2016 NBA Mock Draft: Who will teams be tanking for next year?
10. Diamond Stone – Maryland – C
If teams are looking for a traditional big man on the offensive end of the floor, Diamond Stone will likely be their target. He’s already established a variety of post-moves in his arsenal and has a nice touch around the rim off of those moves on the interior. Even more enticing, Stone has also shown the ability to knock down face-up jumpers when needed.
Despite his skill and solid frame, Stone’s conditioning is a bit of an issue. His weight fluctuated as a high school recruit and he looked to carry the weight better at times than he did at other times. He has the makings of a reliable post-presence in the NBA, but he has to keep in shape for that to come to fruition.
11. Jakob Poeltl – Utah – C
As a freshman at Utah, seven-foot center Jakob Poeltl showed tremendous promise. With another year of maturation and strengthening under his belt, he looks to come out of his sophomore season ready to make an impact at the NBA level.
Poeltl isn’t a stretch big man like many other potential lottery picks for the 2016 draft, but is an efficient scorer in the post. He’ll need to show more aggression and wider range of moves on the interior offensively, but the groundwork is there. As a shot-blocker and rebounder, though, Poeltl is already an elite player. He can protect the rim with his length and size, but also get around and grab boards at the rim.
Poeltl has a bit to prove as he returns for another year with the Utes, but he has the makings of something special. If he can continue to develop like he has thus far, he’ll be a definite lottery pick next year.
12. Domantas Sabonis – Gonzaga – PF
The son of Arvydas Sabonis came off the bench during his freshman year at Gonzaga, but Domantas Sabonis impressed even in that role. He showed a tremendous feel for the game as a solidly built power forward, particularly as a rebounder and on the offensive end of the floor.
Sabonis would’ve been a first round pick had he declared for the 2015 NBA Draft, but his return to Gonzaga will only boost his stock. His offensive prowess is already impressive, but adding more to his repertoire will only make him an even bigger threat. The biggest knock on Sabonis is his limited athleticism and potential, but if he can continue to diversify and improve his already imposing offensive weaponry, he’ll find his way into the upper half of next year’s draft.
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