2017 NBA Mock Draft — The Whole Shebang
As the draft creeps closer, here’s our predictions for all 60 picks on June 22.
The 2017 NBA Draft is under a week away. With rumors and smokescreens aplenty, predicting who goes where can be an arduous task during the days leading up to the actual event. Teams are working out prospects in bulk, while reports of the Lakers’ dwindling interest in Lonzo Ball could spark some early fireworks.
The purpose of mock drafts, though, is take everything reported and put it into perspective. To try and separate likely falsehoods from the rumors that have validity, all while taking into account the nuances of prospect evaluation — team fit and long term potential.
With all that in mind, I delved into the whole shebang — looking at and tentatively predicting all 60 picks in the upcoming draft. So, without boring you further with an extensive introduction, here’s where the draft class currently stands.
1. Boston Celtics (via Nets) — Markelle Fultz, G, Washington
The best point guard prospect since Kyrie Irving and the unquestioned top talent in this year’s class, Fultz is an easy selection for Boston at one. He combines the most well-rounded offensive game in the draft with plenty of upside defensively. He scores well at all three levels while showing excellent vision in the pick-and-roll — not to mention he can play on or off the ball alongside Isaiah Thomas.
2. Los Angeles Lakers — Lonzo Ball, G, UCLA
While I’m not sold on Lonzo as the second best player in the draft, he still feels like the favorite to go to L.A. at two. Josh Jackson rumors are heating up — and he’s arguably the most deserving prospect — but Ball’s generational I.Q. for the game and penchant for upping the play of those around him is something Magic Johnson and company will likely favor.
3. Philadelphia 76ers (via Kings) — Josh Jackson, F, Kansas
A hyper-athletic forward without much of a jumper, Jackson profiles as more of a defensive hound with long term potential offensively. He gives the Sixers another elite defensive piece to throw alongside Joel Embiid and Robert Covington, while his athletic tools and playmaking touch give him the flexibility needed to produce while waiting on that jump shot.
4. Phoenix Suns — Jayson Tatum, F, Duke
Tatum’s game is old-school in many ways, but could find a nice home on a team like Phoenix. He’ll have plenty of gravity as a scorer, boasting an impressive interior game and a wide array of moves from mid-range. He made massive strides in terms of ball security and passing towards the end of the campaign, improvements he’ll need to keep when working to and fro with Devin Booker.
5. Sacramento Kings (via Sixers) — De’Aaron Fox, G, Kentucky
The Kings seem enamored with Fox’s potential — so much so that they may be looking to trade up for his talents. The Kentucky product won’t be working out for the Suns, though, and either Jackson or Ball would be a tough pass for Philadelphia depending on who’s available. Fox brings toughness and impressive end-to-end speed, it’s just a matter of figuring out his jumper and cultivating the remainder of his skill set at the next level.
6. Orlando Magic — Malik Monk, G, Kentucky
The best shooter in this year’s class alongside Luke Kennard, Monk gives the Magic a high-octane scorer on the perimeter while potentially solving their point guard problem as well. He hasn’t spent much time as a one, but showed the flashes of vision necessary when handling the ball. His shooting will provide needed spacing to an offense that lacked it in a major way last season.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves — Lauri Markkanen, F, Arizona
Markkanen is in the same discussion as Monk for best shooter in this year’s class — an impressive feat for a 7-footer. His defensive issues are plentiful, while he struggles to compete with stronger bigs underneath, but the spacing that comes with a stretch four of his caliber is enough for the Wolves to pair him with Karl-Anthony Towns in the frontcourt.
8. New York Knicks — Frank Ntilikina, G, Strasbourg
The Knicks are investigating a handful of point guards, but seem especially intriguing by Ntilikina in recent reports. With a 7'1 wingspan, the 6'5 Frenchman boasts an impressive defensive ceiling while giving Phil Jackson a perfect triangle point guard. A much improved shooter with the ability to play either on or off the ball, the Knicks can roll the dice on his two-way abilities.
9. Dallas Mavericks — Dennis Smith Jr., G, N.C. State
Dallas gets an arguable top-three talent in Smith. An explosive athlete with three-level scoring ability and underrated vision in the pick-and-roll, few guards possesses the raw offensive firepower Smith does when his shots are falling. He spent the majority of his freshman year operating in isolation, but could be willing to adjust to a slightly less dominant role for a coach of Rick Carlisle’s caliber.
10. Sacramento Kings (via Pelicans) — Jonathan Isaac, F, Florida State
This is a far tumble for a player of Isaac’s caliber, but he has the potential to offer Sacramento a legitimate steal if he’s available at 10. While he’s labeled a small forward in most settings, his 6'11 frame (complimented by a 7'2 wingspan) gives him the physical tools to excel as a stretch four, where his positioning on the glass and weakside rim protection could come in handy.
11. Charlotte Hornets — Zach Collins, C, Gonzaga
Collins shot up draft boards in lieu of an impressive NCAA Tournament run with Gonzaga, likely entrenching himself in the conversation for Charlotte at 11. With a handful of solid-but-not-great prospects at the five, Collins’ defensive polish and potential as a floor spacer could give the Hornets reason to take a flier.
