How would the 2016 NBA Draft look if every team were drafting for need? Let’s take a pre-lottery look.
In those eyes, the opportunity is not to win a championship, but instead to reach the NBA.
There are varying beliefs on how a team should approach the NBA Draft. Some believe that general managers should always go after the best player available, while others find that a team drafting based on team needs is one that succeeds.
In this mock draft, the latter approach will be utilized.
Some of these selections will be a shining example of how, at times, taking the best available talent is more rational than drafting for need. Others will be a shining example of how helpful the NBA Draft can be for a team that needs to complete the construction of its rotation.
The question is: how would the Top 30 play out if every NBA team picked based on team needs?
Next: Philadelphia 76ers
1. Philadelphia 76ers: 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
Ben Simmons is the No. 1 player on my big board, but he and Brandon Ingram aren’t separated by much. Thus, the factor of team needs brings Ingram to the No. 1 spot in the 2016 NBA Draft.
Simmons has superstar potential, but Ingram isn’t far behind with a skill set that fits Philadelphia far better than Simmons’ would—on paper.
Simmons may not be as abysmal a shooter as he seems, but he attempted a grand total of three 3-point field goals. For a 76ers team that’s attempting to build around big men Joel Embiid, Nerlens Noel, and Jahlil Okafor—or some combination of them—it’s hard to justify adding another non-shooter to the mix.
Meanwhile, the mere thought of Ingram and Dario Saric playing on the same team is enough to justify this pick.
Ingram bewilderingly struggled at the free throw line in the same season that he made 80 3-point field goals on 41.0 percent shooting from beyond the arc. He has an elite combination of size and length for a shooting guard at nearly 6’10” with a 7’3″ wingspan, and compares to Kevin Durant in terms of his upside as a scorer.
Simmons is the No. 1 player on my draft board, but Ingram’s skill set is a far better fit for Philadelphia in its current state.
Next: Los Angeles Lakers
2. Los Angeles Lakers: Ben Simmons, LSU Tigers
Position: Forward
Age: 19 (7/0/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10”, 240 pounds, 6’11”
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
Ben Simmons and Julius Randle could be stuck as players at the same position if the former pans out as a power forward instead of a 3. Thus, team needs suggest a different prospect should be taken at No. 2 overall.
When the gap is as large as it is between available prospects, however, transcendent talent becomes the ultimate team need.
Simmons is one of those transcendent talents as a 6’10” playmaker with the skill to run point and the body to play the 4. He’s not quite as athletic as Giannis Antetokounmpo, but much as the Milwaukee Bucks star has taken the league by storm, Simmons could do the same.
Many were turned off by Simmons’ nonchalant demeanor, but it’s a testament to his immediate value and upside that dominating the collegiate ranks came so easily to him.
In Los Angeles, Simmons, Randle, and D’Angelo Russell could be groomed as the star trio of the future. Simmons is a wonderful ball-handler with the court vision of a true floor general, all the while providing an elite presence on the boards, and NBA-caliber finishing ability around the rim.
If Luke Walton excels as head coach, Simmons could be the next superstar to don the purple and gold.
Next: Boston Celtics
3. Boston Celtics (via Nets): 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: .429/.379/.719
Season Averages: 12.1 MPG, 4.4 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 0.8 ORPG, 0.7 BPG, 0.7 3PM
The Boston Celtics have built a team that’s ready to compete right now. Free agency will go a long way towards determining how legitimate of a contender the Celtics can be, but the team is flush with quality role players who are ready to win.
Gambling on one of the few players in this draft class who has the potential to be a genuine star at the next level is something Boston can afford to do.
The Celtics have a number of solid interior players, but there isn’t a true star amongst them. Thus, for as tempting as it was to make Jamal Murray the selection, it’s hard to ignore how much stronger Boston’s backcourt is than its frontcourt when talking team needs.
Bender may end up playing at a similar level as Kelly Olynyk and Jared Sullinger offensively, but his defensive potential makes him a more valuable option.
Boston was No. 11 in the NBA in 3-point field goal attempts, but ranked No. 28 in 3-point field goal percentage. In other words, Brad Stevens wants his team to shoot 3-point field goals at a higher volume, but doesn’t have the personnel to efficiently do so.
Bender’s ability to space the floor, protect the rim, play from the post, and switch off of pick-and-rolls makes him the prototypical Brad Stevens big man.
Next: Phoenix Suns
4. Phoenix Suns: Jaylen Brown, California Golden Bears
Position: Small Forward
Age: 18 (10/24/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’6.5″, 222 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
The Phoenix Suns have a lot going for them already. Devin Booker has elite potential at shooting guard, Alex Len still has upside at center, and the trio of Eric Bledsoe, Archie Goodwin, and Brandon Knight have impressed at point guard.
Drafting Jaylen Brown would grant Phoenix the opportunity to round out its young core with a rising star at small forward.
