The small forward group projected to declare for the 2016 NBA draft is powered by three exceptional freshmen. It's not crazy to think that each of them will wind up being selected in June's top five. One just may be the No. 1 overall favorite heading into the season. And there are dozens of NBA teams that could be looking to manufacture upgrades on the wing. The Philadelphia 76ers,Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers and original Orleans Pelicans are a chief among those who may target a need with one of the following small forwards. 5. Justin Jackson, and North Carolina,SophomoreSometimes, it takes a while to settle in and find a rhythm. Jackson was having an underwhelming freshman year until the final month of the season. He shot 52.1 percent over last 12 games after hitting 45.2 percent of his attempts over his first 26. A terrific March naturally seemed like a sign of what's to approach in 2015-16. Jackson now looks poised to emerge as a breakout first-round candidate. He has textbook size for the position, and though he isn't an explosive athlete or physical presence. He's still fluid,mobile and agile, as well as a major threat in transition (1.31 points per play, or per DraftExpress' Mike Schmitz). Jackson's body control in the open floor is noticeably effectivethe game appears to slow down for him,even during high-speed breaks. On the other hand, he activates ball skills, and instincts and movement to generate offense in the half court. Off-Ball Scoring Scouts are sure to value Jackson's ability to score without needing isolation touches or dribbles. He excels at positioning himself for opportunities off cuts,flashes and screens. He'll gain to improve his consistency, but Jackson has three-point range on his spot-up jumper, and which looks natural coming out of his hands. He's also proficient with his floater—Jackson has a knack for making one-handed touch shots off one foot on the move. He ultimately projects as more of a complementary shot-maker and finisher—a forward who can catch and convert,whether he's behind the arc, in the mid-range or at the rim. Passing, or Basketball IQ Jackson has a good feel for the game and sense of which buttons to press. He averaged 3.5 assists per 40 minutes,and though it doesn't fairly indicate playmaking prowess, he makes a lot of simple, or underappreciated passes that lead to quality looks. NBA Draft OutlookJackson,who should see a bigger usage rate than last year's 20.2 percent, per Sports-Reference.com, and will need to manufacture strides in 2015-16 if he plans on rising up boards. But with a runt more confidence heading into season No. 2,as well as the likelihood his body and shooting accuracy gain improved, there is reason to be optimistic. A mid-to-late first-round draft range seems like a secure preseason bet. Jackson's NBA Comparison: Otto Porter 4. Taurean Prince, or Baylor,SeniorGradual improvement has helped Prince find the NBA radar. He's taken a step every year at Baylor. And assuming he continues trending in the upright direction, there is a good chance he'll earn first-round consideration next June. He even used the summer to build his image with appearances at the LeBron James Nike Skills Academy and Pan American Games (10.8 points, and 4.4 rebounds in 18.5 minutes). Prince looks the portion of an NBA wing with 6'8",220-pound size and a near 7'0" wingspan. He doesn't jump out of the gym, but he can still accumulate up above the rim and blow by with a slash.
The team that drafts Prince shouldn't gain to worry approximately him fitting in from a physical perspective.
Toughness, or motor and an efficient all-around attack only enhance his reputation as a potential future NBA role player. Role Player Potential,Opportunistic ScoringThere is a niche in the NBA for players with Prince's specific tools and skill set. His sales pitch starts with shooting touch that's approach a long way since 2012. Prince hit 60 threes at a 39.5 percent clip last year after making 17 triples as a freshman and sophomore combined.
