The 2016 NBA Draft is rapidly approaching and March Madness is right around the corner. Who are the Top 30 prospects entering this influential period?
The 2016 NBA Draft offers one of the most polarizing crops of prospects in recent history. From a short list of potential superstars and All-Stars to a number of contributors with starting potential, this draft class is flush with players who could spend quite some time in the Association.
Blending factors such as immediate value and upside, the following 30 players have earned their keep as the best in the 2016 NBA Draft—for now.
March Madness changes everything, as players shine and become overnight sensations during the NCAA Tournament. Even the pursuit of a conference championship can put players on the map, thus compelling scouts and analysts to overlook the months that preceded the glory.
Acknowledging where said players stand leading up to this period of time is nothing short of a vital process.
We’ll touch base again during and after March Madness, but acknowledging the top prospects beforehand is vital. Players will inevitably move up draft boards based off of the strength of their NCAA Tournament performances, and that’s something that happens consistently enough to believe as true.
Before their success and failure during March Madness potentially misrepresents their reality, however, the following players have carved out their place in the Top 30.
Next: Ingram or Simmons?
1. Ben Simmons, LSU Tigers
Position: Forward
Age: 19 (7/20/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10”, 240 pounds, 7’0.25″
Slash Line: .561/.333/.683
Season Averages: 35.3 MPG, 19.6 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 3.1 ORPG, 5.0 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Analysis
Ben Simmons has been compared to legendary perimeter players LeBron James and Magic Johnson, and star big men Blake Griffin and Lamar Odom. Whether he plays small forward or power forward at the next level, the general consensus is that he’s one of the most tantalizing draft prospects in NBA history.
It’s often naive to believe that a player is in control of their own destiny, but Simmons can be as good as he wants to be.
Simmons has a rare combination of size, court vision, and ball-handling ability. He’s a point guard in a power forward’s body, and while players such as Griffin and Odom have excelled in that capacity in the past, Simmons’ upside as a facilitator is superior.
There’s a genuine belief in NBA circles that Simmons can not only distribute in a pinch, but help run an offense in its entirety.
The question mark for Simmons is whether or not his jump shot will limit his overall effectiveness early in his NBA career. His form isn’t broken, but he rarely attempts field goals from beyond the arc, and doesn’t seem very comfortable with his midrange game.
If Simmons is unable to find consistency with his jump shot, the rest of his game may suffer. If he begins to hit jumpers with regularity, the 29 teams he doesn’t play for will do the suffering.
Next: The Clear No. 2
2. Brandon Ingram, Duke Blue Devils
Position: Small Forward
Age: 18 (9/2/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’9.5″, 196 pounds, 7’3″
Slash Line: .441/.413/.688
Season Averages: 34.2 MPG, 16.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.4 BPG, 1.1 SPG, 2.2 3PM
Analysis
The Duke Blue Devils have been a frustrating team to watch in 2015-16, but that’s far from an indictment of Brandon Ingram. The freshman phenom has been a delightful prospect to study, flashing elite potential as both a scorer and defensive player.
Ingram is still figuring his game out, and that makes the Kevin Durant comparisons rather premature, but he’s an elite prospect.
Ingram’s offensive upside is clear as a near 6’10” small forward with a 7’3″ wingspan and a lethal 3-point jump shot. His handle is improving, as is his ability to finish against length, which were his two greatest weakness early in 2015-16.
The offensive potential is tremendous, but the most intriguing aspect of Ingram’s game is his defensive upside.
Scorers can be found in every draft class, but it’s very rare that a player has the genuine opportunity to be elite on both ends. That puts Ingram in Paul George territory as a player who can genuinely lock down his position while dropping 20-plus points on the other end.
Simmons is the No. 1 prospect, but if Ingram leads Duke to a deep run through the NCAA Tournament, he’d certainly have a case to change that.
Next: The International Phenom
3. Dragan Bender, Maccabi Tel Aviv
Position: Power Forward
Age: 18 (11/17/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0.5″, 216 pounds, 7’2″
Slash Line: .423/.373/.700
Season Averages: 11.6 MPG, 4.3 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 0.8 ORPG, 0.7 APG, 0.8 BPG
Analysis
International prospects have always intrigued the masses, but the recent success of players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kristaps Porzingis has elevated the interest to all-time heights. European draft entrees are shaking the stereotypes and being placed on level ground with elite college prospects.
No player has benefited more from Porzingis’ success with the New York Knicks than 18-year-old Maccabi Tel Aviv star Dragan Bender.
Bender stands at just under 7’1″ with a 7’2″ wingspan and a skill set that’s captivating scouts and general managers across the NBA. He can shoot from anywhere on the court, has the basic facets of a post game, and won’t turn 19 until the first full month of the 2015-16 regular season.
In other words, the upside Bender possesses is as legitimate and frightening as any player who has come before him.
While Porzingis uses his length and tenacity to mask his flaws, Bender is a more polished player from a fundamental perspective. He also has an advantage in the quickness department, and while he may never be the defender that Porzingis is becoming, his offensive ceiling appears to be even higher.
Bender is the type of player you create in NBA 2K. That’s why he’s been on the draft radar for years on end.
Next: The Modern NBA Point Guard
4. Jamal Murray, Kentucky Wildcats
Position: Point Guard
Age: 19 (2/23/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’5″, 207 pounds, 6’7″
Slash Line: .451/.421/.779
Season Averages: 34.9 MPG, 20.0 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 3.2 3PM
Analysis
There’s no prospect better suited for the trajectory of the modern NBA than Kentucky Wildcats point guard Jamal Murray. I may have him ranked higher than others, but Murray is proving that, if nothing else, he can create his own offense and shoot from anywhere.
