NBA Mock Draft 2016: Impact of the NCAA Tournament

The 2016 NCAA Tournament was wild and unpredictable. What type of impact did it have on the 2016 NBA Draft?

The Villanova Wildcats have been crowned as your 2016 national champions. Thus, after a maddening month of March, and an awe-inspiring week of April, the NCAA Tournament and 2015-16 college basketball season have collectively concluded.

Thus, the time has come for full-season evaluations to be made for the best 2016 NBA Draft prospects from college basketball and from around the world.

Some players utilized the 2016 NCAA Tournament as a platform to showcase their abilities and thus rise up draft boards. Said athletes turned in performances that not only stood out on the collegiate front, but brought further attention to their NBA-caliber abilities.

Others weren’t quite as fortunate, with a poor showing in the NCAA Tournament pushing them down draft boards. They still have time to recover with the 2016 NBA Draft Scouting Combine on the horizon, but this was an undeniable roadblock.

The question is, who are the Top 30 prospects in the 2016 NBA Draft following the events of March Madness?

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: .560/.333/.670

Season Averages: 34.9 MPG, 19.2 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 3.1 ORPG, 4.8 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Key Strengths

• Positional versatility. Can play the 3 or the 4. Potential point forward.
• Court vision. Sees the floor well and is creative in his facilitating.
• Physical profile. Has the size, build, length, and athleticism to play the 3 or the 4.
• Tenacious rebounder on both ends.
• Dribble penetration.

Key Weaknesses

• Can he lead? Poor body language when his team is losing. Some believe he quit.
• Outside shooting. Form isn’t broken, but he doesn’t seem comfortable shooting jumpers.
• Great talent or great player?

Analysis

Ben Simmons is a point forward who can facilitate, dominate the glass on both ends, create penetration, and score from the post. His court vision is comparable to the best point guards in this draft class, and he has the physical build, length, and athleticism to play either the 3 or the 4.

From a pure skill perspective, there is no player better in this draft class than Simmons.

The issue with Simmons is mental—and it starts with his borderline refusal to attempt a jump shot. Bigger than his mere three 3-point field goals attempted in 2015-16 is the troubling truth that many accused the freshman phenom of quitting on the LSU Tigers at the tail end of the season.

When it comes down to it, no player matches Simmons’ talent or upside, and that’s enough to combat red flags and keep him at No. 1.

Next: The Two-Way Star

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: .442/.410/.682

Season Averages: 34.6 MPG, 17.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.4 BPG, 1.1 SPG, 2.2 3PM

Key Strengths

• Physical profile. Kevin Durant build at nearly 6’10” with a 7’3″ wingspan.
• 3-point shooting. Range, elevation, and quick release to be elite in the NBA.
• Defensive upside. Committed team defender. Individual playmaker.
• Isolation offense. Can create off the bounce.
• Can get his shot off against defenders of all calibers and size.

Key Weaknesses

• Thin frame.
• Free throw shooting.
• Finishing against length. Fails to maintain form in traffic.

Analysis

Duke Blue Devils small forward Brandon Ingram has been compared to NBA superstars Kevin Durant and Paul George. Those are lofty expectations, but it’s a testament to the upside that Ingram so clearly possesses on both ends of the floor.

Between his marksmanship from beyond the arc, ability to create in isolation, and consistency as a defensive playmaker, Ingram has just about everything teams look for in a prospect.

There are issues, and that includes his erratic nature at the free throw line. More importantly, Ingram is very thin—more so than Durant was as a freshman—and struggled to finish over and around length during the 2015-16 season.

There are bigger flaws than the general population seems to be addressing, but Ingram is very clearly elite from a prospect perspective.

Next: The International Phenom

3. Dragan Bender, Maccabi Tel Aviv

Position: Forward/Center

Age: 18 (11/17/1997)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0.5″, 216 pounds, 7’2″

Slash Line: .445/.393/.760

Season Averages: 12.3 MPG, 4.7 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 0.8 ORPG, 0.7 BPG, 0.8 3PM

Key Strengths

• Physical gifts. Has prototypical size and length. Fluid athlete.
• Defensive versatility. Potential to defend players from 3 to 5.
• Jump shot. Corrected form and improved efficiency.
• Skilled with back to the basket.
• Highly competitive.

Key Weaknesses

• Core strength.
• Doesn’t always play through contact.
• Uncertainty surrounding which position he should play.

Analysis

Dragan Bender is following in the footsteps of Kristaps Porzingis as European big men with limitless inside-out potential. Between his size, mobility, 3-point range, and developing post game, Bender has all of the physical tools and skills to be a genuine star in the NBA.

The general expectation is that Bender’s unique combination of traits will lead to his being selected in the Top 5.

The issue for Bender is that he has a thin frame, which promises to make it difficult for him to make a living along the offensive interior. He also shies away from contact when driving the lane, and while a finesse game can certainly thrive in the modern NBA, that’s a glaring difference between he and Porzingis.

Bender has all of the potential in the world, but he must bulk up and be more welcoming of contact around the basket.

Next: The Complete Package

4. Kris Dunn, Providence Friars

Position: Point Guard

Age: 22 (3/18/1994)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’4″, 205 pounds, 6’9″

Slash Line: .448/.372/.695

Season Averages: 33.0 MPG, 16.4 PPG, 6.2 APG, 5.3 RPG, 2.5 SPG, 1.3 3PM

Key Strengths

• Size, length, and build. Elite in height, weight, and wingspan.
• Pick-and-roll. Can facilitate and score coming off of high screens.
• Transition offense. Playmaker in the open court.
• Elite defensive potential.
• Expanding range on jump shot.

Key Weaknesses

• Free throw shooting.
• Turnover-prone. Forces the issue.
• Shies away from the 3-ball.

Analysis

There isn’t much contention to the belief that Providence Friars point guard Kris Dunn will be selected in the Top 10. He’s a complete player who can run the offense as a facilitator, space the floor, dominate the passing lanes, and pick the pockets of even the best of players.

Dunn is a pure point guard with the size, athleticism, and scoring ability to fit the mold of a modern playmaker.

The issue with Dunn is that he’s a solid shooter, but isn’t the type of player who will take over games from beyond the arc. He’s the type of floor-spacer who picks his spots, rather than using the shot to keep his team in a game, and struggles heavily from the free throw line.

