2016 NBA Mock Draft: What Happens After Simmons and Ingram?
By Jay Siskin
Toronto has a tremendous need at the power forward slot, which makes Ellenson an option along with Deyonta Davis, Skal Labissiere or Marquese Chriss. With the possibility of Byombo leaving in free agency and Scola aging, Ellenson could be a missing puzzle piece. The Marquette product could develop nicely behind Patrick Patterson.
He is only 19, and though he didn’t have a good percentage from the three-point line at Marquette, he has tremendous tools to be a stretch-four on offense. Ellenson could be an ideal front court partner to position alongside Jonas Valanciunas.
He may struggle in pick-and-roll situations when it comes to switches, and he’s not a player that will protect the rim on a consists basis, but he can be a poor man’s Kevin Love for the Raptors.
A perimeter shooting threat, especially from a front court position, would help open up the driving lanes for DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry. If he can become more consistent from beyond the arc, along with his solid and polished low-post game, Ellenson has a high ceiling in this draft.
Next: No.10