A 6’5″ point guard who is fearless in his pursuit of putting points on the board, Murray is one of this year’s truly elite prospects.
Murray is an outstanding shooter who can work off-ball and convert off the catch, which creates positional versatility. He’s also more than capable of creating his own looks and fearlessly sinking 3-point field goals with deep and often irresponsible range.
The term, “Irresponsible,” loses its applicability when one considers how efficiently Murray converts from distance.
Murray plays a Deron Williams type of game in the way he combines bruising strength and craftiness with the ball in his hands. He can terrorize teams as a shooter in an almost Stephen Curry capacity, which makes him a threat from literally anywhere within 28 feet.
Murray certainly has his flaws, including his defensive inconsistency and underwhelming nature as a facilitator, but he is tailor made for the modern NBA.
Next: The Complete Package
5. Kris Dunn, Providence Friars
Position: Point Guard
Age: 21 (3/18/1994)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’4″, 205 pounds, 6’9″
Slash Line: .449/.354/.697
Season Averages: 33.2 MPG, 16.3 PPG, 6.4 APG, 5.6 RPG, 2.6 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 1.2 3PM
Analysis
Kris Dunn has been one of the Top 5 prospects for the entirety of the 2015-16 college basketball season. I had him in the Top 10 for the 2015 NBA Draft, as well, and not much has changed my belief that he can become an All-Star at the next level.
Dunn hasn’t put forth the season that many expected of him, but between his physical gifts, tremendous court vision, range as a jump shooter, and defensive potential, he has it all.
Dunn’s preliminary appeal exists in his size at 6’4″ and a strong 205 pounds with a 6’9″ wingspan. He’s arguably the best perimeter defender in this draft class, forcing turnovers with relative ease, and even developing into a capable shot-blocker—a testament to his strength, length, and focus.
Offensively, Dunn is one of the best facilitators in the country, and a dangerous enough shooter that teams must account for him at all times when working without the ball.
Dunn’s ability to play at an elite level on both ends has made him one of the best players in college basketball. He may not dominate at the next level, but he has every tool necessary to become one of the top point guards in the NBA.
Based more on status than playing style, Dunn projects to be a Mike Conley or Kyle Lowry type of player at the next level.
Next: The Athletic Dynamo
6. Jaylen Brown, California Golden Bears
Position: Small Forward
Age: 19 (10/24/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’6.5″, 222 pounds, 7’0.5″
Slash Line: .448/.309/.647
Season Averages: 27.8 MPG, 15.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 0.9 3PM
Analysis
From a physical perspective, there is no prospect more exhilarating than California Golden Bears wing Jaylen Brown. At a powerfully built 6’7″ with a 7’1″ wingspan, Brown’s explosive athleticism and a pro-ready frame have many under the impression that the All-Star Game is in his NBA future.
Brown’s all-around game has underwhelmed at points of the 2015-16 season, but he played well enough to be named Pac-12 Freshman of the Year.
Your @pac12 Freshman of the Year.... JAYLEN BROWN! #GoBears pic.twitter.com/labLS4Jfgg
— Cal Basketball (@CalMBBall) March 8, 2016
When he’s on, Brown looks like a future NBA star.
The skill level is somewhat concerning, as Brown struggles as a jump shooter and lacks ideal 3-point range. Players can still be successful early in their careers without the shot, but its importance seems to increase with every passing season.
If Brown fails to improve his jump shot, he’ll be just another elite athlete who never lived up to his otherworldly potential.
The reality is, not many players have been blessed with Brown’s physical profile. He’s built powerfully, explodes at the rim for ferocious finishes, has the frame to post smaller defenders up, and can solidify his tremendous defensive potential upon improving his lateral quickness.
Brown has superstar potential, but he will only live up to it if he develops a strong enough jump shot to hold his own in the modern NBA.
Next: Perfect For The Modern Era
7. Buddy Hield, Oklahoma Sooners
Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 22 (12/17/1993)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’4.5″, 215 pounds, 6’8.5″
Slash Line: .502/.470/.899
Season Averages: 35.0 MPG, 25.6 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 4.1 3PM
Analysis
If this were 10 years ago, Buddy Hield would likely reside in the 20-to-25 range. That’s no slight on Hield as a player, nor is it commentary on how much, “Worse,” the NBA has supposedly become, but instead an acknowledgement of how times have changed.
Elite shooting ability can help players become genuine stars in the modern NBA, and that’s something that must be acknowledged when evaluating Hield’s pro potential.
Hield isn’t afraid of the big shot, and that seemingly common mentality is surprisingly difficult to find. Between his barrage of clutch 3-point field goals and his underrated ability to pass his teammates open, Hield is an offensive juggernaut who’s made for the clutch moments.
He’s more than capable of pacing his team through games with his ridiculous 3-point range and solid handles, as well.
Due to the NBA’s heavy emphasis on 3-point shooting, it’s more than fair to believe that Hield can be a star at the next level. Rookie Devin Booker is succeeding on the strength of his jumper, and Stephen Curry has turned the shot into the foundation for superstardom.
It’s hard to evaluate sharpshooters in the modern era, but Hield is as deserving of our faith as any sharpshooter who has come before him.
Next: The Anchor
8. Jakob Poeltl, Utah Utes
Position: Center
Age: 20 (10/15/1995)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’1″, 242 pounds, 7’1″
Slash Line: .661/.000/.678
Season Averages: 30.1 MPG, 17.4 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.8 ORPG, 2.0 APG, 1.6 BPG
Analysis
Centers have become somewhat obsolete in the modern NBA, but any team that can protect the rim and pound the ball inside will have a chance to win games. When said teams can also facilitate and score from the low and high posts, the chances of victory improve immensely.