His form isn’t broken and hope is far from lost, which is exactly why most so readily look past his mediocre shooting and acknowledge the tremendous player he is.

Next: Ambiguity or Versatility?

5. Jamal Murray, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Point Guard

Age: 19 (2/23/1997)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’5″, 204 pounds, 6’7″

Slash Line: .454/.408/.783

Season Averages: 35.2 MPG, 20.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 3.1 3PM

Key Strengths

• Limitless shooting range.
• High release point, quick trigger.
• Moves without the ball and converts off the catch.
• Elite size for a point guard.
• Positional versatility?

Key Weaknesses

• Positional ambiguity?
• Defensive inconsistency.
• Facilitator?

Analysis

It’s not hard to see why Jamal Murray is such an appealing prospect. He’s an elite shooter—113 3-point field goals on 40.8 percent shooting—who can operate on or off-ball, pulling up from well beyond 24 feet, and utilizing screens to get open when working from the 2.

The question is, which backcourt position is Murray meant to play?

Murray displayed the court vision to be a point guard during his high school days, but regressed in college. Tyler Ulis won SEC Player of the Year from the point guard position, which offers fair reason for Murray playing the 2, but the latter averaged more turnovers than assists in 2015-16—a concerning sign no matter the circumstances.

There are clear reasons to be skeptical, but Murray is a perfect fit for the modern NBA.

Next: All Upside

6. Jaylen Brown, California Golden Bears

Position: Small Forward

Age: 19 (10/24/1996)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’6.5″, 220 pounds, 7’0.5″

Slash Line: .431/.294/.654

Season Averages: 27.6 MPG, 14.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.9 3PM

Key Strengths

• Prototypical combination of size and length.
• Powerful build.
• Explosive leaping ability.
• Defensive potential.
• Touch around the basket.

Key Weaknesses

• Project player. Very raw.
• Very poor shooter.
• Slow rise and release on his jump shot.
• Incessantly forces the issue on both ends.

Analysis

Jaylen Brown’s draft stock is based almost entirely off of his physical abilities and upside. With a powerful build, a 7’0″ wingspan, and the type of athleticism that teams dream of along the wings, Brown could be a force at the next level.

The reality that all must embrace is that Brown isn’t ready to provide anything more than a physical presence at his current stage of development.

Brown’s jump shot is erratic, primarily due to his slow rise and release, and the way his legs kick out to awkwardly alter his momentum. He’s also irresponsible with the ball when driving the lane—something he tends to do no matter the resistance he faces at the rim.

Brown is something of a project player, but he’s essentially this year’s Stanley Johnson: a Top 10 prospect with immense potential on both ends and limited immediate value.

Next: National Player of the Year

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: .501/.457/.880

Season Averages: 35.4 MPG, 25.0 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 4.0 3PM

Key Strengths

• Gets himself open with screens and is an elite shooter off the catch.
• Dangerous pull-up jump shot with limitless range.
• Lethal step-back jumper with midrange and 3-point effectiveness.
• Vastly improved ball-handler who splits screens and uses misdirection to create penetration.
• Draws contact and finishes against length.

Key Weaknesses

• Defensive intensity wavers based on offensive efficiency.
• Size. Measurements at scouting combine could determine draft stock.
• Elite shooter, but can rely too heavily on his jumper. Late to recognize other options.

Analysis

Buddy Hield took the nation by storm in 2015-16, scoring at elite levels in terms of both volume and efficiency. He made an obscene 147 3-point field goals on 45.7 percent shooting from beyond the arc, and got to the line for 5.4 free throw attempts per game.

Offensively, Hield has crafted a skill set that fits the modern era perfectly.

The issue for Hield is that, while he’s not a bad team defender, his energy and effort depend heavily on how well he’s playing offensively. His size and ability to create off the bounce against NBA-caliber defenders have also been called into question.

Hield has flaws, and his storied senior season didn’t end the way he would’ve liked it to, but he’s firmly established himself as a lottery pick with a safe upside comparison of J.J. Redick.

Next: Modern Big Man

8. Henry Ellenson, Marquette Golden Eagles

Position: Power Forward

Age: 19 (1/13/1997)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10”, 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

Key Strengths

• Physical profile.
• Defensive rebounding.
• Court vision.
• Post play.
• Smooth jumper with 3-point potential.

Key Weaknesses

• Range isn’t there yet. He can hit the shot, but needs to improve his stroke.
• Willing playmaker, but he often forces the issue. Leads to turnovers.
• Pick-and-roll defense. Lacks ideal athleticism.

Analysis

Marquette Golden Eagles star Henry Ellenson is tailor made for the modern era of NBA basketball. He’s a bruising big man who has the body and upside to score from the post, dominate the glass on both ends, and protect the rim.

Ellenson also has an intriguing jump shot with 3-point range, which makes him the perfect big man for the modern era.

The issues for Ellenson are more about underdevelopment than general hindrances. He struggles to defend the pick-and-roll due to his athleticism, but his footwork can improve, just as his jumper can become more consistent, and his playmaking must come with more responsibility.

Ellenson needs to be developed more, but he has the body and skill level to be an NBA player.

Next: Defensive Anchor

9. Jakob Poeltl, Utah Utes

Position: Center

Age: 20 (10/15/1995)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’1″, 242 pounds, 7’1″

Slash Line: .646/.000/.689

Season Averages: 30.4 MPG, 17.2 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.8 ORPG, 1.9 APG, 1.6 BPG

Key Strengths

• Rapid development.
• Rim protection.
• Offensive rebounding.
• Touch around the basket.
• Improved post play.
• Expanding midrange game.

Key Weaknesses

• Lacks elite athleticism.
• Limited upside?
• Shies away from contact. Must embrace it to reach full potential.
• Increased percentages, but weak at the free throw line.

Analysis

Many are concerned about Jakob Poeltl’s NBA future after Domantas Sabonis so thoroughly dominated him during the NCAA Tournament. Poeltl has quite the track record, however, and that should not be overlooked during the NBA Draft process.

Poeltl has elite potential on the defensive end, and he’s becoming quite the player offensively.

Poeltl is an excellent shot-blocker and rebounder, has great touch around the basket, and is developing a respectable mid-range game. He isn’t the most explosive athlete, but he’s mobile and capable of making plays in transition.

