NBA Mock Draft 2016: Impact of the NCAA Tournament

Five Five Out

31. Zhou Qi, Xinjiang Flying Tigers

• Zhou Qi is a 7’2″ big man with a 7’6.5″ wingspan, a nice jump shot, and a passion for the game. He’s also thin as can be, which will be a tremendous hindrance as he attempts to go from big and somewhat skilled to a genuine impact player. Qi’s upside is on par with the best in this draft class—physically, how could it not be?—but he needs to add significant amounts of muscle. Expect him to get back into the Top 30 by season’s end.

32. Wayne Selden Jr., Kansas Jayhawks

• I’ve said it before and I’ll say it over and over again until the night of the annual selection process: Wayne Selden Jr. is the J.R. Smith of the 2016 NBA Draft. He’s an explosive athlete and an absolutely tremendous shooter—when on his game. He’s also streaky and entirely capable of shooting his team out of games. The best situation for Selden Jr. to end up in is one that will ask him to be an off-ball contributor who goes ISO in limited situations. If that happens, he can have a Smith-like career.

33. Malik Beasley, Florida State Seminoles

• Malik Beasley is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2016 NBA Draft. He’s a very good shooter—55 3-point field goals made on 38.7 percent shooting from beyond the arc—with pro-caliber athleticism. Much of his game is still raw, but his jump shot is dangerous enough to create dribble penetration opportunities. Many have Beasley on the late first round bubble, and with a strong showing at the scouting combine, he would solidify that grade. Beasley is one of the better prospects in this draft class.

34. Melo Trimble, Maryland Terrapins

• I wholeheartedly understand why some might question Melo Trimble dropping out of the Top 30 following what was a solid showing in the 2016 NCAA Tournament. Trimble created penetration at virtual will, and displayed the swagger and body control of an NBA star. He also went 2-of-17 on his attempts from beyond the arc, and is 3-of-24 since the Big Ten Tournament Semifinals. Trimble is one heck of a player, but he needs to become a better shooter to thrive in the NBA. He’ll have a chance to show his progress in May at the NBA Draft Combine.

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35. Dejounte Murray, Washington Huskies

• Washington Huskies point guard Dejounte Murray has as much upside as any player in this draft class. He’s a 6’5″ point guard with a 6’10” wingspan and the game-breaking athleticism to become an elite transition playmaker. On the plus side, he’s an instinctive scorer who gets to the basket and draws contact with ease. On the negative, he’s a dreadful shooter who shot just 28.8 percent from 3-point range and 66.3 percent from the free throw line. Murray is all about upside, but the upside is legitimate.