NBA Mock Draft Update: McCaw, Zimmerman in, Webb out

Thursday evening in the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, three Mountain West players (UNLV’s Patrick McCaw and Stephen Zimmerman and Boise State’s James Webb III) will become one step closer to their dreams of becoming an NBA player. Most draft experts have pegged both Zimmerman and McCaw in the top 40, while Webb appears to be on the outside looking in.

NBA.com (Scott Howard-Cooper) - Two rounds

32) Los Angeles Lakers - Stephen Zimmerman, C, UNLV

Size plus the ability to play in transition plus a nice touch from the perimeter plus the potential to defend both big-man spots. It's easy to see Zimmerman moving back up, after previously being in the lottery mix. The question is whether he will convince front offices he can play a physical style as well, at least on defense and go after contact rather than rely entirely on finesse. It didn't help that his freshman season was dotted by nagging injuries, illness and a coaching change.

40) New Orleans Pelicans - Patrick McCaw, SG, UNLV

The ability to handle the ball as well as shoot, although needing to become more consistent as a three-point threat, indicate the possibility McCaw could develop into a combo guard. He has promise either way and will be helped even more by becoming stronger.

CBS Sports (Gary Parrish) - Two rounds

32) Los Angeles Lakers - Stephen Zimmerman, 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.

34) Phoenix Suns - 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 in his final season at UNLV.

Fox Sports (Aaron Torres) - One round

28) Phoenix Suns - Patrick McCaw, SG, UNLV

Through the years so many of the Suns moves (drafting Devin Booker, Alex Len etc.) have been to help the offense, but now it's time to focus on defense.

McCaw just might be the best perimeter defender in this draft after averaging 2.5 steals (not to mention 15 points per game) last season at UNLV.

Draft Express - Two rounds

41) Orlando Magic - Patrick McCaw, SG, UNLV

McCaw was very inconsistent from game to game, and certainly doesn't look ready to step into a major role anytime soon at the NBA level.

43) Houston Rockets - Stephen Zimmerman, C, UNLV

With many areas of legitimate potential, but also plenty of areas to improve, Zimmerman is the kind of guy who could have a wide variance in where he could go come draft night.

Salt Lake Tribune - One round

27) Toronto Raptors - Stephen Zimmerman, C, UNLV

Can shoot and has athleticism. Zimmerman is a project, but one worth taking a flyer on.

SB Nation (Kevin O’Connor) - One round

30) Golden State Warriors - Patrick McCaw, SG, UNLV

McCaw could end up being the steal of the draft. He's a hound on defense and he's a much better shooter than his percentages show at UNLV. He's a potential contributor even as a rookie for one of the NBA's best teams.

NBA Draft Net - Two rounds

28) Phoenix Suns - Stephen Zimmerman, C, UNLV

Zimmerman has the chance to be an impact player down the line in the NBA. Shows flashes of being able to make exceptional plays at both ends. Compares to Cole Aldrich and Tyler Zeller.

35) Boston Celtics - Patrick McCaw, SG, UNLV

With his size, has the versatility to play multiple positions, PG, SG and SF - should be an excellent player in a complimentary role. Compares to Corey Brewer and Michael Carter-Williams.

The NBA Draft can be seen Thursday night on ESPN/WatchESPN App at 8pm Eastern, 5pm Pacific.