Ranking the top 100 prospects in the 2016 NBA Draft and looking at which players could be targeted by the Los Angeles Lakers
We’re just over two weeks away from the 2016 NBA Draft and everyone is in a frenzy. There is so much that still feels like has yet to happen, so much yet to be decided, and so many parts that are still moving. That’s the case for the Los Angeles Lakers and it’s the case for the NBA Draft as a whole right now.
When you look at the talent-pool in this draft, there are a few things that stand out. For one, the Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers are going to split the two best prospects in some manner as Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram are likely to be superstars. While they may be alone on that tier, there is a breadth of talent after them that could develop into high-quality role players in the NBA.
Not just in the lottery, but throughout much of the players likely to be drafted, there are players that could seemingly make some sort of contribution to an NBA team sooner rather than later. There are even a number of players not even projected to be drafted that would fit in that category as well.
Looking at the entire landscape for NBA Draft eligible players and players hoping to be selected, it’s interesting to see what’s out there, who the Lakers should have an eye on, and how these hopefuls stack up against one another. So that’s what we’re going to do.
We’ve ranked the top-100 prospects for the 2016 NBA Draft and looked at their potential futures and even addressed those that the Lakers should be watching. Without any further delay, here are those top-100 draft prospects.
(Note: All measurements are from NBA Draft Combine if available. All ages listed are at time of draft on June 23, 2016)
Next: Nos. 100-96
100. Thomas Walkup
Age: 23
Position: SG
School/Country: Stephen F. Austin
Height: 6-4.5
Weight: 202 pounds
Though he may not be the greatest athlete or have any kind of NBA caliber size, Thomas Walkup proved throughout college that he’s just a playmaker with a wide set of skills. He’ll get a shot as an undrafted free agent, though I doubt he’ll be selected.
99. Axel Bouteille
Age: 21
Position: SF
School/Country: France
Height: 6-6
Weight: 195 pounds
Axel Bouteille is a bit of an interesting prospect coming out of France. Though he has nice length and athleticism, he hasn’t done much overseas to already be 21 years old. It’ll be intriguing to see what happens with him moving forward.
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98. Alpha Kaba
Age: 20
Position: PF/C
School/Country: France
Height: 6-10
Weight: 226 pounds
At only 20 years old, Alpha Kaba has unreal length with a 7-5 wingspan and that makes scouts drool. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him have a shot in the NBA in the future, but he’ll unlikely go in the 2016 NBA Draft.
97. Alex Caruso
Age: 22
Position: PG/SG
School/Country: Texas A&M
Height: 6-5.5
Weight: 181 pounds
If you’re looking for the next Chris Paul out of Alex Caruso, that’s not going to happen. However, he could potentially be molded into a role player and game manager at the next level.
96. Marko Arapovic
Age: 19
Position: PF/C
School/Country: Croatia
Height: 6-9
Weight: 220 pounds
Though Marko Arapovic hasn’t played a great deal in his career, he’s shown promise at a young age in the best of competitions. It’d be a mistake for a team not to take a shot on him as an undrafted free agent in my estimation.
Next: Nos. 95-91
95. Daniel Ochefu
Age: 22
Position: C
School/Country: Villanova
Height: 6-11
Weight: 245 pounds
Considering what his skillset was when he got to Villanova, Daniel Ochefu has progressed leaps and bounds. He’ll still need work, but his physical tools will demand a look in some capacity at the next level.
94. Isaiah Miles
Age: 22
Position: PF
School/Country: Saint Joseph’s
Height: 6-8
Weight: 220 pounds
Though undersized for his position and overshadowed by other players at St. Joe’s, Isaiah Miles was a force for the Hawks as a senior with 18.1 points, and 8.1 boards per game. Based on that production alone, a Summer League invite at the least should be in his future.
93. Josh Adams
Age: 22
Position: PG
School/Country: Wyoming
Height: 6-2
Weight: 190 pounds
This might not be a name familiar to many people, but Josh Adams is a player that could make a name for himself if given the chance after a monstrously productive career at Wyoming. He’ll likely go undrafted, but don’t rule out him being in the NBA next season.
92. Egemen Guven
Age: 19
Position: PF/C
School/Country: Turkey
Height: 6-10
Weight: 210 pounds
With great length and with the promise he’s shown when given the chance at a young age overseas, Egemen Guven is a bit of an unknown commodity that will likely go undrafted this year. But be sure to keep the name in mind.
91. Ognjen Jaramaz
Age: 20
Position: PG
School/Country: Serbia
Height: 6-4
Weight: 193 pounds
Ognjen Jaramaz has made some noise in international play, but hasn’t fared quite as well in league play. As such, it’s possible he goes undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft. Whether or not that’s the end is what remains to be seen.
Next: Nos. 90-86
90. A.J. English
Age: 23
Position: PG/SG
School/Country: Iona
Height: 6-3
Weight: 182 pounds
A.J. English might not be a familiar name, but the man was highly productive over his time with Iona. Despite being a bit undersized, he’s a guy that could offer a team (maybe even the Lakers) solid young backcourt depth.
89. Jameel Warney
Age: 22
Position: PF
School/Country: Stony Brook
Height: 6-8
Weight: 259 pounds
Because he’s not a massive guy who’s older and played at Stony Brook, Warney might not have the pedigree of some men. However, he was highly productive in college, averaging 20.1 points, 10.7 boards, and 3.1 blocks in his senior year. He should get a Summer League invite from someone without question.
88. Shawn Long
Age: 23
Position: C
School/Country: Louisiana-Lafayette
Height: 6-10
Weight: 256 pounds
Shawn Long’s an interesting big man with solid length, a strong frame and strong size to go with solid production with the Ragin’ Cajuns. He’s a more traditional big with some intrigue surrounding him.
87. Julian Jacobs
Age: 22
Position: PG
School/Country: USC
Height: 6-4
Weight: 180 pounds
After a junior season with the USC Trojans where he was questionably productive (11.6 points, 5.4 assists), Jacobs is NBA bound. While the physical baseline tools are there, he could be a project worth investing in for some team as an undrafted free agent.
