Fansided

2016 NBA Mock Draft: Brandon Ingram is the New Number One Pick

By Trevor Magnotti

Feb 6, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) drives to the basket past North Carolina State Wolfpack forward BeeJay Anya (21) in the second half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) drives to the basket past North Carolina State Wolfpack forward BeeJay Anya (21) in the second half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
25 of 31
Next
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – MAY 31: Lucas Walker of Australia drives into the keyway against Qi Zhou of China during the 2014 Sino-Australia Challenge match between the Australian Boomers and China at Challenge Stadium on May 31, 2014 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – MAY 31: Lucas Walker of Australia drives into the keyway against Qi Zhou of China during the 2014 Sino-Australia Challenge match between the Australian Boomers and China at Challenge Stadium on May 31, 2014 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images) /

24. player. 93. The Philadelphia 76ers are one of a shocking four teams to have three draft picks in this draft, having gathered this pick from Miami via the Kevin Love-Thadddeus Young trade and the 26th pick from Oklahoma City via the Javale McGee trade with Denver. With the level of youth already in Philadelphia, and the quality of international prospects available here, it makes sense for the Sixers to draft and stash a player with one of their late-1st rounders. <p>Qi could certainly become a 1st round level talent, but he will need some more development to get there. The major problem surrounding Qi is his frail size, as he weighs in at just 209 pounds despite being 7’2″. Even the lightest NBA centers, such as Chris Bosh and Meyers Leonard, clock in at at least 235 pounds, so Qi’s thin frame presents major questions about his ability to defend and rebound at an NBA level. Qi also has never played a season with the length of an NBA season, and it is worth wondering whether his size may predispose him to injuries. Qi will probably need to add at least 25 pounds before he sees the floor in the NBA floor, even just for his own safety.</p> <p>If Qi can get stronger and prove he can hold up, he has a nice skill set as a potential third big. His length obviously makes him an intimidating shot-blocking prospect, and he has had success using his height and mobility as a rebounder in China, posting a 24.3 DRB%. He also has shown the ability to step out beyond the arc, hitting nine of 15 three-point attempts this season and running a solid pick-and-pop game with current Memphis Grizzly Andrew Goudelock. Qi projects as a floor-spacing option and rim protector in the NBA, but he may need more time in China, or the D-League, to be able to get there. Luckily the 76ers still have plenty of options at center, so it’s not like they need Qi to produce right away.</p> <p><em>To learn more about Zhou Qi, <a href=. C. Xinjiang. Zhou Qi

Next: 25. Los Angeles Clippers

Home/NBA