Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: [email protected]
2016 NBA Mock Draft: Round 1 – Picks 1-15
2016 NBA Mock Draft: Round 2
2017 NBA Mock Draft
Updated: June 21, 2016.
-
Boston Celtics: Deyonta Davis, PF, Michigan State, 6-10, Fr. 
Since I have the Celtics going with Dunn at No. 3, they need to find size here since they have a few potential free agent bigs this summer. Davis possesses the physical attributes of a prototypical four-man in the NBA, but needs to become more well-rounded on the offensive end.
Boston owns the Mavericks’ first-round pick from the Rajon Rondo trade. Go here to see all of the outstanding 2016 NBA Draft Trades. -
Memphis Grizzlies: Wade Baldwin, G, Vanderbilt, 6-4, Soph. 
The Grizzlies could be losing Mike Conley and a couple other guards in free agency so there is a pressing need in the backcourt. I am not as high on Baldwin as others, but he is capable of running the show or playing off the ball since he is a solid outside shooter. Baldwin also received an invite to the green room on draft night, which suggests he will be a top-20 pick. -
Detroit Pistons: Cheick Diallo, PF, Kansas, 6-9, Fr. 
Diallo struggled to find steady minutes at Kansas, but plays with terrific energy, attacking the glass and using his athleticism to his advantage on both ends. He is a project big man, but the Pistons could use some depth inside. -
Denver Nuggets: Thon Maker, C, Australia, 7-1, 1997 
The Nuggets can roll the dice with their third pick of the first round. Making his biggest presence on the defensive end, Maker is still a work in progress offensively and a high-risk/reward pick.
Denver owns the Trail Blazers’ first-round pick from the Arron Afflalo trade. Go here to see all of the outstanding 2016 NBA Draft Trades. -
Indiana Pacers: Ante Zizic, C, Croatia, 6-11, 1997 
Zizic brings a solid combination of efficiency on the block and rebounding to the floor. He is likely to come to the NBA right away, which would be helpful for the Pacers, who have a couple of free agent big men this offseason and could use some depth as well as better talent inside. -
Atlanta Hawks: Ivica Zubac, C, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 7-1, 1997 
With Al Horford likely heading for free agency, the Hawks could use depth inside. Zubac has great size and a developing skill set to match. -
Charlotte Hornets: Denzel Valentine, SG, Michigan State, 6-6, Sr.
The Hornets could be losing Nicolas Batum, Courtney Lee, Al Jefferson and Marvin Williams to free agency, so they pretty much need depth all over. Valentine was an all-around beast this season for the Spartans and could impact the game in a number of ways. I think he would be a steal this low. -
Boston Celtics: Timothe Luwawu, SF, France, 6-7, 1995
A steadily improving wing with ideal NBA size, many think Luwawu projects as a 3-and-D type of prospect for the next level. He would be a solid value at this point for the Celtics’ third first-rounder. -
Philadelphia 76ers: Demetrius Jackson, PG, Notre Dame, 6-2, Jr. 
The Sixers’ point guard play was all over the place this season, so they have to address that with one of their picks. Jackson is a true point guard who can score and dish the rock.
Philadelphia owns the Heat’s first-round pick (via Cleveland) from the Thaddeus Young trade. Go here to see all of the outstanding 2016 NBA Draft Trades. -
Los Angeles Clippers: Brice Johnson, PF, North Carolina, 6-10, Sr. 
Johnson has blew up during his senior year thanks to his athleticism around the rim and improved jump shot. He could be a valuable contributor off the bench behind Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. -
Philadelphia 76ers: Malik Beasley, SG, Florida State, 6-5, Fr.
In need of more help at the guard spot, Beasley is a big-time scorer who can attack the hoop or knock down shots from the perimeter.
Philadelphia owns the Thunder’s first-round pick (via Denver) from the JaVale McGee trade. Go here to see all of the outstanding 2016 NBA Draft Trades. -
Toronto Raptors: Juan Hernangomez, F, Spain, 6-9, 1995 
A skilled combo forward who could be a draft-and-stash option, which is the route the Raptors are likely to go with their second first-round pick. -
Phoenix Suns: Guerschon Yabusele, PF, France, 6-8, 1995
An undersized, though physical, post presence, Yabusele is a potential draft-and-stash option for the Suns’ third first-round pick. His ability to bang down low would some add future phsycality to the Phoenix frontcourt.
Phoenix owns the Cavaliers’ first-round pick (via Boston) from the Brandan Wright trade. Go here to see all of the outstanding 2016 NBA Draft Trades. -
San Antonio Spurs: Ben Bentil, Providence, PF, 6-8, Soph. 
The Spurs have an aging frontcourt and could use some young options. Bentil was one of the most improved players in the country this past season as he can muscle down low in the paint, yet also step out and knock down jumpers. -
Golden State Warriors: Patrick McCaw, SG, UNLV, 6-7, Jr. 
With great size and scoring ability for a wing, McCaw could be a sleeper in this draft class. He could also help fill any void in case restricted free agent Harrison Barnes leaves the Bay.
Go to 2016 NBA Mock Draft: Round 2
Back to 2016 NBA Mock Draft: Round 1 – Picks 1-15
Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
Send Paul an e-mail here: [email protected].
All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: [email protected]
Mike Elworth's 2023 NBA Mock Draft
Mike Elworth's 2024 NBA Mock Draft
NFL Picks - Dec. 13
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Dec. 11
NFL Power Rankings - Dec. 9
2026 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 29
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