86. Danuel House
Age: 23
Position: SF
School/Country: Texas A&M
Height: 6-7
Weight: 215 pounds
In terms of age, measurable, and even consistency, there are warranted concerns about Danuel House. However, the forward showed he can score in bunches and carry a lineup when he gets hot. Like it or not, that’s valuable in today’s NBA when it comes to shooting.
Next: Nos. 85-81
85. Mamadou Ndiaye
Age: 22
Position: C
School/Country: UC Irvine
Height: 7-6
Weight: 290 pounds
All you need to do is look at the size of Mamadou to see why he’d even be considered as a draft prospect after three years at UC Irvine out of Senegal. If someone doesn’t at least give him a shot, I’d be stunned.
84. Alex Poythress
Age: 22
Position: SF/PF
School/Country: Kentucky
Height: 6-8
Weight: 239 pounds
Despite coming in with a ton of hype and amidst a slew of names already in the NBA, Alex Poythress stayed all four years at Kentucky and still was a role player by his senior year. That said, he has clear NBA-level skills and could make and impact on some team that gives him a chance.
83. Daniel Hamilton
Age: 20
Position: SG
School/Country: UConn
Height: 6-8
Weight: 197 pounds
Had Daniel Hamilton showed more athleticism at the NBA Draft Combine, he might be a bit higher. However, the oversized guard isn’t a great shooter or athlete and his NBA Draft prospects take a huge hit as a result.
82. Gracin Bakumanya
Age: 18
Position: C
School/Country: Democratic Republic of Congo
Height: 6-11
Weight: 240 pounds
This big man hasn’t played much overseas for Espoir Antibes in France and he’d likely be a stash if drafted. However, Bakumanya is worth keeping an eye on at his size and strength at such a young age.
81. Elgin Cook
Age: 23
Position: SF
School/Country: Oregon
Height: 6-6
Weight: 210 pounds
As part of the fun-to-watch Ducks team last season, Elgicn Cook consistently made his presence felt averaging 14.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. He’s a role player that does a lot of things well and would truly be a nice Summer League add for the Lakers or another team in need of depth.
Next: Nos. 80-76
80. Ron Baker
Age: 23
Position: SG
School/Country: Wichita State
Height: 6-4
Weight: 212 pounds
Though size may be an issue at shooting guard for Ron Baker, he’s a player with solid athleticism and length as well. Moreover, he showed over his career his ability to shoot and affect the game in a number of ways. It’s doubtful he goes in the NBA Draft, but he’ll be around the D-League, Summer League, and so on.
79. Fred VanVleet
Age: 22
Position: PG
School/Country: Wichita State
Height: 6-1
Weight: 197
VanVleet’s ability to score, facilitate, and defend weren’t made a secret with Wichita State by any means. However, his size is a concern as a small point guard. Even still, he’ll get a shot to make it in the league eventually.
78. Blaz Mesicek
Age: 18
Position: SG
School/Country: Slovenia
Height: 6-6
Weight: 190 pounds
Considering his youth, that Blaz Mesicek has already seen consistent minutes for Olimpija Ljubljana overseas is promising. While he still has plenty of room to improve overall, he has the physical tools to be a nice player at some point.
77. Tim Quarterman
Age: 21
Position: PG/SG
School/Country: LSU
Height: 6-6
Weight: 187 pounds
Considering the lack of success LSU had around a top lottery pick in Ben Simmons, prospects like Tim Quarterman are hard to know what to make of coming into the NBA Draft. However, he has nice size for a combo guard while being a good athlete and, at the very least, having potential.
76. Derrick Jones
Age: 19
Position: SF
School/Country: UNLV
Height: 6-7
Weight: 185 pounds
Derrick Jones’ production in his one year with the Runnin’ Rebels won’t blow you away, but the forward has tremendous length and athleticism (he measured a 42.5-inch max vertical at UNLV) that could make him an intriguing player going forward.
Next: Nos. 75-71
75. Aleksandar Vezenkov
Age: 20
Position: SF/PF
School/Country: Cyprus
Height: 6-9
Weight: 225 pounds
Anytime you see a young player getting any kind of minutes for Barcelona, you hve to pay attention and that’s the case with Aleksandar Vezenkov. The big combo-forward has tremendous upside, size, and versatility to go with workable instincts that could make him valuable to some teams.
74. Mathias Lessort
Age: 20
Position: PF/C
School/Country: Martinique
Height: 6-9
Weight: 230 pounds
Here’s another forward playing overseas, but Mathias Lessort is a bit different. As a more traditional big, he’s a tad undersized. Even still, it’s hard to look past 5.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in only 12.4 minutes per game in France last season. He should get a look this year, but his value could continue to grow.
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73. Isaiah Taylor
Age: 21
Position: PG
School/Country: Texas
Height: 6-3
Weight: 168 pounds
Leaving after three years with the Longhorns, Isaiah Taylor had a solid junior campaign at 15.1 points and five assists per game. An inconsistent jumper isn’t a great look for the point guard, but Taylor will get a shot to make a roster in some capacity.
72. Tyrone Wallace
Age: 22
Position: PG
School/Country: California
Height: 6-6
Weight: 198 pounds
This is a player I’m higher on than most and think he should have a better chance at getting selected in the NBA Draft. Wallace showed he’s productive over his tenure with the Golden Bears and showed his value as a teammate by his absence in the NCAA Tournament. He deserves a spot in the NBA, without question.
71. Georges Niang
Age: 23
Position: SF/PF
School/Country: Iowa State
Height: 6-8.5
Weight: 231 pounds
Niang in terms of size and measurable doesn’t jump off the page by any stretch. What does jump off the page, though, is the 20.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game he averaged last season. While his defense is lacking, he could be an offensive weapon potentially in the NBA and might be an option for forward depth in Los Angeles.
