2016 NBA Re-Draft: Who Would 76ers, Lakers, And Celtics Select?

The 2016 NBA Draft was one of the most interesting ones in recent history. At the time, Ben Simmons was widely regarded as the consensus No. 1 pick, with Brandon Ingram following closely behind. 

But as the years have passed, hindsight has never been so right. Several players from that class have emerged as All-Stars and even championship-level pieces, and that’s why we want to do a complete re-draft.

At the center of this re-draft discussion is Jaylen Brown, a player many considered a “project” coming out of California. Nearly a decade later, Brown has evolved into one of the premier two-way wings in basketball, but does Jaylen Brown deserve to leapfrog his peers and go No. 1 overall? Let’s complete the 2016 re-draft and find out. 

1. Philadelphia 76ers

Original Pick: Ben Simmons

Re-Draft Pick: Jaylen Brown

The Sixers originally banked on Ben Simmons’ size and playmaking, but his limitations have become glaring over time, and rumors of retirement are swarming around the 29-year-old, rather unbelievably. In this re-draft, Jaylen Brown gives Philadelphia exactly what they’ve been searching for: an explosive two-way wing who could grow alongside Joel Embiid. 

Brown’s scoring versatility, defensive impact, and leadership would have given “The Process” a far more balanced trajectory, making him the clear top choice in hindsight. Luckily for the Celtics, they got the best player in the draft and went on to win an NBA championship in 2024 as a result. 

2. Los Angeles Lakers

Original Pick: Brandon Ingram

Re-Draft Pick: Pascal Siakam

Brandon Ingram eventually developed into a star once he left L.A., but Pascal Siakam’s two-way impact and championship pedigree make him the Lakers’ pick here. In 2016, the Lakers needed an athletic forward who could contribute right away and grow into a star. 

Siakam’s rise into an All-NBA player with championship experience would have fit perfectly next to D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle at the time. Siakam has gone on to win an NBA title with the Raptors and made the Finals with the Pacers, so he is easily a championship-level player, and that fits into the Lakers’ culture. 

3. Boston Celtics

Original Pick: Jaylen Brown

Re-Draft Pick: Domantas Sabonis

Boston struck gold with Jaylen Brown in reality, but in this re-draft, they secure Domantas Sabonis, a versatile big man who became a perennial All-Star. Sabonis’ passing, rebounding, and inside scoring would have meshed seamlessly with Brad Stevens’ offense and accelerated the Celtics’ rebuild. 

While not the defensive wing they originally landed, Sabonis’ offensive engine would still have elevated Boston’s ceiling. Would the Celtics have won an NBA title with Tatum and Sabonis together? We imagine so, but Brown is the slightly better player since he excels more athletically. 

4. Phoenix Suns

Original Pick: Dragan Bender

Re-Draft Pick: Jamal Murray

The Suns desperately needed a long-term franchise guard in 2016, and Jamal Murray would have been a dream pick here. Instead of swinging and missing on Dragan Bender, Phoenix could have landed a dynamic scorer and playoff performer. 

Pairing Murray with Devin Booker would have given the Suns one of the league’s most electric young backcourts years earlier than they eventually built. Murray and Booker would have been the core to a playoff-level team quickly, and while the Suns managed to make the Finals with Chris Paul, they would have been better off drafting correctly. 

5. Minnesota Timberwolves

Original Pick: Kris Dunn

Re-Draft Pick: Brandon Ingram

Minnesota originally gambled on Kris Dunn, but Brandon Ingram’s development into a go-to scorer makes him the obvious choice here. Ingram would have slotted in perfectly alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins, giving the Timberwolves another versatile wing who could create offense. 

His length, scoring polish, and untapped defensive potential would have fit better than Dunn’s short-lived experiment. Had the Timberwolves kept their Big Three together, perhaps they wouldn’t have had a chance to draft Anthony Edwards in the 2020 Draft, as they would have had a stronger team. So, maybe they got away with this one. 

6. New Orleans Pelicans

Original Pick: Buddy Hield

Re-Draft Pick: Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons’ fall to No. 6 highlights his diminished value when nobody could have predicted such a situation, but the Pelicans would have gladly taken him in 2016. With Anthony Davis still in town, Simmons could have operated as a jumbo playmaker who relieved pressure from Jrue Holiday. 

His lack of shooting would still have been an issue, but his versatility and defensive prowess would have made New Orleans a much more intriguing team. Remember, Simmons made three straight All-Star and two straight All-Defensive Teams, so his peak was extremely strong but very short-lived. 

