The 2016 NBA Draft is in the books, and some teams will be regretting their choices for years. The best picks aren't always apparent immediately, but here's a look at some players who might make general managers look silly.
No. 8, Phoenix Suns (via Sacramento Kings), Marquese Chriss, Washington.
Chriss was rumored to be in the mix as high as No. 3 in the days and weeks leading up to the draft. He won't turn 19 until next weekend, and in a lot of ways, he plays like it. If you watch him, you won't find a ton of impressive rebounds or passes, and you might scream at your screen because of his decision-making. His athleticism is off the charts, though, and he has a smooth jumper. The Suns might be the big winners of this draft by selecting Dragan Bender with the fourth pick and still managing to acquire Chriss, who has as much upside as anyone who had his name called.
No. 17, Memphis Grizzlies, Wade Baldwin, Vanderbilt
Baldwin is a top-10 talent who slipped and slipped and slipped. People in Memphis will fall in love with him as soon as they see him play defense, and it's a bit perplexing that he fell this far at a time when versatility on that side of the floor has never been more valued. For a point guard, Baldwin isn't an amazing creator, but he's a smart passer, reliable spot-up shooter and he is quick. With a 6-foot-10 wingspan, he can play alongside Mike Conley as well as serving as his primary backup, assuming that Conley re-signs.
No. 21, Atlanta Hawks, DeAndre' Bembry, Saint Joseph's
If Bembry had a reliable 3-point jump shot, he would be the ultimate Hawks player. Then again, if he had a reliable 3-point jump shot, there is no way he would have been available at No. 21. Bembry, a 6-foot-6 wing, can do a bit of everything, but his unselfishness and basketball IQ set him apart. In a way this is the opposite of Atlanta trading for Tim Hardaway Jr. this time last year -- Hardaway had a jump shot and good physical tools, and the team was betting that it could teach him how to be a functional part of their offensive and defensive systems. Bembry needs more range, but he should fit in right away.
No. 24, Philadelphia 76ers, Timothe Luwawu, KK Mega Leks (Serbia)
Philly didn't pull off a blockbuster trade, but the night was still a success, and that's not just because of Ben Simmons. Both Luwawu and Furkan Korkmaz, who the Sixers selected two spots later, have the potential to vastly outperform their draft position. Luwawu is a 3-and-D forward who loves to get up and down the floor. He made 37 percent of his 3s for Mega Leks, and Philadelphia will try to turn him into a reliable playmaker by the end of his rookie contract.
No. 31, Memphis Grizzlies, Deyonta Davis (from Boston Celtics), Michigan State
Every year someone has to be the last prospect in the green room. Generally, though, that guy does not fall all the way to the second round. That's what happened to Davis, and it's still a little bewildering. Perhaps teams had off-court concerns with him, as he looked like a lottery lock based on his tools. Davis is a bouncy big man who can rebound, protect the paint and play perimeter defense. The Grizzlies needed to add some young players who can crack their rotation, so they had a hell of a night.
No. 36, Milwaukee Bucks, Malcolm Brogdon, Virginia
What's not to like about this guy? He plays like a seasoned veteran, and he comes off like one, too. This is the rare draftee who is expected to bring leadership with him to the pros. You expect a little more polish from a 23-year-old, but Brogdon truly is effective from everywhere on the floor and can guard multiple positions. The Bucks got another pair of long arms here, and if he can consistently make NBA 3s, they got one of the second round's biggest steals.
No. 38, Golden State Warriors (from Milwaukee Bucks), Patrick McCaw, UNLV
McCaw was inconsistent in college, but if there is any team that should be able to mold him into a reliable role player, it's the Warriors. The potential is there: He has good form on his jumper, great speed and a knack for getting steals. At 6-foot-7 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, he projects as someone who can defend three positions, especially after he puts on a bit more weight.
No. 41, Orlando Magic, Stephen Zimmerman, UNLV
Yes, another Runnin' Rebel. The team had a disappointing season, but it wasn't for a lack of talent. Zimmerman is a legit 7-footer who can protect the rim and has a nice shooting touch. Magic coach Frank Vogel did great work with a guy like that last year: Myles Turner. This is a low-risk, high-reward move, and there aren't always guys with this much upside available when you're picking at No. 41.
No. 45. Boston Celtics, Demetrius Jackson, Notre Dame
It was an underwhelming, weird night for Boston, and the team is already overloaded in the backcourt, but you can't argue with value. There is an argument that Jackson should have gone in the middle of the first round, given his ability to get into the paint and be effective on offense with and without the ball. He's a little small, but at worst he should be a change-of-pace guard off the bench.
No. 46. Dallas Mavericks, A.J. Hammons, Purdue
Dallas has a long history of getting the most out of big men like this. Hammons is an enormous center who finishes well, blocks shots like crazy and can shoot from the perimeter. He lasted this long because he's almost 24 years old and there are concerns about his motor and character. At this point in the draft, this is an easy gamble to make.
