2016 NBA Mock Draft: Early Predictions and Top Prospects to Watch

While the 2015 NBA draft only recently concluded, it's never too early to start thinking about how next year's class will fit in the league.  

After seeing players like Karl-Anthony Towns, D'Angelo Russell and Kristaps Porzingis improve their stocks over the course of the past year in various ways, it's important to remember nothing is set in stone this early. That said, you can be certain NBA teams of all levels already have their sights on a few top-level prospects. 

Here is a look at the next set of possible stars ready to make an impact in the NBA, as soon as many of them first start their college careers. 

Note: Draft order based on predictions for upcoming season. Trades information courtesy of Pro Sports Transactions.

Pos.	Team	Selection
1	Philadelphia 76ers	Ben Simmons, SF, LSU
2	Denver Nuggets (via Knicks)	Skal Labissiere, C, Kentucky
3	Orlando Magic	Jaylen Brown, SF, Cal
4	Minnesota Timberwolves	Brandon Ingram, SF, Duke
5	Toronto Raptors (via Nuggets)	Dragan Bender, PF, Bosnia
6	Sacramento Kings	Kris Dunn, PG, Providence
7	Philadelphia 76ers (via Lakers)	Malik Newman, SG, Mississippi St.
8	Detroit Pistons	Diamond Stone, C, Maryland
9	Charlotte Hornets	Jakob Poeltl, C, Utah
10	Indiana Pacers	Jamal Murray, PG, Kentucky
11	Boston Celtics (via Nets)	Nigel Hayes, SF, Wisconsin
12	Utah Jazz	Furkan Korkmaz, SG, Turkey
13	Phoenix Suns	Caris LeVert, SF, Michigan
14	Portland Trail Blazers	Zhou Qi, C, China
15	Philadelphia 76ers (via Heat)	Melo Trimble, PG, Maryland
16	Boston Celtics	Cheick Diallo, PF, Kansas
17	Milwaukee Bucks	Demetrius Jackson, PG, Notre Dame
18	Toronto Raptors	Justin Jackson, SG, North Carolina
19	Philadelphia 76ers (via Thunder)	Troy Williams, SF, Indiana
20	New Orleans Pelicans	Henry Ellenson, PF, Marquette
21	Boston Celtics (via Mavericks)	Dwayne Bacon, SG, Florida State
22	Atlanta Hawks	Domantas Sabonis, PF, Gonzaga
23	Memphis Grizzlies	Isaiah Briscoe, PG, Kentucky
24	Chicago Bulls	Ron Baker, SG, Wichita State
25	Washington Wizards	Damian Jones, PF, Vanderbilt
26	Los Angeles Clippers	Malik Pope, PF, UNLV
27	San Antonio Spurs	Brice Johnson, PF, North Carolina
28	Phoenix Suns (via Cavaliers)	Jake Layman, SF, Maryland
29	Houston Rockets	A.J. Hammons, C, Purdue
30	Golden State Warriors	Alex Poythress, SF, Kentucky

Top Prospects to Watch

Ben Simmons, SF, LSU

Gregory Payan/Associated Press

Not only can Ben Simmons do a little bit of everything, but he does everything extremely well. The 6'10" forward can legitimately play any position on the floor and succeed both offensively and defensively wherever he suits up.

The future LSU player has better handle and passing ability than most point guards his age but also has the strength and athleticism to score in the post. ESPN's Jay Bilas discussed his versatility:

Meanwhile, he is just as good defensively with the talent to defend some of the best players the NBA has to offer, as noted by Bleacher Report's C.J. Moore and Dinos Trigonis of Fullcourt Press:

The fact anyone can hold his own defensively against both James Harden and Anthony Davis is impressive. Considering he is doing it at just 18 years old is incredible.

With everyone looking for versatility in their big men nowadays, it doesn't get any better than Simmons.

Skal Labissiere, C, Kentucky

Many believe Skal Labissiere is the top player in the class, and he certainly has an argument. The 7'0" center has many of the same qualities that caused scouts to rave about Towns and Porzingis leading into this draft, and he still has room to improve.

Labissiere is raw, but he already knows how to use his athleticism to be an above-average shot-blocker at the next level. Offensively, he has the makings of a jump shot, though he still needs to refine his technique in the low post.

Still, he has all of the tools you look for in an elite center prospect.

Future Kentucky teammate Tyler Ulis thinks he will easily replace the departed Towns in Lexington:

He has the talent to put together a strong season for the Wildcats, which could allow him to follow in the footsteps of fellow center lottery picks DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis, Towns and Willie Cauley-Stein.

Jaylen Brown, SF, California

Gregory Payan/Associated Press

With all due respect to Brandon Ingram, Malik Newman and others, Jaylen Brown is probably the best perimeter scorer in this class.

Even though he is not an elite shooter, he has an outstanding slashing ability that allows him to get into the lane against just about anyone and finish either at or above the rim. When opponents do give him space, however, he is perfectly fine knocking down a three-pointer.

Additionally, his new coach, Cuonzo Martin, has been impressed by the wing's dedication:

Brown might be a bit undersized as an NBA wing at 6'6", but he has the tools to succeed either as a shooting guard or small forward. He certainly has the quickness and strength to defend either position, and scoring won't be an issue at any spot.

If he has a strong season at Cal, there is no question he should end up in the top three of the draft.

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