NBA Mock Draft 2016: Round 1 Predictions and Projections for Fringe 1st-Rounders
Much of the focus leading up to the 2016 NBA draft next Thursday is on the top few picks, but there are often quality sleepers available at the end of the first round who can make a difference.
While second-round picks Draymond Green (No. 35) and Isaiah Thomas (No. 60) have notably transformed into all-stars, even lesser-known players can make a positive impact.
Late first-rounders from the 2015 draft such as Bobby Portis (Chicago Bulls) and Larry Nance Jr. (Los Angeles Lakers) appear to have roles going forward with their respective teams. Rodney Hood, Rudy Gobert, Andre Roberson and others have also proved their value in recent seasons.
Green and Thomas might be the exceptions, but these other men show there is value available even after the lottery.
As you look at the latest mock draft, take note of those who are likely to provide serious help despite being only fringe first-round picks.
| No. | Team | Player | Pos. | School |
| 1 | Philadelphia 76ers | Ben Simmons | PF | LSU |
| 2 | Los Angeles Lakers | Brandon Ingram | SG | Duke |
| 3 | Boston Celtics (via BKN) | Jamal Murray | SG | Kentucky |
| 4 | Phoenix Suns | Dragan Bender | PF | Croatia |
| 5 | Minnesota Timberwolves | Kris Dunn | PG | Providence |
| 6 | New Orleans Pelicans | Marquese Chriss | PF | Washington |
| 7 | Denver Nuggets (via NYK) | Buddy Hield | SG | Oklahoma |
| 8 | Sacramento Kings | Jaylen Brown | SF | California |
| 9 | Toronto Raptors (via DEN) | Jakob Poeltl | C | Utah |
| 10 | Milwaukee Bucks | Henry Ellenson | PF | Marquette |
| 11 | Orlando Magic | Deyonta Davis | PF | Michigan State |
| 12 | Utah Jazz | Denzel Valentine | SF | Michigan State |
| 13 | Phoenix Suns (via WAS) | Timothe Luwawu | SF | France |
| 14 | Chicago Bulls | Wade Baldwin IV | PG | Vanderbilt |
| 15 | Denver Nuggets (via HOU) | Furkan Korkmaz | SG | Turkey |
| 16 | Boston Celtics (via DAL) | Domantas Sabonis | PF | Gonzaga |
| 17 | Memphis Grizzlies | Demetrius Jackson | PG | Notre Dame |
| 18 | Detroit Pistons | Skal Labissiere | PF | Kentucky |
| 19 | Denver Nuggets (via POR) | Malachi Richardson | SF | Syracuse |
| 20 | Indiana Pacers | Tyler Ulis | PG | Kentucky |
| 21 | Atlanta Hawks | Thon Maker | C | Australia |
| 22 | Charlotte Hornets | Ante Zizic | C | Croatia |
| 23 | Boston Celtics | DeAndre' Bembry | SF | Saint Joseph's |
| 24 | Philadelphia 76ers (MIA) | Dejounte Murray | PG | Washington |
| 25 | Los Angeles Clippers | Brice Johnson | PF | North Carolina |
| 26 | Philadelphia 76ers (OKC) | Cheick Diallo | C | Kansas |
| 27 | Toronto Raptors | Malik Beasley | SG | Florida State |
| 28 | Phoenix Suns (via CLE) | Taurean Prince | SF | Baylor |
| 29 | San Antonio Spurs | Malcolm Brogdon | SF | Virginia |
| 30 | Golden State Warriors | Ivica Zubac | C | Croatia |
Sleepers to Watch
DeAndre' Bembry, SF, Saint Joseph's
NBA teams don't care all that much about college statistics, only how the numbers can translate to the next level. Still, DeAndre' Bembry's ability to fill up the box score is tough to ignore.
The Atlantic 10 Player of the Year averaged 17.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game this past season for Saint Joseph's, showing the type of versatility that would be useful on any team. Meanwhile, Mike Schmitz of DraftExpress also added a look at all the things that don't necessarily show up on the stat sheet:
Bembry isn't a good outside shooter (just 26.6 percent from three-point range last season), but he knows how to create offense both for himself and others. At 6'6", this makes him a dangerous weapon on that end of the court.
Defensively, the wing also shows plenty of potential with his ability to get his hands into passing lanes and stop penetration on the perimeter. Even at almost 22 years old, there is still plenty of room for him to grow as a player as well.
No matter who takes him, Bembry could end up being a steal late in the first round.
Brice Johnson, PF, North Carolina
North Carolina fans saw plenty of potential through Brice Johnson's first three years in Chapel Hill, but it wasn't until his senior season that he became the dominant force they all wanted.
Johnson averaged 17 points and 10.4 rebounds per game this past season while becoming a first-team All-American. He showcased a great motor on both ends of the court, running the floor as well as any big man in the country and dominating the boards.
Even if he doesn't develop any more offensively, this type of player would be valuable on an NBA roster.
Of course, Johnson still is hoping to improve, as he told Ronald Tillery of the Commercial Appeal:
"I want to be able to expand my game just because, not only am I not going to be posting as much, but I have to be able to step out and shoot three-pointers sometimes. In college, I was a back-to-the-basket type of player because that was the system Coach (Roy) Williams had. Nowadays, everybody just wants to see me shoot the ball. They just want to know if I can shoot. They know I’m very athletic. I can dunk the ball very well. I think about 85 percent of my shots were dunks this year.
"
Johnson took zero three-point shots during his four-year career at North Carolina, but he did make a respectable 46.2 percent of two-point jumpers, according to Hoop-Math.com. If he can at least be consistent from 10-15 feet out, that would be enough to make him an offensive threat. Adding in a long-range shot down the line will make him even better.
The unproven shooting ability will keep him outside the lottery, as will his questionable defense, but Johnson remains a useful rotational player as is and can help a team from Day 1. This isn't something you can say about other options who will be on the board at this stage.
Malik Beasley, SG, Florida State
There is a possibility Malik Beasley is off the board long before the end of the first round. The Florida State guard has the potential to be a quality two-way player at the next level and is already an elite shooter.
According to Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders, he is drawing interest from teams in the lottery.
However, he is still raw as a player, and more importantly, a leg injury might force him down draft boards. Sam Vecenie of CBS Sports explained how a stress fracture limited Beasley's ability to work out for teams this offseason. The guard has a metal rod in his leg that won't be removed for a few years.
If the medicals do check out, though, some team could end up getting a steal. The 6'5" guard has decent size for the position and knows how to knock down shots from the outside, hitting 38.7 percent of three-point tries last season while averaging 15.6 points per game. He also has the potential to be an above-average defender at the next level because of his athleticism and his instincts.
This is the type of player who can help a contending team right away and only get better with time, which makes him a perfect selection for someone drafting at the end of Round 1.
Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for year-round sports analysis.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