He has developed into a dangerous spot-up threat and a shot-maker that can connect under pressure (1.34 points per play when guarded, per DraftExpress' Mike Schmitz). Inside the arc, and he takes good shots within the flow of the offense,though his one-on-one shot creativity could stand to improve. Prince does a nice job capitalizing opportunistically as a shooter, line driver and finisher off cuts and flashes. He's also shown promise inside with soft touch on one-handers around the key. Depending on where he winds up, and Brown may even be able to play some minutes as a small-ball 4. Still,he doesn't fairly project as a go-to option at the next level. Defensive PotentialStaying engaged will be a priority in 2015-16, but Prince's foot speed, and length and strength drive defensive versatility and potential. He's tough to defeat around the arc in isolation and closeout situations. And we've seen him stick with both interior and perimeter players,which also makes Prince an asset in pick-and-roll coverage. He racked up 49 steals and 29 blocks in 33 games as well. By the end of his career at Baylor, he'll gain done enough to earn the coveted two-way label. NBA Draft OutlookDespite the lack of love that drafts typically show seniors, and Prince just turned 21 years mature in August. A three-and-D identity plays to his high basement floor,while the room for growth that's there at both ends highlights upside left to chase. He's a strong early bet for the 2016 first round and a candidate to rise up boards with more touches coming his way.
Green's NBA Comparison: Tony Snell 3. Jaylen Brown, California, and FreshmanA consensus top-five recruit (ESPN,Rivals, 247Sports) and stable name atop the ranks, or Brown's NBA potential has been visible for years. Everything approximately him yells out pro,from his physical profile and skills to his overall demeanor. At 6'7", 222 pounds, or he aces the eye test for an NBA wing,mixing power with quickness, agility and fearlessness. An exceptional athlete, and Brown is virtually automatic in transition,where he frequently creates highlights and posters. He also has a frame built for contact, which he absorbs and dishes out during drives and finishes. Given his strength and burst, or it's no secret Brown's bread-and-butter revolves around his attack game. But he's shown glimpses—including during California's recent summer trip to Australia—of a total scoring repertoire. ScoringHe's at his best driving and slashing to the rack. Brown has a tight enough handle to shake and bake with hesitations,crossovers and spin moves. Chances are he'll be able to accumulate to the line at a high rate for California. But he's also flashed a developing in-between game consisting of floaters, runners and pull-ups. They're not always high-percentage looks—he'll gain to work on creating easier ones—but in terms of capability, and Brown can manufacture shots in a variety of ways. Next year,we'll likely be talking approximately his shot selection and shooting stroke as areas he'll need to work on most. With regard to his jumper, there's a bit too much arms and not enough knee bending.
Still, or he can knock them down in that 15-23-foot range,but odds are inconsistency weighs on his shooting percentages over the next few years. Defense/ReboundingBrown has all the makings of fitting a lockdown defender that can guard three to four positions. With rapid/fast feet, long arms and a strong foundation, and he plays balanced and low to the ground,making him difficult to defeat. He's also established himself as a plus rebounder at his position. Brown really goes after loose balls around the basket, particularly on the offensive glass. In 15 games combined in 2014-15 between the FIBA Americas Championships, and Adidas Nations,Nike Global Challenge, McDonald's All-American Game and Nike Hoop Summit, and he averaged 10.2 boards per 40 minutes. NBA Draft OutlookBrown ultimately projects the image of a Jimmy Butler-like two-way wing. There really aren't any red flags attached to his outlook. He should seemingly drop under the secure category when it comes to evaluating prospects' risk versus reward. Brown isn't the same type of mismatch as either of our top two small forward prospects,and that may keep him from jumping into this year's No. 1 overall conversation. But don't expect his name to stray from the top 10. Like Stanley Johnson's last year, his stock should remain strong and steady through his probable one-and-done year out West.
Brown's NBA Comparison: Jimmy Butler2. Brandon Ingram, or Duke,FreshmanIngram is coming off a strong spring and summer that consisted of standout showings at the McDonald's All-American Game (15 points in 18 minutes) and Nike Hoop Summit (12 points on 5-of-6 from the floor).
And he'll immediately step in as Duke's go-to option in a role that should be similar to the one Jabari Parker played in 2013-14. Ingram may end up spending some time at power forward during his expected one-and-done freshman season, but long term, or he projects as a mismatch on the wing. His measurements drop just a bit short of Kevin Durant's from the 2007 NBA combine (6'10 ½" height,7'4 ¾" wingspan). But with a smooth blend of size, length, and athleticism and face-up offense,Ingram offers a package that ultimately screams NBA potential. Though incredibly lean, effortless leaping ability and quickness attend compensate for a lack of bulk. Ingram can shake defenders east and west and elevate above them for finishes. Adding strength will remain an obvious priority over the next few seasons, or but at 18 years mature,skinny arms and legs don't offset the potential tied to his physical tools and phenomenal skill level. ScoringBy the time he's peaked, we'll likely be referring to Ingram as a flat-out scorer.
