF, Gonzaga — A strong-minded big that helps John Paxson add that toughness he so badly wants.

15. Nuggets

Furkan Korkmaz, SG, Turkey — A great shooter and much needed depth for an intriguing roster.

16. Celtics

Malachi Richardson, SG, Syracuse — Richardson is an upside pick that Boston can afford gambling on.

17. Memphis

Timothe Luwawu, SG, France — Missing out on Richardson, the Grizzlies take the next best shooting guard on the board.

18. Pistons

Denzel Valentine, PG/SG, Michigan State — A perfect fit for the Pistons, adding more toughness to an up-and-coming roster.

19. Nuggets

Ante Zizic, C, Croatia — A huge talent that the Nuggets can stash overseas for a few years.

20. Pacers

Dejounte Murray, PG, Washington — Larry Bird wants his Pacers more athletic and quicker, and Murray gives them that.

21. Hawks

Taurean Prince, SF, Baylor — With Kent Bazemore a free agent, the Hawks need a replacement at small forward.

22. Hornets

Brice Johnson, PF, North Carolina — A talented Tar Heel for Michael Jordan? Too easy to pass up.

23. Celtics

Thon Maker, PF, Australia — Who and what is he? Hard to say. But with so many picks in the first round the Celtics can afford to find out.

24. 76ers

Malik Beasley, SG, Florida State — The 76ers need shooting and Beasley can provide it.

25. Clippers

Demetrius Jackson, PG, Notre Dame — Tough and fearless, Doc Rivers will have time to mold Jackson.

26. 76ers

DeAndre Bembry, SF, Saint Joseph’s — A pass-first, ask questions later forward, who will add versatility to a roster in need of it.

27. Raptors

Cheick Diallo, PF/C, Kansas — A project worth investing in at No. 27.

28. Suns

Juan Hernangomez, PF, Spain — Has been making a name in Spain for his shooting and athleticism.

29. Spurs

Damian Jones, C, Vanderbilt — The OKC series showed the Spurs that they need to be bigger and tougher in the paint.

30. Warriors

Diamond Stone, C, Maryland — The Warriors need to be more physical down low, and Stone will provide that.

Email: jcowley@suntimes.com

Twitter: @suntimes_hoops

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