The moment a first round pick is announced at the NBA Draft there is an outcry from fans, scouts and analysts in regards to whether the player will be a key franchise piece, depth player or a bust altogether. The reality is that it takes years to truly measure the impact these players will have on their teams. However, we took the time to break down the top picks in this year’s class and we have found five rookies in particular that should start from the outset with their respective franchises. Here is a look at the five NBA rookies who should be starters on their teams.
Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia’s long-term rebuild landed the franchise another first-overall pick and they got the star prospect they wanted in Simmons. The 6’10’’, 240-pound forward has once-in-a-generation potential and his elite size-skill combination and athleticism makes him a prime pick to make an immediate impact in the NBA. We’ve already seen what type of a difference maker he can be in the Summer League games.
Simmons could very well be the 76ers’ best option on offense and it will be interesting to see how he handles that challenge in his freshman season. Philadelphia has enough talent to contend for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference this season but in order for that to happen Simmons will need to perform to his potential as a key piece in his rookie season.
Brandon Ingram, Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers continued their rebuild with the selection of Ingram second-overall and there is no doubt there is a legitimate chance he will be the best of their recent first round picks. The 6’9’’, 190-pound forward from Duke should start immediately on the wing for Los Angeles. Ingram already has the strength to compete at the highest level and his 7’3’’ wingspan will help him to get to the basket on offense and protect the basket on defense. Ingram will have to put on some size to hold up in the NBA but he has the potential to produce at a high level right away and he should be an obvious pick to start right away for the Lakers this season.
Kris Dunn, Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves picked fifth-overall in the 2016 NBA Draft but the fact that they were able to nab Dunn means their streak of consecutive Rookie of the Year award winners could continue this season. Dunn will look to follow in the footsteps of Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns with a good chance he starts regardless of whether or not Minnesota is able to trade Ricky Rubio. Dunn appears to be the better fit as a better pure shooter and if he does get the opportunity there is every reason to expect him to shine for the Timberwolves this season.
Buddy Hield, New Orleans Pelicans
The sixth-overall pick from the 2016 NBA Draft will need to improve his playmaking and defense but he was widely considered the best pure scorer at the top of this year’s NBA Draft and should have an instant impact with a Pelican’s team that is starved for scoring. New Orleans didn’t do a good enough job surrounding Anthony Davis with quality guards over the years but they made the smart pick with the selection of Hield, who has the ability to make an immediate impact. Hield will be relied on s a three-point shooter and as long as he can knock down his shots he will be an important piece in the starting five for the Pelicans this season.
Marquese Chriss, Phoenix Suns
Chriss might look like a long-term project at 19-years-old but his ridiculous combination of quickness, explosiveness, mobility and athleticism is ridiculous for a 6’10’’, 233-pound forward and his feel for the game makes him an excellent pick to start in Phoenix from the outset. The Suns have an opening spot for a starter and if Chriss proves he can compete in the NBA at such a young age it will be a perfect fit. Chriss is a capable three-point shooter with outstanding athleticism and he should compliment Tyson Chandler and Alex Len perfectly at the power forward position.
