NBA Draft Projection: OU's Buddy Hield

Former Oklahoma basketball star Buddy Hield has made his way to New York City for the NBA Draft.

The draft begins Thursday and multiple projections have him getting picked as high as third overall down to eighth.

Hield worked out with the Los Angeles Lakers this past weekend, but regardless of which team drafts him, he’ll see big money. 

Related Story: Former OU Basketball Star Buddy Hield Talks Working Out With Kobe Bryant

From CBS Sports:

NBA Mock Draft

1. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

Ben Simmons, SF, LSU: Simmons finally agreed, last week, to meet with Philadelphia's front office, and now it's fairly clear that barring a surprise, the one-and-done phenom from LSU will be the top pick Thursday. Literally nobody I know thinks otherwise. So the 2016 NBA Draft is going to begin exactly how most have believed it would begin for many years -- with Simmons going first overall.

2. LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Brandon Ingram, SF, Duke: Los Angeles would've preferred Simmons, I'm told. But getting Ingram is still a great outcome for the post-Kobe Lakers. He's a long athlete who shot 41 percent from 3-point range in one season at Duke. I can't promise he's the next Kevin Durant. But when you watch him, it's easy to see why those comparisons exist. Ingram would fit perfectly with the Lakers' young core. He could be the player who helps return the franchise to respectability.

3. BOSTON CELTICS

Jamal Murray, SG, Kentucky: The Celtics could go a variety of ways here or trade the pick. But, if they keep it, I won't be surprised if they go with Murray, whom I believe is the third-best prospect in this draft. He made 79 of 100 3-point attempts during a recent workout with the Celtics in a performance that suggested there's nothing fluky about the 40.8 percent he shot from 3-point range during his one season at Kentucky. And Boston really needs shooting. So the Celtics going this direction -- again, if they keep they pick -- makes sense on multiple levels.

4. PHOENIX SUNS

Dragan Bender, PF, Israel: 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. To be clear, Boston has scouted him extensively and could take him third. But if the Celtics pass, the Suns probably won't -- especially considering Bender is an 18-year-old power forward who should develop into a nice stretch-four at the NBA level, and Phoenix has a need at that position.

5. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

Buddy Hield, SG, Oklahoma: Minnesota coach Tom Thibodeau accurately believes the Timberwolves are ready to break through and make the NBA Playoffs soon. So drafting someone who can contribute immediately makes sense, and Hield is undeniably ready to play as a rookie. The reigning CBS Sports National Player of the Year is probably the best shooter in this draft, meaning he'd be a great addition to a Minnesota team that ranked 25th in 3-point shooting this season while finishing 29-53.

6. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS

Kris Dunn, PG, Providence: Anthony Davis has played four seasons in New Orleans. He's missed the playoffs three times. He's still never won a postseason game. So the Pelicans need to use this pick to get him somebody who can contribute now, and Dunn is that somebody. The point guard might be the best plug-and-play prospect in this draft. He could start on opening night if the Pelicans need him to start on opening night, and I could easily see a Dunn-Davis duo being terrific in the Western Conference.

7. DENVER NUGGETS

Marquese Chriss, PF, Washington: Chriss' rise up draft boards is historic in the sense that he could, and likely will become the first one-and-done prospect to be selected in the top 10 after not being ranked in the top 50 of his high school class. He's not yet as polished as some other prospects because he hasn't been playing organized basketball as long as most others. But Chriss has a higher ceiling than almost anyone in this draft. That seems to be a consensus opinion. And multiple sources have told me there's just no way he's going to fall past the Nuggets or Kings, and some believe Chriss could go as high as third.

8. SACRAMENTO KINGS

Jaylen Brown, SG, California: Brown is another player who could go anywhere from third to eighth, but almost certainly no lower than here. He's a top-shelf athlete. But he's the one guy in this range that everybody seems intrigued by but few love. Why didn't he close more strongly at Cal? Is he coachable or a young guy who thinks he already has all the answers? These are questions scouts are asking, I'm told. But, at some point in the top 10, somebody will take Brown simply because he's a big wing who can play the four in a small-ball lineup, and big wings who can play the four in small-ball lineups are more valuable than ever in the NBA.

9. TORONTO RAPTORS

Henry Ellenson, PF-C, Marquette: Toronto has a need at power forward, which makes Ellenson an option. The one-and-done prospect from Marquette is only 19. And though he didn't shoot a good percentage from beyond the arc in college, he has the tools to be a stretch-four in the NBA. Combine that with his polished low-post game, and Ellenson has one of the highest ceilings in this draft.

