Unless the 16-85 is a constant aperture of 2.8, then the 17-55 2.8 is not good enough for portrait bokeh.

For portrait bokeh, go for the 85 1.8G, which has good reviews and is not expensive. Considering the D7000 above, 50 1.4G can also be used to shoot sugar water film, bokeh ability and 85 1.8G have a spell, just a slight difference in perspective. This owner can take their time to weigh again.

As for the 24's wide-angle, there's only the 16-85 to choose from. Otherwise, Sigma's new 17-70 is also a good one, and I personally feel that Sigma's new heads are very powerful.

Personally, I'd recommend the 16-85+85 1.8G, but of course the owner didn't say anything about budget, so it's not a good idea to make a more appropriate recommendation.

Back to the question, back in the analysis,

16-85 bokeh equivalent to 128F5.6

17-50 75F2.8

17-70 105F4

These three groups compare the bokeh, and I guess it's in between. If you only buy one zoom lens, you have to take care of both wide angle and portraits.

Then go for the 16-85, isn't there a 24 wide open?