2016 NBA Draft Prospects Turning Heads in 2015 Summer Showcases

We don't normally associate the summer as a time for NBA draft prospects to raise their stock. But this year, a handful of them used the camps and international tournaments to generate positive buzz. 

The LeBron James Nike Skills Academy, Eurocamp, Adidas Nations, FIBA World Championships, European Championships and the Pan Americans Games have become terrific platforms for young players to build their resumes and recognition.

Over the past few months, we've seen freshmen emerge and seniors break out, as well as teenagers overseas continue to rise in the draft conversation. 

We looked at each player's specific improvements and development (whether it was tied to shooting, facilitating, scoring, defense or energy), as well as their productivity and impact during any game action.

At the very least, the following prospects have each established themselves as potential first-round options to monitor. However, a few of them now appear worthy of lottery and even top-five consideration. 

Jamal Murray, Kentucky, 6'5", PG, Freshman

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Jamal Murray's stock really starting to jump back in April, when he went for 30 points and game MVP honors at the 2015 Nike Hoop Summit. But it was his play at the Pan American Games in July that helped validate the Summit breakout and solidify his status as a premier NBA prospect. 

At 18 years old, Murray averaged 16 points against international pros, former NBA players and current college standouts. 

His signature stretch: a 22-point outburst during the fourth quarter and overtime that fueled Canada to a win over the United States. 

An outstanding offensive guard loaded with versatility, ball skills and confidence, Murray has looked comfortable operating at the point, where he can set the table for teammates or create his own shot as a scorer. And at 6'5", he's just as capable of sliding off the ball into a spot-up shooting role.

Murray was even recently named to the Canadian national team's training camp roster that will compete in the FIBA Americas later this month. According to TSN's Josh Lewenberg, "[Jay]Triano, Steve Nash and Canada Basketball officials are in contact with famed Kentucky coach John Calipari and the NCAA daily, hoping to work something out that would allow Murray to participate in the qualifier."

Nobody's stock has ultimately soared higher over the summer. Before it, Murray had been viewed mostly as a potential first-round talent. He now looks like a safe bet for the top 10 in 2016. 

Ben Simmons, LSU, 6'9", PF, Freshman

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The talk of the LeBron James Nike Skills Academy, Ben Simmons continues to strengthen his case as the No. 1 overall favorite for 2016. 

"He's ridiculous," tweeted ESPN's Jay Bilas following the third day of camp. "Simmons has versatile talent rarely seen."

Watching him hold his own against quality NBA pros would certainly help enhance his credibility.

Bleacher Report's C.J. Moore highlighted Simmons guarding Anthony Davis, while high school basketball expert Dinos Trigonis noted Simmons' "spirited, physical matchup" with James Harden.

Simmons hasn't slowed during LSU's current trip to Australia either. Through three exhibition games against international pros, he's averaged 22 points, nine rebounds and 5.7 assists. 

An athletic,  6'9" point forward with big-man size and perimeter guard skills, Simmons remains one of the more unique prospects we've seen. And he's done nothing this summer to jeopardize his image as the top prospect in the country. 

You get the impression Simmons will be an immediate force in college and a mismatch for years to come.

Dragan Bender, Croatia, 7'1", PF, 1997

Though already considered a headliner entering Eurocamp, Dragan Bender still managed to enhance his image as one of the world's most talented prospects. 

At 17 years old, he was named to the camp's first team. 

"Though this was just one game, Bender's strong play will leave a lasting impression on the scouts in attendance," wrote DraftExpress' Mike Schmitz following the first day of the event. 

Bender even wowed during measurements, having come in at 7'0½" with a 7'2" wingspan and 9'3" standing reach—incredible numbers for a skill player. 

His versatility sets him apart—with NBA center size, he's comfortable operating on the perimeter, where he can shoot, put the ball on the floor or thread the needle as a passer. Bender has a clean handle, soft touch and visible basketball IQ. 

He also packs plenty of defensive potential, given his ability to protect the rim or guard quicker bigs away from the basket.

After winning MVP of the Basketball Without Borders camp in February, and then carrying that momentum into Eurocamp, Bender now seems poised to make a run for the top five in 2016. Outside of LSU's Ben Simmons and Kentucky's Skal Labissiere, his ceiling looks as high as anyone's.

Taurean Prince, Baylor, 6'7", SF, Senior

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Taurean Prince used the summer to build on a strong junior season that seemingly went unnoticed.

He generated some positive buzz for himself in July at the LeBron James Nike Skills Academy, where he "stood out" with "defensive toughness, rebounding and shot-making ability," according to DraftExpress' Mike Schmitz. 

Prince then followed it up by making a strong impression playing for U.S.A. in the Pan American Games. Looking the part of an NBA wing with 6'7½", 215-pound size and a 6'11" wingspan, he averaged 10.8 points and 4.4 rebounds in 18 minutes a game (24 points, 9.8 rebounds per 40 minutes).