Next: Nos. 70-66
70. Isaiah Cousins
Age: 22
Position: SG
School/Country: Oklahoma
Height: 6-4.5
Weight: 194 pounds
Isaiah Cousins showed solid production throughout his time with the Sooners, but his size continues to limit his NBA future. He’ll get a shot with his production and physical tools, but its possible he goes undrafted due to that size.
69. Kyle Wiltjer
Age: 23
Position: PF
School/Country: Gonzaga
Height: 6-10
Weight: 243 pounds
Based on athleticism and even strength to a degree, I can understand shying away from Kyle Wiltjer. However, with the value of the stretch four in the modern NBA, it’s hard for me to see how the Gonzaga big that shot 43.8 percent from three last year at his size isn’t getting looks from teams like the Lakers who are in need of that skill set.
68. Jarrod Uthoff
Age: 23
Position: SF/PF
School/Country: Iowa
Height: 6-10
Weight: 214 pounds
Jarrod Uthoff’s length and athleticism weren’t overwhelming at the NBA Draft Combine, but he’s yet another player that showed he can be productive over his time at Iowa. He can stretch the floor nicely at his size and should get looks from plenty of teams around the NBA.
67. Sheldon McClellan
Age: 23
Position: SG
School/Country: Miami
Height: 6-6
Weight: 198 pounds
Not only did Sheldon McClellan measure truly to what he’s listed as, but his 41.5-inch max vertical was a great number to see as well. The Miami product can undoubtedly score and I’d be shocked to see him not get the chance to do so in some capacity in the NBA next season.
66. Damion Lee
Age: 23
Position: SF
School/Country: Louisville
Height: 6-6
Weight: 210 pounds
The size here with Lee is the big concern as he’s quite small for the position. Moreover, he showed that his offense can be quite stagnant at times even at the college level. If he can be put into the right system, he could work. However, the wrong system could see him lost in the shuffle.
Next: Nos 65-61
65. Troy Williams
Age: 21
Position: SF
School/Country: Indiana
Height: 6-7
Weight: 218 pounds
Troy Williams certainly didn’t live up to the hype with the Hoosiers that he had out of high school, but the potential with him is clear. He’s a solid athlete with decent measurables that does a lot of things well. Though undersized, he could try to carve out a roster spot if he’s not selected in the NBA Draft
64. Zach Auguste
Age: 22
Position: PF
School/Country: Notre Dame
Height: 6-10
Weight: 240 pounds
This is another guy I’m super high on, higher than most even. Though he has average wingspan, hardly any resemblance of offense outside of 10-12 feet, and not a great deal of upside, I love Auguste’s instincts and passion and think the Lakers or any team trying to build culture would love to have a young player of his ilk.
63. Marcus Paige
Age: 22
Position: PG
School/Country: North Carolina
Height: 6-2
Weight: 164 pounds
Marcus Paige showed a bit of surprising athleticism at the combine in addition to good length at point guard. While he may not have been the player many hoped he’d be at North Carolina, the tools are there for him to have a place in the NBA Draft and thus the NBA looking ahead.
62. Prince Ibeh
Age: 22
Position: C
School/Country: Texas
Height: 6-11
Weight: 261 pounds
Considering what he looked like when he got to Texas, Prince Ibeh has made great strides. However, he could still only be on the floor for 18.1 minutes per game as a senior and is still lacking in skill despite his size and length. The upside is obvious, but so is the risk with Ibeh.
61. James Webb III
Age: 22
Position: SF/PF
School/Country: Boise State
Height: 6-9
Weight: 202 pounds
While he might be coming out of a football school in Boise State, James Webb has nice upside without question. He averaged a near double-double as a junior while contributing across the box score. If he’s not selected in the NBA Draft, I’d be baffled and the Lakers would need to jump at the chance to snatch him up.
Next: Nos. 60-56
60. Joel Bolomboy
Age: 22
Position: PF
School/Country: Weber State
Height: 6-9
Weight: 224 pounds
In his senior year at Weber State, Bolomboy put up gaudy numbers with 17.1 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. While he may be a bit undersized and not have a ton of NBA-level versatility, he’ll be worth giving a shot for some NBA team.
59. Dorian Finney-Smith
Age: 23
Position: SF
School/Country: Florida
Height: 6-8
Weight: 213 pounds
Nice size, nice length, and a 41.5-inch max vertical are all working in favor of Finney-Smith. However, his inconsistency in his time with Florida are a bit concerning. Even still, the physical attributes and the highs of his college career are enough for him to likely be drafted (higher than I have him ranked, too).
58. Andrey Desyatnikov
Age: 22
Position: C
School/Country: Russia
Height: 7-3
Weight: 231 pounds
Standing 7-3 and only weighing what he does, there’s still some muscle to be put on Desyatnikov. However, that size is something you also can’t teach and the 22-year-old has some serious upside as a big man. He’s likely a stash for another year or two, but a valuable one at that.
57. Perry Ellis
Age: 22
Position: PF
School/Country: Kansas
Height: 6-8
Weight: 218 pounds
Even if he looks 47 years old, Perry Ellis is actually still relatively young considering he played four years in Kansas. The big man is a bit undersized, but has solid athleticism and showed how good his instincts and skill can serve him throughout his college career. I’d take a flyer on Ellis.
56. Yogi Ferrell
Age: 23
Position: PG
School/Country: Indiana
Height: 6-0
Weight: 178 pounds
While Yogi Ferrell might be small, there aren’t many players that qualify as leaders or playmakers in the way that he earned over four years with the Hoosiers. Though there are obvious shortcomings and areas to improve, passing on Yogi at the end of the second would be a huge mistake in my estimation.
Next: Nos. 55-51
55. Georgios Papagiannis
Age: 18
Position: C
School/Country: Greece
Height: 7-2
Weight: 240 pounds
If you equate size and youth with upside, then Georgios Papagiannis is your guy. At a legit 7-2 and only being 18 years old at the time of the draft with some experience under his belt as well, how are teams not salivating at this guy uncontrollably? Even if he’s stashed (likely why his value is this low), I love his potential.