Jakob Poeltl may not be Karl-Anthony Towns, but he’s a two-way player who can anchor the defense and provide stability to an offense in need of a consistent interior playmaker.
Even with a growing emphasis on 3-point shooting and transition offense, rim protectors are of the utmost importance in the NBA. Said players can be the difference between regular season success and being able to genuinely contend for a championship.
Poeltl’s ability to do so, as well as his mobility in the half court and transition, make him one of the Top 10 prospects in this draft class.
Poeltl’s fundamentals have improved dramatically, and while he still shies away from contact offensively, he can operate with his back to the basket and finish with both hands. He’s a solid athlete who can run in transition and has soft enough hands to be a consistent asset in the pick-and-roll.
Poeltl doesn’t do anything flashy, but he’s going to be a very good NBA player with All-Star potential.
Next: The Contemporary Big Man
9. Henry Ellenson, Marquette Golden Eagles
Position: Forward/Center
Age: 19 (1/13/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10.5″, 231 pounds, 7’2″
Slash Line: .446/.288/.749
Season Averages: 33.5 MPG, 17.0 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 2.2 ORPG, 1.8 APG, 1.5 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 0.9 3PM
Analysis
Marquette Golden Eagles star Henry Ellenson is a Top 10 prospect because of the way his skill met fits this era of NBA basketball. That’s no slight on what he’s been able to do under head coach Steve Wojciechowski, but his inconsistency has been forgiven for one simple reason: Ellenson is a modern big man.
Whether he’s pounding the post, crashing the offensive glass, or spacing the floor from beyond the arc, Ellenson has the perfect combination of abilities for the new NBA.
Ellenson is entering the Association at the perfect time. His combination of size, power, length, and skill perfectly meet the big man standards of this small-ball era, with the versatility to play from the low block, face up from the elbow, and convert with 3-point range on his jump shot.
All of those skills are still in the process of being polished, but there’s no way around the fact that they’re already in place.
Defensively, Ellenson needs to do a better job of not fouling, but he’s certainly capable of redirecting shots. He doesn’t project to be an All-Defensive Team member, but he can block shots and has the combination of size and mobility to provide a positive impact as a team defender.
Ellenson has the upside to be an offensive juggernaut, but even if he falls short of that potential, he can still be a game-changing contributor.
Next: Bosh Potential
10. Ivan Rabb, California Golden Bears
Position: Power Forward
Age: 19 (2/4/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’9.75″, 215 pounds, 7’2″
Slash Line: .615/1.000/.664
Season Averages: 28.2 MPG, 12.5 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2.8 ORPG, 1.3 BPG
Analysis
The California Golden Bears should be better than they have been. Cal has caught fire in recent weeks, however, and the development of rebounding big man Ivan Rabb has played an instrumental role in Cuonzo Martin’s team winning with increased regularity.
He’s fallen out of favor with some, but Rabb is too reminiscent of Chris Bosh to not receive significant hype.
Rabb’s offensive range is expanding, but he’ll catch on in the NBA because of his rebounding and athleticism. He’s averaging 2.8 offensive rebounds per game, finishes well above the rim, and has good hands and a solid understanding of how to position himself for entry feeds.
Rabb needs to improve his offensive fundamentals, but he isn’t afraid of contact, and he can finish with both hands at and around the rim.
The promising sign for Rabb is that he willingly uses the glass when attacking the basket. He’s also displaying upside as a shot-blocker, and while he may not be on Skal Labissiere’s level in that regard, he is proving to be a potentially valuable two-way player.
If Rabb is able to continue the expansion of his shooting range during March Madness, he can solidify his place as a Top 10 selection in the 2016 NBA Draft.
Next: Finally Turning It On
11. Skal Labissiere, Kentucky Wildcats
Position: Center
Age: 19 (3/18/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’11.5″, 225 pounds, 7’2″
Slash Line: .515/.000/.667
Season Averages: 16.1 MPG, 6.8 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.1 ORPG, 1.6 BPG
Analysis
Leading up to the 2015-16 college basketball season, a debate raged about whether it was Skal Labissiere or Ben Simmons who was the No. 1 NBA prospect in the country. That seems like a silly conversation today, as Labissiere has spent most of 2015-16 underwhelming the masses.
In an act of perfect timing, Labissiere finally began to show us what we’d been waiting to see against none other than Simmons and the LSU Tigers.
A confident Skal Labissiere heading into the postseason: ✔️ pic.twitter.com/jwpliBJ9Jp
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) March 5, 2016
The question is, can he maintain the pace?
Labissiere has elite upside that’s been compared to current NBA stars Anthony Davis and LaMarcus Aldridge. He’s justified his reputation as a dominant shot-blocker, but has created more question marks than reason for intrigue when it comes to the other aspects of his game.
That includes his thin frame, lack of a presence on the defensive glass, and an apparent refusal to take on contact down low.
Players have been skinny before, but Labissiere’s inability to make an impact on the boards is concerning. Players such as Aldridge, Chris Bosh, and Davis were all high-caliber rebounders in college, which can’t be said for the current Kentucky Wildcats star.
The good news: Labissiere is beginning to make an impact on the boards. If that persists, he may climb back into the Top 5.
