NBA draft recap: Pick-by-pick grades, analysis – USA TODAY
The 2016 NBA draft has come and gone, as some of the world’s most talented young players prepare to embark on their once-in-a-lifetime NBA journeys, while other find themselves on the outside looking in. USA TODAY Sports takes a look at picks 1-60, providing pick-by-pick analysis and grades for each player selected.
1. Philadelphia 76ers
Pick: Ben Simmons, forward, LSU
Grade: A
Analysis: Ben Simmons has as much upside as anyone in the draft, and he could wind up a perennial All-Star, but there were legitimate questions about his leadership at LSU. The last time the 76ers had the No. 1 pick they took Allen Iverson. That worked out pretty well. Trust the process, as they say.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
Pick: Brandon Ingram, forward, Duke
Grade: A
Analysis: Standing at 6-10 with a 7-3 wingspan, the athletically gifted 18-year-old has drawn Kevin Durant comparisons since appearing in the national spotlight during his lone season at Duke. He has all of the tools necessary to become an All-NBA talent, and if he adds some muscle to his sub-200 pound frame, he could just be the next franchise player in Los Angeles.
3. Boston Celtics
Pick: Jaylen Brown, forward, Cal
Grade: B+
Analysis: The Celtics owned what was arguably the most coveted pick in the draft, and they used it on one of the most athletic frontcourt players available. Despite rumors that the Celtics were shopping the pick to the 76ers and the Chicago Bulls, they took Brown, who provides elite athleticism on the wing. He could also fit perfectly with Brad Stevens’ defensive schemes.
4. Phoenix Suns
Pick: Dragan Bender, forward, Croatia
Grade: B+
Analysis: The addition of this year’s top international prospect should be a difference-maker in the Suns’ frontcourt … eventually. Despite Bender’s 7-1 frame, he’s versatile enough to play either forward position or center, but there will surely be an adjustment period for the 18 year old Croatian. Could he be this year’s Kristaps Porzingis?
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
Pick: Kris Dunn, guard, Providence
Grade: A+
Analysis: There might not be a better fit than Dunn in Minnesota under first-year coach Tom Thibodeau. Dunn is a versatile, powerful combo guard who will mesh perfectly with Andrew Wiggins on the wing. He was a two-time Big East Player of the Year and was also the two-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year. His effort on defense no doubt caught Thibodeau’s eye.
6. New Orleans Pelicans
Pick: Buddy Hield, guard, Oklahoma
Grade: B
Analysis: Hield was the one of the best players in all of college basketball last season, but now comes a whole new test. He’s a knock down shooter who can spread the floor for All-Star forward Anthony Davis, and his year-by-year improvements at Oklahoma are encouraging, but is he enough of an all-around talent to make an immediate impact for the lowly Pelicans?
7. Denver Nuggets
Pick: Jamal Murray, guard, Kentucky
Grade: A-
Analysis: The Nuggets were one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the NBA last season, and Murray’s outside shot immediately improves their perimeter game. He’s an NBA-ready offensive player, no doubt, but questions persist about his athleticism and defense. Regardless, the Nuggets took the best talent available.
8. Sacramento Kings (traded to Phoenix Suns)
Pick: Marquese Chriss, forward, Washington
Grade: A
Analysis: In the first eight picks, the Suns snagged the two best bigs not named Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram. For a team whose top talent lies in the backcourt, the addition of a 6-10, 230 forward with three-point range and elite athleticism is a homerun. That said, Chriss is still a significant project who can’t be counted on to contribute immediately.
9. Toronto Raptors
Pick: Jakob Poeltl, center, Utah
Grade: B+
Analysis: The Raptors, who finished No. 2 in the Eastern Conference, needed a player who could contribute immediately, and not a project. Poeltl is a legitimate back-to-the-basket scorer and excellent rebounder who will provide frontcourt insurance in case Bismack Biyombo leaves in free agency.