54. Isaiah Whitehead
Age: 21
Position: SG
School/Country: Seton Hall
Height: 6-4.5
Weight: 210 pounds
Whitehead’s size is definitely a minor concern heading into the NBA and it’ll be interesting to see how he operates in an NBA system where the directive isn’t simply “Isaiah, get buckets.” However, he has tremendous skill and should ultimately be worth a flyer in the late second.
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53. Kay Felder
Age: 21
Position: PG
School/Country: Oakland
Height: 5-9.5
Weight: 177 pounds
Kay Felder is one of (if not the absolute) smallest players in the draft, but he’s also one of the most productive. As size isn’t everything—he did post a 44-inch max vertical—I love Felder as a prospect and should ultimately have the chance to play in the NBA and I think he’ll succeed.
52. Pascal Siakam
Age: 22
Position: PF
School/Country: New Mexico State
Height: 6-9.5
Weight: 227 pounds
The length and decent athleticism of a player the size of Siakam is obviously intriguing, as is the fact that he put up 20.4 points, 11.8 boards, and 2.2 blocks per game last season. He deserves a good shot at carving out a roster spot on an NBA team.
51. Cat Barber
Age: 21
Position: PG
School/Country: North Carolina State
Height: 6-3
Weight: 173 pounds
Cat Barber showed his ability to score while playing for the Wolfpack, averaging 23.5 points in his junior year. However, he also highlighted his playmaking ability in addition to being a scorer. He’s a second-rounder with higher upside than most.
Next: Nos. 50-46
50. Jake Layman
Age: 22
Position: SF
School/Country: Maryland
Height: 6-9
Weight: 209 pounds
Jake Layman never wowed anyone with his production in four years with the Terrapins. However, the forward measured and performed well at the combine and was enough of a leader and outside shooter that he should be selected in the mid-to-late second.
49. Michael Gbinije
Age: 24
Position: SG/SF
School/Country: Syracuse
Height: 6-7
Weight: 205 pounds
If not for his age, Michael Gbinije would probably be at the back end of the first round. Especially after arriving at Syracuse, the wing showed his ability to shoot, facilitate, defend and simply make plays on both ends. I think he’s a sleeper in this draft that the Lakers and others should seriously consider trying to get.
48. Robert Carter
Age: 22
Position: PF
School/Country: Maryland
Height: 6-8.5
Weight: 251 pounds
Though his height wasn’t ideal when he measured at the combine, Carter’s length was solid and almost impressive enough to outweigh sub-par athletic measurements. Still, he showed he could produce while at Maryland last year and will get a shot from some NBA team.
47. Paul Zipser
Age: 22
Position: SF
School/Country: Germany
Height: 6-8
Weight: 210 pounds
Playing for Bayern Munich (in basketball, not alongside Robert Lewandowski), Zipser has shown in a semi-limited role what he’s capable of. He can score and rebound quite well and has upside. His age hurts him, but he could be a quality role player coming over for some team.
46. Caris LeVert
Age: 21
Position: PG/SG
School/Country: Michigan
Height: 6-7
Weight: 191 pounds
Injuries were an unfortunate part of LeVert’s college career, but he’s still an intriguing prospect. He’s a guard with great size and solid length that showed he can fill up a box score when healthy. He’ll turn some heads for certain leading up to the NBA Draft.
Next: Nos. 45-41
45. Wayne Selden
Age: 21
Position: SG
School/Country: Kansas
Height: 6-6
Weight: 232 pounds
Coming into college, Wayne Selden was one of the next big things and expected to be one-and-done. Three years later and he’s finally leaving Lawrence. Selden has the physical tools to succeed in all facets, but it’s whether or not he realizes his potential that’s the question.
44. Isaiah Cordinier
Age: 19
Position: SG
School/Country: France
Height: 6-5
Weight: 177 pounds
Cordinier is almost surely going to be a stashed prospect, but an interesting one nonetheless. At only 19 years old, he has obvious potential and a year or two more overseas could see him develop into a real NBA asset.
43. A.J. Hammons
Age: 23
Position: C
School/Country: Purdue
Height: 7-0
Weight: 278 pounds
Frame, size, and four years of production are all there for A.J. Hammons out of Purdue. While his upside his limited as he’ll turn 24 years old in August, he could come in right away in theory and at least be a secondary rim protector at the NBA level.
42. Gary Payton II
Age: 23
Position: PG
School/Country: Oregon State
Height: 6-3
Weight: 184 pounds
Other than name recognition, Gary Payton II has intrigue as a second-round NBA Draft prospect. His aggressiveness and production in college are undeniable and he could almost certainly work to carve out a role for himself at the next level in the right situation.
41. Stephen Zimmerman
Age: 19
Position: C
School/Country: UNLV
Height: 7-0
Weight: 234 pounds
Admittedly, I’m lower on Zimmerman than most coming into this draft. After all, he is a 19-year-old with legit 7-0 size and some skill. However, I’m not sold on what his upside actually is and think that taking him before the mid second round would be something teams would regret.
Next: Nos. 40-37
40. Guerschon Yabusele
Age: 20
Position: PF
School/Country: France
Height: 6-8
Weight: 270 pounds
Despite the fact that Yabusele is a bit undersized for an NBA power forward, he’s been playing and producing while playing solid minutes in the French League for Rouen already in his young career. As such, that experience could prove valuable and he deserves a look.
39. Thon Maker
Age: 19
Position: PF
School/Country: High School/Canada/Sudan
Height: 7-1
Weight: 216 pounds
Thon Maker is the player in the 2016 NBA Draft that might have the most people talking. Not only did he seemingly circumvent the rules to go play high school ball in Canada to enter the draft, but his upside is ridiculous. He’s a legit seven-footer with great length and shocking athleticism at his size. Moreover, he’s shown skills uncommon for players of his size. Many Lakers fans are pining for him and it might just happen in Round 2.
