2016 NBA Mock Draft: Timothe Luwawu Breaks into the Top 10

Orangeville Prep. Thon Maker. 21. player. 170. <p>Thon Maker’s landing spot is as good a guess as anyone’s, and while we wait for an official decision regarding Maker’s eligibility, the definite first round talent needs a home. Maker will land somewhere in the first round, as he appears to have a top-shelf athletic profile and has enough skills that could intrigue a team willing to put in the effort to turn Maker into a starting-caliber role player.</p> <p>Charlotte could be a team that would be willing to take on that challenge. They don’t have a lot of overwhelming size up front, instead relying on more skilled and modern NBA bigs who offer offensive versatility. Maker could compliment Frank Kaminsky and Cody Zeller well with his energy, shot-blocking potential and outside shooting. Additionally, the Hornets have a history working with project bigs, developing Bismack Biyombo from total unknown to valuable role player for a playoff team. While they somewhat gave up on another project big last summer, shipping Noah Vonleh to Portland, their new D-League team could offer the team more flexibility to devote the time Maker will likely need to get to the point where he can be useful on an NBA floor, which may not happen until 2018.</p> <p>If the Hornets don’t opt for the development project, a wing like Taurean Prince or a more NBA-ready forward like Paul Zipser could be the pick here. But Maker’s projected value could be high enough that the Hornets are once again enticed.</p> <p><em>To learn more about Thon Maker, click here.</em></p>. PF