10. Milwaukee Bucks
Pick: Thon Maker, center, Australia
Grade: B-
Analysis: To go along with the trend of young, lanky talent overflowing in Milwaukee, the Bucks took the 7-1, 215 pound Sudanese-Australian significantly earlier than expected. What he lacks in experience, he makes up for in size and athleticism. Maker is a big risk taken this early, but the Bucks (hello, Greek Freak) have shown they’re not scared of a project.
11. Orlando Magic (traded to Oklahoma City Thunder)
Pick: Domantas Sabonis, forward, Gonzaga
Grade: B
Analysis: Serge Ibaka was traded to the Magic for Ersan Ilyasova, Victor Oladipo and the rights to Sabonis. The Thunder are getting an NBA-ready big, who comes out after an extremely productive year at Gonzaga. Even better? He dominated against Utah’s Jakob Poeltl when the two prospects met in the NCAA tournament.
12. Utah Jazz (traded to Atlanta Hawks)
Pick: Taurean Prince, forward, Baylor
Grade: B
Analysis: If the Hawks had any plans to replace DeMarre Carroll, who they noticeably missed this season, Prince is their guy. From the 6-8 frame to the three-and-d capabilities, Prince doesn’t necessarily have the makings of a star, but he could contribute as a role player from day one.
13. Phoenix Suns (traded to Sacramento Kings)
Pick: Georgios Papagiannis, center, Greece
Grade: C
Analysis: Papagiannis likely could’ve been had later in the draft, but the Kings weren’t willing to miss their opportunity to grab the 7-2, 240-pounder. You can’t teach size, but in the case of the Kings, Papagiannis could potentially clog the lane with DeMarcus Cousins’ interior game. It’s the second straight year they’ve taken a center in the lottery.
14. Chicago Bulls
Pick: Denzel Valentine, guard, Michigan State
Grade: B+
Analysis: The AP National Player of the Year is headed to Chicago, which makes all the more sense after the departure of Derrick Rose. With such a high basketball IQ, proven maturity and court vision, the all-around talent is a good fit in Chicago. But can he keep up athletically?
15. Denver Nuggets
Pick: Juan Hernangomez, forward, Spain
Grade: A-
Analysis: Hernangomez is a draft-and-stash possibility who has good size, excellent strength and a good motor. As a stretch-4, he’s ideal for the current mold of the NBA, and the Nuggets have proven that they’re not scared of international talent.
16. Boston Celtics
Pick: Guerschon Yabusele, forward, France
Grade: B+
Analysis: If you hadn’t heard of Yabusele before draft night, it’s time to start listening. He’s a bit undersized at the power forward position at 6-8, but with the small ball revolution sweeping the league combined with Yabusele’s three-point shooting ability, strength and physicality, he could be a steal for the Celtics.
17. Memphis Grizzlies
Pick: Wade Baldwin IV, guard, Vanderbilt
Grade: A
Analysis: Baldwin is a combo guard who could contribute immediately with the Grizzlies, especially with Mike Conley set to hit the free agency market. He’s a good shooter with value on the defensive end, but isn’t a particularly gifted athlete. Some projected him as a lottery pick, and — if nothing else — he’s good insurance for the Grizzlies.
18. Detroit Pistons
Pick: Henry Ellenson, forward, Marquette
Grade: A
Analysis: Ellenson had lottery potential, so the Pistons nabbing him with the 18th pick could turn out to be a steal. He’s big and he’s skilled from the outside — an ideal fit for today’s NBA. A nice addition to a frontcourt with Andre Drummond, Marcus Morris and Tobias Harris.
19. Denver Nuggets
Pick: Malik Beasley, guard, Florida State
Grade: B
Analysis: Beasley had an excellent freshman season at FSU with averages of 15.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. He already has a solid shooting stroke and is known for his slashing ability. The Nuggets evidently overcame concerns about offseason stress fracture surgery in his right leg.
20. Indiana Pacers (traded to Brooklyn Nets)
Pick: Caris LeVert, guard, Michigan
Grade: B
Analysis: LeVert is a highly talented, long, athletic guard with three-point range. The only problem? His health, as he was plagued by injuries in his junior and senior seasons at Michigan. He could be a steal for the Nets if he can remain on the court.
