With the Nets giving the Celtics a great chance a the top pick, and the college season tipping off today, it's time to take a look at some of the top prospects for the 2016 NBA Draft.
Skal Labissiere-Freshman-Kentucky-7'0"-216lbs
Labissiere is the near consensus number one going into the college season. At 7 feet he is a great athlete with an impressive 35 inch vertical. He has great defensive instincts and has the potential to be an elite rim protector at the next level.He has good defensive footwork and can pop on the perimeter and can contain smaller players using his length and athleticism. On offense he has a workable post game and a soft release, capable of knocking down 15-20 foot jumpers off of the pick and roll. Labissiere has a smallish wingspan for his size at 7'2" and he is going to have to put on some weight to play at the next level. Scouts really like to compare him to Chris Bosh at age 19.
Ben Simmons-Freshman-LSU-6'10"-239lbs
Australian product is the only real rival to Labissiere for the number one pick heading into the season. Simmons is a sensational athlete, with an over nine foot standing reach, a 42 inch vertical, and according to LSU's Combine numbers, the fastest 3/4 court sprint in DraftExpress' database. His size and athleticism should make him a mismatch as a SF in the NBA and capable of playing PF as well at the next level. He is a very good passer and can slash to the hoop without the ball. His biggest weakness is outside shooting, knocking down only 24% of treys he took in DraftExpress' database, which combines 41 games from International competitions and elite hoop camps. Defensive can sag off of him and it is questionable how he is going to score in the half-court. Awkward release and poor mechanics. Reminds me of Shawn Marion.
Brandon Ingram-Freshman-Duke-6'9"-196lbs
Ingram is slim at 196lbs and will need to add weight, but has great athleticism and a 7'4" wingspan, so he could end up being a great perimeter defender at the SF position in the NBA. Not a particularly talented outside shooter but has pretty good form and could easily add the three point shot to his repertoire soon. Good first step and can get to the line using his great length. Can get lazy on defense and seems to avoid contact on both sides of the floor.
Skal Labissiere-Freshman-Kentucky-7'0"-216lbs
Labissiere is the near consensus number one going into the college season. At 7 feet he is a great athlete with an impressive 35 inch vertical. He has great defensive instincts and has the potential to be an elite rim protector at the next level.He has good defensive footwork and can pop on the perimeter and can contain smaller players using his length and athleticism. On offense he has a workable post game and a soft release, capable of knocking down 15-20 foot jumpers off of the pick and roll. Labissiere has a smallish wingspan for his size at 7'2" and he is going to have to put on some weight to play at the next level. Scouts really like to compare him to Chris Bosh at age 19.
Ben Simmons-Freshman-LSU-6'10"-239lbs
Australian product is the only real rival to Labissiere for the number one pick heading into the season. Simmons is a sensational athlete, with an over nine foot standing reach, a 42 inch vertical, and according to LSU's Combine numbers, the fastest 3/4 court sprint in DraftExpress' database. His size and athleticism should make him a mismatch as a SF in the NBA and capable of playing PF as well at the next level. He is a very good passer and can slash to the hoop without the ball. His biggest weakness is outside shooting, knocking down only 24% of treys he took in DraftExpress' database, which combines 41 games from International competitions and elite hoop camps. Defensive can sag off of him and it is questionable how he is going to score in the half-court. Awkward release and poor mechanics. Reminds me of Shawn Marion.
Brandon Ingram-Freshman-Duke-6'9"-196lbs
Ingram is slim at 196lbs and will need to add weight, but has great athleticism and a 7'4" wingspan, so he could end up being a great perimeter defender at the SF position in the NBA. Not a particularly talented outside shooter but has pretty good form and could easily add the three point shot to his repertoire soon. Good first step and can get to the line using his great length. Can get lazy on defense and seems to avoid contact on both sides of the floor.