2016 NBA Mock Draft: High schooler Thon Maker to Toronto

6. player. 69. <p>This is another spot where Buddy Hield could hear his name called on draft day, but this selection is ultimately about protecting the Pelicans’ current superstar, Anthony Davis. Davis, beset by injuries, has yet to play 70 games in a season during his short NBA career, so protecting his body by drafting a big center who can do the majority of the banging in the post could bolster New Orleans’ roster in more ways than one.</p> <p>Poeltl has an excellent physical frame already. At 7-1 and 245 pounds, he should be ready to compete physically at the next level. As the primary option for the Utes’ offense this season, Poeltl has become a dominant low post presence. He has shown good foot work and mobility and is an excellent pick-and-roll option. Poeltl’s range doesn’t extend much outside of the paint, so his fit in a league obsessed with three-pointers will be interesting, but with Davis’s increased range, spacing shouldn’t be a problem for the Pelicans.</p> <p>Defensively, Poeltl can offer additional rim protection and strong defensive rebounding. While his block rate has declined this year, it should improve in the NBA, where Poeltl won’t be required to shoulder the same kind of offensive burden that he’s been tasked with in Utah.</p> <p><em>To learn more about Jakob Poeltl, <a href=. C. Utah. Jakob Poeltl