10. MILWAUKEE BUCKS

Jakob Poeltl, PF, Utah: The Bucks would like to see Ellenson fall, which would allow them to draft a potential stretch-four who played college ball in Milwaukee. But if he's off the board, Poeltl is a good fit. He's a big who plays big -- proof being that 94 percent of his buckets this past season came around the rim. The 7-foot-1 center would help Milwaukee shore up an interior defense by adding a rim protector who is a better-than-most-realize athlete.

11. ORLANDO MAGIC

Skal Labissiere, PF, Kentucky: Frank Vogel's ability to develop young talent should be instrumental in a predicted turn for the better in Orlando. And if I'm the Magic, I'm taking one of the many young forwards with lots of potential and asking Vogel to do for them what he just did for Myles Turner with the Pacers. Labissiere, if available, would be among the interesting options. Once considered a possible top overall selection, he mostly struggled in his one season at Kentucky. But the possibility for greatness is still there and intriguing because he's a 6-11 prospect with a natural shooting ability. So he's definitely worth a gamble somewhere in the lottery of a weak draft.

12. UTAH JAZZ

Wade Baldwin IV, SG, Vanderbilt: Baldwin is a versatile guard who can play multiple positions and shoot, and the way he measured at the combine suggests he could use his length and wingspan to be a nice perimeter defender in the NBA. There are questions about his leadership at Vanderbilt, and those are fair. But Utah wouldn't need Baldwin to be a leader. They'd just need him, at first, to be a dynamic option off of the bench for a team that's ready to make the playoffs.

13. PHOENIX SUNS

Deyonta Davis, PF, Michigan State: The Suns have three first-round picks. So they can afford a big swing here. And Davis qualifies as such. He declined to test athletically at the combine and will likely need to perform well in private workouts to ensure a place in the lottery. But the 6-11 forward showed himself as a high-level rebounder in limited minutes during his one season at Michigan State, and he was also one of the nation's best shot-blockers. So, at worst, Davis should be a difference-maker on the defensive end at the NBA level.

14. CHICAGO BULLS

Domantas Sabonis, PF, Gonzaga: A lot of the intangibles the Bulls are likely about to lose with the expected departure of Joakim Noah -- toughness, tenaciousness, etc., -- are intangibles that Sabonis could provide. His unusually shot wingspan for a player his size is concerning, on some level. But he's among the safest picks in this draft in the sense that it's hard to imagine the former Gonzaga standout not becoming at least a quality rotation player for a good team.

15. DENVER NUGGETS

Furkan Korkmaz, SG, Turkey: Korkmaz is a terrific shooter with ideal size for his position, and the fact that he decided to remain in the NBA Draft suggests he has a promise somewhere in the top 20. For a team that needs depth everywhere and shooting -- the Nuggets tied for 25th in 3-point shooting this regular season -- Korkmaz is a smart option.

16. BOSTON CELTICS

Timothe Luwawu, SG, France: The Celtics have so many picks that they're going to need to either package them for a player or select multiple international prospects that can theoretically be stashed. So someone like Luwawu is a real possibility. He's a wing with size who is an above-average athlete and defender. He shot 40 percent from 3-point range this season, which, again, is ideal for a Boston franchise that really needs to add shooting.

17. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Malachi Richardson, SG, Syracuse: There was a report this weekend that Memphis had made a promise to Richardson. Whether that's true is unclear. The But the Grizzlies have long needed athleticism and playmakers in their backcourt, and Richardson could provide both. So it's easy to see why the front office is intrigued by the one-and-done prospect from Syracuse who is a bit of a risk but perhaps a risk worth taking.

18. DETROIT PISTONS

Denzel Valentine, SG, Michigan State: Valentine reportedly has a "fairly significant knee issue" that is causing concern with some teams, and, I'm told, it could cost him on draft night. At some point, somebody will weigh the risk vs. the reward and snag the former Michigan State star. But, at this point, it's hard to pin things down -- although the Pistons pulling the trigger and adding a local player who can help immediately would hardly be surprising.

19. DENVER NUGGETS

Ante Zizic, C, Croatia: The Nuggets have three of the first 19 picks. So taking strong international prospects who can theoretically stay overseas is an obvious option, and Zizic checks those boxes. The 19 year old is a great rebounder with a terrific motor and good size. He could easily develop into a starting center in the NBA.

20. INDIANA PACERS

Dejounte Murray, PG, Washington: Murray's invitation to attend the NBA Draft and sit in the green room suggests he's going in the first round somewhere, and the Pacers make sense. Murray is a total upside pick, to be sure. But he has the size, athleticism and natural abilities to be great, and that's why he's worth gambling on somewhere in the top 20.

21. ATLANTA HAWKS

Taurean Prince, SF, Baylor: Prince is a 6-8 wing has the athleticism and wingspan to guard his position, and even multiple positions, at the NBA level. I know some teams in the teens really like him -- most notably the Grizzlies. So there's no guarantee Prince will be available at 21. But, if he is, the Hawks would be wise to snatch him up.

