NBA Draft 2016 at Barclays Center: Crucial Questions to Consider
The NBA Draft 2016 is set to take place at Barclays Center for the fourth consecutive year, with a sense of anticipation and intrigue surrounding the event.
The Boston Celtics, who own eight selections overall, including three in the first round and five of the first 35 picks, are expected to make a significant impact on the draft. According to reports, the Celtics are likely to select Ben Simmons first overall, a player who has been labelled the top prospect since the fall. However, the outcome of whether Simmons can become a franchise player won't be revealed on the draft night.
The Toronto Raptors will make the pick they acquired from the Knicks at No. 9. This pick was acquired from the Knicks in the Andrea Bargnani deal, but the identity of the player who will be selected at the 9th position remains unclear.
Meanwhile, the local Brooklyn Nets and the Knicks will not have a first-round pick in the upcoming draft. Instead, the Nets hold a late second-round, No. 55 overall pick, a selection that is unlikely to find a sleeper player. In fact, players selected in the late rounds of the draft often fail to crack the rotation or sign a contract, and first-time All-Star players are rare among late draft picks.
However, the Nets' fan base may monitor the progress of the players that could have played for them had the deal not occurred. A notable example of a successful late-round pick is Isaiah Thomas, who was selected 60th in 2011, and is the top best player selected 55th over the past 10 years.
It is possible that the Celtics may trade some of their draft picks for veteran assistance. The exact nature of the intrigue surrounding the draft isn't specified, but it is certain that the draft will be a crucial event in shaping the future of several NBA teams.
Neither the local Brooklyn Nets nor the Knicks have a first-round pick in the upcoming draft. The draft will take place at Barclays Center, with the fate of numerous promising players hanging in the balance. The question remains: will the draft night live up to its expected level of intrigue? Only time will tell.