7. Denver Nuggets

Original Pick: Jamal Murray

Re-Draft Pick: Dejounte Murray

Denver originally nailed the Jamal Murray pick, but with him gone earlier, Dejounte Murray is the best fit here. A two-way guard with size, athleticism, and defensive tenacity, Murray would have complemented Nikola Jokic as the Nuggets built around their young core. 

His steady offensive improvement and All-Star credentials show he’d still have been a strong building block. Would Denver have won an NBA title in 2023 with Dejounte instead of Jamal? We don’t think so since Jamal’s clutch ability is highly regarded. Still, Dejounte wouldn’t have been the worst pick since he has an All-Star and All-Defensive appearance on his resume. 

8. Sacramento Kings

Original Pick: Marquese Chriss

Re-Draft Pick: Fred VanVleet

The Kings made a mistake with Marquese Chriss, but in this re-draft, they land Fred VanVleet, one of the best undrafted players in modern NBA history. VanVleet’s leadership, clutch shooting, and defensive toughness would have been a franchise stabilizer in Sacramento. 

His championship experience and ability to thrive on both ends make him an easy upgrade. No doubt, the Kings would be better off with a player who won an NBA title later in his career with the Raptors rather than a player who only lasted six seasons in the league with only 292 career appearances. 

9. Toronto Raptors

Original Pick: Jakob Poeltl

Re-Draft Pick: Ivica Zubac

The Raptors originally went with Jakob Poeltl, but here they select another reliable big in Ivica Zubac. While not a star, Zubac has carved out a reputation as a steady rim protector and rebounder who thrives in his role. 

Toronto’s development system would have maximized his skills, and his long-term consistency would have been valuable off the bench or as a starter. Zubac is coming off the best season of his career with the Clippers, and he would have held down the five spot with the Raptors if he were taken No. 9 overall. 

10. Milwaukee Bucks

Original Pick: Thon Maker

Re-Draft Pick: Alex Caruso

The Bucks swung and missed on Thon Maker, but Alex Caruso’s defense, energy, and playmaking would have made him a fan favorite in Milwaukee. His gritty perimeter defense and ability to thrive without dominating the ball would have fit perfectly alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. 

Caruso’s championship experience with the Lakers and Thunder proves his value as a winning piece, and he would have been the same player for the Bucks. Would Caruso have been a piece to a second title in Milwaukee? Possibly, because he would have brought a winning mentality. 

11. Orlando Magic

Original Pick: Domantas Sabonis

Re-Draft Pick: Malcolm Brogdon

The Magic were stuck in mediocrity in 2016, and Malcolm Brogdon would have given them an immediate stabilizer. A Rookie of the Year winner, Brogdon’s efficient scoring, steady playmaking, and strong defense would have provided Orlando with backcourt reliability. 

He might not be a superstar, but he’s the type of player who raises the floor of a struggling franchise. Considering how Brogdon later went on to win Sixth Man of the Year, he would have been a perfect two-way player for the current Magic identity. 

12. Sacramento Kings

Original Pick: Taurean Prince

Re-Draft Pick: Jakob Poeltl

After securing VanVleet earlier, Sacramento lands Jakob Poeltl here to solidify their frontcourt. Poeltl’s rim protection, rebounding, and screen-setting make him one of the more dependable centers from this class. 

With the Kings in need of a defensive identity, Poeltl would have provided a stabilizing presence in the paint. Sure, the Kings were fortunate to have Sabonis as their center, but had it been redone, Poeltl isn’t the worst backup option at the five spot.

13. Phoenix Suns

Original Pick: Georgios Papagiannis

Re-Draft Pick: Buddy Hield

The Suns originally missed badly with Papagiannis, but in this re-draft, they add Buddy Hield, one of the league’s best natural shooters. Pairing him with Devin Booker would have given Phoenix an elite perimeter shooting duo, helping space the floor for their young core. 

While Hield’s defense has always been shaky, his offensive firepower would have been a valuable asset. A draft bringing in Jamal Murray and Buddy Hield would have been a perfect way to overcome a rebuild situation around a superstar cornerstone. 

14. Chicago Bulls

Original Pick: Denzel Valentine

Re-Draft Pick: Caris LeVert

Chicago took Denzel Valentine, but Caris LeVert’s scoring ability and versatility make him the obvious upgrade. Valentine only lasted five seasons in the league with only 45 starts, meaning he was the wrong choice by most metrics. 

