The 2015 NBA Draft is over, which means it's past time to start looking to the 2016 NBA Draft that'll again feature one-and-done college products at the top. Who will go first? And second? (And third and fourth and so on and so forth?) Obviously, it's impossible to know for sure. But here's a reasonable guess at how next year's lottery could look ...
(Note: I also did this last year -- right after the 2014 draft. You can check that one here. Turned out well, if you don't mind me saying. Just ignore the Cliff Alexander stuff, please.)
1. Skal Labissiere (Kentucky)
Labissierre was born in Haiti but has spent the past several years living in a suburb of Memphis in north Mississippi. While there, he developed into a 7-0 power forward with a unique offensive skillset perfectly suited for the NBA, then signed a letter of intent with Kentucky. So, yes, the Wildcats should have the top pick in the NBA Draft again next June.
2. Ben Simmons (LSU)
Simmons, like Labissierre, is an international prospect who will play college basketball in the United States -- specifically in the SEC. The 6-10 forward from Australia will be the star of the Tigers thanks to the same versatility that'll someday make him a millionaire. It won't take long for fans to realize why LSU coach Johnny Jones hired Simmons' godfather (assistant David Patrick) while Simmons was just a sophomore in high school.
3. Jamal Murray (Kentucky)
Murray recently reclassified to 2015 and committed to Kentucky, at which point he became the missing piece to yet another national-title contender. The 6-5 guard will play with Tyler Ulis and Isaiah Briscoe in Kentucky's backcourt for a season, then probably join Labissierre as names John Calipari can add to his growing list of NBA Draft picks.
4. Kris Dunn (Providence)
Dunn is the prospect who surprised me most by returning to college, if only because I believe he passed on the chance to be a possible lottery pick. Either way, the 6-4 guard will this time next year have an opportunity to land in the top 10. Don't be surprised if he dominates the Big East while producing triple-doubles on the regular.
5. Dragan Bender (Bosnia)
Bender should be the first international player selected in next year's draft -- provided, of course, he makes himself available for next year's draft. The 7-1 power forward from Croatia has a standing reach of 9-2. He wowed scouts at the adidas Eurocamp earlier this month and was the MVP of the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp held back in February.
6. Brandon Ingram (Duke)
Ingram projects as Mike Krzyzewski's next one-and-done prospect and is among the keys to Duke remaining in the national-title hunt despite the losses of Jahlil Okafor, Justise Winslow and Tyus Jones. He's 6-9 and young for his grade. Could be a terrific NBA wing.
7. Jaylen Brown (California)
Brown is a 6-6 wing who is super athletic even if he's not a terrific shooter yet. Still, if Winslow can go in the top 10 of the 2015 NBA Draft, Brown can go in the top 10 in 2016.
8. Malik Newman (Mississippi State)
The NBA continues to evolve into a game where attacking guards who can both handle the ball and score are valued, and Newman is undeniably one of those. I'll be surprised if he doesn't lead the SEC in scoring next season.
9. Caris LeVert (Michigan)
LeVert could've landed in the 2015 lottery if not for a foot injury that sidelined him for much of the season. He's a guard with size who can shoot. And, as Devin Booker and R.J. Hunter just proved, there's always a place for guards with size who can shoot.
10. Cheick Diallo (Kansas)
Diallo has a so-called motor that runs nonstop and should be great for Bill Self's Jayhawks. The 6-9 forward is among the reasons Kansas is again the favorite in the Big 12. He averaged 19 points and nine rebounds in three celebrated national all-star games.
11. Jakob Poeltl (Utah)
Poeltl could've entered the 2015 NBA Draft and been selected. But the 7-0 center simply wasn't ready to leave college, and I'm sure Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak was thrilled by that. It'll be interesting to see how Poeltl adjusts to life without Delon Wright. Long as he adjusts well, the lottery of the 2016 Draft is a probable landing spot.
12. Diamond Stone (Maryland)
Stone isn't nearly as skilled or gifted as Okafor. But he is another intriguing true center prospect who could help Maryland compete for a national title while benefitting from playing with sophomore point guard Melo Trimble.
13. Furkan Korkmaz (Turkey)
I'd be lying if I told you I've seen Korkmaz play in person. But I have watched some film on the 6-6 guard, and he's an obviously intriguing prospect. More important, some of the people I trust speak highly of his potential relative to next year's draft.
14. Domantas Sabonis (Gonzaga)
Sabonis's combination of size and energy basically guarantees there will be a place for him in the NBA. He's not his father and probably never will be. But he's still a pro, undeniably.
