2016 NBA Draft: 5 rookies primed to make biggest impact
By Tom West
The crazy 2016 NBA Draft is complete, and now we know exactly who’s going where, let’s take a look at five rookies who are ready to make the biggest impact.
What a night. Besides a blockbuster Jimmy Butler deal that would have really shaken things up, the 2016 NBA Draft was a wild one. Rumors and Woj bombs were dropping everywhere on Twitter, with Jaylen Brown being a slight surprise at No. 3 overall to get things underway and Thon Maker being the most jaw-dropping selection at No. 10 to the Milwaukee Bucks. Even inside the top 20 for him seemed like a reach. And then there’s the Oklahoma City Thunder chiming in by trading Serge Ibaka, drastically shaking up Kevin Durant’s supporting core.
There was madness and the basketball world was loving it. That is, unless you’re one of the Celtics fans who still has no idea who Guerschon Yabusele is or you’re furious at the Bucks for reaching for a guy like Maker so high.
Even for such fans, we at least have plenty to talk about and there are plenty of rookies in situations for success.
While many players taken will have a chance to make an instant impact, from being the face of a struggling franchise to a 10-minute-a-night backup, there are clearly some players who will be more important right away due to their current skill level and fit with their new team. Upside and potential aside, not all players who could become All-Stars down the line will be making their presence felt right away.
For players like Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss, both considered to have incredibly high ceilings for their respective athletic gifts and unique skill sets, they’ll need more time to develop. Even as the No. 3 pick, Brown will need time to work on his jump shot and be more involved in the Celtics’ offense.
With that in mind, here’s a look at five of the rookies who can make the biggest immediate impact.
It’s only right that we begin with The Process’ latest acquisition.
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