Fansided

5 biggest disappointments of the 2016-17 NBA season

By Dre Elder

Jan 18, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts as fans chant his name after a score against the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts as fans chant his name after a score against the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Mar 4, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Injured Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons spins a ball on his finger before the start of the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Wells Fargo Center. The Detroit Pistons won 136-106. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Injured Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons spins a ball on his finger before the start of the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Wells Fargo Center. The Detroit Pistons won 136-106. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
1

2016 Draft Class

, 

Not many believed the 2016 NBA draft would be loaded with franchise players. But even fewer believed it would be this bad.

The success of this rookie collective took an early blow when No.1 pick Ben Simmons underwent foot surgery in October, effectively ending his season before it began. Simmons was expected to play a huge role alongside Joel Embiid in the revival of the Philadelphia 76ers.

So who would carry the flag in the absence of Ben Simmons? Technically, it was his teammate Joel Embiid, who’s not really a rookie (refer to last slide). What about Brandon Ingram and the rest of the actual 2016 draftees?

Well, that’s a different story. There are only two 2016 draftees averaging 10 or more points per game. One of them is Malcolm Brogdon, the Milwaukee Bucks’ second round pick out of Virginia. The other is Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield.

Is it coincidence that two players who played four years of college basketball would have the most immediate impact? Perhaps, but play the lottery if you correctly predicted that before the season.

Brandon Ingram has recently shown flashes in an increased role, but still needs to develop the totality of his game. Jaylen Brown has been a solid contributor, but he plays an ancillary role on a really good Celtics team led by Isaiah Thomas. Dragan Bender and Kris Dunn round out the top five selections from a year ago and both players have been inconsequential.

Next: Understanding the playoff rotations of NBA championship contenders

Yogi Ferrell went from being undrafted, to waived by the Nets, and will now receive All-Rookie consideration. Think about that. And if you think choosing the Rookie of the Year will be hard, then try naming the All-Rookie Second Team.

Home/NBA