As we wind down the 2016-17 NBA season, it’s always fun to look back and see how the draft should have played out. At the time, it’s all a guessing game. Now we have a full season’s worth of evidence to determine the reorder. Think the Boston Celtics are really thrilled with Jaylen Brown? Not really. It looks like they – and other teams in the Top 5 – could have made better decisions. Here’s how the Top 5 of the 2016 NBA Draft should have played out.
1. Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
We haven’t watched Simmons play since the NBA summer league. However, there is no question about his overall talent level. While all of the other guys on this list are there based on production, Simmons still has upside to a level beyond what the others offer. At least, that’s still the working assumption.
Simmons has the potential to be a legitimate superstar in the association. There are a lot of other good players in the 2016 draft. However, there might not be another pick with that potential. Simmons will need to stay healthy and improve his jumper to excel in the NBA. There is a good chance that will happen as Simmons eventually becomes a superstar for the 76ers.
2. Skal Labissiere, Sacramento Kings
There is some debate about who the second-best prospect from the 2016 draft class is. We like Labissiere at No. 2 on our list. Labissiere slid all the way to No. 14 in the 2016 NBA draft. However, there is no doubt he would go a lot higher if they re-drafted right now.
He’s just 21 years old and has significantly benefited from the DeMarcus Cousins trade. Before the All-Star Game, he played just eight contests while averaging 6.5 minutes and 2.5 points per game. However, he’s flashed solid potential when given minutes. In March, he played 20.8 per game and averaged 10.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists.
A skilled forward that can rebound, protect the rim and shoot the three-ball, Labissiere is an attractive commodity in the NBA. Labissiere is only starting to tap in to his potential as the second-best rookie from the 2016 NBA draft class.
3. Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
The seventh-overall pick from the 2016 NBA draft has the potential to be a star in this league. Murray has shown flashes of his immense potential in his rookie season. The 20-year-old has averaged 9.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 20.7 minutes per game this season. Murray has rated around replacement level in his first NBA season. After the All-Star break, he’s scoring 11.0 points per game with 2.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.6 threes.
There is definitely room for improvement with his three-ball and he has the skills to play the point guard position if needed. It will take some time for Murray to reach his potential. Denver has to be thrilled with their top selection from the 2016 NBA draft.
4. Malcolm Brogdon, Milwaukee Bucks
Brogdon was a second round pick of the Bucks in 2016. Based on what we know now he should have definitely gone earlier than he did. The 6’5’’, 215-pound guard has averaged 10.3 points, 4.3 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 26.5 minutes per game for Milwaukee this season. He has also spent time at the point guard position where his size and strength have made him a solid defender. Milwaukee is loaded with young talent. Brogdon could be special as one of the true sleeper picks from the 2016 NBA draft.
5. Juan Hernangomez, Denver Nuggets
The second selection from the Nuggets 2016 NBA draft also makes this list. Hernangomez has averaged just 13.2 minutes per game this season but at 21 years old, there is no doubt about his immense potential. Hernangomez has made 44-percent of his three-point shots. He has also shown excellent versatility as a defender with the size to guard big men and the agility to stick with true wings.
Take a look at his numbers when he starts. He’s started eight games and averaged 32.4 minutes in those contests. In those games, he’s giving the Nuggets 11.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 1.3 assists and 1.8 threes. That’s excellent production across the board.
Hernangomez is only starting to tap in to his immense potential. It’s only a matter of time before he becomes a star as one of the top picks from the 2016 NBA draft.
Bet on all of the big NBA games this week at Diamond Sportsbook! Get the latest NBA betting lines right here.