Poeltl has some concern after the way he and Utah went out, but there shouldn’t be any question that he deserves to be a lottery pick.

Next: Bosh Potential

10. Ivan Rabb, California Golden Bears

Position: Forward/Center

Age: 19 (2/4/1997)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’9.75″, 215 pounds, 7’2″

Slash Line: .615/.500/.669

Season Averages: 28.7 MPG, 12.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.8 ORPG, 1.2 BPG

Key Strengths

• Offensive rebounding.
• Positioning down low. Very thin, but he knows how to use his body along the interior.
• Defensive potential. Athleticism, length, and basketball IQ to excel.
• Floater. Pulls up and hits it in traffic.
• Basketball IQ. Footwork is improving and he uses the glasses to finish in the paint.

Key Weaknesses

• Very thin. Can’t overcome solid box-outs.
• Limited offensive game fundamentally.
• Fluid athlete, but doesn’t always get up in traffic.

Analysis

The California Golden Bears may not have achieved much, but the upside of the Top 2 players on the roster is ridiculous. The second of those two is Ivan Rabb, who is the Jaylen Brown of interior players in 2016.

Rabb doesn’t offer much fundamentally in the short-term, but he’s already an excellent offensive rebounder and explosive athlete.

Rabb’s flaws are fundamental, and that’s the foundation for his being an upside player. He’s very thin, but Rabb understands the game, positions himself well down low, and knows how to use the glass in order to make efficient plays around the basket.

Once Rabb’s range expands, and it should, he could provide a Chris Bosh type of two-way impact.

Next: Upside Pays

11. Skal Labissiere, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Forward/Center

Age: 20 (3/18/1996)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0″, 216 pounds, 7’1.5″

Slash Line: .516/.000/.661

Season Averages: 15.8 MPG, 6.6 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.0 ORPG, 1.6 BPG

Key Strengths

• Elite shot-blocker. Can maintain employment with that skill.
• Dangerous midrange shooter when given space.
• Size and length to play the 4 or the 5 at the next level.
• Effortlessly elevates off of two feet.
• Moves well. Athleticism and length to disrupt the pick-and-roll.

Key Weaknesses

• Severely struggled as a freshman.
• Thin frame and absence of ideal core strength limits production on both ends.
• Struggles to create offense against stronger defenders. Almost all NBA defenders will be stronger in 2016-17.
• Baby hook is solid, but overall, his post game is very limited.

Analysis

Skal Labissiere averaged 1.6 blocks per game and 4.2 blocks per 40 minutes for the Kentucky Wildcats. He struggled to provide much of anything else, but with his size, length, shot-blocking ability, athleticism, and midrange game, this raw and skinny big man has enough upside to fill Rupp Arena.

Despite his lackluster showing as a freshman, Labissiere has declared for the 2016 NBA Draft.

That isn’t especially surprising.

Despite failing to show much of anything besides an uncanny ability to redirect shots, Labissiere has remained in the lottery range throughout 2015-16. It’s entirely plausible that he’ll slip down draft boards, but it’d be an absolute shock for him to fall out of the first round.

Labissiere is essentially this year’s Myles Turner: superstar upside with strong bust potential and a singular skill that should keep him employed. Love it or hate it, he’s likely to be a lottery pick.

Next: The Intangibles

12. Demetrius Jackson, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Position: Point Guard

Age: 21 (9/7/1994)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’1″, 194 pounds, 6’4.75″

Slash Line: .451/.331/.813

Season Averages: 36.0 MPG, 15.8 PPG, 4.7 APG, 3.5 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 1.5 3PM

Key Strengths

• Intangibles. Clutch, persistent, perceptive, patient, and receptive to coaching.
• Speed and quickness. A blur in transition. Defending him is a lost cause once he turns the corner.
• Explosive at the rim. Not afraid of contact.
• Solid court vision. Finds the open man and doesn’t force the issue.
• Solid shooter. Won’t dominate from beyond the arc, but is steady and consistent.

Key Weaknesses

• Can he create his own efficient offense from distance?
• Can get caught ball-watching.
• Size. Needs wingspan to measure well at combine.
• Athleticism creates upside, but he may just be another solid NBA player. Not a weakness, per se, but may limit draft value.

Analysis

Demetrius Jackson has the combination of skill and athleticism that often leads to stardom at the next level. Due to his team-first mentality and the selflessness with which he plays, however, the accolades may never pour in—deserving as he may one day be.

Jackson officially declared for the 2016 NBA Draft through a heartfelt post on his Instagram account.

It’s hard to envision Jackson falling out of the Top 20.

Jackson’s most fitting upside comparison is Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley. Both could get bigger numbers if they were aggressive in pursuing them, but they play a two-way game that gives their respective teams a better chance to develop chemistry and win games.

Jackson may not be a star, but he’s as safe a selection as you’ll find in the 2016 NBA Draft.

Next: International Wing, Part I

13. Timothe Luwawu, Mega Leks

Position: Guard/Forward

Age: 20 (5/9/1995)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’7″, 205 pounds, 6’11”

Slash Line: .398/.372/.690

Season Averages: 31.1 MPG, 14.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.7 SPG, 2.1 3PM

Key Strengths

• Physical profile. Size, frame, and length to play both the 2 and 3 in the NBA.
• Elite athlete. Plays above the rim. Paralyzing quickness. Blows by defenders.
• Court vision. Is developing as a facilitator.
• Improved shooter with legitimate 3-point range. Lethal as a catch-and-shoot marksman.
• All-Defensive Team potential.

Key Weaknesses

• Finishing against length.
• Dribble penetration. Can hit an opening, but lacks the necessary creativity as a ball-handler.
• Prefers his jump shot to driving to the basket. Should better utilize his athletic gifts.
• Forces the issue and plays out of control.

Analysis

Timothe Luwawu is drawing rave reviews in NBA Draft circles, and it’s becoming easier by the day to see why. He has the physical profile of an NBA wing, the offensive versatility of fellow Frenchman Nicolas Batum, and immense defensive potential.

There is no guaranteeing success when one attempts to transfer from the European scene to the NBA, but Luwawu is a tantalizing prospect.

Luwawu isn’t limited by any true weakness, but instead an approach to the game that may not be conducive to achieving his full potential. Much like a pre-2015-16 DeMar DeRozan, Luwawu settles for jump shots instead of using his athletic advantage over the opposition to create penetration.