Phoenix is properly equipped to take on a long-term project, which makes drafting Brown an easier pill to stomach than it might be for other teams. He’s incredibly raw in the present day, but Brown comes with genuine star potential offensively, and the physical build to be a defensive weapon
He’s drawn comparisons to Stanley Johnson, who is of a similar physical stature and had a very strong rookie season with the Detroit Pistons.
T.J. Warren’s presence may call this into question, but he’s a scorer with limited contributions in other areas and average athleticism. Brown’s physical profile is tantalizing the masses, and that’s something Phoenix can’t afford to pass over.
Brown’s jump shot is faulty, but he has the elite athleticism and powerful physical build to be a genuine asset in Phoenix.
Next: Minnesota Timberwolves
5. Minnesota Timberwolves: 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, 0.6 BPG, 1.3 3PM
Ricky Rubio is a wonderful player when he doesn’t have to shoot. He’s a borderline elite facilitator who might be the best defensive player at the point guard position, but has a career field goal percentage of .368.
Kris Dunn has the potential to do everything Rubio does with superior athleticism and significantly greater consistency as a shooter.
On paper, Dunn is the perfect point guard. He has a tremendous physical profile at an athletic 6’4″ with a strong 205-pound frame and a massive 6’9″ wingspan, and provides tremendous contributions as both a facilitator and defensive player.
Dunn is also a solid 3-point shooter who can finish in traffic and cut down on his turnovers in 2015-16.
For the Timberwolves, Dunn can provide a similar impact to Rubio as a facilitator and defender while being far more reliable as a scorer. He can work the high screen game with Karl-Anthony Towns, run in transition with Zach LaVine, and help find Andrew Wiggins efficient looks at the basket.
Dunn has an aura to him that few players do, and Minnesota would be wise to capitalize on his availability at No. 5.
Next: New Orleans Pelicans
6. New Orleans Pelicans: Jamal Murray, Kentucky Wildcats
Position: Guard
Age: 19 (2/23/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’5″, 201 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
The New Orleans Pelicans have a critical question to answer during the 2016 NBA Draft. That question revolves around whether the Pelicans should pad the perimeter, draft for potential, or solidify the defensive interior.
Thus, this pick comes down to Buddy Hield, Jamal Murray, and Jakob Poeltl.
Hield and Poeltl have built a strong fanbase due to their multiple years of college experience, but Murray has the highest ceiling in that group. He isn’t too far behind Hield as a shooter after making 113 3-point field goals in 36 games on 40.8 percent shooting from behind the arc, and is already a better ball-handler.
As a shooting guard, Murray brings the same strengths to the table as Hield with the added benefits of positional versatility and being three years younger.
Murray can step in and contribute from Day 1 as a shooter with the mental makeup of an NBA star. His court vision became underrated due to the role he played with the Kentucky Wildcats, but his skill set is built for Alvin Gentry’s offense.
If Murray is developed correctly, he and Davis could anchor the future of the organization.
Next: Denver Nuggets
7. Denver Nuggets (via Knicks): 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
The Denver Nuggets have depth at every position, and that makes this decision a difficult one. Regardless of whom the Nuggets select, a quality player will be displaced from either the starting lineup or the second unit.
The reality is, Denver doesn’t need to add a player with a specific skill; it needs to draft prospects with genuine star potential—a tough task in a class with limited star potential.
Buddy Hield may not live up to his star potential, but he’s a significantly better shooter than both Will Barton and Gary Harris. In the modern NBA, that’s a skill that can be translated into success on an All-Star level, as evidenced by Kyle Korver’s appearance in 2015.
Harris and Barton are two very intriguing players, but Hield has the skill set to be a standout player under head coach Michael Malone.
The selection of Emmanuel Mudiay proved that Denver is willing to gamble at the NBA Draft. Hield could be Malone’s Klay Thompson on offense, as a shooter who can play off-ball or create in isolation in small doses.
The Nuggets need to shoot for the stars, and Hield is their best chance to find one.
Next: Sacramento Kings
8. Sacramento Kings: 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
The Sacramento Kings have a franchise player in big man DeMarcus Cousins, and a potential rim protector in Willie Cauley-Stein. Rudy Gay is an excellent complementary scorer, and Darren Collison is as solid a backup point guard as you’ll find in the NBA.
Demetrius Jackson may be a bit of a reach, but with Rajon Rondo approaching unrestricted free agency, there’s nothing Sacramento needs more than a point guard who can lead the team into the future.
Rondo may re-sign, and Collison is a quality enough player to start and hold his own for the Kings. There are rumors that Collison could be traded, however, and there’s no guaranteeing that Rondo will come back next season.
Thus, selecting Jackson at No. 8 to help the Kings compete in a point guard driven league.
