2016 NBA Draft Rankings: Dragan Bender Headlines Top 10 Big Men

The 2016 NBA Draft is about one month away, so it’s time for basketball fans to familiarize themselves with the top players in this year’s class.

In the weeks leading up to the June 23 draft, we’ll be compiling rankings of the top 10 players in each position grouping (guards, swingmen and big men).

Here are the top 10 big men in the 2016 draft class:

1) Dragan Bender (PF, Croatia, 7-0, 220)
A stretch power forward who can shoot from the outside and attack the rim. A good comparison is Knicks rookie forward Kristaps Porzingis.

2) Domantas Sabonis (PF/C, Gonzaga, 6-10, 240)
Sabonis has a well-rounded offensive skill set. He can shoot from the outside, use his strength to beat opponents in the low post or excel in transition. He’s not the most athletic player, but that’s not a huge issue given his other skills on the offensive end of the floor.

3) Deyonta Davis (PF/C, Michigan State, 6-10, 240)
A very athletic and lengthy power forward who rebounds well and defends the paint. His offensive game is a bit raw, and his jump shot needs to be more consistent.

4) Jakob Poeltl (C, Utah, 7-1, 240)
There are few weaknesses in Poeltl’s game. He’s a fundamentally strong center with a polished low-post offensive game. He also uses his excellent size and strength to rebound well, block shots and protect the rim. Poeltl won’t be a game-changer at either end of the floor, but he’s a safe, reliable center.

5) Marquese Chriss (PF, Washington, 6-10, 235):
Chriss is one of the most athletic power forwards in this class, and he uses his quickness to run the floor well in transition, block shots and attack the basket with ferocity. He needs to add some strength, but there’s already exciting offensive potential in his game.

6) Skal Labissiere (PF/C, Kentucky, 7-0, 215)
Labissiere is among the most intriguing prospects in this class because of his superior length, size and ability to shoot from long range. It’s an exciting combo for pro coaches, especially with the league putting so much of an emphasis on versatile lineups with shooters at every position. Don’t be surprised if the Kentucky center is taken earlier than expected. Labissiere is a raw talent and might need a few years to make a meaningful impact, but his potential is worth gambling on.

7) Brice Johnson (PF, North Carolina, 6-10, 210)
Johnson is one of the most athletic power forwards in this draft and his steadily improving shooting range should allow him to be a quality stretch-4 at the pro level. The leadership and poise he displayed while helping lead North Carolina to the national championship game last season was impressive, as well. His low-post defense needs improvement, but that will come as his body gets stronger.

8) Henry Ellenson (PF/C, Marquette, 6-11, 245)
Few big men in this class have better strength or size than Ellenson, but his lack of athleticism and quickness is a concern. He’s able to score from the low block or with a mid-range shot, though, and he’s also capable of playing aggressive defense without picking up cheap fouls.

9) Guerschon Yabusele (PF, France, 6-8, 260)
Yabusele is undersized for a power forward at just 6-foot-8, but he makes up for it with superior strength/toughness and range that extends beyond the arc. His lack of athleticism limits his ability to be effective in transition, but in the halfcourt, he’s often difficult for smaller forwards to handle in the low post.

10) Stephen Zimmerman (PF/C, UNLV, 6-11, 235)
Zimmerman projects to be a role player at the pro level because of his willingness to play multiple positions and roles at both ends of the floor. He’s a quality rebounder and is able to provide scoring with a reliable mid-range jump shot.