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2016 NBA Mock Draft: Updated Upside Comparisons

By Maxwell Ogden

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 11: Ben Simmons #25 of the LSU Tigers waits to rebound the ball during the game against the Tennessee Volunteers during the quarterfinals of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 11, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 11: Ben Simmons #25 of the LSU Tigers waits to rebound the ball during the game against the Tennessee Volunteers during the quarterfinals of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 11, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Mar 27, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Syracuse Orange guard Malachi Richardson (23) reacts to scoring during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers in the championship game of the midwest regional of the NCAA Tournament at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Syracuse Orange guard Malachi Richardson (23) reacts to scoring during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers in the championship game of the midwest regional of the NCAA Tournament at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

21. player. 125. <strong>Ultimate Upside Comparison:</strong> Dale Ellis<br /> <strong>Safe Upside Comparison:</strong> Nick Young<br /> <strong>Age:</strong> 20 (1/5/1996)<br /> <strong>Height, Weight, Wingspan:</strong> 6’6.25”, 200 pounds, 7’0”<br /> <strong>Slash Line:</strong> .369/.353/.720<br /> <strong>Season Averages:</strong> 34.4 MPG, 13.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 2.1 3PM <p><strong>Key Strengths</strong></p> <ul> <li>Scoring instincts.</li> <li>Superb physical profile for an NBA shooting guard.</li> <li>Spot-up shooting. Efficient off the catch.</li> <li>Positionally versatile. Can play both the 2 and the 3.</li> <li>Capable of becoming an above-average defender.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Key Weaknesses</strong></p> <ul> <li>Overwhelmingly erratic during freshman season.</li> <li>Solid athlete, but lacks explosiveness.</li> <li>Defensive inconsistency.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Analysis</strong></p> <p>The bust potential is as frightening with Malachi Richardson as it is with any prospect in the 2016 NBA Draft. The reality is, the Atlanta Hawks have been stuck in basketball limbo for more than a decade, and taking another quality role player won’t change that.</p> <p>Richardson may never attain the stardom his upside permits, but Atlanta needs to find a big-time scoring threat, and he’s the best available option.</p> <div class=. Shooting Guard. Syracuse Orange. Malachi Richardson

Physically, Richardson is the prototype for an NBA shooting guard. Standing at 6’6” and 200 pounds with a 7’0” wingspan and a 38-inch max vertical leap, Richardson has all of the physical tools to be a star at the next level.

If any coach can help Richardson overcome his inconsistencies and develop into the star he’s capable of becoming, it’s Mike Budenholzer.

The safe—and admittedly concerning—comparison is Nick Young: a naturally gifted player with wild inconsistency. The more ambitious comparison is Dale Ellis due to their similar physical builds and proficiency as shooters.

Malachi Richardson is 100 percent upside, but in Atlanta’s position, drafting for something other than a home run would be just another setback.

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21

Malachi Richardson

Shooting Guard, Syracuse Orange

Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks /

Ultimate Upside Comparison:

Dale Ellis

Safe Upside Comparison:

Nick Young

Age:

20 (1/5/1996)

Height, Weight, Wingspan:

6’6.25”, 200 pounds, 7’0”

Slash Line:

.369/.353/.720

Season Averages:

34.4 MPG, 13.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 2.1 3PM

Key Strengths

  • Scoring instincts.
  • Superb physical profile for an NBA shooting guard.
  • Spot-up shooting. Efficient off the catch.
  • Positionally versatile. Can play both the 2 and the 3.
  • Capable of becoming an above-average defender.

Key Weaknesses

  • Overwhelmingly erratic during freshman season.
  • Solid athlete, but lacks explosiveness.
  • Defensive inconsistency.

Analysis

The bust potential is as frightening with Malachi Richardson as it is with any prospect in the 2016 NBA Draft. The reality is, the Atlanta Hawks have been stuck in basketball limbo for more than a decade, and taking another quality role player won’t change that.

Richardson may never attain the stardom his upside permits, but Atlanta needs to find a big-time scoring threat, and he’s the best available option.

Physically, Richardson is the prototype for an NBA shooting guard. Standing at 6’6” and 200 pounds with a 7’0” wingspan and a 38-inch max vertical leap, Richardson has all of the physical tools to be a star at the next level.

If any coach can help Richardson overcome his inconsistencies and develop into the star he’s capable of becoming, it’s Mike Budenholzer.

The safe—and admittedly concerning—comparison is Nick Young: a naturally gifted player with wild inconsistency. The more ambitious comparison is Dale Ellis due to their similar physical builds and proficiency as shooters.

Malachi Richardson is 100 percent upside, but in Atlanta’s position, drafting for something other than a home run would be just another setback.

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