2016 NBA Mock Draft

By Andrew Musur on July 15, 2015

The 2015 NBA Draft passed over two weeks ago. Some of the best college basketball players from last year had their day made as their name was called in one of the two rounds of the draft. Others did not have the same luck, but will have a chance to prove themselves during the summer league portion of this year’s season.

With the college basketball and NBA seasons a few months away, I thought it would be a perfect time to take a way too early look at the 2016 NBA draft.

No. 1) Ben Simmons, SF, LSU, Freshman

Ben Simmons has been on draft boards since he came to America three years ago. Simmons stands at 6-foot-10 and will be taking his talents to Baton Rouge next season. Lucky for Tiger fans, Simmons will be an instant game changer. The Australian native has been compared to Tracy McGrady as he is one of the smoothest ball players scouts have ever seen.

Simmons has such advanced fundamentals and skills for his age of 18. Simmons is extremely skilled on both sides of the ball, but offensively is where he thrives. Simmons is an unselfish ball player that knows when to get his own points and when to dish to his teammates. The small forward has fantastic handles for his size and can guard multiple positions.

Ben Simmons will be a pleasure to watch next year, especially if he hopes to knock Kentucky off of their SEC pedestal.

No. 2) Skal Labissiere, C, Kentucky, Freshman

Many have called Skal Labissiere the next coming of LaMarcus Aldridge. That is quite the comparison for a 19-year-old kid. Labissiere is a special big man, and he will be the next 7-foot center to put on the blue Kentucky jersey. Now, he may not have the same muscular build as Karl-Anthony-Towns, but he is much more offensively skilled than Towns.

Labissiere has one of the smoothest jump shots I have ever seen for a 7-footer. Not only is his jump shot silky smooth, he has the ability to create his own shot off of the dribble. Like Simmons, Labissiere is an extremely advanced freshman and he will provide Kentucky immediate depth at the center position.

Labissiere has a bright future ahead of him, and if he can add a few pounds and a little strength during this season, he will be a scary matchup for anyone.

No. 3) Jaylen Brown, SF, California, Freshman

Jaylen Brown is one of the best wings coming into college. Brown has a knack of getting to the basket and scoring in traffic. He has the ability to finish in traffic, but lacks consistency in his jump shot. His 6-foot-7 frame is something that will continue to separate him from the rest of his competition.

Brown is well built and always brings the house down when he finishes at the rim. The Georgia native is teaming up with fellow stud five-star, Ivan Rabb, at California. Those two on the same team will do some serious damage next season. Rabb and Brown in transition will be a sight to see.

Brown has the ability to guard multiple positions. Brown is dripping with potential, so it’ll be great to see what he can do at the next level.

No. 4) Brandon Ingram, SF, Duke, Freshman

Brandon Ingram is one of the most talented wings in this draft class. Ingram stands at 6-foot-9, giving him the length to guard more than one position. Ingram will have a great spot for him waiting at Duke, and with Coach K’s guidance he will be able to reach new heights.

Ingram is a player that can do it all. He is offensively gifted and finishes ferociously at the rim. The small forward can run the floor better than any prospect in this draft. For his height, Ingram has some great handles. Duke will be loaded once again next season, and Ingram will have to play a huge role if the Blue Devils hope to repeat as National Champions.

No. 5) Cheick Diallo, PF, Kansas, Freshman

I can’t remember the last draft five freshman went in the top five; heck, I am not even sure if that has ever happened before. Diallo was one of the best shot blockers and rebounders during his high school days, and his 7-foot-3 wingspan should make him a lethal shot blocker and rebounder at the college level.

The Kansas-bound power forward has some great footwork too. Diallo is great on the block and in back-to-the-basket situations. With a year of work Cheick could be a monster in the paint. Although things did not go too well for Kansas’ last big man prospect, Cliff Alexander, things should be different with Diallo. He has a great work ethic and attitude and will be fun to watch next season, as he tries to become a top five NBA pick.

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