Hoops Habit
Fansided

2016 NBA Mock Draft: Built On Unpredictability

By Aaron Ferguson

March 24, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) dunks to score a basket against Oregon Ducks during the second half of the semifinal game in the West regional of the NCAA Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
March 24, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) dunks to score a basket against Oregon Ducks during the second half of the semifinal game in the West regional of the NCAA Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 32
Next
Mar 17, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Skal Labissiere (1) drives to the basket against Stony Brook Seawolves forward Jameel Warney (20) during the first half in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Skal Labissiere (1) drives to the basket against Stony Brook Seawolves forward Jameel Warney (20) during the first half in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Sacramento Kings – Skal Labissiere (Kentucky)

The Sacramento Kings have a plethora of centers, including superstar DeMarcus Cousins, but adding Skal Labissiere makes a lot of sense. Cousins was forced to play power forward this season with centers Willie Cauley-Stein and Kosta Koufos also getting their fair share of playing time, and Labissiere adds versatility to their rotations.

Labissiere, 20, has good size at 7-feet, 216 pounds. He is athletic enough to play the power forward position and big enough to play center, which gives the Kings options with their frontcourt. Joining fellow Wildcats in Cousins and WCS, Labissiere’s talent adds another element to Cousins’ all-around game and Cauley-Stein’s defensive prowess.

Labissiere only played 15.8 minutes per game for Kentucky this season, but he shined with his time on the court. His adjusted per-40 minutes numbers have him averaging 16.7 PPG, 8.0 RPG and 4.2 BPG.

He is a player that runs the floor well and can finish in transition, but he also excels in the pick-and-roll game. Offensively, Labissiere is best-suited as a face-up player to utilize his athleticism. He’ll have the opportunity to develop a post game as he builds up more strength.

Defensively, Labissiere proved to be a good rim protector with a block rate of 10.3 percent. He uses his great length and athleticism to swat shots. His rebounding skills are also good because of his makeup. Positioning will be key for Labissiere, since his strength doesn’t yet match up to NBA opponents.

The Kings will have one of the most versatile frontcourts by adding Labissiere. They will be tough to match up against and could mix and match their lineups to exploit mismatches. Labissiere’s development on both ends of the court will determine if he becomes a star, but the framework is in place.

Next: 9. Toronto Raptors

Home/NBA Draft