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38. Malcolm Brogdon
Age: 23
Position: SG
School/Country: Virginia
Height: 6-5.5
Weight: 223 pounds
For whatever reason, Malcolm Brogdon’s stock for the NBA Draft hasn’t risen like I’d thought it would. Perhaps that deals with his age as he’ll turn 24 in his rookie season, but he’s a wing with potentially elite defensive potential in addition to being a quality offensive player. Whatever team nabs him in the second will be getting a steal.
37. Ben Bentil
Age: 21
Position: PF
School/Country: Providence
Height: 6-8
Weight: 229 pounds
The athleticism of Ben Bentil—or rather the lack thereof—at the combine was a bit disheartening as the forward was gaining some more buzz. However, he’s tremendously long with the ability to stretch the floor and score all over the floor. I think he has great role player potential and would be a nice get for the Lakers or any other team.
Next: Nos. 36-33
36. Rade Zagorac
Age: 20
Position: SF
School/Country: Serbia
Height: 6-9
Weight: 205 pounds
Mega Leks might as well be the international hub for players in this draft as there a plethora of players are set to possibly come over. One such is forward Rade Zagorac who played a good amount for a 20-year-old in the Adriatic League and showed the length, scoring, and defense needed to be an intriguing NBA prospect.
35. Chinanu Onuaku
Age: 19
Position: C
School/Country: Louisville
Height: 6-10
Weight: 245 pounds
Chinanu Onuaku’s two seasons with Louisville were a bit of an up-and-down affair. On one night he would be able to dominate on both ends of the floor and on another he would almost disappear. Onuaku though has tremendous potential as an athlete with physical gifts, but that inconsistency causes his stock to take a hit.
34. Petr Cornelie
Age: 20
Position: PF
School/Country: France
Height: 6-11
Weight: 220 pounds
If he were just a bit younger and had he seen the floor only slightly more this past season playing with Le Mans in France, Petr Corenlie might be a bit higher in these rankings. However, he’s a forward with great size that can also step out and shoot in addition to rebounding and scoring at the rim. He’s a second-round talent that the Lakers would be wise to examine.
33. Malachi Richardson
Age: 20
Position: SG
School/Country: Syracuse
Height: 6-6
Weight: 200 pounds
At the start of his freshman season with Syracuse, Malachi Richardson was quite honestly bad. However, he came on in the tournament and has been tearing it up in workouts. The potential is there, but I’m not overreacting like some clearly are before the NBA Draft and putting him any higher than this.
Next: Nos. 32-29
32. Cheick Diallo
Age: 19
Position: PF/C
School/Country: Kansas
Height: 6-9
Weight: 219 pounds
At a certain point with Cheick Diallo, I have to balance my distaste for him as a prospect and the way that his stock has risen. He’s a solid athlete with insane length despite being a tad undersized. Moreover, where the upside in his game lies is clear with his physical gifts. However, I just don’t think he’s a first-round talent—even if that’s where he ultimately comes off of the board.
31. Patrick McCaw
Age: 20
Position: SG
School/Country: UNLV
Height: 6-7
Weight: 181 pounds
At this point near the end of the first round and beginning of the second, there are going to be quite a few enigmatic players that we look at and Patrick McCaw is one of them. He has nice size at the two-guard, posted a 38-inch max vert at the NBA Draft combine, and produced well enough in two years at UNLV. It’ll be interesting to see what happens with him on draft night.
Next: Every Player in NBA Free Agency
30. Diamond Stone
Age: 19
Position: C
School/Country: Maryland
Height: 6-10
Weight: 254 pounds
Diamond Stone is definitely another player that didn’t get any favors from the combine considering that his athleticism was notoriously absent and he measured nearly two inches below 7-0. However, Stone showed that he still has good length and strength to go with solid skill. It’ll be curious to see whether his youth and skill shines through in the draft or if it’s simply his lack of athleticism that reigns.
29. Dejounte Murray
Age: 19
Position: PG/SG
School/Country: Washington
Height: 6-5
Weight: 170 pounds
There are obviously a lot of players that slip under the radar for one reason or another and Dejounte Murray is that for me. In one year with the Huskies, Murray put up 16.1 points, 4.5 assists, six boards, and 1.8 steals per game. While his outside shooting is a question mark, I think he’s a player that will get serious looks from most teams around the league at his age and with his production right away in college.
Next: Nos. 28-25
28. Damian Jones
Age: 20
Position: C
School/Country: Vanderbilt
Height: 6-11.5
Weight: 244 pounds
From all I’ve seen from Damian Jones out of Vanderbilt, he just leaves me wanting bit. Obviously he has size and athleticism that are intriguing for a big man, but I question his instincts and his skill level after three years in college. Even still, his physical tools are first-round caliber.
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27. Brice Johnson
Age: 21
Position: PF
School/Country: North Carolina
Height: 6-10.5
Weight: 209 pounds
Brice Johnson was a walking double-double in his senior season with the Tar Heels as he led them to being national runner-ups. He has solid size and length and is a crazy athlete with good timing and instincts around the rim. He’ll need further polishing, but he’s done enough to be a first-rounder.
26. Zhou Qi
Age: 20
Position: C
School/Country: China
Height: 7-2
Weight: 218 pounds
The physical tools of Zhou Qi truly are staggering as he’s a legitimate 7-2 with crazy length and even a hair of athleticism at that size and with his 9-4.5 reach. Moreover, he’s shown in workouts and on tape that he has crazy skill as well. He’s the enigma of this draft with huge risk, but possibly huge rewards waiting as well.
25. DeAndre Bembry
Age: 21
Position: SF
School/Country: Saint Joseph’s
Height: 6-6
Weight: 207 pounds
The NBA Draft Combine was slightly upsetting for DeAndre Bembry considering that he measured smaller than many would like. However, a 38-inch max vertical was nice to see and he showed over three years with the Hawks what he’s capable of. Even with his size issues, I love Bembry coming into the NBA.