Luwawu has as much upside as any wing in this draft class, and that could make him a Top 10 pick come June 25.

Next: International Wing, Part II

14. Furkan Korkmaz, Anadolu Efes

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 18 (7/24/1997)

Height & Weight: 6’7″ & 185 pounds

Slash Line: .405/.440/.500

Season Averages: 8.9 MPG, 2.7 PPG, 0.8 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.6 3PM

Key Strengths

• Natural bounce. Explosive leaping ability. Plays above the rim.
• 3-point shooting. Can space the floor with a high and quick release.
• Great size for a 2 at 6’7″. Athleticism matches that of players much shorter than he.
• Selfless. Is willing to sacrifice a good look for a great one.
• Already has extensive professional experience at 18.

Key Weaknesses

• Thin body. Has an ideal frame, but needs to fill it out with muscle.
• Defensive play. Has potential, but needs to improve footwork and anticipation.
• More of a straight-line finisher than a shot creator. Needs to improve his ball-handling.
• Scoring against length.

Analysis

Furkan Korkmaz is somewhat enigmatic, but I’m very high on his upside—and it’s about more than just his size and athleticism. Korkmaz seems to have a genuine understanding of the game, which is something that not all players are able to say.

Coupled with his explosiveness and 6’7″ size, Korkmaz could be one of the true steals of the 2016 NBA Draft.

Korkmaz needs to drastically improve his ball-handling and add muscle to his frame. Both of those weaknesses are significant enough to eradicate his immediate value, but his athleticism, shooting form, and 3-point range are intriguing enough to warrant consideration as a lottery pick.

Korkmaz is essentially this year’s Mario Hezonja: immense upside with a long-term projection and NBA-grade athleticism and shooting touch.

Next: Immense Potential

15. Deyonta Davis, Michigan State Spartans

Position: Power Forward

Age: 19 (12/2/1996)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’9.5″, 230 pounds, 7’1.5″

Slash Line: .598/.000/.605

Season Averages: 18.6 MPG, 7.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.1 ORPG, 1.8 BPG

Key Strengths

• Athleticism. Can stay in front of small forwards. Finishes above the rim. Great second jump.
• Elite shot-blocker. 3.9 blocks per 40 minutes. Leaping ability, instincts, and wingspan to alter and redirect.
• Offensive rebounding. 4.5 per 40 minutes. Willing to be physical to gain good position.
• Pick-and-roll defense.
• Offensive upside. Passes well out of the post. Has a respectable jump hook. Ideal pick-and-roll dive man.

Key Weaknesses

• Offensive fundamentals. Post play and shooting form must improve.
• Isolation offense. Doesn’t create much for himself.
• Must bulk up. Can be overpowered down low.
• Defensive rebounding.

Analysis

Michigan State Spartans power forward Deyonta Davis is an upside player with a team-first mentality. That’s a very tough combination to find, despite the rational belief that it’s omnipresent on the collegiate front.

With a solid offensive foundation and upside abound, Davis has managed to crack the Top 15 on many draft boards.

Davis is already an excellent shot-blocker, using his tantalizing combination of size, length, and explosiveness to contest shots at the rim. He’s raw offensively, but has a good foundation as a willing passer with a decent jump hook and a strong presence on the boards.

Davis would be a wise selection for any number of teams, but one can’t help but wonder which team would be his best fit.

Next: Physically Imposing

16. Wade Baldwin IV, Vanderbilt Commodores

Position: Point Guard

Age: 20 (2/29/1996)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3″, 195 pounds, 6’10”

Slash Line: .427/.406/.799

Season Averages: 30.4 MPG, 14.1 PPG, 5.2 APG, 4.0 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 1.2 3PM

Key Strengths

• Size and build of an NBA point guard. Muscular frame.
• Insane 6’10” wingspan.
• Efficient 3-point shooter shooter. Limitless range. Can convert off the bounce.
• Court vision.
• Drawing contact. Does an excellent job of getting to the line.

Key Weaknesses

• Average athlete. Length helps compensate for flaws, but lateral quickness is an issue.
• Despite his size and length, doesn’t offer much by way of defensive consistency.
• Finishing against length. Too often plays for the foul instead of the finish.
• Turnover prone. Tends to force the play as a facilitator.

Analysis

Vanderbilt Commodores point guard Wade Baldwin IV is going to need time to develop at the next level. He has the body and raw skill set to be a force to be reckoned with, but has yet to put it all together in the way most believe he’s capable.

Physically, Baldwin IV looks the part of an NBA point guard.

In the wake of Kevin Stalling leaving Vanderbilt to become the next head coach of the Pittsburgh Panthers, Baldwin declared for the 2016 NBA Draft.

He certainly has the upside to warrant such a decision.

With a muscular frame and a wingspan that spans beyond the wildest of expectations, Baldwin is physically ready. He isn’t the fastest or most agile player, but he couples his strength with a lethal jump shot, intriguing court vision, and the ability to run the show in transition.

Baldwin IV has more going for him on paper than on the court from an NBA perspective, but this fearless playmaker will pique the interest of many general managers.

Next: Relentless

17. Domantas Sabonis, Gonzaga Bulldogs

Position: Power Forward

Age: 20 (3/5/1996)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10”, 238 pounds, 6’10.5″

Slash Line: .611/.357/.769

Season Averages: 31.8 MPG, 17.6 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 3.1 ORPG, 1.8 APG, 0.9 BPG

Key Strengths

• Offensive rebounding. Tenacious and fundamentally sound. Finishes second chances.
• Defensive rebounding. Gains position, boxes out, and effectively limits opponents’ second chances.
• Traditional scoring versatility. Can consistently play from the post or through the pick-and-roll.
• Improved shooter. Expanding to 3-point range. Free throws up 12.5 percent. Midrange game is legitimate.
• Motor. Competes on both ends.

Key Weaknesses

• Length. Short wingspan could limit his effectiveness as a low-post scorer and rim protector.
• Defensive irresponsibility. Competes, but he fouls too often. Footwork and anticipation must improve.
• Lacks desirable athleticism.

Analysis

The Gonzaga Bulldogs made an improbable run to the Sweet 16 during the 2015 NCAA Tournament. The driving force behind that success was big man and NBA Draft prospect Domantas Sabonis.

