15 First-Round Picks From 2016 NBA Draft No Longer Play In The League

The 2016 NBA Draft has turned out to be a significant marker for the transitory nature of professional basketball careers. A Reddit user recently pointed out that only 15 of the first-round picks from this draft are still playing in the NBA, which shows why the average NBA career length is about 4.5 years. 

Here’s a look at the 15 first-round picks from the 2016 NBA Draft who are no longer in the league, detailing their NBA tenure and their current status.

No. 4 Pick - Dragan Bender

Dragan Bender was drafted by the Phoenix Suns with high expectations due to his potential as a versatile big man. Unfortunately, Bender struggled to adapt to the NBA's pace and physicality. 

He last played in the NBA in 2020 and currently plays for Monbus Obradoiro in Spain. His career in the NBA ended after stints with the Milwaukee Bucks and Golden State Warriors.

NBA Career Stats: 9.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.3 steals and 0.6 blocks per game

No. 8 Pick - Marquess Chriss

Marquess Chriss was known for his athleticism and potential as a forward. Drafted by the Phoenix Suns, he bounced around several teams, including the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors. 

Chriss last played in the NBA in 2022 and is currently with the Wisconsin Herd in the G-League, hoping for another shot at the NBA.

NBA Career Stats: 7.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.8 blocks per game

No. 10 Pick - Thon Maker

Thon Maker, with his unique background and potential as a versatile big man, was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite flashes of brilliance, he never found consistent success in the NBA. 

Maker’s last NBA game was in 2021, and he now plays for Al Riyadi Club Beirut in Lebanon.

NBA Career Stats: 4.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.4 steals and 0.7 blocks per game

No. 13 Pick - Georgios Papagiannis

Georgios Papagiannis was selected by the Phoenix Suns and traded to the Sacramento Kings. He struggled to make an impact and returned to Europe after his NBA stint. 

His last NBA game was in 2018, and he currently plays for Fenerbahce in Turkey, where he has found more success.

NBA Career Stats: 4.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.2 steals and 0.6 blocks per game

No. 14 Pick - Denzel Valentine

Denzel Valentine, a versatile guard/forward, was drafted by the Chicago Bulls. Injuries and inconsistency plagued his career. 

He last played in the NBA in 2022 and is currently with Olimpia Milano in Italy, continuing his professional career overseas.

NBA Career Stats: 7.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.1 blocks per game

No. 15 Pick - Juancho Hernangomez

Juancho Hernangomez, known for his shooting and hustle, was drafted by the Denver Nuggets.  He had several stints with different NBA teams, with his last NBA game in 2023. He currently plays for Panathinaikos in Greece.

Hernangomez is most famously known for his role in the blockbuster movie "Hustle,"  where he starred in the role of Bo Cruz.

NBA Career Stats: 5.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.4 steals and 0.2 blocks per game

No. 16 Pick - Guerschon Yabusele

Guerschon Yabusele, drafted by the Boston Celtics, struggled to secure a consistent role in the NBA. 

His last game was in 2019, and he has since become a key player for Real Madrid in Spain.

NBA Career Stats: 2.3 points, 1.4 rebounds, 0.4 assists, 0.2 steals and 0.2 blocks per game

No. 17 Pick - Wade Baldwin

Wade Baldwin was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies but couldn’t find his footing in the NBA. 

His last game was in 2019, and he currently plays for Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel, where he has rejuvenated his career.

NBA Career Stats: 3.1 points, 1.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.4 steals and 0.2 blocks per game

No. 18 Pick - Henry Ellenson

Henry Ellenson, a forward known for his shooting, was drafted by the Detroit Pistons. He struggled with consistency and last played in the NBA in 2020. Ellenson now plays for the Ibaraki Robots in Japan.

NBA Career Stats: 4.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.2 steals and 0.0 blocks per game

No. 21 Pick - DeAndre' Bembry

DeAndre' Bembry was a solid defender and utility player drafted by the Atlanta Hawks. His career was marred by injuries, and his last NBA game was in 2022. He has not played for another basketball team since leaving the NBA.

NBA Career Stats: 5.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.4 blocks per game

No. 22 Pick - Malachi Richardson

Malachi Richardson, drafted by the Charlotte Hornets and traded to the Sacramento Kings, never found his rhythm in the NBA. His last game was in 2019, and he currently plays for Pelita Jaya in Indonesia.

NBA Career Stats: 2.8 points, 1.0 rebound, 0.3 assists, 0.2 steals and 0.0 blocks per game

No. 23 Pick - Ante Zizic

Ante Zizic, a center drafted by the Boston Celtics and traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, last played in the NBA in 2020. He now plays for Virtus Bologna in Italy.

NBA Career Stats: 6.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.2 steals and 0.4 blocks per game

No. 24 Pick - Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot

Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, a versatile wing, was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers. His last NBA game was in 2022, and he currently plays for ASVEL Basket in France.

NBA Career Stats: 5.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.3 steals and 0.1 blocks per game

No. 25 Pick - Brice Johnson

Brice Johnson, known for his college success, struggled to translate his game to the NBA. 

He last played in the NBA in 2018 and recently played for Toyama Grouses in Japan in 2023. He is currently unsigned.

NBA Career Stats: 2.2 points, 1.6 rebounds, 0.1 assists, 0.5 steals and 0.3 blocks per game

No. 28 Pick - Skal Labissiere

Skal Labissiere, drafted by the Phoenix Suns and traded to the Sacramento Kings, showed flashes of potential but couldn’t secure a long-term NBA role. 

His last game was in 2020, and he currently plays for the Stockton Kings in the G-League.

NBA Career Stats: 7.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.4 steals and 0.7 blocks per game

These players' journeys highlight the unpredictability of NBA careers and the various paths professional athletes may take. While their NBA dreams may have been cut short, many continue to pursue their basketball careers internationally.