Jackson is still refining his skills as a point guard, but he could be the game-changing contributor who Sacramento is searching for. He’s an explosive leaper with the foot speed, lateral quickness, muscular frame, and paralyzing first step to athletically overwhelm the opposition.
Jackson is still developing, but he shined in clutch moments and has the potential to be an impact player on both ends of the floor.
Next: Toronto Raptors
9. Toronto Raptors: Henry Ellenson, Marquette Golden Eagles
Position: Power Forward
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
The Toronto Raptors are facing the potential departure of franchise player DeMar DeRozan. The All-Star shooting guard has made drastic improvements to his game, and while it’s entirely possible that he’ll be back in 2016-17, DeRozan will be an unrestricted free agent during the summer of 2016.
The presence of Norman Powell and Terrence Ross alleviates the pressure enough to focus on another area of need: power forward.
Toronto values the versatility of a stretch 4, as evidenced by its dependence upon Patrick Patterson and Luis Scola. By drafting Henry Ellenson, Toronto would be investing in a power forward with the potential to start for years to come.
Ellenson has a complete offensive skill set with upside that’s drawn comparisons to All-Star power forward Kevin Love.
Ellenson has the body and finishing ability to be a heavily relied upon scoring threat out of the post. He continues to expand his shooting range, and while he isn’t a great individual defender, he’s an excellent defensive rebounder who can block shots and break up entry passes.
The worst-case scenario: Toronto gets a bigger version of Patterson. That’s a comforting basement for a player with such a high ceiling.
Next: Milwaukee Bucks
10. Milwaukee Bucks: 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
There’s nothing the Milwaukee Bucks need more than a genuine defensive anchor. Greg Monroe is an offensive force, and John Henson is a wonderful shot-blocker, but the Bucks lack a player who can protect the rim and hold their own offensively.
Jakob Poeltl is the right player to step in and potentially fill that role.
Poeltl wouldn’t be the first international player to be drafted by the Bucks after a stint with the Utah Utes. Much like Andrew Bogut, Poeltl has a unique combination of size, defensive potential, and value as a solid offensive player who passes well, scores from the post, and dives hard off of the pick-and-roll.
Poeltl was already on draft radars as a freshman, but after a sophomore season during which he dramatically improved offensively, it’s not hard to see why he’s widely regarded as a Top 10 prospect.
Statistically, Poeltl improved his free throw shooting from a mark of .444 in 2014-15 to .689 in 2015-16—a difference of 24.5 percent. He boosted his scoring average from 15.7 points per 40 minutes to 22.7 points per 40, and he did so by improving his post game and developing a more reliable face-up attack.
Poeltl is nowhere near a finished product, but he could be the defensive anchor Milwaukee needs.
Next: Orlando Magic
11. Orlando Magic: 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
The Orlando Magic have All-Star potential at all five positions. Elfrid Payton at point guard, Victor Oladipo and Evan Fournier at shooting guard, Mario Hezonja at small forward, Aaron Gordon at power forward, and Nikola Vucevic at center all qualify as such.
What Orlando so clearly lacks is a rim protector, and that’s where Marquese Chriss, Deyonta Davis, and Skal Labissiere come into play.
Chriss, Davis, and Labissiere are all rim protecting power forwards who could potentially play the 5. None are ready to start immediately, which is exactly why they’re such appropriate picks for an Orlando team that has limited space in its rotation.
The question is, which player from that group is best for the Magic to invest in?
Chriss and Labissiere can space the floor, but Davis has the body that’s closest to being NBA-ready. Due to Gordon and Vucevic playing an interior-based style, adding the upside player who can shoot is the best bet.
Orlando can gamble on a long-term project due to its remarkable depth and upside at all five positions, which makes Labissiere a pick who fits the team’s long-term needs and vision.
Next: Utah Jazz
12. Utah Jazz: 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
The Utah Jazz have built one of the most promising teams in the NBA. They tied the Milwaukee Bucks for having the youngest roster in the Association in 2015-16, and were dangerously close to a postseason appearance.
With injuries limiting both Alec Burks and Dante Exum’s availability, no player better fits the Jazz’s needs than Denzel Valentine.
Valentine is an outstanding shooter and passer who can provide invaluable depth to both Burks and Exum. He made 206 3-point field goals on 43.0 percent shooting from beyond the arc over his past two seasons, and posted 7.8 assists to 2.7 turnovers in 2015-16—good for an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.89.
Thus, Valentine would perfectly fit in Quin Snyder’s system, which depends heavily on floor spacing and ball movement.
Valentine struggles to create penetration against athletic defenders, which will severely limit his effectiveness in isolation. Building a perimeter that consists of he and Gordon Hayward would create remarkable versatility, however, and would essentially be a failsafe in the event of further injuries being sustained by Burks and/or Exum.
With or without Burks and Exum, Valentine could be superb for the Jazz.
