Here's this week's NBA mock draft, where we've again decided to shake up the lottery order to show just how vital the way the pingpong balls fall on May 17 will be.

This time around, the moves begin at No. 1, as Brandon Ingram becomes the No. 1 overall pick over Ben Simmons, who has been the choice all along thus far. Simply, Ingram and Simmons are so close as prospects that fit could really come into play in terms of how the draft works itself out at the top. The Lakers, with their current roster and new coaching staff, could easily look to Ingram as the right guy instead of Simmons, who is more of a precarious fit.

Utah's Jakob Poeltl and Duke's Brandon Ingram rise in this mock draft. (USATSI)
Utah's Jakob Poeltl and Duke's Brandon Ingram rise in this mock draft. (USATSI)

NBA Mock Draft - 05/09/2016
Round 1
1. Los Angeles Lakers
Brandon Ingram, SF, Duke: I've been steadfast in two things when it comes to the No. 1 pick. First, this thing is wide open between Ingram and Ben Simmons. Second, that you should almost always draft for talent over team need at the top of the draft. However, what happens when you have two ball-dominant guards to build around in the backcourt as well as a slightly undersized power forward who just averaged a double-double at 21 years old. Oh, and the worst 3-point shooting team in the league with an incoming coach who values floor-spacing? That makes for an awfully precarious fit when it comes to Simmons, especially given that these two prospects are so close in terms of potential future value. So let's go with Ingram, who will be a perfect fit in between Julius Randle, D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson.
2. Philadelphia 76ers
Ben Simmons, SF, LSU: This isn't exactly the best fit. If the Sixers get No. 2 and Ingram goes No. 1, that could lead to some interesting roster movement. Dario Saric would seem to overlap with Simmons, neither Nerlens Noel nor Jahlil Okafor would seem to fit from a spacing perspective, and the team could still use some shooting from the frontcourt. Still though, Simmons could help the team in terms of initiating offense, and has more upside than anyone in the draft due to his athleticism and ball-handling ability. This would be the kind of high-end pickup the Sixers have unfortunately missed out on the past few lotteries.
3. Denver Nuggets
Dragan Bender, PF, Israel: The Nuggets have been wholly unafraid of going the international route in the past, and Bender would work with what the Nuggets have on their roster. He might be a bit of a project still due to his body, but Bender has a great game that fits the modern NBA, with his ability to shoot the ball from distance as well as make terrific passes at 7 feet tall. He'd fit perfectly with centers Jusuf Nurkic and Nikola Jokic, providing some defensive versatility with his mobility as well as some floor spacing. This fit would work well.
4. Boston Celtics
Jakob Poeltl, PF, Utah: The Celtics are the team to fall out of the top three here, and get a bit unlucky in the process. However, the team could certainly use a bit more depth inside, and Poeltl could provide that reasonably soon. As a true 7-footer who can run the floor, play in the post, and defend well, he'd be a nice fit early there. Also, his high level basketball IQ would probably fit well with how Brad Stevens wants to run his team. Poeltl might not end up being much more than a solid NBA starter, but in this draft it might make more sense to go for the double than the home run, so to speak, at No. 4.
5. Phoenix Suns
Jaylen Brown, SG, California: Brown represents the home run option here, though, if a team wants to take a shot. At 6-7, he possesses superb athleticism and length, can create plays off the dribble, and defends well already. In a lot of ways, he represents a bit of a blank canvas for a team. If they can develop his skill set, namely his ability to shoot and finding a way to limit turnovers, this could be a steal at No. 5. But again, it's a big swing, and his range of possibilities is still pretty wide at this point despite the high ceiling.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves
Jamal Murray, SG, Kentucky: Murray, simply put, represents the perfect fit for the Timberwolves. He's the best possible fit in between Ricky Rubio and Andrew Wiggins due to superb shooting ability, skill attacking closeouts, and potential to occasionally run the point while Rubio plays off ball as he does a tremendous job cutting away from the ball. The two of them could also help him defensively, as they are both quite good on that end and could limit the damage he provides on that end. Finally, having him in the lineup could allow Zach LaVine to play more as an offensive creator off the bench, something the team could use. It's a nice pickup here.
7. New Orleans Pelicans
Kris Dunn, PG, Providence: Last week, we had Dunn going third to the Pelicans. This time, the Pelicans slide all the way down to No. 7 and still get him. Why is that? Well, simply put, that's how important the lottery will be for some of these players monetarily. If the Pelicans, Sixers, Bucks, Jazz or Bulls get the No. 3 pick, Dunn could easily see himself go there. If none of those teams do, he could see his stock fall a bit just due to the way teams outside of this group are already largely settled at the point guard position. These guys are so cluttered together that things really will be awfully dependent on where the lottery shakes out.
8. Sacramento Kings
Buddy Hield, SG, Oklahoma: Hield would provide some floor spacing and scoring for a Kings team that was middle of the pack offensively last season. Having shooters around DeMarcus Cousins is so critical due to the nature of his game. Continuing to accumulate guys around him -- if they keep him -- could help the team take that next step toward the playoffs. Or everything could be blown up, and Hield would still represent a good pick due to how you'd sell him to the fan base. Either way, this works.
