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2016 NBA Mock Draft: Every Team’s Ideal Fit

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 17, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Providence Friars guard Kris Dunn (3) celebrates with Providence Friars forward Ben Bentil (0) after a play against the USC Trojans during the second half at PNC Arena. The Friars wins 70-69. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Providence Friars guard Kris Dunn (3) celebrates with Providence Friars forward Ben Bentil (0) after a play against the USC Trojans during the second half at PNC Arena. The Friars wins 70-69. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 18, 2016; Spokane , WA, USA; California Golden Bears forward Ivan Rabb (1) controls the ball against Hawaii Rainbow Warriors guard Sai Tummala (12) during the first half of the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 18, 2016; Spokane , WA, USA; California Golden Bears forward Ivan Rabb (1) controls the ball against Hawaii Rainbow Warriors guard Sai Tummala (12) during the first half of the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

15. Denver Nuggets (via Rockets): Ivan Rabb, California Golden Bears

Position: Power Forward

Age: 19 (2/4/1997)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’9.75″, 215 pounds, 7’2″

Slash Line: .615/.500/.699

Season Averages: 28.7 MPG, 12.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.8 ORPG, 0.9 APG, 1.2 BPG

The Denver Nuggets made a move that fits Michael Malone’s system by drafting Buddy Hield at No. 7 overall. At No. 15, the Nuggets go for an upside player who, again, fits Michael Malone’s offensive vision.

Denver would likely trade down from this position if the NBA Draft transpires in this manner, but Ivan Rabb would be excellent compensation at No. 15.

Rabb does a lot of things that aren’t often found in 19-year-old prospects. He uses the glass when finishing in the paint, positions himself well for offensive rebounds, and is beginning to understand how much of an asset his 7’2″ wingspan can be.

Rabb also runs the floor well, gets after the offensive glass, and has a baby hook that implies upside in the post.

Kenneth Faried is already on the roster at power forward, and while I appreciate his individual game, how far have his contributions taken Denver? Rabb isn’t the athlete that Faried is, and he needs to bulk up, but his ceiling is higher.

Denver already has a deep crop of interior players, but when you’re on the outside looking in of the postseason, best player available is a difficult strategy to go against.

Next: Boston Celtics

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