Though not the deadliest scorer, Prince flashed the ability to knock down jumpers off spot-ups, screens and dribbles. And with terrific physical tools and quickness, he's shown he can guard 2s, 3s and small-ball 4s.

Prince did a lot this summer to help build up his brand and NBA awareness. Chances are there will be a lot more scouts at Baylor games this year than there were in 2014-15. 

We now have him ranked as the No. 5 returning prospect and a first-round pick for next June's draft. Prince's stock is undoubtedly trending upward.

Tim Quarterman, LSU, 6'6", PG/SG, Junior

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Tim Quarterman made a sneaky late-season run last year after moving to point guard for LSU, having averaged six assists per game over the Tigers' final 10 contests. 

But it wasn't until Adidas Nations that the buzz started to really strengthen. 

Quarterman opened eyes with his passing, as noted by Euroleague Adventures' Sam Meyerkopf.

At 6'6", he has mismatch size for a ball-handler and playmaker—which, along with above-the-rim athleticism, fuel some intriguing NBA potential. 

For what it's worth, he's averaged 19 points through three exhibition games against Australian competition this month. 

Naturally, with freshman star Ben Simmons in the lineup, Quarterman is going to receive a ton of exposure from NBA scouts this upcoming season. 

If he can bump up his three-point percentage (31.3 percent) and continue developing his floor game, Quarterman has the potential to emerge as one of the bigger 2016 draft risers.

Chinanu Onuaku, Louisville, 6'10", C, Sophomore

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He only played 17.8 minutes a game last year, making it difficult to generate draft buzz, but Chinanu Onuaku's performance in the FIBA World Championships ignited conversation. 

Through seven games, he shot 65 percent and averaged 13.3 rebounds, 4.5 blocks and 3.7 steals per 40 minutes. 

With 6'10" size and a 7'2½" wingspan, Onuaku covers a ton of ground and space, both laterally and vertically. 

He was an impact defensive player, thanks to his length, foot speed and strong 246-pound frame. And Onuaku controlled the boards and pounded the offensive glass for second-chance scoring opportunities. 

Though clearly limited offensively, teams won't be looking at Onuaku for post offense or jumpers. 

He'll play the same role for Louisville as he did for U.S.A.—one that asks him to finish, rebound and protect the rim. 

Onuaku will now enter his sophomore year with a lot more recognition. Assuming he can bring the same energy and activity to Louisville as he did in the world championships, he'll have a real opportunity to establish himself as a first-round prospect.

Tyler Dorsey, Oregon, 6'4", SG, Freshman

Tyler Dorsey hadn't previously been lumped in with the projected one-and-done first-round freshmen, but after his FIBA World Championship performance with Greece, the bar has officially been raised. 

He was a machine through seven games, having averaged 15.9 points on 55.6 percent shooting. Dorsey showcased his athleticism in the open floor, shot-making skills (11 of 21 from three) and motor (five rebounds, two steals per game). And though undersized for an NBA 2-guard, he can handle the ball and shake off the dribble with change of speed and direction. 

Defenses just had a tough time containing him, including U.S.A.'s. Dorsey only needed seven field-goal attempts to score 23 points against the Americans.

And with Joseph Young—Oregon's leading scorer last year—now a pro, there should be available minutes and touches for Dorsey to continue making noise.

“Tyler is talented,” Oregon coach Dana Altman told the Register-Guard's Steve Mims. “He’s got to get balanced a little better on shooting, but he can get to the basket and he handles the ball. He is a competitor. I think he will be an awfully good player for us.”

If Dorsey ends up looking anything like he did as a member of Greece's national team this summer, he won't be a Duck for very long. 

Furkan Korkmaz, Turkey, 6'6", SG, 1996

Though billed as a first-round talent coming in, Furkan Korkmaz's performance this summer suggests he's even better than previously advertised. 

Korkmaz averaged 13.7 points in 24 minutes on 48.7 percent shooting during the FIBA World Championships. His signature game: a 28-point, eight-rebound, five-steal eruption in an impressive win over Greece to take third place.

Korkmaz, who's an excellent athlete, demonstrated the ability to create and make shots from all over the floor. From pull-ups and step-backs to floaters and drives, he's a crafty scorer with impressive footwork, touch and deep range (two threes per game, 45.2 percent).

He wasn't as efficient in the European Championships, though he still averaged 16.1 points and three assists.

Korkmaz also brings a ton of energy on defense. His quickness and motor translated to at least two steals per game in each tournament.

He'll clearly need to add strength, but having just turned 18 in July, his skinny frame isn't particularly alarming.

Even if Korkmaz sees limited minutes for Anadolu Efes in 2015-16, the damage has already been done. He'll be in the lottery discussion based on his summer production and the potential he's flashed over the years.