2016 NBA Draft Big Board, McDonald's All-American Game Edition
We already have a good idea of who the top 2015 NBA draft names are. But who's got next for 2016?
Wednesday's McDonald's All-American Game boasted the premier high school talent across the country, many of whom will be one-and-done prospects a year from now. Along with these elite specimens, we plucked the top returning college studs to form our 2016 big board.
The list is littered with hyperathletic slashers and head-turning playmakers, but there are also some prodigies who possess outstanding defensive skills. Their developmental trajectories are pointed toward NBA success even if they're not polished enough yet to thrive as pros.
Next year's crop of talent also extends beyond the U.S. There are intriguing prospects from China, Croatia, France and Turkey on the 2016 radar.
Keep in mind, this isn't a mock draft. Our way-too-early big board simply gives an illustration of who next year's top draftees will be based on noticeable skills and tangible potential. The prospects are ranked in order of overall draft value.
30. Troy Williams, Indiana PF (Sophomore)
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Vitals: 6'7", 205 lbs
Indiana's Troy Williams makes some outstanding athletic plays in the open floor. He also impacts the game as a slasher, cutter and rebounder. And don't forget about his defensive agility and potential.
What he doesn't have is a consistent jump shot.
Williams made small progress as a shooter from his freshman to sophomore campaigns, however, the jury is still out on him. He's a decent mid-range option, but there's scant evidence to suggest he'll regularly knock down triples in the future. That's a critical task for an NBA wing.
He went 6-of-13 from distance in 2014-15, so pro scouts would love to see more confidence and volume next year. If he can make close to one three-pointer per game, it would do wonders for his draft outlook.
29. Michael Qualls, Arkansas SG (Junior)
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Vitals: 6'8", 200 lbs
At the very least, Arkansas swingman Michael Qualls offers aerial explosiveness and baseline-to-baseline energy. His vertical electricity and multifaceted motor are often game-changing.
On his best days, he's a versatile weapon, creating off the bounce and hitting the occasional three-pointer. Qualls isn't loaded with advanced ball skills, but he's shown the ability to slash and pull up smoothly off the dribble.
Sam Vecenie of CBSSports.com lauded the Razorbacks star for his impactful, albeit brief NCAA tourney:
"Few did more for their stock (on opening weekend) than Qualls, who was just absolutely all over the floor in the Razorbacks' two games this weekend. This as more of an attack-oriented game than the last one, as he used his tremendous athleticism to repeatedly blow by guys both in the halfcourt and in transition in this uptempo game. If he decides to return and does something like this next season, I think he could move himself into the 2016 first round.
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I'll add the qualification that Qualls must show advancement as a shooter. He hit 33 percent of his threes and 29 percent of his two-point jumpers in 2014-15, per Hoop-Math.com. Both of those numbers must go up next year.
28. Nigel Hayes, Wisconsin F (Sophomore)
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Vitals: 6'7", 250 lbs, 7'2" wingspan
Wisconsin's third fiddle, Nigel Hayes, has substantially improved his repertoire this season, firmly placing himself on the NBA radar.
His upgraded three-point shooting makes him an attractive all-around prospect. Last year, he attempted zero triples, and his offseason work translated to immediate production and efficiency this season. He's 35-of-92 (38 percent) thus far in 2014-15, including a couple of key threes during the Badgers' Elite Eight win over Arizona.
He's barely over 6'7", so some prognosticators are understandably concerned about his ability to compete against NBA 4s. However, I think his ability to handle the ball and shoot from deep will enable him to play small forward.
SB Nation's Kevin O'Connor agrees, noting that Hayes will avoid being a tweener and capably play the 3 and the 4: "Hayes might be only 6'7, but his 7'2 wingspan should allow him to play both forward positions in the pros."
His physical tools, expanding skills and another year of seasoning under Bo Ryan should push him toward the first round in 2016.
