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

By Cody Williams

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Prospects post for a group picture before the start of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Prospects post for a group picture before the start of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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19. Demetrius Jackson – Notre Dame – PG

Demetrius Jackson is another player who could capitalize on becoming the primary option for his team. With Jerian Grant and Pat Connaughton gone from Notre Dame, Jackson will be the primary ball-handler and scoring option for the Fighting Irish, which will be important for him showing that he can handle that responsibility and produce in that role.

As the third wheel, Jackson still managed to impress as he put his scoring ability on display, shooting 50.8 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from distance. He’ll need to maintain that efficiency while taking more shots and facilitating more as the leader of the offense to continue to catch scouts’ eyes. At this point, though, there’s no indication that’s not exactly what he’ll do this season.

20. Justin Jackson – North Carolina – SF

Coming to North Carolina as a prized recruit, Justin Jackson seemed to catch a case of the yips during his freshman season. Despite a beautiful looking shot to go along with fantastic athleticism and length, Jackson was inefficient from the perimeter and his rhythm suffered as a result.

In his second year with the Tar Heels, though, Jackson has the opportunity to prove himself as an NBA-caliber talent. Other than a frame that he needs to fill out before coming to the NBA, Jackson has the physical tools and the ability to be a contributor as a pro. Before teams can be willing to bet on him, though, he needs to showcase his skills at the college level.

21. Malik Pope – San Diego State – SF

Limited minutes led to Malik Pope not being able to put his skills on full display during his freshman season with San Diego State, but he did his best to show them when he did get on the floor. Pope showed solid ability on the offensive end, with the ability to finish at the rim and with his jumper while also rebounding well off of the wings.

Pope’s length and size on the wing make him an enticing prospect. At 6’9” and with a 7’2” wingspan, Pope’s skills blended with his size make him a potentially threatening force offensively and defensively. Like many prospects, he needs to fill out his frame before coming to the NBA, but the tools of an NBA player seem to be in place with Pope. Now all he has to do is show everyone that assessment is correct as he plays a bigger role for the Aztecs this season. Doing so would almost surely land him in the first round of the draft.

Next: What Potential Gems Still Need Polishing?

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