The 2016 NBA Rookie Class: Where Are They Now and Who Made It Big?

You know, every time I look back at the 2016 NBA rookie class, I can't help but feel a mix of nostalgia and surprise. Seven years later, some names have become household staples while others have faded into obscurity. I remember watching that draft thinking we were witnessing the birth of multiple superstars - and boy, was I right about some and completely wrong about others.

So, what makes the 2016 class worth remembering today?

Well, when we examine "The 2016 NBA Rookie Class: Where Are They Now and Who Made It Big?", we're looking at one of the most polarized draft classes in recent memory. On one hand, you have generational talents like Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram who became All-Stars. On the other, numerous first-round picks are already out of the league. It's fascinating how careers develop so differently - much like how Manny Pacquiao discussed his potential rematch with Floyd Mayweather, saying "Let's fight again if he wants. I have no problem with that." That fighting spirit resonates with how these players approach their careers - always ready for another challenge, another opportunity to prove themselves.

Who truly made it big from this class?

If we're talking genuine superstars, three names immediately come to mind. First, there's Domantas Sabonis - the 11th pick who's become a walking double-double machine and made three All-Star appearances. Then you have Jaylen Brown, the third overall pick who just signed the richest contract in NBA history worth $304 million over five years. And we can't forget about Pascal Siakam, the 27th pick who won Most Improved Player and became an NBA champion. Their journeys remind me of that Pacquiao quote about being willing to fight again - these players constantly reinvent themselves and come back stronger each season.

What about the number one pick - where is Ben Simmons now?

Ah, Ben Simmons - perhaps the most controversial figure from this class. Selected first overall by Philadelphia, he showed flashes of brilliance early, making three All-Star teams by his fourth season. But injuries and confidence issues have plagued him recently. Last season with Brooklyn, he averaged just 6.9 points - a far cry from his 16.4 points per game in his rookie year. His situation makes me think about how Pacquiao approaches his career - that relentless willingness to compete regardless of circumstances. Simmons seems to have lost that fighter's mentality somewhere along the way, and it's honestly disappointing to watch.

Were there any surprise success stories?

Absolutely! The biggest surprise has to be Malcolm Brogdon. Remember him? The 36th pick who won Rookie of the Year - something that hadn't happened for a second-round pick since 1965. He's carved out an excellent career as a reliable two-way guard and even won Sixth Man of the Year in 2023. Then there's Fred VanVleet, who went undrafted but just signed a massive $130 million contract with Houston. These guys embody that underdog spirit - they're like Pacquiao saying "I have no problem" taking on any challenge, constantly proving doubters wrong.

What percentage of this class is still in the NBA?

Based on my analysis of "The 2016 NBA Rookie Class: Where Are They Now and Who Made It Big?", approximately 62% of the 60 players selected are still on NBA rosters. That's actually above average for a seven-year-old draft class. The first round has about 76% retention rate, while the second round sits around 45%. These numbers reflect how the best players adapt and evolve - much like how elite fighters like Pacquiao remain relevant years later by continuously improving their game.

Who were the biggest disappointments?

This is where it gets painful. Dragan Bender (4th overall) and Georgios Papagiannis (13th overall) were both out of the NBA within three years. Kris Dunn (5th overall) took years to find his niche as a role player. What separates them from the successes? I believe it's that mental toughness - the quality Pacquiao references when he talks about being ready to fight again. Some players just don't have that relentless drive to overcome adversity.

What can we learn from examining this class seven years later?

Studying "The 2016 NBA Rookie Class: Where Are They Now and Who Made It Big?" teaches us that draft position means very little in the long run. Of the top five picks, only Jaylen Brown became a true superstar. Meanwhile, players selected outside the lottery like Siakam (27th) and Dejounte Murray (29th) developed into All-Stars. It's about work ethic, opportunity, and that fighting spirit Pacquiao describes. The willingness to keep competing, to say "let's fight again" no matter the circumstances - that's what separates the good from the great.

Looking back, this class has given us everything from MVPs to role players to cautionary tales. And you know what? The stories aren't finished yet. Just like Pacquiao preparing for his next bout, many of these players are still writing their legacies. That's what makes basketball so compelling - the narrative never truly ends, it just evolves.