Next: Explosive Point Guard
12. Demetrius Jackson, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Position: Point Guard
Age: 21
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’1″, 194 pounds, 6’4.75″
Slash Line: .451/.329/.797
Season Averages: 35.7 MPG, 15.8 PPG, 4.9 APG, 3.5 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 1.6 3PM
Analysis
Watching Notre Dame Fighting Irish point guard Demetrius Jackson is similar to watching Damian Lillard. With comparable athleticism, fearlessness as a jump shooter, and the undying desire to make the big play, Jackson has genuine star potential.
There’s reason to be skeptical of Jackson as a prospect, but he should at least thrive as a sixth man at the next level.
Jackson’s raw athleticism puts him on par with some of the more explosive point guards in the NBA. His skill set hasn’t quite reached theirs, but he’s a solid shooter who sees the floor well and finishes in traffic.
Whether he has to go over or get around length, Jackson knows how to put points on the board when the odds are against him.
Jackson has struggled, at times, to balance defensive commitment and his massive offensive role. The desired improvement will come by playing for the right coach at the next level, which makes the place he’s selected in the 2016 NBA Draft something to watch and monitor.
If Jackson lands in the right situation, he can be a genuine impact player for an NBA organization.
Next: French Force
13. Timothe Luwawu, Mega Leks
Position: Guard/Forward
Age: 20 (5/9/1995)
Height & Weight: 6’7″ & 205 pounds
Slash Line: .404/.365/.688
Season Averages: 30.8 MPG, 14.8 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.7 SPG, 2.1 3PM
Analysis
It may seem cliche and lazy, but Timothe Luwawu has drawn comparisons to fellow Frenchman and current Charlotte Hornets wing Nicolas Batum. Like Batum, he’s an athletic wing who has the physical profile, defensive versatility, shooting touch, and court vision to provide a significant impact in every phase of the game.
Coupled with a vastly improved jump shot and a tightened handle, Luwawu is looking more and more like a future starter in the NBA.
Luwawu’s athleticism will be enough to get him drafted, but it’s his passing ability that has him in the Top 14. He sees the floor well enough to be a secondary facilitator, which can’t be said for many players who work the wings in the 2016 NBA Draft.
The fact that he has lockdown defensive potential and a vastly improved 3-point shot only adds to Luwawu’s allure.
The issue for Luwawu is that he’s turnover-prone and gambles too much defensively. This not only lead to points on the opposite end, but routinely gets him into foul trouble—an issue that will be placed under the magnifying lens when he faces players as big and bigger than he in the NBA.
Nevertheless, the fact that Luwawu’s flaws are coachable places him safely in the Top 14.
Next: International Swingman
14. Furkan Korkmaz, Anadolu Efes
Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 18 (7/24/1997)
Height & Weight: 6’7″ & 185 pounds
Slash Line: .412/.450/.500
Season Averages: 8.9 MPG, 2.9 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 0.6 3PM
Analysis
Anadolu Efes wing Furkan Korkmaz is the Mario Hezonja of the 2016 NBA Draft. He’s an explosive European shooting guard who has the potential to play the 3, the shooting range to thrive in the Association, and the upside to intrigue even the most jaded of scouts.
Korkmaz isn’t even close to being ready to play a high volume of minutes in the NBA, but he has the athletic ability and shooting touch to develop into a high-caliber player.
Korkmaz has a dream of competing in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, and that’s evidence enough of how athletic he is. He’ll win over fans with his ability to play above the rim, and has the range to accommodate the infatuation with the 3-point shot.
With the size and athleticism to excel in the NBA, Korkmaz’s success is dependent solely upon his work ethic.
Korkmaz’s ball-handling and defensive consistency are areas that must be addressed. He can contribute as a 3-point specialist who can erupt in transition, which earns a Terrence Ross comparison, but Korkmaz’s ceiling is clearly star-caliber.
Shooters now receive a high enough volume of attempts from beyond the arc to be stars, and Korkmaz’s athleticism is the perfect complement to his stroke.
Next: All About the Motor
15. Damian Jones, Vanderbilt Commodores
Position: Center
Age: 20 (6/30/1995)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0″, 245 pounds, 7’2″
Slash Line: .595/.000/.553
Season Averages: 26.3 MPG, 14.2 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 2.3 ORPG, 1.2 APG, 1.6 BPG
Analysis
If not Skal Labissiere, then Damian Jones is the Myles Turner of the 2016 NBA Draft. He has all of the upside in the world and a skill set that appears to be close to NBA ready, but there’s one truth that simply cannot be denied: he’s too inconsistent to firmly believe in.
Jones has Top 10 talent and potential, but there’s a powerful risk involved in gambling on a player of his makeup.
If Jones goes to a team with a solid foundation, including a good head coach, a strong front office, and veteran leaders, he can become a star. If he’s drafted to be the centerpiece for a young team that lacks such structure, however, his bust potential will be legitimate.
Much as Turner has benefited from joining the Indiana Pacers, Jones would be the perfect selection for a team at the tail-end of the draft lottery.
Defensively, Jones is a dominant shot-blocker and a solid rebounder who can create second chances on the offensive glass. Offensively, he has the basics of a post game, range on his jump shot, and the athleticism to dive and finish off of the pick-and-roll.
Jones could be a perennial All-Star, or he could be a bust. The outcome depends on whether or not he can play with a more consistent effort.
Next: The Powerhouse, Part I
16. Diamond Stone, Maryland Terrapins
Position: Center
Age: 19 (2/10/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0″, 255 pounds, 7’3.5″
Slash Line: .561/.000/.772
Season Averages: 22.1 MPG, 12.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.4 ORPG, 1.7 BPG
Analysis
One of the more well-liked prospects in the 2016 NBA Draft is Maryland Terrapins center Diamond Stone. He falls in different ranges based on who it is you’re talking to, but Stone has the profile to be one of the better players to emerge from this draft class.