27. Timothe Luwawu, France SF (1995)
4 of 30Vitals: 6'7", 205 lbs
Provided he doesn't declare in 2015, French swingman Timothe Luwawu will be one of the most appealing upside picks in 2016.
His repertoire as a slasher and facilitator is not polished, and his jump shot is still developing. What drives his value right now are two hard-to-teach attributes: Size and court awareness. As his encouraging skills catch up with his physical tools and instincts, he'll be a great addition.
As a defender, he's much closer to being an NBA-caliber player. DraftExpress.com's Jonathan Givony explains:
"Luwawu's best skill at the moment, and possibly his most attractive NBA attribute long term, is the versatility he offers on defense. His combination of size, length and lateral quickness gives him the ability to guard up to four different positions at the Pro B level, and it's not difficult to see him developing into a big SG/SF type who can capably guard either wing position in the NBA and can occasionally be slotted onto guards as well. Luwawu has quick feet, great closeout speed, and very nice instincts jumping in the passing lanes.
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Every couple of years, France produces a quality NBA import, and Luwawu could be the next in line.
26. Theo Pinson, North Carolina SG/SF (Freshman)
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Vitals: 6'6", 190 lbs, 6'11" wingspan
Theo Pinson never found his footing in North Carolina's rotation as a freshman, averaging just 12.5 minutes per game. He got off to a slow start, and in mid-January, a broken bone in his foot sidelined him for more than a month.
He won't be a featured star for UNC next season, but all he needs is a little more playing time to showcase his creativity and explosiveness.
Pinson uses his speed and athleticism to create opportunities for himself and his Tar Heel comrades, even if he's not the most polished ball-handler. After one or two dribbles he's usually at the rim or already dishing to a teammate. He possesses next-level passing instincts for his position, and his pull-up shooting skills should translate smoothly to the Association.
Sprinkle in some rangy defense and a few rim-rocking plays in the open floor, and you've got a fascinating wing prospect.
25. Domantas Sabonis, Gonzaga PF (Freshman)
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Vitals: 6'10", 230 lbs
Domantas Sabonis, son of former NBA All-Star Arvydas Sabonis, flashed some ferocity in the paint for Gonzaga as a freshman. He also showed that he shares his father's court awareness and passing instincts. With an increased role and a sharpened skill set next year, he'll prove to scouts that he's an NBA power forward.
When he gets the ball on the block, his moves aren't highly advanced or refined. However, he displays the basics of pivoting, pump-faking and going up strong toward the rim. Sabonis also gets a healthy share of buckets via offensive rebounds and unsettled situations.
As an interior stopper, he offers tons of value moving forward.
The 6'10" youngster has quick feet, a strong frame and, most importantly, an unceasing desire to protect the basket and stymie opponents. He's not a prolific shot-blocker, but his outstanding positioning prevents many attempts from even happening.
24. J.P. Tokoto, North Carolina SG (Junior)
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Vitals: 6'6", 200 lbs, 6'9" wingspan
Throughout his North Carolina career, J.P. Tokoto has been able to play both swingman spots. Looking ahead to the pro level, he only has the size to play shooting guard.
That puts an extra emphasis on his perimeter skills, particularly his three-point shooting. He attempted just 32 three-pointers this past season, so he must demonstrate more confidence from beyond the arc in 2015-16.
In most other areas, he easily passes the test.
Tokoto served as a productive passer in 2014-15, doling out 5.9 assists per 40 minutes. He's also a rangy and pesky defender, able to stifle ball-handlers and off-guards. And, of course, he's an NBA-caliber talent in space, abundantly agile and springy in transition.
In the right rotation, he could become an influential two-way guard off the bench.
23. Damian Jones, Vanderbilt PF/C (Sophomore)
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Vitals: 6'10", 245 lbs
Damian Jones opted to return to Vanderbilt next season, but upgrades in key areas could earn him first-round draft stock in 2016.
As a rebounder and defender, his size and mobility helps him alter a lot of shots. He had 2.0 blocks per game for Vanderbilt in 2014-15. If he can add more bulk, he'll challenge NBA bigs better on the glass.