Though injuries slowed his career, LeVert has consistently shown flashes of being a dynamic offensive weapon. The Bulls, who were entering a rebuild, could have used his shot creation as a building block. Would it have made a major difference to their rebuild, that they are currently in? Not really. 

15. Denver Nuggets

Original Pick: Juan Hernangomez

Re-Draft Pick: Dorian Finney-Smith

With their second first-round pick, Denver grabs Dorian Finney-Smith, one of the best undrafted players of 2016. A reliable 3-and-D forward, Finney-Smith would have added defensive versatility and floor spacing to Denver’s rotation. 

His ability to guard multiple positions makes him a perfect fit alongside Nikola Jokic and Dejounte Murray (in the redraft scenario). Even if the Nuggets won’t have any regrets about how the 2016 Draft went, DFS would have still been a perfect fit for a title-contending roster. 

16. Boston Celtics

Original Pick: Guerschon Yabusele

Re-Draft Pick: Derrick Jones Jr.

Boston missed on Yabusele in 2016, but Derrick Jones Jr. would have provided them with a high-flying wing defender. While not a star, Jones’ athleticism, energy, and defensive presence would have given Brad Stevens a useful rotation piece around Jayson Tatum.

His development into a role player who contributes on both ends makes him a clear upgrade. Even if Jones Jr is better than Yabusele in terms of impact, he wouldn’t have moved the needle that much in Boston to be considered a major “what-if” scenario.

17. Memphis Grizzlies

Original Pick: Wade Baldwin IV

Re-Draft Pick: Malik Beasley

Memphis needed an offensive punch, and Malik Beasley’s scoring prowess would have been a welcome addition. Known for his three-point shooting and ability to heat up quickly, Beasley could have helped extend the Grit-and-Grind era with more offensive firepower. 

His scoring versatility makes him one of the stronger mid-first-round options, but considering how the Grizzlies ended the Grit-and-Grind era with the eventual drafting of Ja Morant, perhaps it wouldn’t have made much of a difference in the long run.

18. Detroit Pistons

Original Pick: Henry Ellenson

Re-Draft Pick: Taurean Prince

Detroit originally went with Henry Ellenson, but Taurean Prince’s defensive versatility and shooting make him the better option. Prince has carved out a long career (9 years so far) as a dependable rotation forward who can stretch the floor. 

For a Pistons team stuck in the middle, Prince would have provided a much more useful skill set, but wouldn’t have affected the rebuild as much. We like what Prince brings to the table on both ends, but he should have fallen a little more than where he was originally drafted (No. 12 overall).

19. Denver Nuggets

Original Pick: Malik Beasley

Re-Draft Pick: Kris Dunn

With their third first-rounder, Denver takes a flyer on Kris Dunn. Though his offensive limitations kept him from reaching expectations, Dunn remains a strong perimeter defender and playmaker. 

As a depth piece behind their other guards, he would have still had value in a more defined role. Dunn is the type of player who attacks ball-handlers defensively and uses his athletic gifts to be a hound, so he would have been a nice pickup, although not necessarily an upgrade over Malik Beasley. 

20. Indiana Pacers

Original Pick: Caris LeVert

Re-Draft Pick: Gary Payton II

Indiana needed defensive toughness, and Gary Payton II would have been a home-run role player. His relentless on-ball defense and athleticism make him one of the league’s premier guard stoppers, and the Pacers would have loved to have that. 

We are familiar with GP II since being a valued member of the Warriors roster, and he might not have reached that level if he hadn’t gone undrafted and eventually been found as a small gem.

21. Atlanta Hawks

Original Pick: DeAndre’ Bembry

Re-Draft Pick: Guerschon Yabusele

In this re-draft, the Hawks take Yabusele as more of a long-term project. Though he never blossomed in Boston, his size and strength offered intrigue as a rotational forward. 

Atlanta, with less pressure at the time, could have experimented with his development in hopes of unlocking his potential. Not to mention, he would have been a better option instead of DeAndre’ Bembry, a swingman who only lasted six seasons in the league with 55 starts. 

22. Charlotte Hornets

Original Pick: Malachi Richardson

Re-Draft Pick: Danuel House Jr.

The Hornets replace Malachi Richardson with Danuel House Jr., a versatile forward who carved out a role as a 3-and-D contributor. His ability to defend wings and hit perimeter shots would have helped Charlotte stay competitive. 

