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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 9, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers center A.J. Hammons (20) posts up against Michigan State Spartans forward Gavin Schilling (34) at Mackey Arena. Purdue defeats Michigan State 82-81 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers center A.J. Hammons (20) posts up against Michigan State Spartans forward Gavin Schilling (34) at Mackey Arena. Purdue defeats Michigan State 82-81 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

25. A.J. Hammons, Purdue Boilermakers

Position: Center

Age: 23 (8/27/1992)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0″, 278 pounds, 7’3″

Slash Line: .594/.600/.704

Season Averages: 24.0 MPG, 14.8 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.5 ORPG, 1.0 APG, 2.6 BPG

Analysis

A.J. Hammons will turn 24 before the commencement of the 2016-17 NBA regular season. That’s an undeniable red flag for any team, and while I’d like to tell you to ignore that reality, it’s much easier said than done.

If only one upside comparison can be made to temper concerns about Hammons’ age, it’s Hassan Whiteside—a fellow late bloomer who has become the most dominant shot-blocker in the NBA.

A 23-year-old who lacks elite athleticism isn’t the most attractive draft option, but Hammons is an elite defensive prospect. He dominates the paint as a rim protector, is having the best season of his four-year career on the boards, and has a huge wingspan to match his true 7’0″ height.

Most importantly, Hammons has expanded his offensive game to the point of warranting an unusual word for a 23-year-old prospect: upside.

Previously known to have a limited offensive attack, Hammons has developed something of a jump shot. He’s made six 3-point field goals on 10 attempts in 2015-16, and is becoming a respectable threat outside the paint.

If Hammons can continue to work on his midrange game, 3-point shot, and conditioning, he can follow in Whiteside’s footsteps as a late bloomer turned NBA starter.

Next: Steadily Rising