Next: Nos. 24-21
24. Juan Hernangomez
Age: 20
Position: SF/PF
School/Country: Spain
Height: 6-9
Weight: 220 pounds
Juan Hernangomez is another player that’s been playing in the high quality Spanish league for some time and carved out a nice role and produced for Estudiantes last season. As such, I think his prospects as an NBA forward are there and he should have real value in the draft.
23. Ivica Zubac
Age: 19
Position: C
School/Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Height: 7-1
Weight: 265 pounds
When you look at the size and age of Ivica Zubac, it’s not hard to see why he’s so highly valued as a draft prospect. While he didn’t even see the floor for any amount of time to speak about for Mega Leks this past season, he has skill and noticeable upside and could very well be worth a first-round selection.
22. Malik Beasley
Age: 19
Position: SG
School/Country: Florida State
Height: 6-4.5
Weight: 190 pounds
You have to love Malik Beasley and what he showed he’s capable of in one year at Florida State. Beasley put up 15.6 points and 5.3 rebounds in only 29.8 minutes per game while shooting 47.1 percent from the floor and 38.7 percent from three. He has all the tools and tremendous potential and is a great prospect.
21. Ante Zuzic
Age: 19
Position: C
School/Country: Croatia
Height: 6-11
Weight: 240 pounds
Another international big man with a ton of upside is Ante Zizic out of Croatia. Why I have him higher than some, though, is that he’s been playing in the Adriatic League and getting solid workload. At only 19 years old with him already producing, I think Zizic could be a name we hear a lot next season.
Next: Nos. 20-19: Prince, Ulis
20. Taurean Prince
Age: 21
Position: SF
School/Country: Baylor
Height: 6-8
Weight: 220 pounds
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Perhaps one of my favorite things about Taurean Prince as a prospect is that he’s probably the most intriguing blend of upside and experience. Despite the fact that he played all four years with the Baylor Bears, Prince still will be only 21 years old at the time of the draft.
In addition to that, Prince showed that he can affect the game across the box score in his time with college with versatile offense, solid length and athleticism, and good instincts. In the middle-to-end of the first round of the NBA Draft, the Baylor product could be a steal.
19. Tyler Ulis
Age: 20
Position: PG
School/Country: Kentucky
Height: 5-10
Weight: 149 pounds
We’ll start with the weaknesses when it comes to Tyler Ulis out of Kentucky because they’re obvious—the guy is small at well under six-foot and weighing in at under 150 pounds at the NBA Draft Combine. Even still, Ulis is going to be a first-rounder and rightfully so.
I absolutely love the Wildcats product and what he can do at point guard. He’s lightning quick with unreal instincts and a versatile skill set. While his size might limit his upside as a whole, he’s been dealing with that size his whole life and succeeding and I think that continues as he heads to the NBA.
Next: Nos. 18-17: Baldwin, Korkmaz
18. Wade Baldwin
Age: 20
Position: PG
School/Country: Vanderbilt
Height: 6-4
Weight: 202 pounds
Wade Baldwin showed throughout his two seasons with the Commodores that he’s capable of doing a lot from the point guard position. As a sophomore, averages of 14.1 points, four rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game with solid shooting marks was a great look.
However, Baldwin’s stock rose even further at the combine as he was able to show off above-average athleticism and crazy length to go with solid size for his position. The Vanderbilt product has the potential to be a two-way threat and he could make some teams quite happy to have on their roster in the end.
17. Furkan Korkmaz
Age: 18
Position: SG
School/Country: Turkey
Height: 6-7
Weight: 185 pounds
Furkan Korkmaz is one of the younger prospects in the draft and is one of the most intriguing as well as divisive. The Turkish wing has showed in limited roles with Anadolu Efes over his time there that he can shoot the ball and do other things well. However, that’s not the only reason you have to look at him as a first-round prospect for the 2016 NBA Draft.
The 18-year-old has a great deal of length for someone his age in addition to getting pro experience at a young age. Subsequently, the upside in addition to his already apparent skills make him a coveted commodity in the mid first.
Next: Nos. 16-15: Jackson, Sabonis
16. Demetrius Jackson
Age: 21
Position: PG
School/Country: Notre Dame
Height: 6-2
Weight: 194 pounds
I’ve never made it a secret regarding my feelings on Demetrius Jackson. The Notre Dame guard is one of the most explosive players in this draft in regards to his athleticism and his aggression.
Jackson had a great three years with the Fighting Irish and is now going to the next level. While he still needs polishing as he makes the jump to the pro game and will need to stay under control, his physical tools and skills spell him ultimately being able to make an impact on some team.
15. Domantas Sabonis
Age: 20
Position: PF
School/Country: Gonzaga
Height: 6-10
Weight: 231 pounds
Another player that there haven’t been any secrets made regarding my feelings towards them is former Gonzaga big man Domantas Sabonis. Right now, Sabonis may be the most skilled traditional big man in the NBA Draft. Though his upside may be more limited, that counts for something.
Sabonis averaged 17.5 points and 11.8 rebounds as a sophomore last season and showed that he can not only get his shot at the rim, but also step back and hit jumpers from the mid-range in addition to grabbing boards. As such, Sabonis should be highly valued going forward.
Next: Nos. 14-13, Davis, Luwawu
14. Deyonta Davis
Age: 19
Position: PF/C
School/Country: Michigan State
Height: 6-10.5
Weight: 237 pounds
There are several other rankings that I’ve seen that have young big man Deyonta Davis a bit higher than this. Based on his upside and what he showed flashes of at Michigan State, it’s hard to completely argue with that. However, I have him slightly lower still.
Davis has great size and length in addition to solid skills to go with the physical tools. However, his frame still needs to fill out and mature in regards to strength. Moreover, his entire skill set on both ends need to be refined, which is why I have him just slightly lower than others.
