The 2016 NBA Draft has come to a close and the Maryland Terrapins had two of its three players eligible get drafted.
Center Diamond Stone was expected to be a first round draft pick, followed by teammates Jake Layman and Robert Carter Jr. in the second round.
Predictions mean nothing at the end of the day. This is how the draft ended up for the former Terrapins:
C – Diamond Stone: Second round, 40th overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans (traded to the Los Angeles Clippers)
F – Jake Layman: Second round, 47th overall pick by the Orlando Magic (traded to the Portland Trail Blazers)
F – Robert Carter Jr: Undrafted, signed with the Golden State Warriors
If I was going to tell you before the season not a single Maryland player from the starting lineup would be draft in the first round, you would think I’m crazy.
Diamond Stone was a one-and-done player since he walked through the doors at College Park and was expected to be a first round pick. For Stone, going in the second round is disappointing, but he is joining a championship contending team led by Doc Rivers. With the coaching staff and players like DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin surrounding him, Stone can develop into a very productive player.
Jake Layman’s versatility and size is what makes him such an attractive player to teams. However, Layman has been inconsistent to say the least throughout his college career. The Trail Blazers gave up $1.2 million along with a second round pick in 2019 to the Orlando Magic for Layman. Layman may need to develop for a few years which could help him continue to build his confidence. He may have some flaws here and there, but you can never question Layman’s loyalty.
Robert Carter Jr. was almost a lock to get drafted after his stellar combine performances. At 6-foot-8, Carter already maintains the size to play in the NBA. He has a very strong offensive skill set with interior moves that make him a threat. Defensively, Carter is a liability, and has to improve in that department to compete. After the draft, the Golden State Warriors have reached a deal with Carter. I find this to be a perfect fit. Why? Robert Carter is Draymond Green 2.0. They are both two physical big men that can beat you in the paint and make outside shots. If Carter can learn solely from Draymond Green, the Warriors may have Green’s backup for years to come.
The draft was a surprising one, with a number of international players coming off the board in the first round.
It may have been disappointing where the Maryland players fell on the draft board, but the teams they ended up at could really benefit them in the long run.
All I can say is it’s a good thing Melo Trimble came back to Maryland.
