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2016 NBA Draft: Stretch 4s Who Can Realistically Thrive

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 10, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Washington Huskies forward Marquese Chriss (0) warms up prior to the game against the Utah Utes at Jon M. Huntsman Center. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Washington Huskies forward Marquese Chriss (0) warms up prior to the game against the Utah Utes at Jon M. Huntsman Center. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 10, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Deyonta Davis (23) controls the ball as Penn State Nittany Lions forward Brandon Taylor (10) defends during the second half at Bryce Jordan Center. Michigan State defeated Penn State 92-65. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Jan 10, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Deyonta Davis (23) controls the ball as Penn State Nittany Lions forward Brandon Taylor (10) defends during the second half at Bryce Jordan Center. Michigan State defeated Penn State 92-65. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /

Honorable Mentions

Robert Carter, Maryland Terrapins

  • Standing at 6’9″ and 251 pounds with a 7’3.25″ wingspan, Robert Carter is a physical force to be reckoned with. He’s also a quality 3-point shooter who made 26 3-point field goals on 33.3 percent shooting in 2015-16. That isn’t quite enough to solidify his place as a stretch 4, but he’s certainly on the right path. The right coach could maximize his excellent potential.

Deyonta Davis, Michigan State Spartans

  • Deyonta Davis has excellent mechanics on his jump shot, but he hasn’t yet figured out how to use it. He should become proficient from 16-to-20 feet within his first two seasons, and could then develop 3-point range. An outstanding shot-blocker, Davis has 3-and-D potential from the 4. A Serge Ibaka type of prominence is not out of the question.

Thon Maker, Athlete Institute

  • Thon Maker is one of the most dynamic prospects in the 2016 NBA Draft. Standing at 7’1″ with a 7’3″ wingspan, Maker burst onto the scene via his YouTube hype videos. He’s more of an all-around team-first type of guy than an isolation scorer, but the raw tools are present. Maker has 3-point range, and he could put that to good use.

Zhou Qi, Xinjiang Flying Tigers

  • Stop me if you heard this a year ago with Kristaps Porzingis: Zhou Qi is a 7’2″ big man with a 7’8″ wingspan and range offensively. Porzingis was an inch taller with a wingspan that’s an inch shorter, but you get the picture. Qi hasn’t yet mastered the 3-point shot, however, and that’s why he’s an honorable mention. If he ever does, watch out.

Paul Zipser, Bayern Muenchen

  • Paul Zipser is a small forward, but he has the body type to step into the role of a small-ball 4. He stands at 6’8″ with the ability to attack the basket and step out to consistently knock down the 3-point field goal. He may never play power forward, but he has a lot of Danilo Gallinari in his game. Under the current climate of the NBA, Zipser could absolutely see time at the 4.

Next: The International Phenom

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