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13. Timothe Luwawu
Age: 21
Position: SG/SF
School/Country: Frances
Height: 6-7
Weight: 205 pounds
If there’s a sleeper prospect in the lottery of this draft, my vote goes to Timothe Luwawu out of France being that guy. He’s a player that I absolutely love his game and what he brings to the table playing for one of the European giants in Mega Leks overseas.
Not only has he already shown the ability to fill up the box score playing professionally, but Luwawu also has ridiculous athleticism and solid length on the wing. I think he can make a huge impact almost immediately in the NBA and could be one of the best values in the 2016 NBA Draft.
Next: Nos. 12-11, Valentine, Ellenson
12. Denzel Valentine
Age: 22
Position: SG
School/Country: Michigan State
Height: 6-6
Weight: 210 pounds
Denzel Valentine was obviously incredible last season with the Michigan State Spartans as the guard just dominated in every facet of the game. Now he’ll be looking to do that at the next level and, despite his age and perceived lack of upside, all signs point to him being able to do so.
With average size, great length, and less-than-stellar athleticism, Valentine still managed 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game last season. So going to the next level, he should be able to still attack the box score from every angle and make an impact in the NBA.
11. Henry Ellenson
Age: 19
Position: PF
School/Country: Marquette
Height: 6-11.5
Weight: 242 pounds
There are warranted concerns when it comes to Henry Ellenson out of Marquette. He doesn’t have anything close to elite athleticism, needs to fill out a more muscular and mature frame, and so on. However, he still is a highly intriguing NBA Draft prospect.
With legit size at only 19 years old, Ellenson has tremendous offensive capabilities with the ability to not only succeed as a traditional frontcourt scorer, but also to stretch the floor. On the right team, he could be a huge threat and is a player to keep an eye on.
Next: No. 10 Labissiere
10. Skal Labissiere
Age: 20
Position: PF/C
School/Country: Kentucky
Height: 7-0
Weight: 216 pounds
The Skal Labissiere NBA Draft train has been a roller coaster to say the very least. He was projected to be the likely No. 3 prospect in this draft (if not higher) at the start of the college basketball season and continually watched his stock plummet over the first three-quarters of his lone season with the Kentucky Wildcats. However, things have been on the upswing since that point.
While Skal was bullied tremendously with his slight frame and lack of aggressiveness early in the season, he became much stronger and authoritative at the end of the year and was able to have an impact on both ends of the floor. Moreover, Labissiere showed that he hadn’t lost any of the skill at his size that made him such an exciting prospect to start with. These things and high opinions have only been confirmed through his pre-draft workouts where all accounts have him looking phenomenal.
If he’d played even marginally well early in the year for Kentucky, Skal would be higher than No. 10. Because of the concerns on top of that lack of production early on, though, he’s still in the lottery, but not as firmly as he would’ve been.
Next: No. 9 Poeltl
9. Jakob Poeltl
Age: 20
Position: C
School/Country: Utah
Height: 7-1
Weight: 239 pounds
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Had Jakob Poeltl come out of Utah after just his freshman season, there’s a good chance he would’ve been taken in the lottery and it’s certain that the big man would have been selected in the first round. Instead, the big man returned for one more year with the Utes and it helped vault him into a space as a sure-fire lottery pick that should has some people and scouts buzzing.
For Utah in his sophomore season, Poeltl put up 17.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game while playing only 30.6 minutes per contest and shooting 64 percent from the floor. Though his length isn’t staggering, Poeltl’s legitimate seven-foot size in addition to his skills at that size as a traditional big man are enticing for teams that like to have that big, strong body on the interior.
Poeltl will definitely have to continue to get stronger and will need to become a much bigger asset on the defensive end—those two things not entirely being unrelated. That said, any team in need of a big body in the frontcourt should look at Poeltl as an asset. If there were more upside and less bust potential, he’s be an option for the Lakers. At this spot, though, that seems highly doubtful.
Next: No. 8 Chriss
8. Marquese Chriss
Age: 18
Position: PF
School/Country: Washington
Height: 6-10
Weight: 233 pounds
If upside were the sole determining factor in regards to how a player coming into the NBA Draft is evaluated, Marquese Chriss might be at the very top. If his career and development were to work out ideally moving forward, he could legitimately be the best player in this draft. However, he’s not at that level yet and that makes him a difficult guy to evaluate leading up to the draft.
Chriss played only 24.9 minutes per game in his lone season at Washington, but still managed impressive production in that time on the floor. He put up 13.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 53.1 percent from the floor and even showing a little ability to step out and knock down jumpers. Chriss’ versatility on both ends of the floor is near unparalleled again in terms of potential in this draft class.
However, the youngster still has plenty of polishing and developing left to do and that’s never a guarantee. Still, the talent and upside for Chriss are far too high to ignore and even to not be impressed by. As such, he’s a firm lottery pick.
Next: No. 7 Hield
7. Buddy Hield
Age: 22
Position: SG
School/Country: Oklahoma
Height: 6-5
Weight: 212 pounds
Unless you neglected to watch any college basketball this past season, you know who Buddy Hield is. He was absolute magic in his senior season with the Oklahoma Sooners after he elected to return to school for one more year to become a more complete and dynamic offensive player. Not to jump the gun, but I think it’s safe to say he accomplished that goal.
The bulk of Hield’s value comes from his offensive prowess. His ability to score in a variety of manners—especially his outside shooting as he hit 45.7 percent of his trees as a senior—make him a highly coveted commodity in the NBA. Whichever roster he comes on to, he’s going to give them an offensive spark that also has even more potential to develop as a playmaker with more help around him.
Hield also has potential as a defender, though that’s far less valuable or likely to be his bread and butter than his offense. Even still, he’s going to be one of the top picks in the 2016 NBA Draft and rightfully so. Sure, there are a couple concerns, but there’s so much to love that outweighs that wholly.
