Fansided

2016 NBA Draft: where are they now?

By Brandon Jefferson

TORONTO, ON - MAY 7: Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) reaches in on Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43). Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers in1st half action of Round 2, Game 5 of NBA playoff play at Scotiabank Arena. Raptors win 125-89 and now lead series 3-2. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 7: Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) reaches in on Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43). Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers in1st half action of Round 2, Game 5 of NBA playoff play at Scotiabank Arena. Raptors win 125-89 and now lead series 3-2. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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AUBURN HILLS, MI – JUNE 24: Detroit Pistons introduce 2016 Draft Pick Henry Ellenson at a press conference on June 24, 2016 at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Allen Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI – JUNE 24: Detroit Pistons introduce 2016 Draft Pick Henry Ellenson at a press conference on June 24, 2016 at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Allen Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

18. Henry Ellenson, Detroit Pistons

A one-and-done prospect out of Marquette, Henry Ellenson’s strong showing for the Golden Eagles made the former McDonald’s All-American a viable choice in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft. Ellenson averaged 17 points and 9.7 rebounds per game and showed the ability to operate as both a power forward and center when on the floor. He would also take home Big East Rookie of the Year and First-Team All-Big East honors after one season.

The Detroit Pistons were fresh off of one of most tightly-contested playoff sweeps after losing four straight to the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers. The feeling was that a few tweaks to the roster were all that was needed to have the Pistons operating as one of the Eastern Conference’s top teams in 2016-17. However, the year would end up being a disappointment as the Pistons ended up missing the playoffs completely.

Disappointing would be an apt way to describe Ellenson’s rookie performance as well. He would appear in only 19 games with the Pistons as a majority of his rookie season saw him instead suit up for the G-League team, the Grand Rapids Drive. His defense was the biggest issue for Ellenson as he was too slow to defend most power forwards and not long or athletic enough to hang with centers either.

Ellenson would continue to bounce back and forth between the NBA and the G-League for the duration of his time with the Pistons. By February, Detroit decided to part ways with its former first-round pick as they released him. The New York Knicks signed him to a 10-day contract and had some of his best NBA performances to date (13 points and nine rebounds against Orlando and 16 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks against Houston). Eventually, he signed a formal contract with the Knicks and remains part of their team.

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