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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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GARDEN GROVE, CA – AUGUST 2: Thon Maker poses for a portrait during the 2014 adidas Nations on August 2, 2014 at Next Level Sports Complex in Garden Grove, California. (Photo by Kelly Kline/Getty Images)
GARDEN GROVE, CA – AUGUST 2: Thon Maker poses for a portrait during the 2014 adidas Nations on August 2, 2014 at Next Level Sports Complex in Garden Grove, California. (Photo by Kelly Kline/Getty Images) /

<strong>Ultimate Upside Comparison:</strong> Kevin Garnett<br /> <strong>Safe Upside Comparison: </strong>Anthony Randolph<br /> <strong>Age:</strong> 19 (2/25/1997)<br /> <strong>Height, Weight, Wingspan:</strong> 7’0.75”, 216 pounds, 7’3”<br /> <strong>Slash Line:</strong> N/A<br /> <strong>Season Averages:</strong> N/A <p><strong>Key Strengths</strong></p> <ul> <li>Defensive potential.</li> <li>Imposing size and wingspan.</li> <li>Passionate about playing defense.</li> <li>Shooting mechanics. Potential to be a 3-point shooter.</li> <li>Coaches and teammates love him.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Key Weaknesses</strong></p> <ul> <li>Fails to impose his will on games.</li> <li>Quite inexperienced. Could be a project player.</li> <li>Solid athlete, but lacks ideal explosiveness.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Analysis</strong></p> <p>The Los Angeles Clippers have options at No. 25, and it’s safe to assume that they will be explored. Los Angeles could value upside over all else, address a need within the rotation, or trade up by using picks No. 25 and 33.</p> <p>With minimal cap space, a closing window to win with Chris Paul, and the luxury of having a pick at No. 33, the Clippers make the rational decision to swing for the fences.</p> <div class=. Forward/Center. Athlete Institute. Thon Maker . 25. player. 77

Thon Maker isn’t Kevin Durant, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be a high-quality NBA player. He plays with a team-first mentality, has elite defensive potential, and possesses the raw skill offensively to be a positive contributor.

Maker may never impose his will in the way he’s physically capable, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be a starting-caliber player.

Maker’s ultimate upside comparison is the player whom he pattern his game after: Kevin Garnett. That’s very ambitious, but Maker idolizes KG and wants to be the versatile defensive weapon that Garnett was during his Minnesota and Boston years.

Who better to help Maker live up to that Garnett ambition than Doc Rivers?

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25

Thon Maker

Forward/Center, Athlete Institute

Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers /

Ultimate Upside Comparison:

Kevin Garnett

Safe Upside Comparison:

Anthony Randolph

Age:

19 (2/25/1997)

Height, Weight, Wingspan:

7’0.75”, 216 pounds, 7’3”

Slash Line:

N/A

Season Averages:

N/A

Key Strengths

  • Defensive potential.
  • Imposing size and wingspan.
  • Passionate about playing defense.
  • Shooting mechanics. Potential to be a 3-point shooter.
  • Coaches and teammates love him.

Key Weaknesses

  • Fails to impose his will on games.
  • Quite inexperienced. Could be a project player.
  • Solid athlete, but lacks ideal explosiveness.

Analysis

The Los Angeles Clippers have options at No. 25, and it’s safe to assume that they will be explored. Los Angeles could value upside over all else, address a need within the rotation, or trade up by using picks No. 25 and 33.

With minimal cap space, a closing window to win with Chris Paul, and the luxury of having a pick at No. 33, the Clippers make the rational decision to swing for the fences.

Thon Maker isn’t Kevin Durant, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be a high-quality NBA player. He plays with a team-first mentality, has elite defensive potential, and possesses the raw skill offensively to be a positive contributor.

Maker may never impose his will in the way he’s physically capable, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be a starting-caliber player.

Maker’s ultimate upside comparison is the player whom he pattern his game after: Kevin Garnett. That’s very ambitious, but Maker idolizes KG and wants to be the versatile defensive weapon that Garnett was during his Minnesota and Boston years.

Who better to help Maker live up to that Garnett ambition than Doc Rivers?

Next: Philadelphia 76ers

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