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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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Dec 1, 2015; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Cheick Diallo (13) dunks the ball against the Loyola-Maryland Greyhounds in the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Kansas won the game 94-61. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2015; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Cheick Diallo (13) dunks the ball against the Loyola-Maryland Greyhounds in the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Kansas won the game 94-61. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

41. Orlando Magic: Wayne Selden, Kansas Jayhawks

  • Wayne Selden possesses the most potential of any shooting guard available. Selden’s one of my Top 35 prospects, albeit as one of the more polarizing prospects available. He’s an explosive athlete who plays above the rim, is of value to any and every team. He’s a streaky shooter, but when on his game, Selden can shoot the lights out. The Orlando Magic have a very deep roster already, but Selden’s upside would be worth exploring. Don’t forget that Evan Fournier could fall out of their price range as a free agent in 2016.

42. Utah Jazz: Gary Payton II, Oregon State Beavers

  • The Utah Jazz took an upside player at shooting guard during Round 1 in international shooting guard Furkan Korkmaz. In Round 2, the Jazz go a safer route and address the clear void at point guard with Gary Payton II. The Oregon State Beavers star has the defensive potential to fit Quin Snyder’s system. He’s also an explosive athlete who can set the table as a facilitator. At No. 42, it doesn’t get much better than this.

43. Houston Rockets: Malik Newman, Mississippi State Bulldogs

  • The Houston Rockets need a point guard who can play on-ball and off-ball when James Harden is on the floor, and create penetration when he’s on the bench. There are players better overall, but there aren’t many better suited for such a role than Malik Newman. Newman isn’t the most ideal defensive fit alongside Harden, but there isn’t much risk involved in picking at No. 43. Newman is an outstanding shooter with the quickness to get around his man and attack. Working on his defense will be the key.

44. Atlanta Hawks (via Washington): Isaia Cordinier, Denain

  • The Atlanta Hawks need to swing for the fences, as far as upside is concerned, and targeting Isaia Cordinier is a great way to do so. He’s a 6’5″ shooting guard who would provide the upside at shooting guard which Atlanta currently lacks. More importantly, he’s a low-risk and high-reward type of prospect at this point in the draft. There are other options, but there’s no reason to ignore his value here.

45. Boston Celtics (via Memphis): Cheick Diallo, Kansas Jayhawks

  • If any team is in a position to give Cheick Diallo a shot, it’s the Boston Celtics. Boston has a ridiculous number of draft picks, which gives it the flexibility to gamble on at least one upside player. That’s what it does with Diallo, who entered the collegiate ranks with tremendous hype. After a lackluster freshman season, however, no one knows what to expect. If Boston can maximize Diallo’s potential, it could strike gold.

46. Dallas Mavericks: A.J. Hammons, Purdue Boilermakers

  • A.J. Hammons has been one of the Top 30 prospects on my big board throughout the entirety of 2015-16. Due to the limited need for centers, as well as his age, he falls to No. 46. That’s the perfect outcome for the Dallas Mavericks. Hammons can be Dallas’ rim protector as a 7’0″ and 278-pound goliath with a 7’3″ wingspan. He blocks shots at an elite rate, and has even expanded his shooting range. Simply put, Hammons could be the steal of the draft.

47. Orlando Magic (via Bulls): Anthony Barber, North Carolina State Wolfpack

  • The Orlando Magic have promising players at all five positions, which fueled the selection of project player Skal Labissiere at No. 11 overall. Wayne Selden was added to the mix for his athleticism and shooting ability. At No. 47, the Magic go the point guard route by drafting Anthony Barber. Barber is a muscular point guard with cat-like quickness—hence the nickname “Cat” Barber—and a dramatically improved jump shot. Barber is an elite slasher who gets to the line with ease. He could be a steal.

48. Detroit Pistons: Jake Layman, Maryland Terrapins

  • The Detroit Pistons found the power forward of the future in the first round in the form of Domantas Sabonis. Shooting guard is most certainly an option at No. 48, but Jake Layman is too good to pass over. Layman fills a need for Detroit, which makes this even easier to justify. He’s a tall and athletic small forward who can shoot—52 3-point field goals at a clip of 40.6 percent—and that makes him the perfect fit.

49. Chicago Bulls (via Trail Blazers): Georges Niang, Iowa State Cyclones

  • Fred Hoiberg valued well-rounded and positionally versatile players as a college coach. It appears as though he does the same with the Chicago Bulls. Thus, one of Hoiberg’s most storied collegiate players, Georges Niang, is the pick at No. 49 overall. Niang is a victim of positional ambiguity, but if any coach can help him find his niche in the NBA, it’s the man who helped him find it in college. A shooter who can post up, facilitate, and drive, Niang could thrive in Chicago.

50. Indiana Pacers: Josh Hart, Villanova Wildcats

  • If there’s one thing that’s known about Larry Bird as an executive, it’s that he values versatility. He famously found Lance Stephenson at No. 40 overall in the 2010 NBA Draft, and he has a chance to do something just as big with Josh Hart at No. 50. Hart broke out during the NCAA Tournament as a 6’5″ shooting guard who plays from the inside-out. He could bring a unique combination of skills to a team that needs help collapsing defenses. Being a champion always helps.

Next: Round 2, Picks 51-60

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