He's not close to being a polished offensive threat, however, he's flashed a growing repertoire. Jonathan Givony of Draft Express explains:
"Jones has solid footwork inside the paint, to go along with soft touch and the ability to finish with either hand. He doesn't have the most diverse post-arsenal at this stage and is limited somewhat by his lack of strength, but he shows flashes of ability knocking down jump-hooks and executing pretty spin moves, even throwing in the occasional turnaround jump-shot.
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He'll need to expand these tasks and improve his awareness to lock down a first-round spot in 2016.
22. Zhou Qi, China C (1996)
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Vitals: 7'1", 215 lbs
Gauging the NBA impact of players from the Chinese Basketball Association is an inexact science. It's tough to tell how well Zhou Qi will compete with elite centers.
What we do know is that he's 7'1", has a nice scoring touch and can protect the rim.
In 29.1 minutes per game, he's posting 14.1 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.3 blocks for Xinjiang Guanghui. He's not a remarkable low-post creator, but he uses his length and soft hands to convert buckets over the crowd.
His mid-range shooting is really appealing, as he shows confident rhythm out to 18 feet. There's no doubt he'll be a pick-and-pop option in the NBA.
Zhou's ceiling will ultimately depend on how strong he becomes. If he can add weight and adopt a more assertive playing style, he could carve out a significant role.
21. Justin Jackson, North Carolina SF (Freshman)
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Vitals: 6'8", 190 lbs, 6'11" wingspan
Justin Jackson isn't ready to make the jump to the NBA quite yet, as he must add strength and supply more defense.
While he works on those deficiencies as a sophomore, scouts will continue to enjoy his smorgasbord of offensive skills. The UNC swingman found his niche over the past couple of months, giving the Tar Heels a lift by scoring from all angles.
He has one of the best floaters in the college game, and he can hit mid-range jumpers from the elbow or catch-and-shoot three-pointers. Jackson has an outstanding sense of where and when to cut, and his feathery shooting touch does the rest.
Even if he's not much more than a key role player in the NBA, he's going to be a versatile threat when he's on the floor.
20. Egemen Guven, Turkey F (1996)
11 of 30Vitals: 6'9", 210 lbs
Late in the first round, NBA clubs looking to make an international steal will keep tabs on Turkey's Egemen Guven.
The long-limbed 4-man can execute a variety of tasks offensively, although he's not an explosive athlete or dynamic creator. He has a keen sense of where he is in relation to his teammates and opponents, and it helps him find favorable angles heading toward the hoop.
Guven can face up from the elbow and drive or play with his back to the basket. In either scenario, he scores deftly with hooks and bankers, and he's a capable passer when things get congested.
He won't likely stand out on the defensive side due to his slender frame and less-than-stellar athleticism. However, his alert activity and expansive reach will help compensate at least a little bit.
19. Brice Johnson, North Carolina F (Junior)
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Vitals: 6'9", 210 lbs, 6'11" wingspan
The ease with which Brice Johnson plays above the hoop makes him an NBA specimen. His potential away from the basket makes him a legitimate prospect.
He's a fringe first-rounder if he goes pro this year, and there's a high probability he'd land the second round. But if he stays at UNC and reveals upgrades on both ends, he could firmly establish first-round status.
When he's not busy destroying rims off lobs and drop-offs, Johnson shows glimpses of low-post touch and mid-range shooting. He shot 48 percent on two-point jumpers as a junior, per Hoop-Math.com, which is a solid number for any post player.
His defense isn't as encouraging. Johnson needs to improve his interior footwork and rim protection if he wants to be taken seriously as a first-round lock. He must continue to bulk up and work on his positioning and awareness.
18. Daniel Hamilton, Connecticut SG (Freshman)
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Vitals: 6'8", 190 lbs, 6'8" wingspan
Considering he was thrown into a big role as a freshman, it's not surprising that UConn's Daniel Hamilton put up inefficient numbers in 2014-15. His field-goal rate was an unsightly 38 percent.
