Looking Back at the 2016 NBA Draft Class: Where Are They Now?

I remember sitting in my living room back in June 2016, watching the NBA Draft unfold with that particular mix of anticipation and skepticism we basketball analysts always feel. The class was touted as potentially transformative, headlined by Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram, two prospects who seemed destined for stardom. Fast forward to today, and the narrative has taken more twists than a playoff game seven. It’s fascinating to reflect not just on where these players landed, but how their journeys mirror the unpredictable nature of sports careers—something I’ve observed firsthand while covering leagues worldwide, including events like the recent Asian basketball tournaments where teams like Korabelka, Chinese Taipei, and under-21 squads from Vietnam and Thailand compete. That global perspective reminds me that talent development isn’t just about the NBA; it’s a mosaic of opportunities and setbacks.

Let’s start with the top picks. Ben Simmons, the number one selection by the Philadelphia 76ers, was hailed as a generational talent, a 6'10" point guard with LeBron-esque vision. I’ll admit, I was swept up in the hype, predicting he’d rack up multiple All-Star appearances by now. And he has—three, to be exact—along with two All-Defensive Team nods. But his story is a rollercoaster. After a rocky start with injuries and shooting woes, he forced a trade to the Brooklyn Nets in 2022, and while his defense remains elite, his offensive game has stagnated. Last season, he averaged just 6.9 points per game, a far cry from the 16.9 he put up in his Rookie of the Year campaign. It’s a classic case of unmet potential, and in my view, it underscores how mental and physical health can derail even the brightest stars. Then there’s Brandon Ingram, picked second by the Los Angeles Lakers. I’ve always been a fan of his smooth scoring, and his move to the New Orleans Pelicans in the Anthony Davis trade paid off—he made an All-Star team in 2020 and has consistently averaged over 23 points per game since. But injuries have plagued him too; he missed 29 games last season alone, highlighting the fragility of NBA careers.

Beyond the lottery, this draft class has produced some gems and busts that I find equally compelling. Jaylen Brown, selected third by the Boston Celtics, has evolved into a two-way force, earning All-NBA honors and a massive contract extension worth up to $304 million over five years. I remember debating with colleagues back then about his ceiling, and honestly, I underestimated his work ethic. Now, he’s a cornerstone for a Finals contender. On the flip side, Dragan Bender, the fourth pick, flamed out of the league after just four seasons, averaging a paltry 5.4 points—a reminder that international prospects don’t always translate, much like how Korabelka, the Russian club champion, dominates in Europe but might struggle in the NBA’s pace. Speaking of international ties, it’s worth noting how drafts influence global basketball; for instance, the under-21 teams from Vietnam and Thailand in recent tournaments show how emerging talents are scouted worldwide, though few reach the NBA’s heights.

As we dig deeper, players like Domantas Sabonis (11th pick) and Pascal Siakam (27th) have become steals, with Sabonis making three All-Star teams and Siakam winning a championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. I’ve followed Siakam’s journey closely, and his rise from G-League to Finals MVP candidate is one of my favorite underdog stories. Meanwhile, Jamal Murray, picked seventh, has had a streaky career but shone in the 2023 playoffs, averaging 26.1 points in the Denver Nuggets’ title run. It’s these late-bloomers that often define a draft class, not just the top names. Reflecting on data, this class has produced 12 All-Star appearances collectively, but only about 60% of the first-round picks are still in the league—a stat that might be slightly off, as my quick recall puts it at 58%, but it drives home the point of attrition.

In conclusion, looking back at the 2016 NBA Draft feels like revisiting a novel with an unfinished ending. Some players, like Simmons, leave you wondering what could have been, while others, like Brown and Ingram, have solidified their legacies. From my experience covering basketball at all levels, including events featuring teams like Chinese Taipei and Korabelka, I’ve learned that success isn’t linear—it’s shaped by resilience, opportunity, and a bit of luck. This class, with its mix of superstars and cautionary tales, offers valuable lessons for fans and analysts alike: draft night is just the beginning, and the real story unfolds over years. As we watch current prospects emerge, let’s not forget to appreciate these journeys, because in sports, as in life, the most compelling narratives are often the ones that surprise us.