2016 NBA Mock Draft: Who will teams be tanking for next year?

1. Ben Simmons – LSU – SF/PF

Ben Simmons is the most prized college recruit from the 2015 high school class according to many. When you look at him, it’s not hard to see why. At 6’9”, Simmons has the size to play at either forward position, but so have many other players before him. What makes Simmons particularly special is his elite quickness and growing strength that allow him to further compete at multiple positions.

Scouts have noted that Simmons’ frame has filled out over the past couple of years, making him an even saucier prospect then before. He can use his instincts and broadening frame on the glass, but also use his solid ball handling, elite speed, decision-making, and finishing ability to get out and run the offense in transition.

Simmons still has to develop his perimeter jumper as he makes the leap to college, but his solid mid-range shooting makes that a promising possibility. Something would have to go drastically wrong for Simmons to not be one of the top picks in the 2016 NBA Draft.

2. Skal Labissiere – Kentucky – PF/C

Going to a Kentucky program that produced three lottery picks in 2015, Skal Labissiere is a quality big man already. However, it’s his seemingly limitless potential that will have scouts at the NBA level doing everything in their power to bring him in through the draft.

As far as what the Haiti native has to offer now, Labissiere has crazy length and solid instincts already as a shot blocker. Moreover, he has the awareness as a rim-protector to already understand the impact of merely contesting shots, even if he doesn’t get the block. He’s not inept offensively, either, already showing a nice jump hook in the post and the ability to knock down occasional mid-range jumpers.

The biggest obstacle for Labissiere as of now is his frame, which is slight for a guy his size. If he can fill out his body and become more physically imposing to go along with his length and skill as he also becomes even more skilled, he’ll be an All-Star caliber big man in the NBA at some point.

3. Jaylen Brown – Cal – SF

Jaylen Brown’s physical attributes immediately catch your eye. He’s a 6’7” small forward already with a chiseled 222-pound frame and a wingspan over seven feet. To go with that frame, he’s strikingly quick and has star-caliber athleticism as well.

Brown has continued to improve as a high school player, particularly as a shooter. He’s beginning to knock down jumpers more consistently, something that he’ll still need to work on in college but is headed in the right direction. If he’s able to do just that with his shot, it will open up his biggest weapon in his ability to slash and get to the hole where he’s a tremendous finisher at his size and age.

Brown isn’t a perfect player as of right now, but he’s got all the tools to become an elite player in college and in the pro ranks. If everything continues going well for Brown, he’ll be a no-brainer high lottery pick in 2016.

Next: Which of Brown's Teammates Will Also Be a Lottery Pick?