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2016 NBA Mock Draft: Top Prospects Entering March Madness

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 5, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) reacts from the court during the game against the LSU Tigers in the second half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) reacts from the court during the game against the LSU Tigers in the second half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 23, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores center Damian Jones (30) shoots over Florida Gators forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) as Commodores guard Wade Baldwin IV (4) loos on during the first half of a basketball game at the Stephen C. O
Feb 23, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores center Damian Jones (30) shoots over Florida Gators forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) as Commodores guard Wade Baldwin IV (4) loos on during the first half of a basketball game at the Stephen C. O /

15. Damian Jones, Vanderbilt Commodores

Position: Center

Age: 20 (6/30/1995)

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

Slash Line: .595/.000/.553

Season Averages: 26.3 MPG, 14.2 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 2.3 ORPG, 1.2 APG, 1.6 BPG

Analysis

If not Skal Labissiere, then Damian Jones is the Myles Turner of the 2016 NBA Draft. He has all of the upside in the world and a skill set that appears to be close to NBA ready, but there’s one truth that simply cannot be denied: he’s too inconsistent to firmly believe in.

Jones has Top 10 talent and potential, but there’s a powerful risk involved in gambling on a player of his makeup.

If Jones goes to a team with a solid foundation, including a good head coach, a strong front office, and veteran leaders, he can become a star. If he’s drafted to be the centerpiece for a young team that lacks such structure, however, his bust potential will be legitimate.

Much as Turner has benefited from joining the Indiana Pacers, Jones would be the perfect selection for a team at the tail-end of the draft lottery.

Defensively, Jones is a dominant shot-blocker and a solid rebounder who can create second chances on the offensive glass. Offensively, he has the basics of a post game, range on his jump shot, and the athleticism to dive and finish off of the pick-and-roll.

Jones could be a perennial All-Star, or he could be a bust. The outcome depends on whether or not he can play with a more consistent effort.

Next: The Powerhouse, Part I