Next: Phoenix Suns
13. Phoenix Suns: 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, 0.7 APG, 1.8 BPG
The Phoenix Suns have a surplus of guards, a skilled scorer at small forward, and a promising center. Neither Eric Bledsoe nor Devin Booker, Brandon Knight, T.J. Warren, Alex Len, or even Markieff Morris fill this pressing need.
Phoenix needs to dramatically improve its defense, and adding a rim rim protector with immense potential is the route to follow.
Deyonta Davis has the upside to be a dominant defensive player with significant offensive value at the next level. He averaged 3.9 blocks per 40 minutes as a freshman, ranked in the Top 25 in the country in block percentage, and made a living on the offensive glass with an average of 4.4 per 40.
Davis’ ability to protect the rim, switch off of screens, and keep perimeter players in front of him make him an exquisite prospect for the Suns.
Davis will need to measure well at the NBA Draft Combine, and he must improve his consistency on the defensive glass. He’s an instinctive player with a commitment to playing team defense, however, and that’s something you can’t teach—rational as it would seem that it could be taught.
Davis is also a very good passer with the potential to be an asset from the pinch post, thus rounding out his lottery status.
Next: Chicago Bulls
14. Chicago Bulls: 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, 1.1 ORPG, 2.8 APG, 1.7 SPG, 2.1 3PM
Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah could both be lost via free agency, but the interior isn’t the only area of need. The Chicago Bulls need help at small forward, and more importantly, must improve the efficiency with which they shoot the 3-point field goal after ranking No. 3 in percentage and No. 21 in makes.
At No. 14 overall, the Bulls take one of the most promising prospects in the 2016 NBA Draft in Timothe Luwawu.
To draft Luwawu at No. 14 would be a lottery steal, as he’s an explosive athlete with elite defensive potential, a solid jump shot, and quality court vision. He’s been compared to Nicolas Batum, and that makes him the type of player who fits what Hoiberg is attempting to do.
Luwawu has a somewhat similar physical profile and skill set to Jimmy Butler, and that makes him a great fit.
Luwawu can step up and space the floor with a vastly improved 3-point jump shot that can be fired off in both catch-and-shoot and pull-up situations. He can spread the wealth as a facilitator, but is just as comfortable working off-ball and keeping the rock moving along the perimeter.
Chicago can only benefit from adding a second player with the potential to be a lockdown perimeter defender.
Next: Denver Nuggets
15. Denver Nuggets: Marquesse Chriss, Washington Huskies
Position: Power Forward
Age: 18 (7/2/1997)
Height & Weight: 6’8.75″, 225 pounds, 7’1″
Slash Line: .530/.350/.682
Season Averages: 24.9 MPG, 13.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.5 ORPG, 0.8 APG, 1.6 BPG, 0.6 3PM
As previously alluded to, the Denver Nuggets are in dire need of prospects with star potential. There are far too many average to slightly above-average players on the roster, and that makes finding projects who can break out as genuine stars a point of emphasis.
In that scenario, and the most basic evaluation of Denver’s needs, there’s no better fit at No. 15 than Marquesse Chriss.
Denver has an abundance of talented interior players, including Kenneth Faried, Nikola Jokic, Joffrey Lauvergne, and Jusuf Nurkic. Strong as those players may be, there’s a clear and apparent need for the Nuggets to add a genuine rim protector.
Chriss just so happens to be one of the best shot-blockers in the 2016 NBA Draft.
Chriss is the embodiment of a modern power forward. He compensates for being slightly undersized with a wingspan that’s longer than 7’0″, and can space the floor from 3-point range, crash the offensive glass, and block shots with relative ease.
Chriss only started playing basketball in recent years, and that makes his youth, elite athleticism, and 3-and-D potential all the more intriguing.
Next: Boston Celtics
16. Boston Celtics (via Mavericks): Furkan Korkmaz, Anadolu Efes
Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 18 (7/24/1997)
Height & Weight: 6’7″ & 185 pounds
Slash Line: .480/.463/.600
Season Averages: 11.8 MPG, 4.5 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.9 3PM
The Boston Celtics have enough depth to go all-out on the upside players in the 2016 NBA Draft. That’s exactly what Boston did at No. 3 with Dragan Bender, and it’s exactly what it does at No. 16 with Furkan Korkmaz.
Korkmaz is a 6’7″ shooting guard with explosive leaping ability, range and form on his jumper to be a lights-out shooter.
Korkmaz is a bit of a project player who needs to tighten his handle when attacking the rack. With immense potential on both ends of the floor, and the height for positional versatility, however, Korkmaz can help solidify Boston’s perimeter.
Even if he does operate from the backcourt, a 6’7″ shooting guard would be a welcome addition to the Celtics’ current crop of extremely undersized players.