There was some uncertainty surrounding whether or not Sabonis would declare for the NBA Draft, but the sophomore star will reportedly do so.

Sabonis could come off the board in the Top 20.

Sabonis is a fierce competitor who attacks the glass on both ends, and scores with fundamentally sound versatility. He isn’t an elite athlete, nor does he have the desired wingspan to be an interior player, but his improving jump shot should help immensely.

Watching Sabonis dismantle Top 10 prospect Jakob Poeltl during the Round of 32 was one of the most impressive performances of the season.

Next: Bynum or Orton?

18. Thomas Bryant, Indiana Hoosiers

Position: Center

Age: 18 (7/31/1997)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10.5″, 241 pounds, 7’5.5″

Slash Line: .683/.333/.706

Season Averages: 22.6 MPG, 11.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.0 ORPG, 1.0 APG, 0.9 BPG

Key Strengths

• Massive human being. Powerful frame with a near 7’6″ wingspan and a 9’4″ standing reach.
• Great energy. Seems to love playing the game.
• Potential as a post player. Has the body and length to overpower and finish over almost anyone.
• Runs the floor well. Not a great athlete, but he’s mobile and fluid for a player his size.
• Finishing ability. Uses the glass when in traffic.

Key Weaknesses

• Very raw. Teams must know this is a long-term development process.
• Average athlete. Projects to struggle against the pick-and-roll.
• Defensive rebounding. Doesn’t yet know how to use his body to adequately box out.

Analysis

Thomas Bryant could end up being the biggest steal of the 2016 NBA Draft. Everyone seems to be aware of how good he could become, and while he may be raw right now, Bryant’s progressive expansion of his game is too significant to overlook and ignore.

If nothing else, his setting a school record as a freshman at the storied University of Indiana should be acknowledged.

Averaging nearly 12 points per game, and 21.0 points per 40 minutes, on 68.3 percent shooting is insane.

Statistics don’t mean much in the NBA Draft process, but some are worth acknowledging. For instance, Bryant converted three 3-point field goals in his final five non-NCAA Tournament games, and averaged 3.5 offensive rebounds per 40 minutes in 2015-16.

Bryant could be a healthy Andrew Bynum or he could be Daniel Orton. It’s all about which team lands him and how much effort they put into developing him.

Next: All-Around Playmaker

19. Denzel Valentine, Michigan State Spartans

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 22 (11/16/1993)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’5.5″, 223 pounds, 6’9.5″

Slash Line: .462/.444/.853

Season Averages: 33.0 MPG, 19.2 PPG, 7.8 APG, 7.5 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 3.4 3PM

Key Strengths

• Court vision. Can help run an offense at the next level. Has become more responsible with the ball.
• Elite shooter. Legitimate NBA 3-point range. Lethal off the catch, dangerous off the bounce.
• Ideal size, build, and length for an NBA shooting guard.
• Versatility as a scorer. Can space the floor, attack off the bounce, or operate in transition. Moves well off-ball.
• Transition offense. Is a one-man show with his playmaking.

Key Weaknesses

• Athleticism. Not a bad athlete, but exemplary quickness and leaping ability hurts.
• Can facilitate in transition, but lacks quickness to beat his man for drive-and-dish opportunities.
• Individual defense. Can help in a zone, but quick guards expose him in isolation.
• Isolation offense. Left hand is weak. Could struggle to create space against NBA-caliber defenders.

Analysis

Denzel Valentine has been called the Draymond Green of shooting guards. Aside from the fact that both players were members of the Michigan State Spartans, Valentine mirrors Green’s versatility as a statistically prolific playmaker who contributes across the board.

Those well-rounded statistics helped Valentine win the AP National Player of the Year award.

Whether or not you feel he was the right choice, there was certainly some measure of logic behind this decision.

Valentine is an outstanding 3-point shooter who can facilitate the offense, contribute power forward-like numbers on the boards, and play at a respectable level as a team defender. He’s converted at least 100 3-point field goals on 41.6 percent shooting or better in back-to-back seasons, and had an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.89 in 2015-16.

Valentine isn’t the most explosive athlete, but he has a skill set that is built for the modern era in the NBA.

Next: Interior Load

20. Diamond Stone, Maryland Terrapins

Position: Center

Age: 19 (2/10/1997)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0″, 255 pounds, 7’3″

Slash Line: .568/.000/.750

Season Averages: 22.8 MPG, 12.4 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.2 ORPG, 1.6 BPG

Key Strengths

• Physical profile. Size, power, length, and a 9’1″ standing reach.
• Offensive rebounding. Has the body, agility, and standing reach to continue producing in the NBA.
• Transition offense. He’s not DeAndre Jordan, but he runs the floor well enough to score as a trailer.
• Shot-blocking. Uses size and length to disrupt shots at the rim.
• Power finishes from the post.

Key Weaknesses

• Defensive versatility. Struggles to defend face-up bigs. Can’t switch on pick-and-rolls.
• Defensive rebounding. Poor rotations make him late to boxing out.
• Very limited range as a shooter.

Analysis

If this were a different time, Diamond Stone would be widely regarded as one of the Top 15 prospects in the NBA Draft. Due to the way centers are expected to play in the modern era, however, Stone’s interior-oriented attack has become somewhat polarizing.

Stone isn’t necessarily a project player, but it’s absolutely vital that he lands with a team that’s willing to take the time to develop him as what he is.

There’s no question that Stone can make an impact, but he’s nowhere near as polished as Jahlil Okafor was a season ago. Thus, it’s entirely possible that he slides out of the Top 20 on the night of the 2016 NBA Draft as teams avoid the process of grooming a traditional center.

If the right team drafts Stone and commits to that process, however, it could have an impact player on its hands.

Next: Foundation for Modern Success

21. Stephen Zimmerman, UNLV Rebels

Position: Center

Age: 19 (9/9/1996)

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, 2.0 BPG

Key Strengths

• Height and length. True 7’0″ big with a 7’3″ wingspan and a 9’1″ standing reach.
• Intriguing instincts as a shot-blocker. Contests everything within reach.
• Rebounding. Can bust small-ball rotations with his ability to crash the glass.
• Shooting form. Shot isn’t yet consistent, but his form is solid. Expanding 3-point range.
• Can play from the post. Southpaw finisher. Jump hook and a turnaround J.

