• Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

June 23rd 2016

Brooklyn NY

HSS Training Center

 

NBA Draft 2016

 

“With the first pick of the 2016 NBA Draft the Philadelphia 76ers select Ben Simmons,” Commissioner Adam Silver announced and the beginning of a new life for a few young men began. Simmons was widely regarded as the best player in the draft and knew for some time that the team from Philly would draft him so his number 1 selection was no surprise.

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Ben Simmons the number 1 pick. Photo: AP Photo Frank Franklin II

Simmons looks to lead the Sixers back from obscurity, a task that is tall but at 6’10 and with great playmaking skill he will be a refreshing sight for the fans. The Sixers have been attempting to build their roster through the draft and have fell short as their plan seems unsuccessful thus far. Simmons has been the most talented player that the Sixers have drafted so he will have some pressure to produce right away. With mentors like LeBron James in his corner he will be in good shape to lead this team.

 

Duke forward Brandon Ingram went second to the Los Angeles Lakers as they look to rebuild a championship team with the departure of Kobe Bryant. The 3rd pick went to the Boston Celtics and they chose Jaylen Brown out of California, which was somewhat of a surprise to some because many expected them to pick Kris Dunn. With the 4th pick the Phoenix Suns selected the first international player of this years draft with Dragan Bender from Israel. Dunn went to the Timberwolves with the 5th pick and joined a very young team with some very talented players; Wiggins, Towns and Lavine just to name a few. Buddy Hield out of Oklahoma was picked 6th by the Pelicans who are looking for scoring help for star player Anthony Davis.

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The mysterious Thon Maker was drafted 10th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks Photo: Getty Images

The biggest surprise of the first round was Thon Maker being picked 10th by the Milwaukee Bucks. There are so many questions about Maker that most experts had him staying on the board until the 2nd round. Most know of him because he became a YouTube sensation within the last year. He showed that at 7 feet he can be very athletic but questions remain about his true age and the level of competition he played against during his journey to the NBA. Maker joins a team that already features a wealth of young talent. The line up is also very long and athletic. Michael Carter-Williams, Jabari Parker and 3rd year star Giannis Atentokounmpo are all 6’7 and above their line up looks to be come even longer with the addition of Maker. This was a risky pick and it remains to be seen what impact Maker can have on his team and against the level of competition in the league. He may turn out to be a steal in this draft.

 

The OKC Thunder made a splash when they traded Serge Ibaka to the Orlando Magic for Victor Oladipo, Ersan Illyasova and the rights to draft pick Domantas Sabonis who’s father Arvydas played several seasons in the NBA. The Thunder coming off a big time Western Conference Finals battle with the Golden State Warriors surprised many with this move. Their backcourt can now be called ferocious with Westbrook and Oladipo. Kevin Durant’s future with the team is still uncertain, as the free agency period does not officially begin until July 1st.

 

The hometown Brooklyn Nets traded forward Thaddeus Young to the Indiana Pacers for the 20th pick in the draft and they chose Caris LeVert a shooting guard from Michigan State. LeVert has had a recent string of injuries. However the Nets are looking to get younger and he should be able to help the team from the shooting guard position. LeVert is a good outside shooter and he is athletic, the Nets need both attributes. With the 42nd pick overall the Nets also drafted guard Isaiah Whitehead from Seton Hall who is a Brooklyn native.

 

For the rest of the draftees tonight was the night that changed their lives forever. There are millions of young men that dream of playing basketball professionally however only a very few actually achieve and maintain this dream. Hard work and a willingness to accept new roles and responsibility will be crucial for the young players entering the league. For many players the position that they are drafted is not important but where they actually play and fit in will be the key to their longevity in the league.

 

Good Luck to all the players drafted!

 

Thank You for reading

Follow Sherman on Twitter: sherman@shermangmz1

Email: Shermangmz1@gmail.com

By Sherman Gomez

"Basketball is my favorite sport, I like the way they dribble up and down the court." "I wish I was a little bit taller, I wish I was a baller." "Last week messed around and got a triple double." I write about basketball sometimes and then I try to go play....

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