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2016 NBA Draft: Top 10 Boom Or Bust Prospects

By Maxwell Ogden

LEXINGTON, KY - FEBRUARY 18: Skal Labissiere #1 of the Kentucky Wildcats watches the action during the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Rupp Arena on February 18, 2016 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - FEBRUARY 18: Skal Labissiere #1 of the Kentucky Wildcats watches the action during the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Rupp Arena on February 18, 2016 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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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 /

Jaylen Brown, California Golden Bears

Position: Guard/Forward
Age: 19 (10/24/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’6.75″, 223 pounds, 6’11.75″
Slash Line: .431/.294/.654
Season Averages: 27.6 MPG, 14.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 0.9 3PM

Easily the highest-rated prospect on this list, California Golden Bears swingman Jaylen Brown is projected by most to come off the board in the Top 5. It’s possible that he could fall out of the Top 5, but even then, he’s essentially locked into the Top 8 range.

It’s not very difficult to see why scouts and general managers are so intrigued by his potential.

Brown has been compared to Andrew Wiggins from a physical perspective, which is the foundation for his high ranking on draft boards. Brown stands at 6’7″ and 223 pounds with a 7’0″ wingspan and a body fat percentage of 5.1—remarkable measurements.

Coupled with his speed in the open court, and the ease with which he plays above the rim, Brown is an athletically phenomenal prospect.

The reason for Brown’s bust potential: he doesn’t really have anything to complement those physical gifts. His jump shot is erratic, at best, and his handles are shaky—two flaws that pale in comparison to the troubling reality that he’s more naturally athletic than naturally good.

Brown is a genuinely elite athlete, but until he supports that with a better understanding for the game, his ceiling will be debated.

Next: Defensive Anchor?

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