The general presumption is that LSU forward Ben Simmons will be taken first in Thursday’s NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, and Duke forward Brandon Ingram will go second to the Los Angeles Lakers.

After that, the draft could turn into a mystery. The Celtics select third, but rumors abound about what Boston will do with its pick. It has been suggested that the Celtics would like to move that draft choice for a more veteran presence on an already young roster. Boston has three first-round picks and may look to package that along with some of its other players to get an NBA-ready player.

So in many ways, the draft process will start after the Celtics make their decision. Providence point guard Kris Dunn, Oklahoma shooting guard Buddy Hield and Kentucky combo guard Jamal Murray are considered the top guard prospects. Any of them could be taken anywhere from third to sixth.

California swingman Jaylen Brown, Washington power forward Marquese Chriss, Croatian power forward Dragan Bender and Gonzaga power forward Domantas Sabonis probably will go in the top nine picks.

1. Philadelphia

Ben Simmons, LSU, SF/PF, 6-10, 240: Although he has refused to work out for the 76ers or any other NBA team, Simmons is a talent Philly can’t pass on.

2. L.A. Lakers

Brandon Ingram, Duke, SF, 6-9, 196: Yeah he is skinny — but his skills and length are his strengths. Plus, the Lakers know the pressure is on them to take Ingram.

3. Boston

Kris Dunn, Providence, PG, 6-4, 220: Dunn denied reports he does not want to play for the Celtics because they are top-heavy with guards.

4. Phoenix

Buddy Hield, Oklahoma, SG, 6-5, 215: Everyone wants to compare his shooting exploits to Stephen Curry. And Hield can shoot that ball.

5. Minnesota

Marquese Chriss, Washington, PF, 6-10, 235: He is known to be a freak athlete who can actually knock down some shots. But he must become a better rebounder.

6. New Orleans

Jamal Murray, Kentucky, PG/SG, 6-4, 205: Murray is considered to be a nice combo guard, but he is still better as a shooting guard this early in his career.

7. Denver

Dragan Bender, Croatia, PF, 7-0, 220: It looks as though Bender can be a versatile player who will be a “stretch four” in the NBA. He is not real athletic, however.

8. Sacramento

Jaylen Brown, California, SG/SF, 6-6, 225: Brown already has an NBA body. He has shown in his workouts that the jumper that scouts worried about has improved.

9. Toronto

Domantas Sabonis, Gonzaga, PF/C, 6-10, 240: Although not considered a great athlete, Sabonis works hard on offense and defense.

10. Milwaukee

Jakob Poeltl, Utah, C, 7-1, 240: He is not a strong post player for his size, but the Pac-12 player of the year runs the floor and is not afraid of being physical.

11. Orlando

Deyonta Davis, Michigan State, PF/C, 6-10, 240: The Magic are looking for an active big man who can defend on the interior and exterior.

12. Utah

Skal Labissiere, Kentucky, PF/C, 7-0, 215: He will be another long and athletic big for the Jazz to use. He will need to get stronger, of course.

13. Phoenix

Furkan Korkmaz, Turkey, SG, 6-7, 175: Korkmaz can shoot the rock with the best of those entering the draft. He will need to get stronger and improve his defense.

14. Chicago

Henry Ellenson, Marquette, PF/C, 6-11, 245: The big fella has a nice offensive game. He is not an exceptional athlete.

15. Denver

Denzel Valentine, Michigan State, SG/PG, 6-5, 210: He is at his best when the offense runs through him, but he may not be quite good enough yet to do that at the NBA level.

16. Boston

Dejounte Murray, Washington, PG/SG, 6-5, 170: Murray is a combo guard with tremendous ballhandling skills. Having played just one season at Washington, he is on the young side.

17. Memphis

Malachi Richardson, Syracuse, SG, 6-6, 200: His NBA size and versatility are what make Richardson a solid talent to play in the league.

18. Detroit

Ante Zizic, Croatia, C, 6-11, 230: His length and activity are things the Pistons like. He will need to get stronger.

19. Denver

Damian Jones, Vanderbilt, C, 6-11, 245: Other than having a sometimes easygoing demeanor, Jones has the size and speed to be a player in the NBA.

20. Indiana

Brice Johnson, North Carolina, PF, 6-10, 210: He is an explosive leaper who has a nice midrange game. He will need to expand his range.

21. Atlanta

Wade Baldwin, Vanderbilt, PG/SG, 6-4, 200: Baldwin is a strong defender capable of defending both guard positions.

22. Charlotte

DeAndre Bembry, St. Joseph’s, SG/SF, 6-5, 205: He is at his best in transition. Bembry will need to improve his outside shooting.

23. Boston

Ivica Zubac, Croatia, C, 7-0, 245: Though not terribly athletic, Zubac runs the floor and can finish above the rim because of his length.

24. Philadelphia

Taurean Prince, Baylor, SF, 6-8, 220: He is long and athletic. Besides, the 76ers just need more talent at the wing.

25. L.A. Clippers

Demetrius Jackson, Notre Dame, PG, 6-1, 195: With Chris Paul showing him the way, Jackson has the ideal point guard to mentor him. He probably will not play much.

26. Philadelphia

Stephen Zimmerman, UNLV, PF/C, 6-11, 235: Again, the 76ers need players. Zimmerman has a high basketball IQ.

27. Toronto

Diamond Stone, Maryland, C, 6-10, 255: Stone is not considered the most athletic big man, but he does have skills and is sure-handed.

28. Phoenix

Timothe Luwawu, France, SG/SF, 6-7, 195: The Suns, already loaded at the wing, may stash him in Europe to let him continue developing.

29. San Antonio

Tyler Ulis, Kentucky, PG, 5-10, 150: His size may be a drawback, but Ulis will compete.

30. Golden State

Guerschon Yabusele, France, PF, 6-8, 260: His raw talent probably means the Warriors will keep him in Europe for a while.