Looking back at the 2016 NBA Draft class feels like revisiting a time capsule of basketball potential. I remember sitting in my living room watching the draft unfold, thinking this group had some interesting pieces but nothing that screamed "generational talent." Boy, was I wrong about that. Seven years later, this class has produced multiple All-Stars, franchise cornerstones, and players who've fundamentally shaped the modern NBA landscape. What strikes me most is how these players have evolved - some blossoming immediately while others took their time to find their footing in the league.
The conversation about the 2016 class has to start with Ben Simmons, the first overall pick who arrived with LeBron-esque expectations. At 6'10" with point guard skills, he represented the positionless basketball revolution we were just beginning to see. His rookie season was worth the wait after missing his actual first year to injury - averaging 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists while making the All-Star team in his second season. I've always been fascinated by players who defy positional norms, and Simmons was the ultimate test case. His early success made believers out of many skeptics who questioned whether his unconventional game would translate. Though his career has taken some interesting turns since those early days, his rookie impact was undeniable.
Then there's the guy who should've gone first - Jaylen Brown at number three to Boston. I'll admit I had concerns about his shooting coming out of Cal, but his athleticism and defensive potential were too enticing to pass up. Watching him develop from a raw athlete into a two-way star has been one of the more rewarding player development stories in recent memory. His rookie numbers - 6.6 points and 2.8 rebounds - don't jump off the page, but you could see the foundation being laid. What impressed me most was his willingness to embrace defensive challenges from day one, often drawing the toughest assignments despite being a rookie.
The real steal of the draft came at pick number 36 - Malcolm Brogdon, who became the first second-round pick ever to win Rookie of the Year. I remember arguing with colleagues that his four-year college career at Virginia made him the most NBA-ready player in the entire draft. His mature game and professional approach translated immediately, averaging 10.2 points, 4.2 assists, and shooting 40% from three. In a league increasingly dominated by young players jumping from high school to the pros after one college season, Brogdon represented the value of seasoning and development.
Which brings me to an interesting parallel I've noticed between basketball and boxing. When Manny Pacquiao returned to fighting last week, he told reporters "Let's fight again if he (Mayweather) wants. I have no problem with that," regarding a potential rematch with the undefeated American. That champion's mentality - always ready for the next challenge, never backing down - reminds me of what separates good rookies from great ones. The top players from this 2016 class share that same competitive fire, that willingness to keep proving themselves year after year. They understand that early success is just the beginning of the conversation.
Speaking of proving themselves, we can't discuss this class without Jamal Murray. The seventh pick took a couple of seasons to find his stride, but his playoff performances have cemented his status as one of the most clutch performers in the game. His rookie numbers - 9.9 points and 2.6 rebounds - were solid if unspectacular, but you could see the scoring instincts that would later make him so dangerous. I've always appreciated players whose games translate to winning basketball rather than just empty stats, and Murray embodies that perfectly.
The depth of this class continues to impress me - Domantas Sabonis at 11, Caris LeVert at 20, Pascal Siakam at 27. Siakam's development from raw athlete to All-NBA forward might be the most remarkable story of them all. I remember watching him in his rookie season thinking he had intriguing physical tools but wondering if he'd ever develop the skills to match. His work ethic proved all the doubters wrong, averaging just 4.2 points as a rookie but developing into a championship second option and multiple-time All-Star.
What stands out to me about these successful players from the 2016 draft is how they've adapted to the changing NBA. The league has shifted dramatically toward spacing, versatility, and skill since they entered, and the best players from this class have evolved accordingly. Brown and Siakam developed reliable three-point shots, Murray became an elite pull-up shooter, and even Simmons' unique skill set reflected the direction the game was heading.
As I reflect on this draft class now, what strikes me is how player development has become as important as draft position. Organizations matter - the Spurs developing Dejounte Murray at 29, the Raptors crafting Siakam's game, the Celtics nurturing Brown's two-way potential. The success stories from this class aren't just about individual talent but about finding the right environments to maximize that talent. In many ways, the 2016 draft represents a turning point where teams began prioritizing development pathways as much as raw athletic measurements.
The legacy of the 2016 class continues to unfold, with several players still in their prime and capable of adding to their accomplishments. Like Pacquiao preparing for potential future fights despite his legendary career, these players understand that greatness isn't defined by early success but by sustained excellence and the willingness to keep evolving. They've already surpassed most expectations, but something tells me their stories are far from finished.