At 7’0″ and 255 pounds with a near 7’4″ wingspan and surprising agility, Stone is the type of player who could bring the dominant interior big man back.
He may never reach NBA stardom, but Stone is revered as a prospect for one very simple reason: when he imposes his will, no one seems to have an answer. He dominates the offensive glass, can throw down above the rim, uses the glass to finish in traffic, and runs well on the fast break.
An excellent shot-blocker, efficient free throw shooter, and intelligent playmaker, Stone can start at the next level—and that isn’t limited to traditional lineups.
Stone may not have the best jump shot you’ve ever seen, but he can thrive in the small-ball revolution. He’s a bruising interior force who throws it back a couple of generations, but he’s also a mobile athlete who sinks a high percentage of his free throws and can’t be egregiously exposed for any of the traditional big man flaws.
Assuming Stone continues to work on his game and develops a better jumper, he could be one of the true steals of this draft class.
Next: The Walking Triple-Double
17. Denzel Valentine, Michigan State Spartans
Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 22 (11/16/1993)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’6″, 220 pounds, 6’10”
Slash Line: .471/.454/.841
Season Averages: 32.7 MPG, 19.6 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 7.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 3.4 3PM
Analysis
Including Buddy Hield, no prospect has done more for their draft stock than Michigan State Spartans wing Denzel Valentine. While Hield was an early second-round prospect at the start of the season, Valentine was almost entirely overlooked by the masses.
Valentine is a nightly triple-double threat, and there really aren’t very many of those on the college basketball scene.
It’s becoming more and more difficult to deny Valentine’s NBA potential. He’s flirting with a triple-double on a nightly basis, displaying court vision that ranks amongst the best in this draft class, and is a genuinely elite 3-point shooter.
Valentine is averaging 3.4 3-point field goals made per game on 45.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc. Enough said.
Valentine is essentially a more efficient Lance Stephenson with a significantly better jump shot. There are risks involved in drafting him, with athleticism that ranks in the average range and a tendency to turn the ball over, but he’s a complete player.
There’s a drop-off defensively, but on offense, Valentine is the shooting guard version of fellow Michigan State Spartans alum Draymond Green.
Next: A Bit of Everything
18. Wade Baldwin IV, Vanderbilt Commodores
Position: Point Guard
Age: 19 (3/29/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3″, 194 pounds, 6’10”
Slash Line: .430/.414/.796
Season Averages: 30.3 MPG, 14.3 PPG, 5.2 APG, 4.0 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 1.3 3PM
Analysis
Wade Baldwin IV has all of the physical gifts necessary to make an impact at the next level. He’s a 6’3″ and muscular 194 pounds with an unreal 6’10” wingspan and the smooth athleticism that should maximize the value of his gifts.
Coupled with a jump shot that he’s ready and willing to release from just about anywhere, Baldwin could be the sleeper of this draft class.
Beyond his obviously impressive physical stature is a skill set that screams potential stardom. He can shoot from well beyond the 3-point line, is one of the Top 5 passers in this draft class, and knows how to use his body against smaller defenders.
The issue for Baldwin has been finishing against players bigger than he.
In the NBA, where the giants roam, Baldwin’s biggest issue will be going against players who can match or exceed his size—both at his position and in the paint. That’s quite the red flag, but Baldwin’s skill level and wingspan are too intriguing to entirely overlook.
If he can learn to play better against superior size and length, Baldwin can be a stud in the NBA. He already draws fouls at a tremendous rate.
Next: Oddly Overlooked
19. Stephen Zimmerman, UNLV Rebels
Position: Center
Age: 19
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0″, 235 pounds, 7’3″
Slash Line: .477/.294/.624
Season Averages: 26.2 MPG, 10.5 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 2.2 ORPG, 0.8 APG, 2.0 BPG
Analysis
Stephen Zimmerman would benefit from spending another year with the UNLV Rebels. As a 7’0″ center with a 7’3″ wingspan and a raw skill set that adequately fits the current direction of the NBA, however, it’d be hard to fault him for entering the draft.
The best possible outcome for Zimmerman would be to land in this range and become the backup to a veteran player who can mentor him during his early NBA seasons.
Zimmerman’s physical gifts are enough to intrigue the masses, with the size and length to be a defensive anchor, and the mobility to be a game-changer on offense. He can run the floor in transition, fluidly dive off of high screens, and make an impact without the ball.
Zimmerman also has a solid jump shot with expanding range and the form to develop into a knockdown threat from beyond the arc.
The southpaw big man has underwhelmed at points of the 2015-16 season, but his combination of size and skill is perfect for the current era of NBA basketball. He can be a center in traditional or small-ball sets, and that type of versatility is tough to find.
Zimmerman has more than proven himself as a shot-blocker, averaging 3.0 blocks per 40 minutes, which is further reason to believe that he can thrive in the NBA.
Next: The Quiet Riser
20. Deyonta Davis, Michigan State Spartans
Position: Center
Age: 19 (12/2/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10”, 230 pounds, 7’1.5″
Slash Line: .604/.000/.605
Season Averages: 18.3 MPG, 7.3 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.0 ORPG, 0.8 APG, 1.9 BPG
Analysis
Deyonta Davis is rising up draft boards across the country, and it’s not especially hard to see why. This is more about upside than anything else, but his explosiveness, size, length, and shot-blocking instincts create elite defensive potential at the next level.