Key Weaknesses

• Athleticism. Slow to get to spots defensively.
• Late rotations lead to constant foul trouble.
• Rarely ever uses his right hand as a scorer.
• Post defense. Is often overpowered. Doesn’t have the proper stance against the post.
• Rebounds well, but doesn’t box out for his teammates.

Analysis

UNLV Rebels center Stephen Zimmerman is going to be an upside pick. The 19-year-old stands at 7’0″ with a 7’3″ wingspan, a 9’1″ standing reach, a respectable jump shot, and the ability to meet the traditional big man standards.

Zimmerman can block shots, play from the post, and crash the offensive boards, which rounds out what is an unpolished, but intriguing skill set.

Zimmerman’s biggest hurdle is an absence of athleticism, which has resulted in his being in foul trouble more times than he hasn’t been. He averaged an unforgivable 4.6 personal fouls per 40 minutes, and that’s unlikely to subside as he plays against a more athletic brand of competition in the NBA.

Zimmerman isn’t the biggest name or the most prolific prospect in the 2016 NBA Draft, but he has the skill set and physical profile to be a starting center in both small ball and traditional sets.

Next: NCAA Tournament Star

22. Brice Johnson, North Carolina Tar Heels

Position: Power Forward

Age: 22 (6/27/1994)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’9.5″, 230 pounds, 6’11”

Slash Line: .614/.000/.783

Season Averages: 28.0 MPG, 17.0 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2.9 ORPG, 1.5 APG, 1.5 BPG, 1.1 SPG

Key Strengths

• Natural athleticism. Above-the-rim finisher. Effortlessly runs the floor.
• Rebounding. Productive and persistent on both ends. A skill that translates well.
• Dramatically improved team defender. Showed signs of being an NBA-caliber shot-blocker.
• Finishing ability at the rim.
• Off-ball offense. Moves well, makes quick passes, and dives to the basket.

Key Weaknesses

• Isolation offense. Still gets most of his offense through rebounding and a facilitator.
• Limited shooting range. Must improve his jump shot to be a modern 4.
• Needs to add a significant amount of muscle to his frame. Will he lose his explosiveness when he does?
• Relatively short wingspan. Measurements at combine could determine draft stock.

Analysis

Brice Johnson has never met a rim that he doesn’t want to rip off of the backboard. He’s an excellent leaper who’s tailor-made for the pick-and-roll dependency of the Association, which is the foundation for his being heralded as one of the more intriguing prospects in the 2016 NBA Draft.

There’s rational skepticism surrounding how good of a player Johnson can be at the next level, but it’s hard to argue with the production he put forth in 2015-16.

Johnson is an excellent rebounder, which often translates well from one level to the next, and has shown serious signs of improvement as a shot-blocker. His relatively short wingspan is a concern, however, and his limited offensive range is an issue, as well.

Everyone has an opinion on how good Johnson will be, but what borders on objective is that he’s a good basketball player who can make a positive impact in the NBA.

Next: 3-and-D Big Man

23. Marquese Chriss, Washington Huskies

Position: Power Forward

Age: 18 (7/2/1997)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’8.75″, 225 pounds, 7’1″ wingspan

Slash Line: .531/.350/.685

Season Averages: 24.9 MPG, 13.8 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.5 ORPG, 1.6 BPG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 3PM

Key Strengths

• Explosiveness. Lateral quickness, leaping ability, and straight-line speed are all top-tier.
• Offensive rebounding. Great second jump. Positions himself well along the offensive interior.
• Spacing the floor. Made 21 3-point field goals as a freshman.
• Shot-blocking. More than just an explosive leaper. Instincts. Makes an impact from the help-side.
• Defensive potential. Can switch on pick-and-rolls. May be able to defend small forwards over time.

Key Weaknesses

• Must bulk up. Explosive enough to make an impact, but thin enough to be overwhelmed.
• Defensive rebounding. Too easily boxed out. Relatively short standing reach.
• Can shoot, but struggles to create his own offense.
• Upside exists, but he’s inconsistent defensively.

Analysis

Washington Huskies freshman Marquese Chriss is a prototypical 3-and-D big man. Like many of the power forwards in the modern era, Chriss is a 3-point shooter who can block shots, run the floor, and play above the rim.

Chriss is higher on the average draft board than may be appropriate for his present-day abilities, but his upside is both complicated and intriguing.

Chriss only recently began to play basketball at a competitive level, which makes his development all the more enticing. He’s already an instinctive shot-blocker who can space the floor with the 3-point field goal, and he’s one of the most explosive players in this draft class.

There’s no telling whether or not he’ll be successful at the next level, but his upside has captivated those in NBA Draft circles.

Next: Franchise Player or Draft Bust?

24. Damian Jones, Vanderbilt Commodores

Position: Center

Age: 20 (6/30/1995)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0″, 245 pounds, 7’2″

Slash Line: .590/.000/.536

Season Averages: 26.2 MPG, 13.9 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 2.2 ORPG, 1.2 APG, 1.6 BPG

Key Strengths

• Size. A 7’0″ center. Can impact a game with his mere presence.
• Defensive potential. Is already a solid shot-blocker. Moves well and has great size.
• Offensive foundation. Jump hook is solid. Passes well out of the post.
• Offensive rebounding. Can get the boards whenever he wants to.

Key Weaknesses

• Liability at the free throw line.
• Motor has been questioned on multiple occasions.
• Defensive rebounding.
• Upside is more on paper than on the court.

Analysis

If not Skal Labissiere, then it’s Damian Jones who best compares to Myles Turner. Jones, like Turner, has all of the physical tools and basic skills to be a star at the next level, but routinely underwhelms when the lights are shining bright.

Jones has the genuine potential to be a lottery pick if he tests well at the NBA Draft Scouting Combine, but the fear is rational and existent about his future.

The good with Jones is that he’s a quality shot-blocker and unpolished, but solid post player with the size to succeed at 7’0″ with a 7’2″ wingspan. The bad news is that he fouls too often, is dreadful at the free throw line, and wavers in his effort on the court.

Jones’ upside is too immense to entirely write him off, but he shouldn’t be lower than No. 20. He shouldn’t be, but he’s made that bed.

