NBA
The Top 3 Rim Protectors in the 2016 NBA Draft
Who among this year's prospects could make an impact as a shot-blocking specialist -- or even more?

A.J. Hammons, Purdue Boilermakers

Like Ibeh, A.J. Hammons is a more experienced player and is projected to go in the second round. However, the seven-footer is a more well-rounded player coming into Thursday night's draft.

In his time in West Lafayette, Hammons averaged at least 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks in each of his four seasons as a Boilermaker. But, in his senior season, Hammons took his game to the next level, putting up 15.0 points, 8.2 boards and 2.5 blocks in 24.6 minutes per game.

While it's true that Hammons earned the best Offensive Rating (117.7 points per 100 possessions) and most Offensive Win Shares (2.7) in his senior season, he was even better on the defensive end -- showcasing his best talent, altering and blocking shots.

Last year, Hammons racked up 2.2 Defensive Win Shares and a career-best Defensive Rating of 88.7 all the while blocking 10.4% of opponent field goal attempts.

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Even at 7'0" and over 260 pounds, Hammons has the athleticism to get off the floor rather quickly and slide over to reject unsuspecting penetraters. That, as well as his inside/outside offense, reminds me a lot of Hassan Whiteside.

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