21. Atlanta Hawks
Pick: DeAndre Bembry, forward, St. Joseph’s
Grade: A-
Analysis: Bembry wasn’t as highly touted as some of the other prospects, but he’s a versatile, underrated athlete who could fit seamlessly into the Hawks’ rotation and pair well with Prince, who the Hawks grabbed earlier in the draft. Bembry’s also an elite passer. The fact that Al Horford might hit free agency makes this a logical pick.
22. Charlotte Hornets (traded to Sacramento Kings)
Pick: Malachi Richardson, forward, Syracuse
Grade: B
Analysis: Richardson shined on the NCAA’s biggest stage in this year’s tournament, and with his proven ability to either pull up from the perimeter or put the ball on the floor, he has some upside for the Kings.
23. Boston Celtics
Pick: Ante Zizic, center, Croatia
Grade: B-
Analysis: Zizic has good athleticism for his size (6-11, 250 pounds) and couples that with a good motor, but he struggles away from the basket. He could be a prime draft-and-stash candidate for the Celtics.
24. Philadelphia 76ers
Pick: Timothe Luwawu
Grade: B+
Analysis: A long, athletic wing who can jump out of the gym? Sure, the Sixers will gladly take that, even if his perimeter shooting isn’t where it needs to be yet. He might not have an immediate impact for a team that just spent their first overall pick on Ben Simmons at the same position, but his value is certainly there.
25. Los Angeles Clippers
Pick: Brice Johnson, forward, North Carolina
Grade: B
Analysis: Johnson has excellent athleticism and significant potential, but he was rarely featured in the Tar Heels’ offense. He also needs to to bulk up as Blake Griffin’s backup, but he has solid value taken this late in the first round.
26. Philadelphia 76ers
Pick: Furkan Korkmaz, guard, Turkey
Grade: A-
Analysis: Korkmaz is an excellent scorer with outstanding offensive instincts, but his defense is still a work in progress. A good ball-handler with slashing ability, the 76ers can afford to be patient with him given that they’re not close to contention.
27. Toronto Raptors
Pick: Pascal Siakam, forward, New Mexico State
Grade: C+
Analyis: The 6-10, 230-pound power forward averaged 20.3 points, 11.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks last year with New Mexico State. He wasn’t projected to go in the first round due to his lack of polish on the offensive end, but he offers depth for a Raptors team who might lose Bismack Biyombo this offseason.
28. Phoenix Suns (traded to Sacramento Kings)
Pick: Skal Labissiere, center, Kentucky
Grade: B-
Analysis: The Kings finally ended Labissiere’s precipitous fall. Some projected the Kentucky forward as a lottery pick, but he underwhelmed this past season, averaging just 6.6 points and 3.1 rebounds. He’s a longterm project for Sacramento.
29. San Antonio Spurs
Pick: Dejounte Murray, guard, Washington
Grade: A
Analysis: Murray, at 6-foot-5 with a ton of upside, is a smart pick at 29 for the San Antonio Spurs, who will be looking for a long-term replacement for the aging Tony Parker. He needs to improve his consistency and take better care of the ball, but the talent is there.
30. Golden State Warriors
Pick: Damian Jones, center, Vanderbilt
Grade: B+
Analysis: With Warriors center Festus Ezeli and Anderson Varejao likely entering free agency, Jones, who some projected to go earlier in first round, provides adequate insurance. He’s also a good athlete for a big man.
31. Boston Celtics (traded to Memphis Grizzlies)
Pick: Deyonta Davis, forward, Michigan State
Grade: B+
Analysis: Whenever you can land a lottery-projected player in the second round, it’s a steal. Davis is one of the best shot blockers in the draft and has shown some signs of a midrange jumper. That said, Memphis’ need wasn’t at the power forward spot.
