Just when you thought NBA Draft coverage was over, we’re rolling out our Way Too Early 2016 Draft Big Board.
While the draft order is, obviously, far from being set, we’ve ranked our top 15 NBA draft prospects for next year’s Lottery. As a quick note, only players competing in American colleges will be ranked, as the answers to questions about which foreign players will make themselves eligible are still unanswered.
1.) Ben Simmons, LSU Tigers
Simmons has the best combination of size, skill, and athleticism in the class, while also showing off a deep understanding of the game. At LSU, he’ll have a chance to showcase his full arsenal, and should be considered the top overall prospect in the class right now.
2.) Skal Labissiere, Kentucky Wildcats
Labissiere is the hottest name in the class, thanks to being a seven-footer who can move and knock down shots in the mid-range. He’ll be paired alongside Marcus Lee at Kentucky, and should be given ample opportunities to make plays offensively for John Calipari.
3.) Jaylen Brown, Cal Bears
No one in the class plays more aggressively than Brown, and he’s got the most college ready body around. It will be interesting to watch how he’s used at Cal this season, but if he can show the ability to knock down shots, he should be a lock to go top five.
4.) Brandon Ingram, Duke Blue Devils
Ingram has a long way to go in developing his body, but he’s extremely skilled, and should have NBA scouts drooling over his potential.
5.) Henry Ellenson, Marquette Golden Eagles
Ellenson is the prototypical modern big man, who can be effective at all three levels offensively. The one thing he is missing? Defensive ability, which could cause him to slide down here if he can’t address those concerns in college.
6.) Malik Newman, Mississippi State Bulldogs
The best scorer of the draft so far, Newman is a guy who will have some gaudy stats to show off for NBA GMs and fan bases looking for a bucket getter in the top ten.
7.) Diamond Stone, Maryland Terrapins
Stone has size and intangibles, not to mention one of the best wingspans in the class. But he’ll have to show off a consistent motor at Maryland, while also getting into better shape.
8.) Jakob Poeltl, Utah Utes
He can rebound and block shots, this we know. What he still has to prove is whether or not he can be a reliable offensive option for a good college team, let alone an NBA franchise.
9.) Kris Dunn, Providence Friars
Dunn is the most electric point guard on the board, but he would be well served to work on his turnover rate next season at Providence.
10.) Demetrius Jackson, Notre Dame
Jackson is a dynamic play maker who will shoulder the load for Notre Dame next season. If he shows off that he can handle it, he could increase his stock further.
11.) Justin Jackson, North Carolina Tar Heels
Here’s my big pick for shooting up draft boards next season. Jackson really came on strong at the end of last season, and will be given more freedom for one of the NCAA’s top teams this year.
12.) Nigel Hayes, Wisconsin Badgers
Hayes is everything you want on your team, but the question for most NBA teams will be whether or not they want him on their team for a Lottery pick.
13.) Chris LeVert, Michigan Wolverines
We expect a bounce back season for Michigan, and if it happens, LeVert should have a lot to do with it, as he’s a contender for Big Ten Player of the Year.
14.) Domantas Sabonis, Gonzaga Bulldogs
Sabonis was one of the great stories in college basketball last season, and is the most intuitive, best passing big man in the class.
15.) Damian Jones, Vanderbilt
If Jones can continue asserting himself at the rim on both ends, he has a real chance to creep into the late Lottery, or even further.