If he shows more consistent jump-shooting accuracy next season, he'll get some first-round looks. The 6'8" shooting guard has loads of offensive skill as a scorer and passer.
He has a knack for breaking down opponents off the bounce, and he can do a lot more than create shots for himself. Hamilton emerged as a dynamic facilitator as the season unfolded, dishing 5.2 assists per 40 minutes during conference play.
Hamilton's shot-creating, shot-making and defensive tools all pass the NBA eye test. Once he tightens and sharpens things up, he could be a potent asset.
17. Demetrius Jackson, Notre Dame PG (Sophomore)
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Vitals: 6'1", 195 lbs, 6'4.75" wingspan
Notre Dame's Demetrius Jackson is short in stature, but he possesses a surplus of athletic burst.
His elite speed and aerial aptitude enables him to slice through defenses and make plays for himself and teammates. Jackson's mix of driving and shooting in the 2015 NCAA tourney has helped his draft stock, but he may want to stay in South Bend another year.
As ESPN's Chad Ford notes, Jackson has had to share production with Jerian Grant this season. He could really flex his potential next year when the Irish offense runs primarily through him.
"His assists are down because he shares the floor with Grant, but most teams are convinced he'd be a very good NBA point guard in the Eric Bledsoe-type mold," said Ford.
16. Chris McCullough, Syracuse PF (Freshman)
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Vitals: 6'9", 202 lbs, 7'3" wingspan
Had he not torn is ACL in January, Syracuse forward Chris McCullough would likely be a first-round pick in the 2015 draft.
But the sports injury gods were not kind to him, pointing to a return for his sophomore season in 2015-16. It's an awesome chance to showcase how impactful his length and athleticism is.
Skill-wise, McCullough is still quite limited. But if he gets the ball deep in the post or in the open floor, his agility and 7'3" wingspan enable him to score over almost anyone. His condor-like reach also helps him immensely on the defensive end, where he alters a handful of shots each game.
We're placing him in the middle of the pack for this big board, but his 2016 draft placement is up in the air. It all depends on whether he shows some promising development in the post and as a shooter.
Update: RealGM reports McCullough plans to enter this year's NBA draft.
15. Antonio Blakeney, LSU SG (HS Senior)
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Vitals: 6'4", 175 lbs, 6'7.75" wingspan
2015 McDonald's All-American (East)
LSU-bound Antonio Blakeney was a scoring factory in high school, and his penchant for filling up the hoop will continue in the SEC next year.
He's difficult to guard due to his shiftiness and innovation. At any moment, he can change directions and get to the hoop or stop on a dime to shoot. He's not tall, but he has trampoline bounce to rise up over defenders from the perimeter or at the cup.
During Wednesday's All-American Game, he showed off some of that scoring repertoire, chipping in 14 points for the East squad.
Blakeney's height is on the short end (6'4") for a 2-guard, so his draft-stock upside may be limited. But his wingspan (6'7.75") is rangy enough and his agility is dynamic enough to defend most NBA playmakers. For teams drafting in the mid-first round next spring, he offers multipurpose value.
14. Malik Pope, San Diego State SF (Freshman)
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Vitals: 6'8", 205 lbs
Malik Pope didn't get a ton of playing time as a freshman (just 14.8 minutes per game), but he delivered some enticing stints off San Diego State's bench.
His smooth shooting motion and ability to drill jumpers over smaller wings is readily apparent. Pope converted more than 40 percent of his three- and two-point jumpers, per Hoop-Math.com, which is a superb accomplishment for a freshman.
Pope also offered fluidity and skill as a ball-handler, suggesting that he'll be able to create half-court offense in the NBA. He also owns the ideal physical traits of a wing defender.
He has a tricky decision to make over the next few weeks. Upside alone could land him a first-round pick this spring, but if he stays at San Diego State and puts up big numbers, he's a lottery lock in 2016.