Korkmaz shot a ridiculous 48.2 percent on his 3-point field goals in Turkey’s Basketball Super League. Thus, he fits the Celtics’ previously alluded to need to add players who can consistently knock down shots from beyond the arc.
Korkmaz is a gamble, but it’d be hard to justify Boston not gambling in a relatively weak draft class.
Next: Memphis Grizzlies
17. Memphis Grizzlies: Wade Baldwin IV, Vanderbilt Commodores
Position: Point Guard
Age: 20 (3/29/1996)
Height & Weight: 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
The Memphis Grizzlies are committed to re-signing point guard Mike Conley during the summer of 2016. Thus, it’s highly unlikely that the Grizzlies will select a point guard at No. 17 overall in the 2016 NBA Draft.
Committed as Memphis may be, it’d be a glaring omission to not select Wade Baldwin IV with team needs factored in.
Baldwin IV is a dangerous shooter with one of the most intriguing physical builds in recent NBA Draft history. He stands at 6’3″ and a powerful 195 pounds, but that only begins to scratch the surface of what makes Baldwin special.
Despite standing a 6’3″, the 20-year-old has an absurd 6’10” wingspan.
For as physically gifted as he is, Baldwin hasn’t yet learned how to put his lethal shooting stroke or defensive potential to good use. He’s acceptable as a facilitator, but even in that regard, he doesn’t seem to understand the nuances of running point—yet.
To pair Baldwin with head coach Dave Joerger would be to give the Grizzlies a legitimate opportunity to develop a starting-caliber point guard with immense potential on both ends.
Next: Detroit Pistons
18. Detroit Pistons: Domantas Sabonis, Gonzaga Bulldogs
Position: Power Forward
Age: 19 (5/3/1996)
Height & Weight: 6’10”, 238 pounds, 6’10.5″
Slash Line: .611/.357/.769
Season Averages: 31.9 MPG, 17.6 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 3.1 ORPG, 1.8 APG, 0.9 BPG
The Detroit Pistons are one of the most promising teams in the NBA. Stan Van Gundy has orchestrated a two-year turnaround, leading Detroit to its first postseason appearance since 2009 on the strength of its depth, balance, and pick-and-roll power.
With a skill set that’s looking more and more like that of a Van Gundy player, Domantas Sabonis is the best available option to be the future at power forward.
In his current state, Sabonis is a physical interior player who works his tail off on the offensive glass and is competent as a scorer from the post. He’s become a respected midrange shooter, and is beginning to expand his range to beyond the 3-point line.
The development of the latter skill would be critical to his succeeding in Detroit.
Van Gundy relies on his power forwards being able to connect from beyond the arc. Marcus Morris is underrated at the 4, and Tobias Harris has positional versatility, but Sabonis would be an excellent addition as a player who can also score from the post.
Sabonis has the skill set and mentality of a Van Gundy player.
Next: Denver Nuggets
19. Denver Nuggets (via Trail Blazers): Taurean Prince, Baylor Bears
Position: Small Forward
Age: 21 (8/22/1994)
Height & Weight: 6’7.5″, 215 pounds, 6’11”
Slash Line: .432/.361/.774
Season Averages: 30.6 MPG, 15.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.6 3PM
Thus far, the Denver Nuggets have found an elite shooter with star potential, and an explosive athlete with the same as a defensive anchor. Having drafted two players for whom upside is key, the Nuggets go for a positional and stylistic need at No. 18.
Taurean Prince is generally slotted in the 22-to-30 range, but he’s an appropriate selection at No. 19 overall.
Prince has deep 3-point range, which continues the trend of selecting players who can space the floor in Michael Malone’s offense. The 21-year-old also has ideal physical gifts for a small forward at 6’8″ with a 6’11” wingspan.
The most important part of his value to the Nuggets, however, is his defensive versatility.
Prince has the size, build, athleticism, and defensive intensity to hold his own against players at shooting guard, small forward, and power forward. He could potentially be Malone’s Draymond Green—to a lesser extent, I know—as a player who can do a bit of everything on both ends.
He may not have the same ceiling as Green, but Prince is widely regarded as a safe pick with a solid NBA career ahead of him.
Next: Indiana Pacers
20. Indiana Pacers: Dejounte Murray, Washington Huskies
Position: Point Guard
Age: 19 (9/19/1996)
Height & Weight: 6’5″, 170 pounds, 6’9.5″
Slash Line: .416/.288/.663
Season Averages: 33.5 MPG, 16.1 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.0 3PM
The Indiana Pacers need to draft a player who can develop into more than just a rotational asset. Paul George and Myles Turner have the small forward and power forward positions locked up, but beyond that duo, not much is certain in the long term.
George Hill is under contract through the 2016-17 season, and that makes Dejounte Murray the ideal player to select at No. 20.
