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NBA Mock Draft 2016: Pro Comparisons for Top 30 Prospects

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 16, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) and guard Grayson Allen (3) celebrate a basket in their game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) and guard Grayson Allen (3) celebrate a basket in their game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 30, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes forward Jakob Poeltl (42) warms up prior to their game against the Stanford Cardinal at Jon M. Huntsman Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes forward Jakob Poeltl (42) warms up prior to their game against the Stanford Cardinal at Jon M. Huntsman Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Jakob Poeltl, Utah Utes

Ultimate Upside Comparison: Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee Bucks

Safe Upside Comparison: Andrew Bogut, Golden State Warriors

Position: Center

Age: 20 (10/15/1995)

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

Slash Line: .664/.000/.691

Season Averages: 29.2 MPG, 17.5 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 2.4 ORPG, 1.9 APG, 1.4 BPG

In a draft class with a number of intriguing centers, it’s Jakob Poeltl who stands out as the No. 1 prospect at his position. The 7’1″ center from the University of Utah was heralded for his defensive potential in 2014-15, but it’s his offensive game that has scouts clamoring in 2015-16.

After being written off as too raw a season ago, Poeltl has become one of college basketball’s most consistent big men on offense.

Poeltl lacks the perimeter game that many are looking for in a Top 5 prospect. What he brings to the table, however, is the uncanny ability to control the defensive interior and create from the pinch and low posts offensively.

With impressive vision as a passer and the soft hands to work the pick-and-roll, Poeltl does it all from the free throw line in.

In terms of his upside comparisons, the safe route would be fellow Utah Utes alum and current Golden State Warriors big man Andrew Bogut. Much like Bogut, Poeltl is a well-rounded big man who passes well, welcomes contact, protects the rim, and willingly sets screens to open the game up along the perimeter.

The more ambitious route would be the Milwaukee version of Bogut, who was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2010 and led the Association in blocks in 2011.

Next: The John Calipari Point Guard

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