Davis could go as high as the lottery and as low as the second round, but there’s no question that he’ll be on the radar of every team with a first-round draft pick.
Davis stands at nearly 6’10” with a 7’2″ wingspan and explosive leaping ability. He plays above the rim, runs the floor well in transition, and meets opponents at the rim with aggression when pursuing a blocked shot—three traits that will help him stick in the NBA.
Most importantly, Davis has the basics of an offensive game with a solid baby hook, decent vision as a passer, and a jump shot that is the proper polish away from being a strength.
Davis is no Jahlil Okafor, but he has the foundation for an offensive skill set to be developed. He’s no Karl-Anthony Towns, but he moves well without the ball and sticks with plays when beaten off the dribble, thus enabling him to redirect even the most improbable of shots.
Throw in the fact that Davis can convert the occasional midrange jump shot, and his upside is as real and intriguing as any player’s in this draft class.
Next: The Competitor
21. Domantas Sabonis, Gonzaga Bulldogs
Position: Center
Age: 20 (3/5/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10”, 238 pounds, 6’10.5″
Slash Line: .617/.333/.768
Season Averages: 31.5 MPG, 17.4 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 2.9 ORPG, 1.7 APG, 0.7 BPG
Analysis
The Gonzaga Bulldogs have disappointed in 2015-16, but Domantas Sabonis has put himself on the map. He was regarded by most as a late first-round prospect in 2015, but Sabonis has taken the fame and ran with it, improving upon his weaknesses and tremendously improving his odds of succeeding in the NBA.
Sabonis still has his fair share of question marks, but if he can continue to improve his range, he can excel in the Association.
Sabonis’ greatest strength is the fact that he competes on every possible play. His physical approach to the game has won him many supporters, and his effort on the offensive glass has instilled the belief that, if all else fails, he can make a living as a physical force on the boards.
The tremendous development Sabonis has displayed from one season to the next is quite the testament to his work ethic.
Sabonis doesn’t play like his Hall of Fame father, Arvydas Sabonis, but that isn’t a bad thing. He’s essentially a more skilled Tristan Thompson, from an upside perspective, with the potential to be an impact player on both ends.
Sabonis will need to continue to work on his jump shot due to the issues his underwhelming wingspan create along the offensive interior, but he’s well on his way to making that a strength.
Next: The Big Ten Star
22. Melo Trimble, Maryland Terrapins
Position: Point Guard
Age: 21 (2/2/1995)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’2″, 185 pounds, 6’2″
Slash Line: .425/.336/.861
Season Averages: 32.5 MPG, 14.4 PPG, 5.1 APG, 3.5 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 1.6 3PM
Analysis
Point guards are the new craze in the NBA, and there aren’t many better on the collegiate front than Maryland Terrapins star Melo Trimble. The 21-year-old has emerged as a versatile scorer with a fearsome jump shot, respected court vision, and an uncanny ability to make plays during late-game situations.
Trimble may slip on draft night due to an especially deep class of point guards, but he has a genuinely promising future in the NBA.
Trimble has regressed as a scorer and shooter, improved significantly as a facilitator, and committed more energy to playing defense. He has good size for the point guard position at 6’3″, gets to the rim at will, and appears comfortable as a pick-and-roll playmaker.
There’s no definitive answer for how good of a player Trimble will be, but he can provide a similar impact to longtime NBA player Darren Collison.
Trimble can shoot the lights out when his feet are set, and that makes him an immediate option for the NBA. He can also create off the bounce and facilitate, and while his wingspan is somewhat short, his size and strength are on the plus side.
Trimble carries himself like a star in college, and that swagger will intrigue a general manager enough to draft him this coming June.
Next: The International Enigma
23. Zhou Qi, Xinjiang Flying Tigers
Position: Center
Age: 20 (1/16/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’2″, 209 pounds, 7’6.5″
Slash Line: .603/.600/.758
Season Averages: 34.2 MPG, 15.8 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 2.9 ORPG, 1.5 APG, 3.2 BPG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 3PM
Analysis
How can one possibly ignore upside like this? Very few are questioning that Zhou Qi will face a serious uphill battle as he adjusts to the pace and physicality of the NBA, but he’s a 7’2″ center with a near 7’7″ wingspan and a jump shot that ranges beyond the 3-point line.
Qi could be a bust, but if a team hits the mark in developing his potential, it could get one of the most dynamic players in NBA history.
That may seem extreme, but let’s be honest: how many times have we seen a player of this cut? Qi can overwhelm opponents with his height and length, shoot over them with 3-point range, block shots without leaving his feet, and even has a developing post game that’s fundamentally strong.
It’s irrational to project anyone achieving all-time greatness, and Qi may never attain it, but size, length, and skill are rarely combined in this manner.
For perspective, Kristaps Porzingis is only an inch taller than Qi. Porzingis is well on his way to a fruitful career—no player 7’3″ or taller had ever made 50 3-point field goals, and Porzingis is already at 69—and Qi could achieve something similar.
Qi has a great head on his shoulders and an impressive understanding of the game, but the bust potential is just as legitimate as the superstar upside is tantalizing.
Next: The 3-and-D Specialist
24. Taurean Prince, Baylor Bears
Position: Small Forward
Age: 21 (8/22/1994)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’8″, 217 pounds, 6’11.5″
Slash Line: .432/.366/.780
Season Averages: 30.6 MPG, 15.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.5 3PM
Analysis
Baylor Bears small forward Taurean Prince has two skills that should earn him a long and profitable career. He’s an excellent 3-point shooter with range both off the bounce and in catch-and-shoot scenarios, and is a strong defender with the length and range to take on multiple positions.