Next: 3-and-D Versatility

25. Taurean Prince, Baylor Bears

Position: Small Forward

Age: 21 (8/22/1994)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’7.5″, 215 pounds, 6’11”

Slash Line: .432/.361/.774

Season Averages: 30.6 MPG, 15.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.4 ORPG, 2.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.6 3PM

Key Strengths

• Physical gifts. Size, body, and length are prototypical for a 3. Potential to help against power forwards.
• On-ball defense. Can stay in front of quicker players via his length and footwork.
• Jump shot. Lethal when shooting in rhythm.
• Off-ball offense. Cuts to the basket. Gets himself open for jumpers.
• Versatility. Offensive rebounding and shooting touch create small-ball 4 potential.

Key Weaknesses

• Inconsistency. Has extensive cold spells when creating his own shot.
• Wants to facilitate, but doesn’t recognize defenses well enough. Prone to turnovers.
• Handles aren’t strong enough to create against NBA-caliber defenders.

Analysis

The Baylor Bears suffered yet another early exit from the NCAA Tournament, but Taurean Prince showed out. He scored 28 gigantic points in his final collegiate game, shooting 12-of-24 from the field and 4-of-7 from beyond the arc.

What was perfectly clear during that game is what everyone already knew about the senior swingman: Prince can shoot the lights out when he’s in rhythm.

Regardless of what the percentages may suggest, Prince is a big and bruising wing who can knock down the 3-point field goal with the best of them. He’s better in catch-and-shoot situations than off the bounce, but that shouldn’t be much of an issue considering where he’s projected to be selected.

Prince is the type of player who could slip into the second round, but there’s very little question that he’ll make an NBA roster and compete for a significant spot in the rotation.

Next: Modern Center

26. 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, 2.4 ORPG, 1.4 BPG

Key Strengths

• Physical profile. Size, length, and a strong frame.
• Offensive rebounding. Works for loose balls and welcomes the physicality of fighting for position.
• Pick-and-roll offense. Soft hands. Good finisher around the basket.
• Can drive when a lane presents itself.
• Competes defensively.

Key Weaknesses

• Once he gets the ball, he’s shooting. Needs to see the floor better.
• Gets by on his effort and physicality. Reacts to plays defensively rather than anticipating the outcome.
• Lacks versatility in post game. Needs to develop secondary and tertiary moves when first attempt is cut off.
• Subpar creativity when creating in isolation.

Analysis

Centers who crash the boards and score off of the pick-and-roll will always have a place in the NBA. That’s exactly what makes Ante Zizic a valuable player, as he can set hard screens above the break, dive off of screens, and finish in traffic.

Zizic is also one of the better offensive rebounders in Europe, which is a skill that generally translates well from one level to the next.

Zizic’s flaws are existent, but he has a great motor and a body that meets the prototypical standards of a modern center. His 7’3″ wingspan should help compensate for the fundamental flaws in his game, as he currently gets by on his size, length, strength, and mobility.

Zizic is gaining quality experience in the Adriatic League and should succeed in the NBA.

Next: Does Size Still Matter?

27. Tyler Ulis, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Point Guard

Age: 20 (1/5/1996)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 5’9″,

Slash Line: .434/.344/.856

Season Averages: 36.8 MPG, 17.3 PPG, 7.0 APG, 3.0 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 1.6 3PM

Key Strengths

• Court vision. Sees the play develop and knows how to get the ball to the right spot.
• Shooting range. Can pull up from anywhere on the court.
• Dribble penetration. Creative ball-handler with the body control to draw fouls.
• Basketball IQ. Understands the game better than most at age 20.
• Fearlessness. Not a tentative player. Willing to make the big play.

Key Weaknesses

• Size. A 5’9″ point guard is still a 5’9″ point guard entering the land of the giants.
• Defensive limitations. Plays the passing lanes, but will have a hard time locking opponents down.
• Needs to pick his spots as a shooter. Can make anything, but shouldn’t take everything.

Analysis

Kentucky Wildcats point guard Tyler Ulis is benefiting greatly from the success experienced by Boston Celtics floor general Isaiah Thomas. During the same calendar year that Thomas, a 5’9″ point guard, made an All-Star Game appearance, Ulis, a 5’9″ point guard, won SEC Player of the Year.

Size and limitations acknowledged, Ulis, the heart and soul of Kentucky Wildcats basketball, is easily one of the Top 30 prospects in the 2016 NBA Draft.

That’s surprising, but this is a point guard hungry league.

Ulis is a fearless playmaker who can shoot from anywhere on the floor and create penetration against defenders who attempt to smother him. He’s also an outstanding facilitator who, at the sophomore stage of their respective development, has more advanced court vision than fellow 5’9″ point guards Isaiah Thomas and Nate Robinson.

Ulis’ size presents obvious limitations, but with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.5, he’s the real deal as an NBA Draft prospect.

Next: Physically Overwhelming

28. A.J. Hammons, Purdue Boilermakers

Position: Center

Age: 23 (8/27/1992)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0″, 261 pounds, 7’3″

Slash Line: .592/.545/.709

Season Averages: 24.6 MPG, 15.0 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.3 ORPG, 1.1 APG, 2.5 BPG

Key Strengths

• Massive individual. Height and length are prototypical for a center.
• Powerful body overwhelms opponents on the low block.
• Rim protection. Can block and alter shots without leaving his feet.
• Expanding offensive game. Capable of hitting the occasional jump shot. Made six 3-point field goals in 2015-16.
• Offensive rebounding.

Key Weaknesses

• Age. Hammons will turn 24 on August 27.
• Conditioning. Weight has been a consistent issue. Can he play big minutes?
• Lacks ideal athleticism.
• Pick-and-roll defense. Fouls when he can’t keep up with quicker scorers.

Analysis

Purdue Boilermakers big man A.J. Hammons is one of the most polarizing prospects in the 2016 NBA Draft. He’s a late-blooming center who can control the paint on both ends of the floor, and has vastly expanded his offensive game.

I wholeheartedly understand why so many are low on Hammons—he’ll be 24 in August—but he wouldn’t be the first late-bloomer to experience success in the NBA.

Hammons’ physical profile, strengths, and weaknesses are quite similar to those of Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside. Whiteside admittedly has a significantly longer wingspan, but Hammons has the size, strength, and length to make an impact at any level.

Hammons may not become a star in the NBA, but at the very worst, he can be Roy Hibbert with a more versatile offensive game.

