2016 NBA Draft: A Decade Later - Assessing Hits, Whiffs, and Steals

A Look Back at the 2016 NBA Draft

Ten years have passed since the 2016 NBA Draft, a pivotal moment for many teams, with significant implications still felt today. The draft class is characterized by highs and lows, with several players emerging as stars, while others have faded into obscurity. The Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown stands out as the top performer from this class, boasting multiple accolades and significant contributions to his team’s success.

Highlighting the Draft Class

The 2016 draft included standout players and unforgettable storylines, beginning with Ben Simmons being selected first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers. The Boston Celtics, who chose Jaylen Brown third overall, laid the foundation for their future championship aspirations. However, for other franchises, poor decisions, like the Phoenix Suns' selection of Dragan Bender as the fourth overall pick, haunt them a decade later.

Stars of the Draft

Seven players from this class, including Brown, Simmons, Domantas Sabonis, and Pascal Siakam, have earned All-Star selections, solidifying their positions as elite talents in the league. Jaylen Brown, in particular, has been a beacon of success and stability, helping lead the Celtics to an NBA title in 2024 and earning the NBA Finals MVP honors.

Jaylen Brown: The Biggest Star

Jaylen Brown’s career trajectory has been remarkable. With five NBA All-Star appearances and two All-NBA selections, he has consistently been the driving force in Boston. During the 2025-26 season, with teammate Jayson Tatum sidelined, Brown elevated his game, averaging 28.7 points per game and solidifying himself as an MVP candidate.

Best Value Selections

Another standout from the draft is Pascal Siakam, selected 27th overall by the Toronto Raptors, who is regarded as the biggest steal from the 2016 class. Siakam has enjoyed a successful career, winning a championship with the Raptors and later leading the Indiana Pacers to an NBA Finals appearance after a trade. His accolades include multiple All-Star selections and the Most Improved Player award in 2019.

The Biggest Bust

On the flip side, Dragan Bender, picked fourth overall by the Suns, is widely considered the biggest bust of the draft. Bender’s lackluster performance and limited playing time—just 187 games across four seasons—have left many questioning the Suns' decision. His career came to a halt after playing for the Golden State Warriors in the 2019-20 season, illustrating the extreme contrasts within this draft class.

Notable Mentions

While Jaylen Brown and Pascal Siakam shine brightly, other players like Malcolm Brogdon, selected 36th overall, received notable recognition by winning the Rookie of the Year award. Brogdon's career spanned nine seasons before his retirement in 2025, marking another intriguing storyline in the 2016 draft narrative.

Conclusion

As we approach the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft, the legacies of the 2016 class serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of talent evaluation in sports. While some players have transformed into superstars, others remain cautionary tales, highlighting the complexities and occasional pitfalls inherent in the draft process.