Looking back at the 2016 NBA Draft Big Board feels like revisiting a time capsule of basketball prophecy—some predictions hit the bullseye, while others remind us just how unpredictable the journey from prospect to pro can be. I still remember sitting with fellow analysts, debating Ben Simmons’ ceiling and whether Brandon Ingram’s slender frame could withstand NBA physicality. Fast forward eight years, and what stands out isn’t just the obvious success stories but the subtle narratives of growth, adaptation, and in some cases, redemption.

One thing that struck me early on was how certain players seemed destined for greatness because of shared histories. Not only have they known each other at a very young age, but their paths to UAAP stardom have been rather identical—this dynamic, though rooted in Philippine collegiate basketball, mirrors what we’ve seen in the NBA. Take, for example, the bond between Domantas Sabonis and Jakob Poeltl, both big men who entered the league with similar skill sets and backgrounds in European basketball. They didn’t grow up together like some UAAP stars, but their parallel development arcs—focusing on fundamentals and team play—shaped their NBA journeys. Sabonis, picked 11th, has blossomed into a triple-double machine, averaging around 18 points and 12 rebounds last season, while Poeltl, selected 9th, carved out a reliable role as a defensive anchor. It’s fascinating how these shared paths, whether in the UAAP or internationally, often lead to players pushing each other to exceed expectations.

Of course, the top of the draft was dominated by Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram, two players who embodied the "hype" in very different ways. Simmons, the first overall pick, was touted as a generational talent—a 6'10" point guard with LeBron-esque vision. I’ll admit, I was skeptical initially; his lack of a jump shot worried me, but his rookie year, where he put up 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists, silenced many doubters. Yet, injuries and inconsistent performances have kept him from reaching that perennial All-NBA status many predicted. On the flip side, Ingram, taken second, had a slower start but evolved into a smooth-scoring All-Star, dropping 23.8 points per game in his prime. What’s interesting is how their careers reflect a broader theme: early hype doesn’t always guarantee stardom, but resilience does.

Then there are the gems buried deeper in the draft, like Malcolm Brogdon at 36th overall or Pascal Siakam at 27th. I recall watching Siakam’s raw energy at New Mexico State and thinking he could be a solid role player—little did I know he’d become a Finals MVP and a cornerstone for the Raptors, averaging over 22 points in his best seasons. Brogdon, meanwhile, slipped due to age concerns but quickly proved his worth by winning Rookie of the Year and later contributing as a steady floor general. These picks highlight how scouting isn’t just about athleticism; it’s about fit and mindset. In my experience covering drafts, teams that prioritize character and work ethic often unearth these late-round steals, much like how UAAP stars with identical upbringings thrive through mutual motivation.

But let’s not forget the misses. Dragan Bender, taken 4th, was supposed to be the next great European big man, but he struggled to adapt, bouncing between teams and never averaging more than 6.5 points. Similarly, Kris Dunn at 5th showed flashes of defensive brilliance but never solidified a starting role. It’s a stark reminder that draft boards, no matter how data-driven, can’t account for intangibles like mental toughness or off-court development. I’ve always believed that the draft is as much about opportunity as talent—if Bender had landed in a system that nurtured his skills, who knows? Maybe he’d be a key piece somewhere today.

As we wrap up this retrospective, it’s clear that the 2016 class delivered a mix of superstars, solid contributors, and cautionary tales. Players like Jaylen Brown (3rd pick) and Jamal Murray (7th) have become franchise pillars, with Brown’s explosive athleticism and Murray’s clutch gene defining their teams’ identities. Brown’s contract extension—worth up to $304 million over five years—underscores how far he’s come from that draft night. Meanwhile, the camaraderie among peers, akin to those UAAP narratives, often fuels their growth; think of how Murray and Nikola Jokic’s chemistry propelled the Nuggets to a championship. In the end, evaluating a draft isn’t just about stats—it’s about stories, and the 2016 big board is filled with ones that inspire, caution, and above all, remind us why we love this game.