Murray is a polarizing player due to his erratic jump shot and somewhat raw fundamentals. He’s a tantalizing player with the size and athleticism to dominate at his position at 6’5″ with a 6’9.5″ wingspan, the speed to be a blur in transition, and explosive leaping ability.
Murray has already learned how to put his length to great use in the passing lanes, and could be a lockdown defender with the proper coaching—something Frank Vogel is more than capable of providing.
Murray has the versatility to play the 2, and his shot is more inconsistent than broken. He needs to dramatically improve his skill set, but if he lives up to his full potential, Murray could become a full-time starter in Indiana.
Some players are better right now, but Murray’s upside is rarely found at No. 20.
Next: Atlanta Hawks
21. Atlanta Hawks: Ante Zizic, Cibona Zagreb
Position: Center
Age: 19 (1/4/1997)
Height & Weight: 6’11”, 254 pounds, 7’3″
Slash Line: .653/.000/.718
Season Averages: 27.3 MPG, 14.4 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2.7 ORPG, 0.7 APG, 1.3 BPG
The Atlanta Hawks are facing the harsh reality that Al Horford could leave during the summer of 2016 as an unrestricted free agent. While many expect Horford to re-sign, the elephant in the room is that he’s in line for a max contract from multiple other suitors.
Whether or not Horford re-signs, drafting 19-year-old big man Ante Zizic would put Atlanta in a position to solidify its future.
Zizic is your prototypical modern center as an active and mobile pick-and-roll finisher. The reason for intrigue is that he stands at 6’11” and 254 pounds with an imposing 7’3″ wingspan, and plays with a raw tenacity that cannot taught or developed.
In terms of his short-term value, Zizic can essentially be what the Hawks expected out of Tiago Splitter—solid defensively, versatile offensively, and committed to the team.
Zizic is still developing his skill set, but at 19 years old, he’s shown more than enough to warrant the No. 21 overall selection. He crashes the offensive boards hard, runs the floor in transition, sets hard screens, and is willing to get physical defensively.
There will be a learning curve, but few coaches are more adept in the art of helping international players adjust to the NBA than Mike Budenholzer.
Next: Charlotte Hornets
22. Charlotte Hornets: Diamond Stone, Maryland Terrapins
Position: Center
Age: 19 (2/10/1997)
Height & Weight: 7’0″, 255 pounds, 7’3.5″
Slash Line: .568/.000/.761
Season Averages: 23.1 MPG, 12.5 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.2 ORPG, 1.6 BPG
The Charlotte Hornets attempted to build the foundation of their offensive success around the combination of Kemba Walker and Al Jefferson. Jefferson’s injuries and pending free agency have hindered Charlotte’s ability to do so, but Frank Kaminsky is being prepped for the challenge of playing center.
That’s all fine and well, but Kaminsky has spent enough time playing the 4 that it’d make sense for the Hornets to select Jefferson’s replacement at No. 22.
Diamond Stone is the best player available, and the drop-off between he and the most ideal perimeter prospect is significant. Stone has a style of play and skill set that’s similar to Jefferson’s, and thus, he can be groomed as his replacement.
That comes with the benefit of Stone being taller with a longer wingspan—7’0″ and 7’3.5″ to 6’10” and 7’2.5″—and a better shot-blocker.
Stone is a handful on the offensive glass, and he was one of the better shot-blockers in the country in 2015-16 at 3.8 per 40 minutes. He’s a physically overwhelming player who runs the floor much better than one would expect of a player his size to, and can only be stopped by himself when he’s aggressive.
Kaminsky and Stone would make quite the formidable pairing with the low-high balance they’d create.
Next: Boston Celtics
23. Boston Celtics: Damian Jones, Vanderbilt Commodores
Position: Center
Age: 20 (6/30/1995)
Height & Weight: 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
Amongst scouts and analysts, there’s very little question that Damian Jones has the talent to be a first-round draft pick. Simply talking talent and upside, there’s a somewhat common belief that he’s worth a lottery selection.
Few coaches are more likely to be able to tap into that potential than Brad Stevens.
For as naturally gifted as Jones is, there are concerns about his motor and consistency. His intensity on both ends wavered during his career at Vanderbilt, and while there’s certainly reason to believe in what he brings to the table, that erratic nature a red flag.
The upside: something similar was said about Myles Turner, who has flourished under head coach Frank Vogel.
Stevens is the right coach to get the 7’0″ big man to put his athletic gifts and defensive potential to great use. Jones can control the offensive glass and defensive interior, score from the post, and even face-up in limited situations, but he needs direction and motivation.
If Dragan Bender is the future as a versatile power forward, then a motivated Jones could be the ideal complement at center.
Next: Philadelphia 76ers
24. Philadelphia 76ers (via Heat): Tyler Ulis, Kentucky Wildcats
Position: Point Guard
Age: 20 (1/5/1996)
Height & Weight: 5’9″, 160 pounds, 6’1.25″
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
The Philadelphia 76ers need to address the void at point guard. The two best available players at the position are Melo Trimble and Tyler Ulis, and while the latter’s size is troublesome, it shouldn’t be enough to dissuade the 76ers from selecting him.