13. Furkan Korkmaz, Turkey SG (1997)
18 of 30Vitals: 6'6", 170 lbs
Turkish teenager Furkan Korkmaz is one of the most gifted young international guards.
He's on an Anadolu Efes Istanbul roster that's loaded with established European veterans, future NBA players and former NBA players, so he doesn't get much playing time.
But in his 12 minutes per night, he continues to show head-turning sequences of shooting brilliance and dangerous playmaking. Through 39 games, he's shooting 44 percent from three-point land. When he's not burying triples, he dices up opposing defenses with his blend of athleticism and ball-handling.
Korkmaz is also a disruptive force on the other end, using his anticipation and ranginess to hamper attackers and collect turnovers. As long as he adds some bulk to his wiry frame, he should be able to check NBA shooting guards.
12. Devin Robinson, Florida SF (Freshman)
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Vitals: 6'8", 180 lbs, 6'11.5" wingspan
Florida's Devin Robinson has plenty of length and springs to hang at the next level as a slasher and defender. He just needs another year of grooming to unveil his lofty potential to NBA decision-makers.
In addition to the sky-scraping dunks he gets in transition and off cuts, the 6'8" forward can put the ball on the deck. No one will confuse him with a brilliantly polished creator, but he can maneuver past foes with a couple of dribbles and exhibits great body control on drives. Robinson also has noticeable potential as a defender, where his wingspan and effort are unmistakable.
He came into his freshman season with jump-shooting potential as part of his resume, but his results were underwhelming. He hit just 26 percent of his three-point attempts. Robinson's shot isn't broken, so he can quickly regain favor in that department if he finds a rhythm as a sophomore.
Once he adds some muscle and polishes up his game, he'll be a quality small forward.
11. Cheick Diallo, Undeclared PF/C (HS Senior)
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Vitals: 6'9", 225 lbs, 7'3"
2015 McDonald's All-American (East)
Despite his limited offensive skills, Cheick Diallo challenges quality opponents by working hard in every phase of the game. This tireless end-to-end activity was on full display during Wednesday's All-American Game, where he brought home MVP honors with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
I've admittedly only watched a couple of his games, but his playing style is readily apparent. He thrives as an energy player with above-the-rim athleticism and tools. Diallo is a focused defender, a relentless rebounder and a speedy weapon in transition.
In addition to the actual McDonald's Game, his ranginess and hustle made heads turn at Tuesday's scrimmage, as Eric Bossi of Rivals.com reports: "Diallo relished the chance to go to work against the West. He would block shots on one end and beat everybody else to the other end to finish with dunks, controlled the glass and had a few nice passes and even hit a free throw line jumper."
It's tough to tell how much Diallo will develop on offense. But if he shows progress on even a couple of key moves next year, he'll be an irresistible first-round pick.
10. Diamond Stone, Maryland C (HS Senior)
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Vitals: 6'10", 250 lbs, 7'3.5" wingspan
2015 McDonald's All-American (East)
Milwaukee native Diamond Stone is a mountain of a man, yet he's highly skilled with soft hands and nimble footwork. As such, he's arguably the top true center in the 2016 draft crop.
He can beat opponents in a lot of ways, including powerful dunks, impressively fluid baby hook shots and mid-range jumpers. Stone has a good feel for the game and exhibits great body control in the lane. He's not always on full throttle defensively, but he's effective and disruptive when active.
Stone has improved his physique from his junior to senior season, and he's hoping Maryland's training staff can take him to another level. He talked with ESPNU's Quint Kessenich (h/t SNY.tv's Adam Zagoria):
"I plan on just being a low-post beast on the block...My rebounding needs work but I think I can coming into the season, getting with the strength and conditioning coach…He can get me right, like he did Alex Len. Right now I’m probably 13 or 14 percent body fat, I think I need to cut that down to 10 and I think I could be a beast.
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Don't expect him to fall outside the lottery if his freshman year goes according to plan.