Prince isn’t guaranteed to be successful in the NBA, but he’s one of the safer options available.
Prince is the type of prospect who falls into the second round and goes on to have a very solid NBA career. He has the size and wingspan to defend small forwards at the next level, the athleticism to take on shooting guards, and the shooting range to have a consistent role offensively.
A 21-year-old senior, Prince’s age and experience actually increase his value as a player who will turn 22 in August with four years of collegiate experience behind him.
Prince’s ranking fluctuates based on whose list you’re evaluating, but the general consensus is that he has a future in the NBA. He’s physically ready, skilled enough to contribute from the back end of a rotation, and still has upside.
Prince may not be a star prospect, but he should have a solid NBA career.
Next: The Late Bloomer
25. A.J. Hammons, Purdue Boilermakers
Position: Center
Age: 23 (8/27/1992)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0″, 278 pounds, 7’3″
Slash Line: .594/.600/.704
Season Averages: 24.0 MPG, 14.8 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.5 ORPG, 1.0 APG, 2.6 BPG
Analysis
A.J. Hammons will turn 24 before the commencement of the 2016-17 NBA regular season. That’s an undeniable red flag for any team, and while I’d like to tell you to ignore that reality, it’s much easier said than done.
If only one upside comparison can be made to temper concerns about Hammons’ age, it’s Hassan Whiteside—a fellow late bloomer who has become the most dominant shot-blocker in the NBA.
A 23-year-old who lacks elite athleticism isn’t the most attractive draft option, but Hammons is an elite defensive prospect. He dominates the paint as a rim protector, is having the best season of his four-year career on the boards, and has a huge wingspan to match his true 7’0″ height.
Most importantly, Hammons has expanded his offensive game to the point of warranting an unusual word for a 23-year-old prospect: upside.
Previously known to have a limited offensive attack, Hammons has developed something of a jump shot. He’s made six 3-point field goals on 10 attempts in 2015-16, and is becoming a respectable threat outside the paint.
If Hammons can continue to work on his midrange game, 3-point shot, and conditioning, he can follow in Whiteside’s footsteps as a late bloomer turned NBA starter.
Next: Steadily Rising
26. Brice Johnson, North Carolina Tar Heels
Position: Power Forward
Age: 21 (6/27/1994)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’9.5″, 185 pounds, 6’11”
Slash Line: .610/.000/.766
Season Averages: 27.5 MPG, 16.9 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 3.1 ORPG, 1.4 APG, 1.3 BPG, 1.2 SPG
Analysis
Brice Johnson has been on the radar for quite some time, but it wasn’t until 2015-16 that he truly arrived. The North Carolina Tar Heels senior has emerged as a nightly double-double threat, flashing the potential to contribute similar numbers at the next level.
You can’t teach explosiveness, and rebounding generally translates well from one level to the next, and Johnson has both of those traits working in his favor.
Johnson burst onto the scene after Kennedy Meeks suffered an early-season injury, and he hasn’t slowed down with his frontcourt partner back in the rotation. He’s active on the boards, has expanded his offensive game, and has all of the tools to develop into one of the better pick-and-roll finishers in the NBA.
He’ll need to develop an outside shot due to his rather underwhelming wingspan and the limitations it places on his post game, but Johnson is just a good basketball player.
Johnson’s motor has stabilized, and he’s looking to make plays for the team rather than seeking individual glory. He’s developed better vision as a playmaker, which should help him catch on as a rebounder who can kickstart the effort in transition via his outlet passes.
Johnson still has skills to polish and develop, but he should have a solid NBA career.
Next: Active Big Man
27. Ante Zizic, Cibona Zagreb
Position: Center
Age: 19 (1/4/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’11”, 254 pounds, 7’3″
Slash Line: .639/.000/.700
Season Averages: 25.7 MPG, 13.4 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.6 ORPG, 1.4 BPG
Analysis
If you need an international big man to get excited about, Ante Zizic is perfect for you. He isn’t the most skilled of players in this draft class, but he’s a big and mobile center who moves well without the ball in his hands, and plays with a chip on his shoulder.
Skills can be taught and fundamentals improved, but a motor as rabid as Zizic’s either exists or it doesn’t.
Zizic is an outstanding rebounder who boxes out, embraces physicality, and relentlessly attacks the glass on both ends. He’s a respectable shot-blocker, although his defensive impact is found more in his effort and energy than his production and timing.
Offensively, Zizic will get his points as a pick-and-roll finisher and an offensive rebounder who stays in constant motion.
Zizic must improve fundamentally in order to live up to his potential. He doesn’t offer much as a shooter, doesn’t see the floor as well as one would like him to as a passer, and has a relatively underwhelming arsenal of moves with his back to the basket.
True as that may be, one can’t help but be intrigued by a near 7’0″ center who has the length and energy to make an impact in every game he plays.
Next: The Powerhouse, Part II
28. Thomas Bryant, Indiana Hoosiers
Position: Center
Age: 18 (7/31/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10”, 245 pounds, 7’5.5″
Slash Line: .698/.455/.676
Season Averages: 22.3 MPG, 11.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.2 ORPG, 1.0 APG, 0.9 BPG, 0.2 3PM
Analysis
Standing at roughly 6’10” with a near 7’6″ wingspan and a powerful frame, Thomas Bryant has the physical profile to be a standout player in the NBA. He can physically overwhelm his competition in college, and once he grows into his body, he’ll be able to do the same at the next level.
He may not have the fundamental polish that most are looking for out of a first-round draft pick, but Bryant’s passion for the game is infectious.