32. Los Angeles Lakers
Pick: Ivica Zubac, center, Serbia
Grade: A-
Analysis: Zubac could be a draft-and-stash candidate, but the Lakers should consider it a steal to get that kind of size (7-1, 240 pounds) in the second round. He’s not overly athletic and has had a history of injuries, though.
33. Los Angeles Clippers (traded to New Orleans Pelicans)
Pick: Cheick Diallo, forward, Kansas
Grade: B
Analysis: Diallo had a disappointing season at Kansas, but as a high motor, athletically gifted guy who can be versatile on both ends of the floor, the upside is there.
34. Phoenix Suns
Pick: Tyler Ulis, guard, Kentucky
Grade: B
Analysis: Ulis, who stands just 5-9 and 160 pounds, fell further than some thought, but he could thrive when paired with fellow Wildcat Devin Booker. There was also a question about a lingering hip issue that may have affected his stock. His floor IQ is outstanding though.
35. Boston Celtics (traded to Memphis Grizzlies)
Pick: Rade Zagorac, forward, Serbia
Grade: C+
Analysis: The Grizzlies needed a wing who can score the ball, and that’s exactly what they get with this pick.
36. Milwaukee Bucks
Pick: Malcolm Brogdon, guard, Virginia
Grade: A
Analysis: Brogdon, the ACC Player of the Year, is a long, versatile defender who fits perfectly into the Bucks’ defensive plans.
37. Houston Rockets
Pick: Chinanu Onuaku, forward, Louisville
Grade: B
Analysis: With Dwight Howard all but gone in Houston, Onuaku should be a good fit once he sees the floor. At 6-10, 245, and with the ability to block shots and control the paint defensively, his lack of offensive skill is something that can be overlooked.
38. Milwaukee Bucks (traded to Golden State)
Pick: Patrick McCaw, guard, UNLV
Grade: B+
Analysis: McCaw is a long, versatile guard who plays similar to Shaun Livingston. He should find a spot in the Warriors’ rotation given how much they switch on defense.
39. New Orleans Hornets (traded to Los Angeles Clippers)
Pick: David Michineau, guard, France
Grade: C-
Analyiss: Don’t expect to see much of Michineau — who averaged just 5.6 points on 43.4% shooting last season in France — on the floor for the Clippers any time soon.
40. New Orleans Hornets (traded to Los Angeles Clippers)
Pick: Diamond Stone, forward, Maryland
Grade: B
Analysis: Stone has a lot of upside after one year in College Park, but his athleticism remains a question when progressing to the next level. At 6-10, 250, and a knack for physicality in the paint, the Clippers made the right choice.
41. Orlando Magic
Pick: Stephen Zimmerman, center, UNLV
Grade: C
Analysis: Zimmerman, despite his 7-0, 240-pound frame, will have to wait to see the floor after the Magic traded for Serge Ibaka earlier on Thursday.
42. Utah Jazz (traded to Brooklyn Nets)
Pick: Isaiah Whitehead, guard, Seton Hall
Grade: B
Analysis: Whitehead, who led Seton Hall to a Big East Tournament title, has good size (6-foot-5), but is inefficient from the field (37.9%).
43. Houston Rockets
Pick: Zhou Qi, center, China
Grade: B
Analysis:The 7-foot-2 forward from China will stay overseas this season, but — with three-point shooting ability and shot-blocking prowess — he has plenty of upside as a draft-and-stash guy. If he adds some strength, he could make an impact sooner rather than later.
44. Atlanta Hawks
Pick: Isaia Cordinier, guard, France
Grade: C
Analysis: He’s an elite athlete who can play above the rim in the half court or in transition, but he struggles with his jumper at times. He needs some time to develop.
45. Boston Celtics
Pick: Demetrius Jackson, guard, Notre Dame
Analysis: B
Analysis: Jackson had a wide draft range, but he wasn’t expected to fall this far. He won’t see much playing time early, but he has the potential to develop into a solid backup in Boston behind Isaiah Thomas and Marcus Smart.
