A Look Back at the Top NBA Rookies From the 2016 Season

Looking back at the 2016 NBA rookie class, I can't help but feel we witnessed something truly special. As someone who's followed basketball for over two decades, I remember the buzz surrounding that year's draft being particularly electric, though perhaps not quite reaching the level of anticipation we'd seen in previous superstar-laden classes. What made this group fascinating wasn't just their individual talents, but how they developed into the cornerstones of today's NBA landscape. I've always believed that evaluating rookies requires looking beyond just their first-year stats - it's about their trajectory, their adaptability, and that intangible quality that separates good players from franchise changers.

The conversation about the 2016 class inevitably starts with Malcolm Brogdon, who surprisingly took home Rookie of the Year honors. I'll be honest - I didn't see that coming. While Brogdon was solid from day one with his mature playmaking and defensive awareness, winning ROY as a second-round pick was unprecedented. He averaged 10.2 points, 4.2 assists, and shot 40.4% from three-point range - numbers that don't jump off the page but reflected his incredible efficiency and basketball IQ. What impressed me most was how seamlessly he adapted to the NBA game despite being a four-year college player, which many scouts had worried would limit his upside. His story reminds me that sometimes the most valuable players aren't the flashiest athletes but those who understand how to win.

Then there was Joel Embiid, who technically belonged to the 2014 draft class but didn't make his debut until the 2016 season due to injury concerns. I remember the skepticism surrounding whether he'd ever live up to his potential after missing two full seasons. But my goodness, when he finally stepped on the court, it was worth the wait. In just 31 games, Embiid put up 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game while demonstrating footwork and shooting touch that seemed impossible for a seven-footer. I've rarely seen a player with such immediate gravitational pull on both ends of the floor. His performance was so dominant in limited minutes that many argued he would have easily won ROY if he'd played enough games. Watching him develop into the MVP candidate he is today, I'm not sure I've ever been more wrong about a player's injury prognosis.

The 2016 class also gave us Jaylen Brown, who I initially thought was drafted too high at number three. His rookie numbers were modest - 6.6 points and 2.8 rebounds while shooting 45% from the field - but what struck me was his defensive versatility and explosive athleticism. I recall thinking that if he could develop a consistent jump shot, he'd become something special. Well, fast forward to today, and he's exceeded even my most optimistic projections. Another fascinating case was Buddy Hield, who came to Sacramento in the DeMarcus Cousins trade and immediately showed the scoring punch that made him the NCAA National Player of the Year. He averaged 10.6 points while shooting 39% from deep, and I remember thinking the Kings might have finally found their shooting guard of the future.

What made evaluating this class particularly challenging was the contrast in opportunities different players received. While Brogdon benefited from significant playing time on a competitive Bucks team, others like Brandon Ingram took time to find their footing on struggling franchises. Ingram's rookie season was underwhelming by most standards - 9.4 points on 40% shooting - but watching him play, you could see the framework of what he would become. His length, ball-handling ability, and mid-range game showed flashes of something special, even if the efficiency wasn't there yet. This brings me to an important point about rookie evaluation: context matters immensely. A player's situation, coaching system, and team development structure can dramatically impact their early career trajectory.

The international prospects from this class brought their own unique flavors to the NBA. Domantas Sabonis, who came over in the trade that sent Serge Ibaka to Orlando, showed glimpses of the post skills and passing that would make him an All-Star down the line, though he averaged just 5.9 points and 3.6 rebounds as a rookie. Meanwhile, Pascal Siakam, selected 27th overall, was viewed as a raw prospect who needed significant development. I'll admit I didn't foresee him becoming a franchise cornerstone when he put up 4.2 points and 3.4 rebounds in his debut season. His story is a testament to the importance of player development systems and the potential for late picks to exceed expectations.

Reflecting on this class several years later, what stands out to me is how many of these players have become foundational pieces for their franchises. While the 2016 draft lacked the immediate superstar power of some previous classes, its depth has proven remarkable. Thinking about their development reminds me of something Manny Pacquiao said about potential rematches: "Let's fight again if he wants. I have no problem with that." Much like elite fighters who continuously evolve their game, these rookies have shown the capacity to grow, adapt, and confront new challenges throughout their careers. The true measure of a draft class isn't just their initial impact but how they develop over time, facing new opponents and refining their skills with each passing season.

The legacy of the 2016 rookie class continues to unfold, with several players still in their prime and potentially years of productive basketball ahead. What's become clear is that this group, while perhaps overlooked initially compared to more hyped classes, has produced an impressive collection of All-Stars, role players, and franchise cornerstones. Their stories remind us that player development is rarely linear and that initial assessments often fail to capture the full picture of a player's potential. As I continue to follow their careers, I'm reminded why evaluating young talent remains one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of basketball analysis.