This may not be very substantive, but one can’t help but believe Bryant has a bright future when watching him play. He plays with a genuine love for the sport as he welcomes contact, runs the floor, and emotionally reacts to every positive contribution he provides.
It certainly doesn’t hurt that his physical profile is comparable to former All-NBA center Andrew Bynum.
Bryant is a project player, but he’s willing to go to the post and play with his back to the basket. That’s a promising sign for a big man who may never have the shooting range of a Kristaps Porzingis, but can exploit a size disadvantage with an already respectable post game.
Bryant must add to his arsenal of post moves, expand his range, improve his conditioning, and better his timing as a shot-blocker, but if his work ethic off the court matches his energy on it, he’ll be a very good player.
Next: Range and Explosiveness
29. Malik Beasley, Florida State Seminoles
Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 19 (11/26/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’4″, 185 pounds, 6’6″
Slash Line: .467/.378/.805
Season Averages: 29.8 MPG, 15.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.6 3PM
Analysis
The NBA has become enamored with players who are both athletic, and skilled from beyond the arc. The rest of his game is still being developed, but 19-year-old Florida State Seminoles star Malik Beasley is both explosive and lethal from 3-point range.
If he can close out the 2015-16 season on a high note, he can set the wheels in motion for a first-round selection.
Beasley moves well without the ball in his hands, curling around screens and catching defenders on a bigger body. He has a high and quick release with just as much lethality from midrange as he possesses from beyond the arc.
For those concerned that he’s just another college shooter who can’t pull up from NBA range, Beasley has put many skeptical defenders in their place with his justifiable confidence in his jumper.
Beasley must improve his consistency in finishing against length when driving the lane. He has a paralyzing first step and explosive leaping ability, however, which makes his offensive potential nothing short of immense.
There aren’t many shooters who are better off-the-catch than Beasley, and the added benefit of NBA-caliber athleticism makes him a legitimate Round 1 prospect.
Next: Underrated Slasher
30. Allonzo Trier, Arizona Wildcats
Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 20 (1/17/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’5″, 199 pounds, 6’6″
Slash Line: .471/.364/.799
Season Averages: 28.0 MPG, 14.9 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.4 3PM
Analysis
Allonzo Trier has the physical tools to be an NBA player. He stands at 6’5″ and just under 200 pounds with a solid 6’6″ wingspan, has the quickness to navigate through traffic and split screens, and can erupt in the paint for explosive finishes above the rim.
If you’re looking for an NBA comparison, Trier is quite comparable to current Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson.
Like Clarkson, Trier is an explosive wing who has superb body control when driving the lane, and impressive finishing ability in traffic. His jumper is on-and-off, with more of a set shot than one with ideal elevation, but he’s certainly proven capable of spacing the floor with 3-point range.
Trier doesn’t pass quite as well as Clarkson, but he’s built to be an isolation star at the next level.
Trier would benefit from spending another year in college, but if he lands on a team that emphasizes a team-first mentality, he can develop into a fine NBA player. He’s inconsistent on defense, and his jump shot needs improvement, but he merely requires the polishing of his existing skills.
Trier may fall into the second round, but he has a genuine NBA future that depends solely on his work ethic.
Next: First Five Out
31. Grayson Allen, Duke Blue Devils
- Grayson Allen broke out during the 2015 NCAA Tournament, but a very brief period of glory wasn’t quite enough to win over NBA executives. A season later, he continues to score in bunches, which has many pondering his future at the next level. In order to truly make it in the NBA, however, he must shake the tunnel vision, improve his defense, and solidify his handle. Right now, he’s Austin Rivers with a better jump shot—one heck of a jump shot, that is.
32. Juan Hernangomez, Movistar Estudiantes
- Juan Hernangomez is coming along at the right time. He’s a stretch 4, by the term’s core definition, with the size and shooting range to be a true matchup nightmare at the next level. He’s a Donyell Marshall type of contributor who can crash the boards and space the floor, with a safe upside comparison to Phoenix Suns big man Mirza Teletovic. In an era that cherishes the 3-ball and covets high-volume rebounders, Hernangomez has significant potential. If drafted to the right situation, he can be a steal of a selection in the late first round.
33. Jonathan Jeanne, Le Mans Sarthe Basket
- Jonathan Jeanne has captivated the NBA Draft community, and it’s not very difficult to see why. He’s a 7’2″ center with a 7’7″ big man from France, which has many likening him to fellow countryman and Utah Jazz defensive anchor Rudy Gobert. Jeanne hasn’t done much to justify the hype on the court, but when a player comes along with these physical gifts, teams take notice. Jeanne will be drafted if he enters the 2016 NBA Draft.
34. Malcolm Brogdon, Virginia Cavaliers
- Virginia Cavaliers guard Malcolm Brogdon is a master at moving without the ball. An efficient 3-point shooter with deep range, an NBA frame, and a physical approach to defense, Brogdon has genuine NBA potential. Standing at just under 6’6″ with a 6’10” wingspan, he certainly has the body and length to fill the role of a 3-and-D wing. The question is, can he improve his handle to the point of being able to create his own offense?
More hoops habit: Who are the most underrated players in NBA history?
35. Wayne Selden, Kansas Jayhawks
- Wayne Selden is the J.R. Smith of the 2016 NBA Draft. He can go cold without a moment’s notice, but when on his game, the only player who can stop him is himself. Whether it’s a barrage of 3-point field goals or a powerful drive to the basket, Selden is good for instant offense. He’s also capable of going ice cold and shooting his team out of games. Selden is a boom or bust prospect, but the boom is tremendous enough that he needs to be mentioned.