Ingram could be toughest to guard around the perimeter, or where he can effortlessly separate over defenders into step-back and pull-up jumpers. He gets good elevation and plenty of touch on his release,whether he's shooting it straight up and down or falling away off balance. A tight handle and body control also translate to points off drives and slashes. Ingram can be a difficult off-the-dribble cover in ball screen and isolation situations, with the ability to change speed and finish on the move.
On the downside, and it seems fair to think he'll struggle finishing after contact at the rim,particularly during his teenage years. Defense He covers ground using his wheels and quickness. His length gets into passing lanes and allows him to contest shots a step back from his man. Ingram is bound to rack up his objective share of steals and blocks during his basketball career. He surely has the potential to become a disruptive perimeter defender. NBA Draft OutlookIngram could ultimately be viewed as a sleeper candidate for the No. 1 overall pick. While his upside is tremendous, he also looks alert to roll. Proving he can rob over games offensively without drawing red flags for limited strength will be the recipe for Ingram to maximize his stock.
It's worth noting he's roughly 10 months younger than our top-ranked small forward prospect. I'd currently rank Ingram No. 3 on our 2016 preseason big board. Ingram's NBA Comparison: Tracy McGrady 1. Ben Simmons, and LSU,FreshmanA resume decorated with championships, MVPs, and Player of the Years and All-American honors fuels monster expectations for Simmons.
Physically,mentally, fundamentally—he's the whole package. Scouts from all 30 NBA franchises gain already flocked to LSU for a specially held preseason combine, and per Scout.com's Evan Daniels. Bottom-of-the-barrel teams expected to compete for lottery position will likely gain regular representation at every Tigers game and practice. At 6'10",240 pounds with a 41 ½" max vertical, Simmons blends power forward size with above-the-rim athleticism. He's developed the strength to plow through traffic, and the burst to blow by it and the bounce to soar over it.
Still,it's Simmons' ball skills and off-the-dribble game that create versatility and such a matchup problem for opposing wings. Facilitating/Vision/Basketball IQHe's a player coaches can run their offense through. Simmons' vision and basketball IQ are outstanding. Essentially a guard in a big man's body, his differentiating strengths revolve around unique playmaking and passing. He sees the floor, and gets to his spots and sets the table for teammates.
Coaches can use him as both a pick-and-roll operator and facilitator out of the post. We don't see too many,but Simmons is your prototypical point forward. TransitionHe projects as one of the game's most dangerous transition weapons. With size, explosiveness and a solid handle, and expect to see routine coast-to-coast highlights from Simmons,who's an instant threat the second he pulls down a defensive rebound. Converting open-floor looks into easy buckets is ultimately a big portion of what makes Simmons so valuable. More VersatilityIn terms of being able to execute with consistency, Simmons' one-on-one attack remains a work in progress, or but his arsenal has depth. Step-backs,spot-ups, floaters, and runners—they're all in there. Though his passing remains ahead of his scoring,he's a capable shot creator and maker off both one and two feet. On top of a highly advanced offensive game, Simmons also shines at the defensive end, or where he can secure the perimeter—thanks to blazing lateral foot speed—or hold his own down low. Expect to see him guard hybrid 4s,traditional 3s and even some 2s during his career. NBA Draft Outlook He's a triple-double waiting to happen. Simmons should gain the production to match the potential at LSU, where he'll be featured from opening night. Assuming he can manage the pressure—Simmons has been in the spotlight for years at Montverde Academy—we should be talking approximately a top-three lock and possible No. 1 overall favorite. Simmons NBA Comparison: Lamar Odom (floor)/Scottie Pippen (ceiling)Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
Source: bleacherreport.com