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The NBA Finals may be the center of the basketball world for the Cavaliers and Warriors, but the 28 other teams are continuing to shift their focus to the upcoming draft.
Not long after the Final conclude, all 30 teams will soon go on the clock looking to build up their rosters in hopes of becoming championship-caliber teams, and they may do so with one of three Kentucky Wildcats likely going in the first round.
As has been the case since midway through this past college season, Jamal Murray remains the highest-drafted player in Chad Ford's latest mock draft at ESPN. However, Ford has Murray falling to the T'Wolves at No. 5 after having him projected to the Celtics are No. 3 for much of this offseason, but they instead go with Providence's Kris Dunn, followed by Washington's Marquese Chriss.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jamal Murray, Kentucky
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.
As for Skal Labissiere, he lands in the Sunshine State as the Magic scoop him up at No. 11.
11. Orlando Magic: Skal Labissiere: Kentucky
Labissiere would give the Magic something they've lacked for a while: a rim protector. He is a terrific shot-blocker and has the ability to stretch the floor.
He would be perfect next to Nikola Vucevic, but the Magic would have to be patient with him.
And last but certainly not least, Tyler Ulis goes towards the end of the first round as the Sixers land the stud point guard after Ford originally had him going No. 15 to the Nuggets.
24. Philadelphia 76ers (via Heat): Tyler Ulis, Kentucky
The Sixers need point guards in the worst way. Drafting Ben Simmons would give them such a playmaker -- albeit a 6-foot-10, 240-pound playmaker. But they'll still need more help.
Physically, Ulis is the exact opposite of Simmons, but he would bring the toughness and basketball IQ this young Philly team really needs. He competes and he wins.
Moving past both Ulis and Skal is Washington's Dejounte Murray, who was originally projected to the Sixers at 24, but now is going No. 10 to Milwaukee.
Another interesting battle in the lottery will be between Skal and Utah's Jakob Poeltl. The Utes center went before Skal in the last mock, but this newest one has Skal going first.
Here's how Ford projected the entire first round:
1. Sixers: Ben Simmons
2. Lakers: Brandon Ingram
3. Celtics: Kris Dunn
4. Suns: Marquese Chriss
5. Timberwolves: Jamal Murray
6. Pelicans: Dragan Bender
7. Nuggets:Jaylen Brown
8. Kings: Buddy Hield
9. Raptors: Henry Ellenson
10. Bucks: Dejounte Murray
11. Magic: Skal Labissiere
12. Jazz: Jakob Poeltl
13. Suns: Wade Baldwin IV
14. Bulls: Deyonta Davis
15. Nuggets (via Rockets): Furkan Korkmaz
16. Celtics (via Mavericks): Ante Zizic
17. Grizzlies: Ivica Zubac
18. Pistons: Denzel Valentine
19. Nuggets (via Blazers): Thon Maker
20. Pacers: Domantas Sabonis
21. Hawks: Malachi Richardson
22. Hornets: Malik Beasley
23. Celtics: Cheick Diallo
24. 76ers (via Heat): Tyler Ulis
25. Clippers: DeAndre Bembry
26. 76ers (via Thunder): Patrick McCaw
27. Raptors: Guerschon Yabusele
28. Suns (via Cavaliers): Juan Hernangomez
29. Spurs: Demetrius Jackson
30. Warriors: Damian Jones