2016 NBA Mock Draft: Predictions for Elite Frontcourt Prospects

Most NBA fans are focused on what’s going on in the postseason right now. But with a diminishing field of remaining teams, more and more people are looking at which players their favorite squads should be targeting in the annual draft.

The lottery is May 17, at which point we’ll know the official order for the draft. Many teams’ futures hinge significantly on the results of that night, so you’ll certainly want to tune in.

Before that happens, though, let’s go through a preliminary mock draft and predict the draft destinations of the three top players who project at either the forward or center position in the NBA.

Predictions For Top Frontcourt Prospects

No. 1, Philadelphia 76ers: Ben Simmons, F, LSU

The 76ers badly need help in the backcourt. Their biggest minute-getters at the 1- and 2-guard spots last season were Isaiah Canaan, Ish Smith, T.J. McConnell, Nik Stauskas and Hollis Thompson. Not one of those guys is even an average NBA player in terms of skill.

But the 6’10” Simmons is a quintessential point forward, and the best option here with no truly elite backcourt prospects in the class. While Simmons will likely be slotted mostly at small forward to start his NBA career, he can initiate the offense and be the de facto point guard on offense.

In an NBA that is becoming more and more infatuated with playing small lineups, the 76ers could find success doing the opposite. With Jahlil Okafor, Nerlens …

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