2016 NBA Mock Draft: Who will teams be tanking for next year?
4. Ivan Rabb – Cal – PF
Joining Brown at Cal will be power forward Ivan Rabb, who is another freak athlete loaded with potential and physical attributes. At 6’10”, Rabb’s wingspan reaches 7’2”. He uses that size and length to be an elite defender and rebounder, able to block shots seemingly at will and crash the boards with solid intensity.
Much like many players his age, Rabb is another guy who needs to fill out before he’ll be an effective player in the NBA. The big man is just 215 pounds right now, limiting his ability offensively despite his nice touch around the rim. Hitting the weight room is going to be huge for Rabb’s prospects in the NBA.
Even with his slight build, though, Rabb has the makings of a stud player. A year of growth and training at the college level could make him into one of the most coveted players in the 2016 NBA Draft.
5. Brandon Ingram – Duke – SF
Brandon Ingram can flat out score the basketball. Of any of the likely 2016 draft class, the Duke recruit is the best scorer of the bunch. He has a beautiful shooting stroke and already has the range on his jumper to score from the perimeter at the NBA level. His 6’8” frame and 7’3” wingspan only help to make him an even more dangerous offensive weapon as he can use his size and length to get his shot off.
Ingram’s offensive prowess goes beyond scoring, though, as he also proved to be a solid passer at his position in high school. The catch there, though, is that he has a tendency to let off the gas from time to time, which he needs to remedy given his offensive talents. His ball-handling and driving ability could also stand to be worked on, though he’s not abysmal in either area.
Playing under Mike Krzyzewski could be the best thing for Ingram. He’ll be able to shine, but will also be forced to build upon the weaker areas of his game. After a year with Coach K, Ingram should be primed to be a big-time offensive weapon in the NBA.
6. Dragan Bender – Croatia – PF
Our first international prospect off the board is Dragan Bender out of Croatia. The seven-footer has the offensive skills of a wing with the ability to run the break, convert from the perimeter, and penetrate off the dribble. At just 17 years old, he also has a remarkable touch on the offensive end of the floor.
Despite a small frame, he’s not bad defensively either. Bender has solid quickness for his size, which allows him to recover well in closeouts and in the pick-and-roll. He struggles with bigger opponents due to his slighter build, but that’s something that can improve as he matures given that he’ll likely be one of the youngest entrants in the 2016 NBA Draft.
Bender’s uncommon offensive prowess for a guy his size and already proven ability offensively will have NBA scouts salivating come next summer. As he continues to mature and strengthen his body, he should only become an even more enticing NBA prospect.
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