The Sixer Sense
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2016 NBA Mock Draft: What Happens After Simmons and Ingram?

By Jay Siskin

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 19, 2016; Denver , CO, USA; Utah Utes forward Jakob Poeltl (42) meets a wall of Gonzaga Bulldogs defenders in second half action of Utah vs Gonzaga during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Pepsi Center. Gonzaga Bulldogs players from left are Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Domantas Sabonis (11) guard Kyle Dranginis (3) and forward Kyle Wiltjer (33). Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2016; Denver , CO, USA; Utah Utes forward Jakob Poeltl (42) meets a wall of Gonzaga Bulldogs defenders in second half action of Utah vs Gonzaga during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Pepsi Center. Gonzaga Bulldogs players from left are Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Domantas Sabonis (11) guard Kyle Dranginis (3) and forward Kyle Wiltjer (33). Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

14. player. 24. . Center. Utah. Jakob Poeltl

Poeltl emerged as one of the most productive big men in college basketball last season for Utah. He won Pac-12 Player of the Year honors along with both the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Pete Newell Big Man awards while averaging 17.3 points and 9.1 rebounds over 30.5 minutes per game. As a potential top-15 pick, Poeltl figures to be one of the first centers off the board come draft day thanks to the marked improvement he showed as a sophomore.

Rumors around the NBA indicate that Joakim Noah is leaving Chicago via free agency this summer along with future hall-of-famer Pau Gasol. This would force the Bulls to focus on front court prospects, and Poeltl would be one who could play right away.

Poeltl’s physical profile and low-post skills makes him a player who could help to bolster a team’s front-court rotation immediately. The former Ute can also come off the bench behind Taj Gibson as he continues to develop down the line.

If the Bulls end up keeping Gasol or Noah, getting a big man who plays good team defense, and has as versatility on offense as Poeltl is, would be a nice addition.

Next: No.15