2016 NBA Mock Draft: Predictions and Prospects Who Can Help Contenders

It’s almost a foregone conclusion that LSU’s Ben Simmons and Duke’s Brandon Ingram will be the top two selections of the 2016 NBA draft on June 23 in Brooklyn.

While the best talent goes to the worst teams in the league, contenders that are just a piece or two away from mounting a serious run at a championship could find a diamond in the rough toward the bottom of the board. 

Here’s a look at my latest mock draft while focusing on which players can help put a contending team over the top next year:

Outlook for Possible Selections by Contenders

Damian Jones, C, Vanderbilt

Where He’ll Go: No. 23 Boston Celtics

With the No. 3 pick, the Boston Celtics could go with Dragan Bender, a 7-foot big man who plays a game similar to that of Kristaps Porzingis of the New York Knicks. While he could one day stretch out the Celtics offense and frontcourt, he will likely need a few years to develop and won’t address Boston’s need of a true big man. 

With Amir Johnson, Kelly Olynyk, Tyler Zeller and Jared Sullinger, Boston’s size wasn’t necessarily imposing, as the team lacked success when it came to attacking the rim. Boston also allowed a ton of rebounds:

This is where Vanderbilt’s Damian Jones can come in and provide a big lift to the Boston frontcourt. Pushing 7 feet tall, Jones can move well on the floor and is physical enough to go up and attack the basket on the offensive end of the floor:

He’ll have to work on bringing that physicality to …

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