NBA Mock Draft 2016: Latest Projections and Comparisons for Underrated Prospects

It can be hard to look past a 2016 NBA draft class headlined by major names such as Ben Simmons, Brandon Ingram and Dragan Bender.

Rest assured each team in the Association isn’t overlooking anyone.

NBA teams understand the value of finding the gems in the first round. As a more recent example, look at what Kawhi Leonard, the No. 15 pick in the 2011 draft (by the Indiana Pacers), has done for the San Antonio Spurs.

Not every team will go out and find a Leonard, but underrated prospects with intriguing comparisons exist at all levels of the draft. Before breaking down a few of these to know, let’s take a look at an updated mock.

2016 NBA Mock Draft

Comparisons for Underrated Prospects Denzel Valentine, G, Michigan State Compares to: Lance Stephenson

Maybe a comparison to Lance Stephenson isn’t the best thing in the world, but give it a chance. 

Remember, before his odd falling out with the Indiana Pacers, Stephenson had averaged 13.8 points, 4.6 assists and 7.2 rebounds per game in 2013-14.

It’s easy to see shades of Stephenson in Michigan State’s Denzel Valentine from an on-court perspective. A four-year player with the Spartans, Valentine did his most notable stock-boosting play over his final two seasons:

He’s a solid all-around scorer, but some teams might find it easy to sleep on Valentine because he spent four years in college and might already sit close to his ceiling.

Others, though, will find the value in a pro-ready player who can act as a core rotational piece for a long time. Valentine won’t blow anyone away with his athleticism, but at 6’6″ and 210 …

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