2016 NBA Mock Draft: Lakers land Ben Simmons in simulated lottery

66. <p>After being ruled eligible, Thon Maker will officially be part of the 2016 NBA Draft. The mixtape maestro has been presented to the general public as a younger version of Kevin Durant, capable of playing off the bounce and knocking down three-pointers, but in reality Maker projects to be a high-energy big man who can occasionally step outside and knock down a catch-and-shoot three.</p> <p>Maker is still a talented player, no doubt. He has an excellent frame and has added upper body strength, but still needs to build out his lower body to compete against more mature players at the next level. Maker plays with great energy and he’ll be capable of scoring in transition, but he lacks the kind of coordination necessary to regularly operate with the ball in his hands. At 7-1 with a nearly 9-6 standing reach, Maker should be able to develop into a capable rim protector down the line.</p> <p>At this point, Maker isn’t ready to play in the NBA, but his upside is high enough that he’ll be worth a risk for someone in this draft either late in the first round or in the second. Expect Maker to spend plenty of time in the D-League for a few seasons as he attempts to fulfill his potential.</p> <p><em>To read more about Thon Maker, <a href=. PF/C. Orangeville Prep. Thon Maker. 28. player