While not a bona fide starter in today’s game, House’s consistency makes him a reliable late-first-round addition, and in fact, he peaked in Houston under Mike D’Antoni. Considering how bad the Hornets have been, he would not have done much in Charlotte, however.

23. Boston Celtics

Original Pick: Ante Zizic

Re-Draft Pick: Georges Niang

Boston’s third pick of the round lands them Georges Niang, a stretch forward who became a valuable role player. Niang’s shooting and floor spacing would have complemented Boston’s guard-heavy offense, giving them a reliable bench scorer. 

His ability to fit seamlessly into winning rotations makes him a great value pick, especially in place of Ante Zizic, who was a big man who lasted three seasons in the NBA and only played 113 games with 27 starts. 

24. Philadelphia 76ers

Original Pick: Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot

Re-Draft Pick: Damion Lee

The Sixers use their third first-rounder on Damion Lee, a steady role-playing wing. Lee’s shooting and off-ball movement would have provided spacing around Joel Embiid, a need that plagued Philly in the early years of “The Process.” 

His championship pedigree later with Golden State only adds to his value, but he isn’t a major needle-mover besides the fact that he averaged 37.4% from deep and played 25 games last season for the Suns. 

25. Los Angeles Clippers

Original Pick: Brice Johnson

Re-Draft Pick: David Nwaba

Instead of Brice Johnson, the Clippers add David Nwaba, a defensive-minded wing who thrived on energy and hustle. Nwaba’s versatility on defense and ability to guard multiple positions would have fit well on a veteran-heavy Clippers team. 

While not a star, his toughness would have made him a valuable depth piece. Either way, this redraft would not have affected what the Clippers did or would do moving forward. 

26. Philadelphia 76ers

Original Pick: Furkan Korkmaz

Re-Draft Pick: Furkan Korkmaz

This is one of the few spots where the original pick stands in any redraft situation. Korkmaz remains a streaky shooter but has carved out a role as a reliable floor spacer. 

Given Philadelphia’s need for shooting around Embiid, this pick still makes perfect sense at the time, and it would make sense today. Korkmaz played seven seasons in the NBA, averaged 16.6 MPG, and hasn’t played since the 2023-24 season. 

27. Toronto Raptors

Original Pick: Pascal Siakam

Re-Draft Pick: Juan Hernangomez

Instead of Siakam, Toronto takes Juan Hernangomez, who never reached stardom but remained a serviceable forward. His size, shooting touch, and basketball IQ gave him a steady NBA role for years. 

Though not close to Siakam’s level, and the Raptors will forever be grateful for Masai Ujiri for his decision-making, Hernangomez was still a respectable rotation player. The Spaniard went No. 15 overall and only lasted seven seasons in the NBA before heading to Spain to play professionally. 

28. Phoenix Suns

Original Pick: Skal Labissiere

Re-Draft Pick: Bryn Forbes

The Suns land sharpshooter Bryn Forbes here, addressing their need for perimeter spacing. Forbes’ ability to knock down threes at a high clip would have paired nicely with Devin Booker. 

While limited defensively, his shooting gravity gives him late-first-round value. This draft would have been one for shooting for the Suns, getting three shooters to pair around Booker. Would it have worked? Maybe, but it would have given them plenty of offense in both the starting lineup and bench. 

29. San Antonio Spurs

Original Pick: Dejounte Murray

Re-Draft Pick: Damian Jones

The Spurs originally drafted Murray, and in this re-draft, they would not have gotten that lucky, obviously. Jones offered size, athleticism, and rim protection that fit San Antonio’s system, although the Spurs are very happy Dejounte fell to them. 

As a developmental big, his profile still made sense at this stage of the draft, and he still wouldn’t have been the worst pick at No. 29. Jones played eight seasons in the NBA and last played during the 2023-24 campaign. 

30. Golden State Warriors

Original Pick: Damian Jones

Re-Draft Pick: Yogi Ferrell

Golden State rounds out the first round with Yogi Ferrell, a quick, undersized guard who had flashes of offensive brilliance. Ferrell’s scoring punch and energy off the bench would have given the Warriors a spark in the second unit.

Though his career was short-lived (5 seasons) and he certainly had some flashy moments, his skill set certainly fits well as a late-first gamble. Perhaps his tendency to get hot from deep would have helped the sharpshooting Warriors going forward.