Badminton How To Play

Looking back at the 2016 NBA Draft Big Board feels like flipping through an old high school yearbook—some faces became superstars, others faded into obscurity, and a few took paths nobody could’ve predicted. I remember watching the draft that year, scribbling notes as each pick was announced, thinking about how these young men were stepping into a world that would either lift them to legendary status or chew them up and spit them out. Seven years later, it’s fascinating—and honestly, a little surreal—to trace where they’ve landed. Not only have they known each other at a very young age, but their paths to UAAP stardom have been rather identical, which in some ways mirrors the journey of several 2016 draftees who grew up competing against each other in AAU circuits, high school nationals, and college showcases.

Ben Simmons going first overall to the Philadelphia 76ers felt like a no-brainer at the time. I recall thinking his combination of size, vision, and defensive versatility was going to revolutionize the point guard position—and for a while, it did. He snagged Rookie of the Year honors after sitting out his first season, made three All-Star teams by 2021, and seemed destined for a decade of dominance. But then, well, we all know what happened. The playoff struggles, the jump shot that never materialized, the tense standoff with the 76ers. These days, he’s on the Brooklyn Nets, playing about 42 games a season when healthy, averaging roughly 7 points and 6 assists—a far cry from the player we thought would be the next LeBron. It’s a stark reminder that talent alone isn’t enough; mental toughness and adaptability matter just as much.

Then there’s Brandon Ingram, picked second by the Lakers. I’ve always had a soft spot for his game—smooth, lanky, with a killer mid-range jumper that feels straight out of the 90s. He took a few years to find his footing, especially after being traded to New Orleans in the Anthony Davis deal, but my goodness, has he blossomed. He made an All-Star team in 2020, averaged a career-high 24.7 points per game in the 2022-23 season, and now he’s the Pelicans’ go-to scorer. What stands out to me is his patience; he didn’t rush his development, and it paid off. Compare that to, say, Dragan Bender, who went fourth to the Suns and washed out of the league by 2020. Bender was supposed to be the next unicorn big man, but he never adjusted to the NBA’s physicality—a classic case of hype overshadowing readiness.

Jaylen Brown, selected third by the Celtics, is another guy I’ve enjoyed watching evolve. He came in as an athletic wing with defensive chops, but his offensive game was raw. Fast forward to today, and he’s a two-time All-Star, an NBA Finals participant, and one of the league’s most powerful slashers. I remember arguing with friends back in 2018 about whether he’d ever be more than a role player—turns out, I was wrong, and I’m glad for it. His work ethic is insane, and it shows in his stats: he’s increased his scoring average every year, hitting 26.7 points per game in the 2022-23 season. Meanwhile, Kris Dunn, the fifth pick, has bounced around six teams despite being a stellar defender. He’s found a niche as a backup guard, but he never lived up to that top-five billing. It’s funny how the draft can be such a gamble; some players thrive in the right system, while others get lost in the shuffle.

The international picks in that draft were especially intriguing. Guys like Domantas Sabonis (11th pick) and Pascal Siakam (27th) have become All-NBA talents, which just goes to show that draft position isn’t everything. Sabonis, in particular, has been a revelation—I’ve followed his career since his rookie year in Oklahoma City, and his transformation into a double-double machine with the Kings is a testament to his skill and durability. He averaged 19.1 points and 12.3 rebounds last season, numbers that scream franchise cornerstone. On the flip side, Georgios Papagiannis, taken 13th by the Kings, was out of the league by 2018. I saw him play in summer league and thought he had the tools to stick around, but his lack of mobility and offensive polish did him in. It’s a harsh reality: for every international success story, there are several who can’t bridge the gap between leagues.

As I reflect on this draft class, I’m struck by how many players’ careers were shaped by early relationships and parallel journeys, much like the UAAP stars referenced in the knowledge base. Take Jamal Murray, drafted seventh by the Nuggets—he and Simmons had crossed paths in youth tournaments, and that familiarity bred a healthy rivalry. Murray’s playoff heroics, including that 50-point explosion in the 2020 bubble, cemented his status as a clutch performer. But then there’s the heartbreak: his ACL injury in 2021 cost him almost two seasons, and it’s been a slow road back. I’ve talked to scouts who say his resilience is what sets him apart; he’s not just a scorer, he’s a winner. Contrast that with Henry Ellenson, the 18th pick, who floated between the NBA and G League before heading overseas. He had the shooting touch, but never the consistency—another reminder that potential doesn’t always translate.

Wrapping this up, the 2016 NBA Draft Big Board is a mosaic of triumphs, setbacks, and unexpected turns. About 65% of the first-round picks are still in the league, which is pretty standard, but the stories behind them are anything but. From Simmons’ fall from grace to Ingram’s rise and Brown’s ascent, it’s a draft that taught me to value intangibles—like work ethic and mental fortitude—over raw stats. As a fan and analyst, I’ve learned to be more patient with young players; development isn’t linear, and sometimes the late bloomers, like Siakam, end up shining the brightest. If there’s one takeaway, it’s that the draft is just the beginning—the real story unfolds in the years that follow, in the gyms and film rooms where legacies are forged.