2016 NBA Mock Draft: Brown Rises to Top-5, Murray Falls Out

The Boston Celtics face a tough decision with the 3rd pick. Reports around the league imply the Celtics are trying to package the 3rd pick for a veteran all-star.

But if they do not trade the pick, I think Danny Ainge chooses Jaylen Brown. The former Golden Bear measured at 6’7 in shoes with a 7’0.5 wingspan at 222 pounds. Brown shot 48% inside the arc, 29% from three, and 65% from the line for the Golden Bears, Brown didn’t have the easiest time translating his game to the college ranks. With 51% of his shot attempts in the half court coming from the perimeter.

Brown averaged 14.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2 assists per game as a true freshman at California. Brown was named Pac-12 Freshman of the Year and earned a spot on the All-Pac-12 First Team, solidifying himself as a top-10 pick despite plenty of ups and downs.  Brown can contribute right away for the Celtics with his ability to rebound on the defensive glass, which provides him opportunities to grab-and-go.

Pushing the ball up the court is one of the solid aspects of Brown’s game. He can change speeds in the open floor and expose a scrambling defense with his ability to attack the rim with his explosiveness, finishing at the rim with power.

Brown has exhibited good lateral quickness to keep pace in isolation and has a 7-0 wingspan to contest shots effectively and be a threat to block shots as the trailer recovering from navigating over ball-screens. He can give Boston some more depth and insurance at the wing behind Jae Crowder and Avery Bradley. Brown has the time to develop behind Crowder, Bradley, and Evan Turner.

He’s a big wing who has the ability play the four in a small-ball lineup situation, and big wings who can play the four in small-ball lineups are more valuable than ever in this version of the NBA

Next: Phoenix Suns No. 4