22. CHARLOTTE HORNETS

Brice Johnson, PF, North Carolina: Johnson was a monster while averaging 16.6 points and 10.6 rebounds and leading North Carolina to the national championship game. The quick leaper improved his stock enough to where going in the top 25 of this draft isn't out of the question. And, yes, I could absolutely see this former UNC star playing for another former UNC star - namely Michael Jordan in Charlotte.

23. BOSTON CELTICS

Ivica Zubac, C, Croatia: Again, the Celtics have three first-round picks. So draft-and-stash prospects will be possible targets at both 16 and 23. And Zubac is a terrific candidate for such given that he's only 19 years old and maybe willing to stay in Serbia for another year. He averaged double-figures in Europe for a team that could have multiple draft picks.

24. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

DeAndre' Bembry, SF, Saint Joseph's: Bembry was, by all accounts, terrific at the combine. He tested well and played magnificently in the five-on-five games. His ability to guard multiple positions at the NBA level should prove useful, and the way Bembry sees the floor and passes could allow him to, at times, play the role of point-forward, which Philadelphia's front office should know well considering Bembry played down the street at St. Joe's.

25. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

Demetrius Jackson, PG, Notre Dame: Jackson tested and interviewed well at the combine and will be the second straight Notre Dame guard to go in the first round. His ability to flourish in the pick-and-roll while being a respectable shooter -- he shot better than 41 percent form 3-point range in his freshman and sophomore years -- should allow him to become an NBA starter. But he'll begin his career as a back-up PG, which is something the Clippers could use.

26. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

Tyler Ulis, PG, Kentucky: Ulis reportedly has a "pretty significant hip issue" that when combined with his lack of size could cause him to slip even into the second round on draft night. Like Valentine, it's impossible to say exactly where the reigning SEC Player of the Year will land. But somebody is really going to have to like him to spend a high pick on a tiny guard with a hip problem.

27. TORONTO RAPTORS

Thon Maker, C, Australia: Maker is still mostly an unknown in the sense that he's never played basketball consistently against high-level competition. But he measured, tested and interviewed well at the combine, where he gained lots of fans. And now it seems more likely than not that Maker will go in the first round based on little more than the idea that his ceiling is higher than most prospects' ceilings.

28. PHOENIX SUNS

Juan Hernangomez, PF, Spain: The Suns do not need three players on rookie contracts. So they could go with a draft-and-stash prospect here. Hernangomez qualifies as a great option. He's a 6-9 stretch-4 who shot roughly 40 percent from 3-point range in Spain.

29. SAN ANTONIO SPURS

Cheick Diallo, C, Kansas: Diallo measured and tested well at the combine -- then played well in the five-on-five games. He was active. He rebounded. He guarded. Simply put, the 6-9 forward genuinely helped himself by reminding scouts why he was once a projected lottery pick. And now it looks like that subpar season at Kansas won't cost Diallo too much money. And he'd be a great fit with San Antonio, which needs and athletic big.

30. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

Diamond Stone, C, Maryland: Stone has not helped himself in interviews, I'm told. And there are background issues that concern some franchises. Still, he's just so much more talented than most other prospects in this range. And that's why the Warriors might be willing to take a swing late in the first and hope the talent develops, and the other concerns disappear, with time.

ROUND 2

31. BOSTON CELTICS (FROM PHI VIA MIA)

Zhou Qi, C, China: The Celtics are probably going to select multiple international prospects that they can leave overseas considering the amount of picks they possess. Qi would be the best available here.

32. LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Stephen Zimmerman Jr., C, UNLV: Zimmerman is a one-and-done prospect who is a former top-10 recruit. He's worth a flyer in the second round.

33. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (FROM BKN)

Patrick McCaw, SG, UNLV: McCaw is a long backcourt prospect who will be able to guard multiple positions in the NBA. He averaged 14.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.5 steals this past season at UNLV.

34. PHOENIX SUNS

Ben Bentil, PF, Providence: Bentil is a long and athletic forward who can score from multiple spots -- around the rim and all the way out to the 3-point line. He was terrific this season at Providence, and he played well in the five-on-five games at the combine.

35. BOSTON CELTICS (FROM MIN VIA PHX)

Damian Jones, PF, Vanderbilt: Jones is another prospect who could go late in the first round or early in the second. If he reaches his potential, the Vandy product could develop into an NBA starter.

36. MILWAUKEE BUCKS (FROM NO VIA SAC)

Malik Beasley, SG, Florida State: An injury has prevented Beasley from working out for franchises. That's the only reason he could be available at 36 for the Bucks.

37. HOUSTON ROCKETS (FROM NY VIA SAC)

Chinanu Onuaku, C, Louisville: Onuaku is a tough big who would be a relative still in the low 30s. He could help a Houston franchise that might lose Dwight Howard this offseason.