9. Thon Maker, Undeclared PF/C (HS Senior)
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Vitals: 7'0", 210 lbs, 7'2" wingspan
Thon Maker's journey has taken him from his homeland of Sudan, to Australia, the U.S. and now Canada. Along the way, he has increasingly piqued the interest of scouts with his size, explosiveness and scoring potential.
The 7-footer is a constant threat to attack the cup from the wing or in transition, as he moves like a gazelle and can operate far above the rim. Maker also has encouraging jump-shooting skills, and he's already taking three-pointers from the high school line.
While he has all the measurements and agility to be a versatile offensive weapon and intimidating defender, there are some glaring deficiencies in his game. Maker doesn't have much of a post-up repertoire, nor does he have a strong enough physique to consistently do damage around the basket.
His preparation and readiness for the NBA will be largely dependent on where he goes to college. He's currently undeclared, so we don't even know his college role, teammates and mentor yet.
8. Dragan Bender, Croatia PF (1997)
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Vitals: 6'11", 202 lbs, 7'1" wingspan
With his eye-popping combination of length and refined skills, Croatian forward Dragan Bender has stood out against U-18 competition and is moving up the ranks in Europe.
He can score with his back to the basket, attack in transition and protect the rim superbly. His scoring arsenal is strikingly effective for someone his age, and he'll be dangerous in the NBA as his jump shot develops.
Those traits are all huge driving forces for his draft stock, but a special talent that sets him apart is his vision and passing instincts.
"Bender can already do a lot of things, but his passing, for his size, is what sets him apart," said Sports Illustrated's Luke Winn.
His top priorities in preparation for the NBA are bulking up (he's barely over 200 pounds and nearly seven feet tall) and honing his outside shot.
7. Henry Ellenson, Marquette PF/C (HS Senior)
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Vitals: 6'10", 230 lbs, 7'1.5" wingspan
2015 McDonald's All-American (East)
Coach Steve Wojciechowski landed an excellent addition to the Marquette program with Henry Ellenson. But if the talented big man enjoys too much success as a freshman, he could be gone by 2016.
His greatest basketball attribute right now is his shooting prowess. The 6'10" center can fluidly sling the ball over shorter defenders, and he has a great touch from any spot on the floor.
"With Henry Ellenson, you’re looking at a Mehmet Okur-type big that can step away and hit threes, but also is a good rebounder and solid on D," said Sam Vecenie of CBSSports.com.
He hasn't shown much of a low-post arsenal yet, so it remains to be seen how versatile he'll be on offense. But if he can assert himself with back-to-the-basket moves, he'll be a handful for anyone to defend.
6. Skal Labissiere, Kentucky C (HS Senior)
25 of 30Vitals: 6'11", 220 lbs, 7'1" wingspan
Kentucky-bound Skal Labissiere owns a captivating combination of size, offensive skill and rim-protecting instincts.
He has the height and length of a center, but his mid-range shooting and budding scoring skills will allow him to play inside and out. Depending on how many Wildcat prospects leave for the NBA this summer, he could become a featured weapon for coach John Calipari next year.
Labissiere isn't just some towering physical specimen who happens to collect a few blocks per game. ESPN.com's scouting report explains that his relentless activity makes a huge impact:
"What is most impressive about him is his ability to try and challenge as many shots as possible for a young post. By merely contesting shots on his own man or chasing down an opponent's fast break opportunities and swat it away, Labissiere is not allowing teams to score easy."
5. Brandon Ingram, Undeclared SF (HS Senior)
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Vitals: 6'8", 180 lbs
2015 McDonald's All-American (West)
Brandon Ingram's fascinating collection of skill and length helped him win four straight state titles in North Carolina, and it will also earn him high draft consideration next spring.
Some of his offensive repertoire isn't as sharp as it needs to be for the pro level, but considering his age and lanky physique, he has an alluring, promising assortment of moves. Ingram can change directions, get to the rim or create pull-up jumpers from mid-range or deep.
He's not quite ready for the NBA because he doesn't have a strong playing style, and he'll need to tighten up his handles against top-tier defenders.