John Calipari, who has coached the likes of Tyreke Evans, Derrick Rose, and John Wall, called Ulis the best floor general he’s ever had at one of his programs, per UKAthletics.com.
"“I’ve coached a lot of great leaders and great point guards in all my years of coaching. Tyler Ulis is the best floor general that I’ve ever coached,” head coach John Calipari said. “What I loved is he grew into that position. You couldn’t speed him up and you couldn’t slow him down unless he wanted to do one of those things. He coached the team this season as much as I did, and I’m proud to say that."
Ulis’ size is an inevitable concern, but by Calipari’s description, he’s exactly what Philadelphia needs.
Ulis averaged 7.0 assists per game in 2015-16, and he did so with a remarkable assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.50. He excels in running the pick-and-roll, with the complete package of being able to get the ball to the dive man, pull up off of high screens, and turn the corner to attack off the bounce.
Ulis isn’t the most efficient shooter, but he’s not afraid to bomb 3s on an unsuspecting defender. He’s a competitive defender who struggles to lock opponents down due to his size, but forces turnovers and plays physically.
Whether or not Ulis is the answer to the 76ers’ prayers, he should have a solid NBA career.
Next: Los Angeles Clippers
25. Los Angeles Clippers: Patrick McCaw, UNLV Rebels
Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 20 (10/25/1995)
Height & Weight: 6’7″, 185 pounds, 6’9″
Slash Line: .465/.366/.774
Season Averages: 33.7 MPG, 14.7 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.9 APG, 2.5 SPG, 2.1 3PM
J.J. Redick has very quietly developed into one of the best 3-and-D players in the NBA. For as well as he’s played in 2015-16, however, the harsh reality is that he’ll be 32 years old at the start of the 2015-16, and the Los Angeles Clippers still don’t have an answer at small forward.
Patrick McCaw is far too thin to play the 3 today, but he has the size, skill set, and defensive potential to be a wonderful fit in Los Angeles as either Redick’s long-term replacement or a small forward.
At 6’7″ with a 6’9″ wingspan, McCaw does an excellent job of playing the passing lanes and creating transition scoring opportunities. He’s proven to be just as capable of picking an opponent’s pocket, seemingly mastering the art of the strip steal.
Whether he plays the 2 or the 3 at the next level, McCaw has the tools to be a vital asset to Doc Rivers’ cause as a 3-and-D player.
McCaw made 125 3-point field goals on 36.7 percent shooting from beyond the arc over the past two seasons. Those aren’t elite marks, but he averaged 1.8 3-point field goals made as a freshman and 2.1 as a sophomore, and appears comfortable spacing the floor.
If McCaw can improve the consistency with which he shoots, and bulk up to create positional versatility, he could be more of a steal than a reach.
Next: Philadelphia 76ers
26. Philadelphia 76ers (via Thunder): Malik Beasley, Florida State Seminoles
Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 19 (11/26/1996)
Height & Weight: 6’4″, 185 pounds, 6’6″
Slash Line: .471/.387/.813
Season Averages: 29.8 MPG, 15.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.6 3PM
The Philadelphia 76ers are in dire need of shooters and playmakers, which is exactly what Bryan Colangelo can find in the 2016 NBA Draft. Brandon Ingram and Tyler Ulis would play well off of one another, and some combination of the 76ers’ surplus of big men would thrive down low.
At No. 26, selecting the best shooting guard available would be the most rational move when drafting for need.
Malik Beasley is an athletic shooter, which is a unique combination that’s brought him into the first-round discussion. He needs to measure well at the NBA Draft combine, but if he is 6’4″ with a 6’6″ wingspan, that’s something the Sixers can work with.
It’d be more ideal to land a player with Patrick McCaw’s size and stature, but Beasley would still be an excellent fit in Philadelphia.
Beasley’s ability to get out in transition and play above the rim makes him an asset in any offense—especially one designed by Colangelo. He would likely be one of assistant coach Mike D’Antoni’s favorite players, as he can consistently space the floor and run the fast break.
Beasley can be a 3-and-D asset who either thrives as a sixth man or potentially starts alongside Ingram—two ideal outcomes at No. 26.
Next: Toronto Raptors
27. Toronto Raptors: DeAndre Bembry, Saint Joseph’s Hawks
Position: Small Forward
Age: 21 (7/4/1994)
Height & Weight: 6’6″, 210 pounds, 6’8″
Slash Line: .479/.266/.657
Season Averages: 37.3 MPG, 17.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.8 BPG
The Toronto Raptors acknowledged the need for a consistent contributor along the offensive interior by selecting Henry Ellenson in the Top 10. If Toronto is to draft for need, then attention must be turned to the future of DeMar DeRozan.
