Who Is The Best Player From The 2016 Draft Class?
Today I will be naming the best player from the 2016 NBA Draft.
Today I am continuing the series where I name the 3 best players from each draft class, and today is the 2016 Draft Class.
#3 – Brandon Ingram
New Orleans Pelicans – #2 Pick
Going into this season, Ingram would have not been on this list. Sure he had the potential to be great, but he was pretty average and had not taken that stride that we all expected him to take. But during his 1st season with the Pelicans, Ingram has transformed himself into a All-Star Level player, using his long length and shooting ability to score at will.
This season, Ingram is averaging 24.3 points and 6.3 rebounds. He is shooting 46.6% from the field and 38.7% from 3.
Ingram has showed us this season that he can put on his whole display on offense. He is a solid shooter from both the 3-point and mid-range. He uses his long-lanky body to get through the lane where is also a solid finisher. Ingram was a first time All-Star this season, and he looks to improve on that going into next season.
#2 – Ben Simmons
Philadelphia 76ers – #1 Pick
Ben Simmons has had lots of questions and criticisms throughout his short career, but he has proven that he is a very talented player. Simmons has a rare combination of size and ball-handling abilities. We have seen him make some incredible passes in his short time in the NBA. Simmons is also a relentless finisher down low.
This season, Simmons is averaging 16.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists. He is shooting 58.5% from the field and 33.3% from 3.
Although Simmons does not have a reliable jump shot yet, he has proven to still be very valuable for the 76ers. His unique size and ball handling make him tough to guard, and he is a great defender, being able to guard on the perimeter and inside. The 76ers will need Simmons if they have any hope at deep playoff runs in the future.
#1 – Pascal Siakam
Toronto Raptors – #27 Pick
Although Siakam was almost not even a 1st round pick in this draft, he has proven he was the steal of the draft as he is now the future of the Raptors. During the 2019 championship run, Siakam was a great 2nd option, and scored in bursts with his incredible athleticism. Now that he is the leader of the Raptors, Siakam has been show casing all aspects of his game, from his shooting and finishing to his relentless defense.
This season, Siakam is averaging 23.6 points and 7.5 rebounds. He is shooting 45.9% from the field and 35.9% from 3.
Siakam has proven to us all that he is not just a 2nd option, and that he can lead a team to deep playoff runs, which the Raptors are poised to do. Siakam is just 26 years old, and his best years are still ahead of him as he continues to mature and improve his game. He and the Raptors will continue to be a threat in the Eastern Conference.
What do you think about this list? Did I leave anybody off? Who would you put at #1? Leave all of your comment down below.
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