9. Toronto Raptors
Henry Ellenson, PF-C, Marquette: As we've gotten a chance to see in the playoffs, the Raptors could really use some overall frontcourt depth. The group is really unsettled at the 4 position, and Bismack Biyombo is likely to be a free agent this offseason at the 5. Ellenson would help at the 4, and at 6-11 could also have the size to play the 5. This would be a really solid pick up for the Raptors.
10. Milwaukee Bucks
Timothe Luwawu, SG, France: The Bucks like length, athleticism and youth in the draft. Luwawu would provide all 3, as the French national playing in the Adriatic League. There are some questions about him, in regard to his ability to finish around the rim and shoot -- even though he's improved at the latter this season -- but his upside works here for the Bucks.
11. Orlando Magic
Denzel Valentine, SG, Michigan State: Valentine's ability to really pass as well as shoot and space the floor next to either Victor Oladipo or Elfrid Payton. This goes a bit away from how the Magic have drafted in the past, where they've valued upside a bit more than skill set. However, they're at a bit of a different place in their life cycle right now, and could really use a strong contributor like Valentine to help their offense and make smart reads defensively in Scott Skiles system. Finally, he might provide a bit of a security blanket for if Evan Fournier leaves.
12. Utah Jazz
Deyonta Davis, PF, Michigan State: The Jazz might want to keep building depth in the frontcourt, but they also have enough pieces that they can take a bit of a project on and continue to build. Davis could project nicely as a big man who can rebound, protect the weak side of the rim, defend, and maybe even shoot from distance in time. This pick also has potential to be traded if the Jazz want to take a run at a point guard and at the playoffs next season given how close they came this year.
13. Phoenix Suns
Marquese Chriss, PF, Washington: Another home run swing from the Suns here. Why not. Chriss would well in between Brown and their center combination of Alex Len and Tyson Chandler due to his ability to hit jump shots as well as provide energy athletically. It?s also worth pointing out that his ability to run the floor would make for a nice running partner eventually with Eric Bledsoe. There are some major questions here, but he could reap rewards.
14. Chicago Bulls
Tyler Ulis, PG, Kentucky: Ulis just fits Chicago at this point, and that?s even beyond it being his home town. He fits the roster, as he?d provide a steady hand with Derrick Rose. He fits the Fred Holberg offense, given his terrific play in the pick-and-roll and passing acumen. He fits the mentality of the roster, as a tough, hard-nosed kid who?s had to work for everything he?s ever gotten. Basically, this is just the right team at the right time for Ulis.
15. Denver Nuggets
Wade Baldwin IV, SG, Vanderbilt: Baldwin's a guy who has some potential to move up post-combine when he gets his measurements and athletic testing results in. At 6-3 with a 6-10 wingspan, he might be able to play in some two point guard sets with Emmanuel Mudiay due to his shooting ability. He also could provide some balance and spark off the bench with his athleticism
16. Boston Celtics
Domantas Sabonis, PF, Gonzaga: Another smart player here taken by the Celtics. Sabonis is a highly intelligent player who profiles well as forward who rebounds, finishes around the rim, and plays smart defense. He might not necessarily be a game-changer, but as long as the potential he showed with his jump shot this season comes around, Sabonis should be in the NBA for a good long while.
17. Memphis Grizzlies
Skal Labissiere, PF, Kentucky: This one totally depends on where the Grizzlies are in their building process. Do they get signals Mike Conley stays? Does he go, and they have to move on? If Conley decides to go elsewhere, this team might be in the middle of a full-scale rebuild and likely won't have their first round pick next season. That means shooting for the stars here might be worth a shot, as Labissiere is a genuine top-10 talent who had a rough freshman season at Kentucky. If he can become the floor-spacing, rim-protecting weapon that was expected this season, the Grizzlies might get a steal here.
18. Detroit Pistons
Demetrius Jackson, PG, Notre Dame: The Pistons need help off of the bench in the worst way, particularly in the backcourt. Jackson is an offensive force who can both hit shots off the dribble and off the catch, create looks for others, and operate well in the pick-and-roll. He'd provide stability to a team that could really use if when Reggie Jackson leaves the floor, as Steve Blake just wasn't the option this season.
19. Denver Nuggets
Furkan Korkmaz, SG, Turkey: Korkmaz is a smooth-shooting, bouncy wing who is one of the youngest players in the draft. He currently is a rotation player for Anadolu Efes, one of the better teams in Europe. He's a smart, skilled player who will need to work on his body and on his defense, but overall Korkmaz could really turn into a solid offensive weapon in the NBA with some time
20. Indiana Pacers
Brice Johnson, PF, North Carolina: The Pacers tend to go with college players versus the international route, and could really use some help inside given their lack of depth there currently. This might be a slight reach for Johnson, but the kid should be ready to play a bit earlier than most rookies and could provide some nice minutes for them next season due to his rebounding acumen and ability to score. Throw him next to Myles Turner inside, and that could be the perfect fit due to Turner's ability to space the floor and Johnson's ability to attack the glass.