38. MILWAUKEE BUCKS

Paul Zipser, SF, Germany: Zipser is an athletic wing who was the MVP of the Adidas Eurocamp in Italy. He can score off the dribble and make perimeter jumpers comfortably.

39. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS (FROM DEN VIA PHI)

Malcolm Brogdon, SG, Virginia: Brogdon is the rare second-round prospect who could make a rotation as a rookie. He's the reigning ACC Player of the Year.

40. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS (FROM SAC)

Isaia Cordinier, SG, France: There were 11 French players in the NBA this season. Cordinier is among the reasons that number should increase next season.

41. ORLANDO MAGIC

Jarrod Uthoff, SF, Iowa: Uthoff is the type of athletic forward with 3-point range who could be a nice rotation player in the NBA. He could go later in the first round and, if he doesn't, he'll definitely go somewhere in the second round.

42. UTAH JAZZ

Anthony Barber, PG, NC State: Barber was a fabulous player in the ACC even if he spent his final season of college on a mostly bad team. He'd be nice for a Utah franchise that needs backup point guard help.

43. HOUSTON ROCKETS

Petr Cornelie, PF, France: Cornelie has the tools to be a stretch-4 in the NBA. He's a good athlete with 3-point range on his jumper.

44. ATLANTA HAWKS (FROM WAS)

Caris LeVert, SG, Michigan: The only thing keeping LeVert out of the first round is injury concerns. If he'd been healthy the past two seasons, he might be a lottery pick.

45. BOSTON CELTICS (FROM MEM)

Rade Zagorac, SF, Serbia: Zagorac is another stash option for Boston. He's a 6-8 wing who can handle the ball and bury shots.

46. DALLAS MAVERICKS

Jake Layman, SF, Maryland: Layman is the type of second-round pick who could develop into a real NBA player. He's a shooter with size worth a look in the 40s.

47. ORLANDO MAGIC (FROM CHI)

Guerschon Yabusele, PF, France: Yabusele is a power forward who can shoot 3-pointers. The only issue is that he's undersized for his position.

48. CHICAGO BULLS (FROM POR VIA CLE)

Gary Payton II, PG, Oregon State: Payton is more of a combo guard than a point guard. But when he's on the floor, good things seem to happen.

49. DETROIT PISTONS

Kay Felder, PG, Oakland: Felder is small but can obviously play. His hometown Pistons would be wise to snatch him up right here.

50. INDIANA PACERS

Isaiah Whitehead, SG, Seton Hall: Whitehead is a shooter who doesn't shoot it too well. But he's a relentless scorer and a possible steal in the second round.

51. BOSTON CELTICS (FROM MIA)

A.J. Hammons, C, Purdue: Hammons is a first-round talent. But questions about his character, and his age, won't allow him to go in the first round.

52. UTAH JAZZ (FROM BOS VIA MEM)

Michael Gbinije, SG, Syracuse: Gbinije is already 24, which is a concern. But he's a versatile wing who can shoot and worthy of a serious look in the second round.

53. DENVER NUGGETS (FROM CHA VIA OKC)

Georgios Papagiannis, C, Greece: Papagiannis has first-round talent but will probably slip well into the second round. He has good hands and can score in a variety of ways.

54. ATLANTA HAWKS

Pascal Siakam, PF, New Mexico State: Siakim is a long and athletic big with a great motor. He averaged 20.3 points and 11.6 rebounds in his final season at New Mexico State.

55. BROOKLYN NETS (FROM LAC)

Yogi Ferrell, PG, Indiana: Ferrell wasn't invited to the combine, which was a surprise. But I won't be surprised if he ends up in the NBA anyway.

56. DENVER NUGGETS (FROM OKC)

Ron Baker, PG, Wichita State: Baker is a terrific shooter with deep range. Questions about his size for a shooting guard, and his athleticism, are the only things that might make him go undafted.

57. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (FROM TOR)

Kyle Wiltjer, PF, Gonzaga: The Grizzlies have forever needed shooting. So taking one of the best shooters in this draft wouldn't be silly this late in the draft.

58. BOSTON CELTICS (FROM CLE)

Robert Carter, PF, Maryland: Carter is a possible stretch-4 at the NBA level. He's one of three Maryland Terrapins that could be selected in this draft.

59. SACRAMENTO KINGS (FROM SA)

Fred VanVleet, PG, Wichita State: VanVleet is a small guard with limited size. But he really knows how to run a team and could easily become a backup point guard.

60. UTAH JAZZ (FROM GS)

Gracin Bakumanya, C, France: Bakumanya is a 19-year-old center who somebody will take in the second round. If he's available here, it should be Utah.