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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 18, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; California Golden Bears forward Jaylen Brown (0) is defended by Washington Huskies guard Andrew Andrews (12) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena. California Golden Bears defeated the Washington Huskies 78-75. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; California Golden Bears forward Jaylen Brown (0) is defended by Washington Huskies guard Andrew Andrews (12) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena. California Golden Bears defeated the Washington Huskies 78-75. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Jaylen Brown, California Golden Bears

Position: Small Forward

Age: 19 (10/24/1996)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’6.5″, 222 pounds, 7’0.5″

Slash Line: .448/.309/.647

Season Averages: 27.8 MPG, 15.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 0.9 3PM

Analysis

From a physical perspective, there is no prospect more exhilarating than California Golden Bears wing Jaylen Brown. At a powerfully built 6’7″ with a 7’1″ wingspan, Brown’s explosive athleticism and a pro-ready frame have many under the impression that the All-Star Game is in his NBA future.

Brown’s all-around game has underwhelmed at points of the 2015-16 season, but he played well enough to be named Pac-12 Freshman of the Year.

When he’s on, Brown looks like a future NBA star.

The skill level is somewhat concerning, as Brown struggles as a jump shooter and lacks ideal 3-point range. Players can still be successful early in their careers without the shot, but its importance seems to increase with every passing season.

If Brown fails to improve his jump shot, he’ll be just another elite athlete who never lived up to his otherworldly potential.

The reality is, not many players have been blessed with Brown’s physical profile. He’s built powerfully, explodes at the rim for ferocious finishes, has the frame to post smaller defenders up, and can solidify his tremendous defensive potential upon improving his lateral quickness.

Brown has superstar potential, but he will only live up to it if he develops a strong enough jump shot to hold his own in the modern NBA.

Next: Perfect For The Modern Era