Next: No. 6 Brown
6. Jaylen Brown
Age: 19
Position: SF
School/Country: California
Height: 6-7
Weight: 223 pounds
For me at least, I would have loved to see what Jaylen Brown would have measured in regard to his vertical leap and other measurable when he performed at the NBA Draft Combine. Considering that he’s a bit undersized if he’s to play the three at the next level and considering his lack of outside shooting, that’s something that’s worth knowing to me.
Even still, the assumption is that Brown is a terrific athlete and he has great length to help at least somewhat compensate for his size—his wingspan was nearly seven feet at the combine. Moreover, he showed that he can affect the game in a number of ways when he’s on the floor in his one season at Cal.
In addition to all of this, he probably has one of the more NBA-ready frames in this draft at such a young age, which really helps his case in regards to potential. While there are obvious flaws in his game that keep him out of my top-5 and make him have clear development ahead, it’s hard to not see Brown as a solid lottery selection.
Next: No. 5 Murray
5. Jamal Murray
Age: 19
Position: PG/SG
School/Country: Kentucky
Height: 6-5
Weight: 201 pounds
For whatever reason, Jamal Murray has been somewhat of a divisive figure among scouts and people looking at the draft. Though production isn’t everything at the college level, Murray’s one year with the Kentucky Wildcats was impressive enough, though, that you’d think there’d be more buzz about his NBA prospects—yet that truly doesn’t seem to be the case at this point.
In his lone season in Lexington, Murray put up gaudy numbers as just a freshman. He averaged 20 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 45.4 percent from the floor and a solid 40.8 percent from three while taking 7.7 attempts per game. Murray showed that he can be a top-notch scorer at the college level and has a versatile offensive skill set that should seemingly allow him to continue filling up the cup at the next level.
While Murray’s disinterest in defense at times and the fact that he’s a bit of a combo guard isn’t the greatest look for him, he has obvious NBA traits and could be a weapon at the next level. As such, I’ll rave about him if nobody else is going to.
Next: No. 4 Bender
4. Dragan Bender
Age: 18
Position: PF
School/Country: Croatia
Height: 7-1
Weight: 225 pounds
If there’s an albatross in the lottery picks—meaning a player that just stands out that you don’t really know what to make of—it doesn’t take long to peg Dragan Bender as that guy. While he has so much going for him, there’s also so many risks when it comes to his prospects in the NBA. As such, he’s so hard to gauge.
As far as upside goes, Bender is up there with the best prospects in this draft. He has the size and length of a legit huge power forward with range, but has also showed tremendous skill at a young age for a player his size. That being said, Bender’s floor is low as well. There are great concerns about his strength and about the notion of him not having played much for Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel. There’s a concern that he may be an overreaction to the Kristaps Porzingis hype in regards to big, skilled European prospects.
For the Lakers, it’d be a shocking event if they took the big man at No. 2. While Bender could work out in the NBA, he’s too risky at No. 2 for LA.
Next: No. 3 Dunn
3. Kris Dunn
Age: 22
Position: PG
School/Country: Providence
Height: 6-4
Weight: 205
There’s no player in the 2016 NBA Draft that catches my eye quite in the way that Kris Dunn out of Providence does. The former Friars point guard just has a complete package of skills for his position and has so much command over his own game and the game itself that he seems like a can’t-s miss type of player.
One of the biggest things that you have to like about Dunn coming into the NBA after his junior season is that he was ready to come out a year ago. Instead, the point guard returned to school because he felt there were aspects of his game that he needed to refine before entering the pro ranks. That obviously helped him grow as a player, but it also shows the mature and thoughtful individual that at team is getting with a player like Dunn.
If the Lakers were to trade down or anything wild were to happen, Dunn would be an intriguing fit as he’d be a true point guard to pair alongside a combo guard like D’Angelo Russell for the future. That being said, I don’t think the Lakers take Dunn—though whoever does select him will be getting a stud prospect.
Next: No. 2 Ingram
2. Brandon Ingram
Age: 18
Position: SF
School/Country: Duke
Height: 6-9
Weight: 196 pounds
There is undoubtedly already a contingency of people that are seeing Brandon Ingram here at No. 2 and wondering what the hell is going on. Since the end of the college basketball season, Ingram’s stock as a sure-fire top-5 pick has risen and risen to the point now that many people believe him to be the No. 1 overall pick in the best player of the draft.
From where I’m sitting, it might not be a runaway race for that top spot anymore, but Ingram is still sitting at No. 2.
Make no mistake that Ingram has ridiculous potential at the next level. The hyper-lengthy and crazy athletic forward has the ability to not only attack and affect the game on both ends of the floor with his length, but his ability to step out onto the perimeter and knock down jumpers only makes him all the more dangerous. He needs to put on muscle, but he has tremendous upside.
If things go as planned and the 76ers take Simmons first-overall, Ingram will be there for the taking for the Lakers. Considering their need for shooting, length, and versatility, he would be an incredible fit on their roster and a player that makes a ton of sense to help them moving forward.
Next: No. 1 Simmons
1. Ben Simmons
Age: 19
Position: SF/PF
School/Country: LSU
Height: 6-10
Weight: 239 pounds
At this point, does Ben Simmons really need an introduction? The Australian forward was anointed as the next No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft before he ever set foot on campus in Baton Rouge. However, the most intriguing factor in all of this is the fact that Simmons is no longer in that position in the estimation of many people with Ingram having surpassed him. However, Simmons is still tops in our books.
Though his jump shot clearly needs reworking (more than just one video of him shooting well) and though he definitely needs to mature as a defender and professional, there’s no player in the 2016 NBA Draft class that has the matured overall skillset and has the potential that a player like Simmons does. He’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime player.
Next: Every Player in NBA Free Agency
What really sets Simmons apart for me, though, is the what the ceiling and floor look like for Simmons. At worst, he’s a hyper-athletic forward in the NBA that can serve as a role player in a high-functioning system. At best, he’s a superstar that can change the game every time the ball’s in his hands. With that combination of upside and floor, Simmons is still the clear No. 1. And if the Sixers go with Ingram with the first pick, the Lakers would be lucky to have him.