Next: International Stretch 4

29. Juan Hernangomez, CB Estudiantes

Position: Power Forward

Age: 20 (9/28/1996)

Height & Weight: 6’9″ & 220 pounds

Slash Line: .449/.333/.770

Season Averages: 23.8 MPG, 9.5 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.9 ORPG, 0.9 SPG, 0.8 3PM

Key Strengths

• 3-point range. Potential to be a stretch 4.
• Solid on the offensive glass.
• Plays with great energy. Will compete on both ends.
• Positional versatility. Not a full-time small forward, but he can spot minutes.
• Gaining experience in Spain’s Liga ACB.

Key Weaknesses

• Defensive consistency. Too aggressive in attempting to make a play.
• Offers minimal support in protecting the rim.
• Thin frame. Needs to bulk up.

Analysis

In previous eras, Juan Hernangomez would experience difficulty in moving from Liga ACB to the NBA. That isn’t due to his not being talented enough, but instead his being something of a tweener as a small forward in a power forward’s body.

In the era of small-ball and stretch 4s, Hernangomez has a chance to stand out amongst the pack.

Hernangomez is a solid athlete with a lethal jump shot and the necessary ability to make an impact on the offensive glass. His upside is somewhere along the lines of New Orleans Pelicans big man Ryan Anderson, albeit with the type of athleticism that’s enabled Nikola Mirotic to spot minutes at small forward.

Hernangomez must address his defensive consistency, specifically how much he gambles on that end, but he has an offensive game that fits the standards of the modern NBA.

Next: Unreal Upside

30. Thon Maker, Athlete Institute Basketball Academy Bears

Position: Power Forward

Age: 19 (2/25/1997)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0″, 219 pounds, 7’2.5″

Slash Line: N/A

Season Averages: N/A

Key Strengths

• Loves to play the game. High character. Nonstop motor.
• A true 7’0″ power forward with a ridiculous 9’3″ standing reach and a 7’2.5″ wingspan.
• Offensive foundation. Has the semblance of a jump shot. Not inept as a ball-handler.
• Fluid athleticism. Can get up and down the floor. Finishes above the rim.
• Defensive versatility. Can defend the post and step out. Still raw, but he’s only 19.

Key Weaknesses

• Hasn’t dominated events like his size and age suggest he should.
• Foundation for success. but his skills are raw.
• Doesn’t spend enough time along the interior.
• Hype is based more on YouTube than reality.

Analysis

It may seem premature to place Thon Maker in the Top 30, but he isn’t the first high school basketball player to make the jump to the NBA. He’s a 7’1″ power forward who has the raw skill set to space the floor, take his man off the bounce, and finish well above the rim while thriving as a shot-blocker.

The question is, will his application to the 2016 NBA Draft be accepted? Per Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress:

"Thon Maker, a Sudanese 7-footer by way of Australia who plays his high school basketball in Canada, will attempt to enter the 2016 NBA Draft, multiple sources with knowledge of the situation told DraftExpress. The 19-year old Maker believes he has a strong case to be considered draft eligible, since he reportedly graduated high school in Canada in June of 2015, and is now technically in his fifth year of high school."

There’s no telling how well those skills will translate to a significantly more competitive level—high school to the NBA is a massive jump—but he wouldn’t be the first to do so.

Forgetting the countless high school players who made the jump, Giannis Antetokounmpo made a similar move from an underwhelming Greek league to the Association, and went No. 15 overall in the 2013 NBA Draft. Something similar can be said about Dante Exum, who went No. 5 overall in the 2014 NBA Draft.

Related Story: Thon Maker has exposed college basketball's biggest issue

Maker has underwhelmed at most events, but his upside is vast. The right coach could make him a star.

Next: First Five Out

Five Five Out

31. Zhou Qi, Xinjiang Flying Tigers

• Zhou Qi is a 7’2″ big man with a 7’6.5″ wingspan, a nice jump shot, and a passion for the game. He’s also thin as can be, which will be a tremendous hindrance as he attempts to go from big and somewhat skilled to a genuine impact player. Qi’s upside is on par with the best in this draft class—physically, how could it not be?—but he needs to add significant amounts of muscle. Expect him to get back into the Top 30 by season’s end.

32. Wayne Selden Jr., Kansas Jayhawks

• I’ve said it before and I’ll say it over and over again until the night of the annual selection process: Wayne Selden Jr. is the J.R. Smith of the 2016 NBA Draft. He’s an explosive athlete and an absolutely tremendous shooter—when on his game. He’s also streaky and entirely capable of shooting his team out of games. The best situation for Selden Jr. to end up in is one that will ask him to be an off-ball contributor who goes ISO in limited situations. If that happens, he can have a Smith-like career.

33. Malik Beasley, Florida State Seminoles

• Malik Beasley is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2016 NBA Draft. He’s a very good shooter—55 3-point field goals made on 38.7 percent shooting from beyond the arc—with pro-caliber athleticism. Much of his game is still raw, but his jump shot is dangerous enough to create dribble penetration opportunities. Many have Beasley on the late first round bubble, and with a strong showing at the scouting combine, he would solidify that grade. Beasley is one of the better prospects in this draft class.

34. Melo Trimble, Maryland Terrapins

• I wholeheartedly understand why some might question Melo Trimble dropping out of the Top 30 following what was a solid showing in the 2016 NCAA Tournament. Trimble created penetration at virtual will, and displayed the swagger and body control of an NBA star. He also went 2-of-17 on his attempts from beyond the arc, and is 3-of-24 since the Big Ten Tournament Semifinals. Trimble is one heck of a player, but he needs to become a better shooter to thrive in the NBA. He’ll have a chance to show his progress in May at the NBA Draft Combine.

More hoops habit: NBA Draft: Best Player Ever Selected in all 60 Spots

35. Dejounte Murray, Washington Huskies

• Washington Huskies point guard Dejounte Murray has as much upside as any player in this draft class. He’s a 6’5″ point guard with a 6’10” wingspan and the game-breaking athleticism to become an elite transition playmaker. On the plus side, he’s an instinctive scorer who gets to the basket and draws contact with ease. On the negative, he’s a dreadful shooter who shot just 28.8 percent from 3-point range and 66.3 percent from the free throw line. Murray is all about upside, but the upside is legitimate.