2016 NBA Mock Draft: Predictions, Pro Comparisons for Elite Frontcourt Prospects

Size is always a luxury in the NBA, and the 2016 NBA draft class features a deep class of frontcourt players who should be able to help a roster in the near future.

In today’s game, a big man who is mobile and able to shoot is highly valued, as top professional teams want to space out the floor. This year’s class has those prospects, and with the guard crop being rather thin, frontcourt players will make up much of the lottery.

Here is a look at first-round projections for all 30 teams, along with some predictions and comparisons for some of the class’ top big men. It should be noted that Ben Simmons will be included as a small forward and therefore a frontcourt player, although he plays like a guard at times.

Ben Simmons, LSU

Ben Simmons is an elite talent as a 6’10” forward who can operate as a point guard while still being able to significantly contribute on the glass. 

Simmons is a triple-double waiting to happen. His stats last season for LSU verify this, as he averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game.

He has a special array of skills. This seems to intrigue 76ers head coach Brett Brown, as he told Fox Sports (via ESPN.com).

“He’s got a hint of Magic, and at times you can see a younger LeBron where you are not sure what position he is,” Brown said. “One moment you think he is a 4 (power forward), maybe he is a 3 (small forward), he looks comfortable handling the ball.”

A young James is a favorable comparison, but Simmons lacks James’ explosiveness. He is also not as built.  Despite being two inches taller (compared to James’ 6’8″), Simmons weighs the same as the 18-year-old James did at 240 pounds.  Still, he has time to develop …

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