But it probably won't matter whether he's entirely ready to make the jump to the pros by 2016. His tangible talent at the wing spot will be too tempting for lottery suitors.
4. Malik Newman, Undeclared SG (HS Senior)
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Vitals: 6'3", 180 lbs, 6'4" wingspan
2015 McDonald's All-American (West)
Mississippi standout Malik Newman can flat-out fill up the hoop.
His shiftiness and shot-creating skills enable him to hit pull-ups in the lane, step-backs from behind the arc and driving layups in traffic. The 6'3" shooting guard has terrific body control and can score above the fray or through contact.
Scoring is his chief talent, but ESPN's Paul Biancardi explained that Newman can initiate offense at the 1 spot sometimes: "Newman is a big-time scorer who can also slide over to the point guard position and make plays with his ball handling, passing and perimeter rebounding."
He's gifted beyond almost any 2-guard you'll see coming out of high school. His collegiate and pro outlook will depend heavily on his decision-making, efficiency and defensive effectiveness.
3. Ivan Rabb, Undeclared PF (HS Senior)
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Vitals: 6'10", 210 lbs
2015 McDonald's All-American (West)
Whoever lands Ivan Rabb next year will get a solid two-way big man. He's far from a finished product, but he has a good base of skills and instincts entering his collegiate career.
The Oakland, California, native puts his stamp on the game by attacking the rim assertively, rebounding consistently and altering shots defensively in the lane.
Deep in the post, Rabb can turn over either shoulder and score, although he still favors his left hand. He's gaining a better feel for pivoting and faking out the defense to find optimal angles. And despite a relatively slender frame, he's not afraid of contact.
NBA squads looking to upgrade their paint production will be watching him closely throughout next winter. Rabb has the wherewithal to grow into a dependable interior scorer as well as someone who can execute the blue-collar tasks.
2. Ben Simmons, LSU SF/PF (HS Senior)
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Vitals: 6'9", 225 lbs
2015 McDonald's All-American (East)
Australia's rising young prodigy Ben Simmons has tools and instincts that scream NBA stardom. If his perimeter skills and fundamentals catch up, he'll be able to access his potential.
He's 6'9", yet he possesses guard-like quickness and spring-loaded leaping prowess. The 2015 national Gatorade Player of the Year can bombard the rim from any angle, as he's constantly a threat to slash from the wing or explode for an alley-oop. He only had seven points during the McDonald's All-American Game, but he also controlled the glass with 10 boards.
Around the hoop, he shows a promising skill set that includes a soft touch on one-handed bankers and floaters. He's also an impressive passer for a young forward, an attribute that greatly enhances his stock.
Defensively, he might have some trouble guarding power forwards, but he'll have no problem shutting down most small forwards. Simmons' foot speed and agility enable him to cover acres of ground in a blink.
His jump shot is inconsistent outside of 15 feet, but if he can expand his range and polish it up, he'll put up some big numbers for LSU and contend for the No. 1 overall pick in 2016.
1. Jaylen Brown, Undeclared SF (HS Senior)
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Vitals: 6'7", 220 lbs, 6'11.5" wingspan
2015 McDonald's All-American (East)
Fearlessness is the hallmark of Jaylen Brown's game. The long, strong swingman doesn't hesitate to drive into traffic, and he owns exceptional body control as he finishes through contact.
He can beat opponents off the bounce with a variety of moves, but he can also hit outside jumpers when the opportunities arise. Brown also complements his scoring talent with high-level passing skills. His nine points Wednesday in Chicago didn't really reflect how he'll impact big games in college and the pros.
On the other end, he demonstrates a knack for walling off drivers and steering them out of the lane. There's nothing to suggest he won't be an above-average stopper down the road.
Brown is fresh off winning the Georgia 6A state title, but he also got himself into some trouble recently. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, he was arrested and charged with a stop sign violation.
As long as something like this is an anomaly, he'll be right in the mix for the top draft spot in 2016.
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