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Redrafting the 2016 NBA Draft class

By Simon Shortt

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver poses for a group photo on stage with draft prospects before the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver poses for a group photo on stage with draft prospects before the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 16, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Domantas Sabonis (3) reacts during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Thunder beat the Raptors 123-102. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Domantas Sabonis (3) reacts during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Thunder beat the Raptors 123-102. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

16. Boston Celtics

Original Pick: Guerschon Yabusele
New Pick: Domantas Sabonis

In the actual draft, the Celtics chose to go with the draft-and-stash Guerschon Yabusele early, but the now available Domantas Sabonis would be too much to pass up.

Sabonis’ ability to rebound and score around the basket could be beneficial for the team with Kelly Olynyk entering free agency this summer. He is also an extremely smart player and good passer, which would help him in Brad Stevens’ offensive sets.

Sabonis also has the potential to become a shooter from deep, having improved his jumper between is freshman and sophomore years at Gonzaga. As a rookie for the Oklahoma City Thunder he showed a willingness to take the three, putting up 159 of them.

Although he shot just 32 percent, he has a nice form as long as he keeps his release high. As those numbers improve, along with his other skills, Sabonis could be another good piece for a contending team.