DeRozan will be an unrestricted free agent this coming summer, and his departure must be acknowledged as a legitimate possibility.
DeAndre Bembry isn’t a full-time shooting guard, but both Norman Powell and Terrence Ross have flashed the ability to thrive at the 2. Bringing in Bembry, a small forward who could play the 2, would be a great way to shore up the perimeter.
At his core, Bembry is a quality athlete who can create penetration, facilitate, and, when motivated, defend multiple positions.
Bembry’s jump shot hasn’t fallen as consistently as it did during his freshman season, but his form isn’t necessarily broken. He needs to put significant work into stabilizing his jumper, and he must play with more consistency defensively, but Bembry is a well-rounded prospect.
Toronto can’t find much immediately value at No. 27, but Bembry has a decent chance of being able to contribute spot minutes as a rookie.
Next: Phoenix Suns
28. Phoenix Suns (via Cavaliers): Ivica Zubac, Mega Leks
Position: Center
Age: 19 (3/18/1997)
Height & Weight: 7’1″, 265 pounds, 7’4″
Slash Line: .634/.000/.667
Season Averages: 15.0 MPG, 8.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.4 ORPG, 1.0 BPG
The Phoenix Suns have addressed two voids by signing an athletic upside player at small forward and a shot-blocker at the 4. The final area of need can be found at center, where no one knows what to expect of Alex Len.
Len may still be the answer, and it’s far too soon to say he isn’t, but Phoenix needs to capitalize on the opportunity to draft a starting-caliber prospect.
Physically, there aren’t many players more impressive in the 2016 NBA Draft—or the entire Association, for that matter—than Ivica Zubac. He’s not the best athlete available, but he runs the floor relatively well, has a blossoming post game, and can finish above the rim coming off of the pick-and-roll.
When all else fails, being 7’1″ and 265 pounds with a 7’4″ wingspan is something to fall back on.
There are concerns about Zubac, namely the fact that he’s a poor defensive rebounder and shot-blocker for a player his size. He just turned 19, which creates some room for forgiveness, but the fear exists that he’s too passive to maximize his potential.
For a team in Phoenix’s position, with three first-round draft picks and an already existing crop of talent, gambling on Zubac’s immense potential is the right thing to do.
Next: San Antonio Spurs
29. San Antonio Spurs: Isaia Cordinier, Denain-Voltaire
Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 19 (11/28/1996)
Height & Weight: 6’4.75″, 190 pounds, 6’8″
Slash Line: .483/.444/.786
Season Averages: 23.3 MPG, 11.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.3 3PM
It may seem as though he’ll play forever, but San Antonio Spurs legend Manu Ginobili is 38 years old. Whether he retires after the 2015-16 season or keeps going, the Spurs must find a player who can replace Ginobili’s contributions, to some extent or another.
French shooting guard Isaia Cordinier is a desirable player to develop in such a capacity.
Cordinier, who has played quite well for French club Denain-Voltaire, is a 6’5″ off-guard with a solid 6’8″ wingspan and a lethal jump shot. He need to cut down on turnovers, but is a capable facilitator, a la Ginobili, and moves well without the ball in his hands.
Bringing Cordinier to a system-based NBA team that includes fellow Frenchmen Boris Diaw and Tony Parker would conceivably make his transition to the next level smoother.
Cordinier is an explosive athlete who can play above the rim and runs the floor well in transition. He’s something of a straight-line finisher right now, but he’s shown the ability to turn the corner, which bodes well for him once he tightens his handles.
The Spurs are always the safe bet for an international prospect, and Cordinier is one of the most intriguing players in this class.
Next: Golden State Warriors
30. Golden State Warriors: Stephen Zimmerman, UNLV Rebels
Position: Center
Age: 19 (9/9/1996)
Height & Weight: 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
The Golden State Warriors can do anything they want at No. 30 overall. There’s a ridiculous amount of depth at every position, and two of the players who could depart this summer—Harrison Barnes and Festus Ezeli—are restricted free agents.
If there’s one position that could be described as a need, it’s center—and yes, the Warriors use their centers.
Andrew Bogut, Festus Ezeli, and Marreese Speights combined to play 47 minutes per game, thus dispelling the myth that Golden State only operates via small-ball. While all three are solid, both Ezeli and Speights will be free agents, no matter how likely it is that they’ll return.
By adding Stephen Zimmerman, the Warriors would both prepare for the future and add a developable talent who fits the system.
Zimmerman is a 7’0″ center with a 7’3″ wingspan and an intriguing midrange jump shot. He’s expanding his range to beyond the arc, and was one of the better shot-blockers and defensive rebounders in the country as a freshman.
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No pick is perfect, but Zimmerman would fit the Warriors exceptionally well.