21. Atlanta Hawks
Taurean Prince, SF, Baylor: With Al Horford and Kent Bazemore free agents, it makes sense to take a versatile frontcourt player like Prince who could help them in more ways than one early on. Prince is a tough, long player who likely fits best at the 3 in the NBA due to his shooting and defense, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see him play some small ball 4 like he did in college for Baylor. He'll have a bit of a defensive adjustment from the Baylor zone, but he's got a real shot as a 3-and-D type. If one of the point guards falls here, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Hawks go that route in case they make a move on Jeff Teague or Dennis Schroder this offseason.
22. Charlotte Hornets
Malik Beasley, SG, Florida State: Beasley could provide a nice fit in between Kemba Walker and Nicolas Batum eventually if they can retain the versatile Frenchman. This team could really use a floor spacer from the 2-guard position, and Beasley is the kind of guy who hits shots both on the move and off the catch, and well as has some sneaky strong athleticism when going up to finish.
23. Boston Celtics
Ante Zizic, C, Croatia: All Zizic has done to this point in his career is produce. The 6-11 center is currently leading the Adriatic League in rebounding and putting up 14 points and eight boards per game on a 69 true-shooting percentage and 23 PER. Those numbers are ridiculous for a 19-year-old, and he'll have a good shot to go in the first round of this draft. It's also worth noting that it's unlikely he'll come to the NBA next season, something that might be a plus for the Celtics who have a massive number of picks in this draft.
24. Philadelphia 76ers
Thon Maker, C, Australia: The team that selects Maker is taking a massive gamble, so it seems like they'll be the kind of team that is either in a solid place organizationally or has multiple first round picks. In Bryan Colangelo's case, both of those things apply given that he's just taken over in Philly and they have three first round picks. Maker doesn't fit in their log jam, but it's unlikely he'll be ready to play outside of the D-League for a couple of seasons anyway, so maybe by then the log jam is cleared.
25. Los Angeles Clippers
DeAndre' Bembry, SF, Saint Joseph's: Bembry is the kind of solid, complete player who could get some run early in his career, which would be nice for the Clippers as they continue to try to contend for a title. The key for him will be finding the semblance of a jump shot, as he already is a creative slasher, good passer, solid rebounder, and tough defender on the wing. Without the jump shot though, it might throw off some of the things he wants to do offensively.
26. Philadelphia 76ers
Isaia Cordinier, SG, France: In the past, I've had this pick as Dejounte Murray. But with Murray skipping the combine, it wouldn't surprise me if we saw his draft stock fall a little bit, as teams won't take kindly to him avoiding the litany of interviews, medical testing, and gameplay that takes place there. Here, the Sixers decide to go Cordinier instead, as a 2 guard who can handle the ball, shoot, and pass. He's still a project, but he'll likely go in the top 40 if he stays in the draft.
27. Toronto Raptors
Ivica Zubac, C, Croatia: Zubac hasn't necessarily had a lost season, but it also probably hasn't gone as planned given that he's had to move around to three teams due to financial difficulties and playing time issues. It's resulted in him playing a very low number of minutes overall this season. Still though, Zubac is 7-1, has good hands, solid touch, and nice footwork. It's the exact kind of framework you'd want to work with for a big-bodied center inside. The Raptors could use that physicality inside behind Valanciunas, and they have experience with young international players coming over early in their career and developing them.
28. Phoenix Suns
Juan Hernangomez, PF, Spain: With their final pick, the Suns go with the European option, as it's unlikely they'll want to bring in three rookies as well as likely Bogdan Bogdanovic this offseason. Hernangomez tailed off a bit late in the season, but overall his numbers have been excellent for a young player in one of the toughest leagues in the world, the ACB.
29. San Antonio Spurs
Paul Zipser, SF, Germany: I've had Malcolm Brogdon here for a majority of my mock drafts. However, it does dawn on me that the Spurs could actually value roster versatility with this pick. There's no better option in that regard than Zipser. Zipser is 22 and looks like a terrific role player who could defend and shoot it well in the NBA. Also, it's been reported (by Yahoo! and DraftExpress) that his situation at Bayern Munich is such that he could stay in Europe or come to America immediately depending on who drafts him. That's exactly what the Spurs could want, as they could get into the Kevin Durant sweepstakes this offseason.
30. Golden State Warriors
Diamond Stone, C, Maryland: Stone is someone many scouts are high on due to his touch around the basket and length. I'm not sold at this point though, as he's a relatively slow athlete who doesn't rebound or defend at this stage. He needs to go to the right place to find success in the NBA, and one place like that could be the Warriors. They'd throw him in the D-League for a couple of years, help him work on his body and unlock some athleticism, and see what happens. It would be a nice shot to take with the last pick in Round One.