2016 NBA Draft: 1st-Round Order and Top 2-Way Prospects
Fans always want players who can score points, but it's usually the ones who play defense who make the biggest impact on a roster. When the NBA draft comes around, you want your team to take someone who can do both.
If you look at some of the emerging superstars over the past few years, you see two-way players who can get it done in all aspects of the game. Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler both earned their playing time on the defensive end before breaking out offensively.
While Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram could be elite offensive players at the next level, neither is proven on the defensive end. However, a handful of prospects have the tools necessary to be game-changers on both ends of the court.
Here is a look at the best two-way players in the class, along with a list of the first-round draft order.
| 1 | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 2 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 3 | Boston Celtics (via BKN) |
| 4 | Phoenix Suns |
| 5 | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 6 | New Orleans Pelicans |
| 7 | Denver Nuggets (via NYK) |
| 8 | Sacramento Kings |
| 9 | Toronto Raptors (via DEN) |
| 10 | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 11 | Orlando Magic |
| 12 | Utah Jazz |
| 13 | Phoenix Suns (via WAS) |
| 14 | Chicago Bulls |
| 15 | Denver Nuggets (via HOU) |
| 16 | Boston Celtics (via DAL) |
| 17 | Memphis Grizzlies |
| 18 | Detroit Pistons |
| 19 | Denver Nuggets (via POR) |
| 20 | Indiana Pacers |
| 21 | Atlanta Hawks |
| 22 | Charlotte Hornets |
| 23 | Boston Celtics |
| 24 | Philadelphia 76ers (MIA) |
| 25 | Los Angeles Clippers |
| 26 | Philadelphia 76ers (OKC) |
| 27 | Toronto Raptors |
| 28 | Phoenix Suns (via CLE) |
| 29 | San Antonio Spurs |
| 30 | Golden State Warriors |
Kris Dunn, PG, Providence
The two-time Big East Player of the Year has all the skills you want in a point guard.
At 6'4", Kris Dunn has the size and strength to attack the basket and the athleticism to finish at the rim. He can create a shot for himself and has improved from beyond the arc, hitting 37.2 percent of his three-pointers last year. His averages of 16.4 points and 6.2 assists per game show he can both score himself as well as create opportunities for others.
However, when asked about what he does best on the floor, Dunn immediately wanted to discuss his defense.
"I think my greatest strength is I'm a great defender," the point guard said, per Keith Pompey of Philly.com. "I like to defend on the ball. I like to get after people. I like to get under people's skin."
He hassled opponents enough to total 2.5 steals per game this past season and makes things difficult for players all game long. If you have someone who can take an opposing point guard out of the game or at least limit him, your team has a good chance of winning.
While need will dictate where he lands, there is a high chance Dunn is the first point guard off the board on June 23.
Jakob Poeltl, C, Utah
As a freshman, Jakob Poeltl was an elite defender for Utah. He averaged 1.9 blocks per game but altered plenty more while always seeming to be in the right place at the right time in the middle of the defense.
Although he averaged only 9.1 points per game, mostly just finishing dunks inside, he did more than enough on the defensive end to be worthy of a possible first-round draft pick.
However, Poeltl returned to school to improve his all-around game and did just that. The center was the Pac-12 Player of the Year after averaging 17.2 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, becoming a force on the offensive end who can score with his back to the basket or pass out of the double-team.
All of a sudden, the sophomore is one of the most NBA-ready players in the class and arguably the best true center. He will help a team right away next season while making an impact on both ends of the court.
Deyonta Davis, PF, Michigan State
Unlike Poeltl, Deyonta Davis is not quite ready to contribute, but he does have the upside to be a star in the NBA.
The Michigan State freshman only averaged 7.5 points in 18.6 minutes per game behind a senior-laden roster this past season. However, he made the most of his time on the court, especially on the defensive end with 1.8 blocks per game.
According to KenPom.com, his 10.16 block percentage was among the best in the country.
He was a bit limited offensively, but according to the Lansing State Journal, this was a coach's decision:
Davis was able to show some of his shooting ability during the year while making 41.6 percent of two-point jumpers, according to Hoop-Math. This matched that of National Player of the Year and teammate Denzel Valentine.
If he can develop his outside shot while also remaining an elite rim protector defensively, Davis will be valuable in the NBA.
Malcolm Brogdon, SF, Virginia
Plenty of other players in the class have the athleticism, length and pure physical tools that scouts look for in a prospect. However, Malcolm Brogdon will be drafted thanks to his actual abilities on the court.
Brogdon set a new standard for an elite player this season in the ACC, per Mitch Carr of 8News:
The 6'5" guard was usually asked to defend an opponent's best perimeter player, moving anywhere from 1 to 3 on the court. In the NCAA tournament, he continued to show his versatility by taking out the opposing power forward.
He did all this while averaging a team-leading 18.2 points per game for one of the best squads in the country.
Although Brogdon isn't likely to be a go-to option at the next level, he should join an NBA rotation and stick there for a long time. He does the little things to make a team better and can also run a team if needed. The longer he falls in the draft, the better a steal some organization will get.
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