46. Dallas Mavericks
Pick: A.J. Hammons, center, Purdue
Grade: C
Analysis: Hammons has great size (7-foot, 280 pounds) and good touch at the basket, but he has some inconsistencies and never seemed to live up to his potential with the Boilermakers, and — at 23 years old — there are some questions surrounding his upside.
47. Orlando Magic (traded to Portland Trail Blazers)
Pick: Jake Layman, forward, Maryland
Grade: C-
Analysis: As a pure-shooting, athletically gifted 6-foot-9 wing, Layman fits the bill in Portland. But he lacks consistency and versatility.
48. Chicago Bulls
Pick: Paul Zipser, forward, Germany
Grade: B
Analysis: He’s a versatile player who can play both forwards and guard, but he still doesn’t have much experience despite being 22 years old. But, given time, the 6-foot-7 forward could turn into a three-and-d player.
49. Detroit Pistons
Pick: Michael Gbinije
Grade: B
Analysis: If you can look past Gbinije’s age (24) and focus on his athleticism and passing ability, he certainly has the talent to add some value on the wing for Detroit. It might not be right away, but his versatility is enough to give him a roster spot.
50. Indiana Pacers
Pick: Georges Niang, forward, Iowa State
Grade: B-
Analysis: Niang was a four-year starter with the Cyclones and he has plenty of potential if he can stay in shape.
51. Boston Celtics
Pick: Ben Bentil, guard, Providence
Grade: B+
Analysis: Bentil is a steal as the 51st pick. He’s slightly undersized for a power forward (6-foot-8, 230 pounds), but has an all-around offensive skill set and the innate ability to stretch the floor. His defense could use some work, though.
52. Utah Jazz
Pick: Joel Bolomboy, center, Wichita State
Grade: C
Analysis: Bolomboy jumped in the draft boards after a huge showing at the draft combine. He’s very athletic and has a high vertical jump. His biggest weakness is his strength.
53. Denver Nuggets
Pick: Petr Cornelie, forward, France
Grade: C
Analysis: Keeping up with the trend of foreign bigs, the Nuggets’ addition of Cornelie — a 6-11, 230 pound stretch four from France — is headed to Denver. The only question is: As a likely draft-and-stash, when will he actually head to Denver?
54. Cleveland Cavaliers
Pick: Kay Felder, guard, Oakland
Grade: B+
Analysis: Felder is a decent pick-and-roll player with a good jump shot, although not great from three-point range. He is a good defender, but — at just 5-foot-9, 175 pounds — obvious questions surround his size.
55. Brooklyn Nets (traded to Utah Jazz)
Pick: Marcus Paige, guard, North Carolina
Grade: C
Analysis: At 6-2, 165, the 22-year-old Paige will have trouble finding playing time with Utah. His decrease in scoring after his sophomore and junior seasons with the Tar Heels isn’t encouraging, either.
56. Oklahoma City Thunder
Pick: Daniel Hamilton, foward, Connecticut
Grade: C
Analysis: Excellent passer and rebounder, but not a a particularly gifted shooter or scorer. He’ll have to add to his offensive repertoire to see playing time.
57. Memphis Grizzlies
Pick: Wang Zhelin, center, China
Grade: D
Analysis: Zhelin stands at 7-0, 250 pounds, but after various injuries derailed him last season in China, don’t expect to see him in NBA action any time soon.
58. Boston Celtics
Pick: Abdel Nader, forward, Iowa State
Grade: C-
Analysis: Nader didn’t play much until his senior season at Iowa State after transferring from Northern Illinois as a junior. A longshot to make the team.
59. Sacramento Kings
Pick: Isaiah Cousins, guard, Oklahoma
Grade: A
Analysis: Cousins shot 41.1% from beyond the arc in his senior season with Oklahoma to go along with per game averages of 12.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists. As the second-to-last pick in the draft, his versatility, athleticism and ability to shoot from the perimeter make him a great pick for Sacramento.
60. Utah Jazz
Pick: Tyrone Wallace, guard, California
Grade: C+
Analysis: The lefty can play both guard positions. He’s very athletic and has a high scoring ability. He played two seasons at the point and two at the two-guard spot.