12. Detroit Pistons — Donovan Mitchell, G, Louisville
An insane athlete with a 6'10 wingspan on his 6'3 frame, Mitchell quitely possesses one of the higher upsides in this year’s class. Already a dog on the defensive end, his shot making from the perimeter combines nicely with a quick first step and explosive power moves en route to the hoop. He has all the tools needed to develop into a stud on both ends of the floor, making him a potential steal for a team like Detroit.
13. Denver Nuggets — Justin Jackson, F, North Carolina
Jackson’s another name who rose after an impressive NCAA Tournament run — one in which he led the eventual champions in North Carolina to the title game. Despite middling athletic tools, Jackson’s improved shooting, awkward-but-effective finishing and defensive hustle is enough to get him taken in the lottery.
14. Miami Heat — John Collins, F, Wake Forest
Collins worries me, as his lack of offensive polish outside of the painted area is a sizable limitation on his production. He has shown flashes of jumpers in workouts, though, and has the athletic tools needed to become a strong two-way presence in time. That upside, combined with his effort on the boards, convices Miami to take him as the lottery’s final piece.
15. Portland Trail Blazers — Harry Giles, F, Duke
The Blazers are reportedly interested in Giles, meaning he could slide off the board far higher than expected. Formerly the top recruit in this year’s class, three knee surguries have sapped some of the athleticism that once made Giles special. He still gives good effort on the boards, though, while his comfort level on both ends improved down the stretch for the Blue Devils.
16. Chicago Bulls — Luke Kennard, G, Duke
Kennard is as goood a shooter as you’ll find, but his stock isn’t capped there. He’s also a smooth playmaker in the pick-and-roll, while his finishing touch around the basket — even with limited athletic tools — has always been impressive. He’ll have some defensive issues to work through, but he’s the type of offensive spark this Chicago team could need with a rebuild in the near future.
17. Milwaukee Bucks — Jarrett Allen, C, Texas
Standing at 6'11 with a 7'6 wingspan, Allen’s physical tools alone are impressive. He shows tremendous potential around the basket, covering lots of ground while emerging as one of college basketball’s more intimidating rim protectors during the second half of the campaign. His offensive game is limited to the post for the time being, but he has potential as a mid-range shooter.
18. Indiana Pacers — O.G. Anunoby, F, Indiana
After his sophomore year was cut short by an ACL tear, health is the biggest concern with Anunoby. He’s a freak athlete, boasting strong core strength and a 7'2 wingspan that should allow him to guard one through four without problem. His offensive game is a work and progress, but his defensive upside is hard to pass on.
19. Atlanta Hawks — Ike Anigbogu, C, UCLA
Unpolished is the word that comes to mind with Anigbogu. At 6'10 with a wingspan eclipsing 7'6, Anigbogu’s combination of strength and length gives him inordinate upside on the defensive end. He’s somebody the Hawks will need to mold as an NBA player, but he could yield strong results down the road.
20. Portland Trail Blazers (via Grizzlies) — Anzejs Pasecniks, C, Gran Canaria
A 7'2 Latvian with a shot, Pasecniks has drawn some undeserved comparisons to his fellow countryman in Kristaps Porzingis. He has excellent mobility for his size, while his length should translate into shot blocking in time — it’s just a matter of filling out his frame. With three first round picks, the Blazers could look to stash him.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder — Terrance Ferguson, G, Adelaide 36ers
A former McDonald’s All-American who chose to forgo a season in college in favor of playing professionally in Australia, Ferguson profiles as somebody who fits the 3-and-D archetype almost seamlessly. While he doesn’t have much polish off the bounce, he’ll spot up with plenty of success while defending multiple positions on the perimeter at a high level.
22. Brooklyn Nets (via Wizards) — Justin Patton, C, Creighton
Patton has dropped on boards as of late, with rebounding concerns and general questions about his physicaility being the main reason why. He runs the floor hard, while his finishing moves around the rim showed the occasional flash of brilliance. With his size, though, you’d hope he becomes a better rebounder — something this Nets team can afford to take a risk on.
23. Toronto Raptors — T.J. Leaf, F, UCLA
Leaf’s offensive skill is enough to make him a contributor in the league, even with his wide-ranging negatives on the defensive end. He’s a consistent spot-up shooter with excellent mobility off of drives. He also passes well around the interior, giving him the type of offensive versatility needed to help a team off the bench from day one. Toronto, who may lose Patrick Patterson, pulls the trigger.
24. Utah Jazz — Bam Adebayo, C, Kentucky
A bruiser underneath, Adebayo’s game is largely reliant on physical tools at this stage in his development. He added a decent hook shot with some potential elsewhere in his arsenal, but rebounding and shot blocking remain his calling card heading into the league. As physically gifted as teenagers come, he’s seeming more and more like a first round lock.
25. Orlando Magic (via Clippers) — D.J. Wilson, F, Michigan
A versatile forward with guard-esque skills, Wilson projects well with the trends of today’s league. He’s 6'10 with a wingspan eclipsing 7'3, while his mobility and three-level shot making allows him to exploit a variety of mismatches with ease. The main thing holding him back is toughness — something he’ll need to work on against NBA athletes.
26. Portland Trail Blazers (via Cavaliers) — Derrick White, G, Colorado
With their third first round pick (something they may not have by the time draft night ends), the Blazers go with more of a surefire contributor in White. While older than most at 23, the fifth year senior boasts the offensive versatility needed to thrive as a backup at the next level. He shoots well from deep, while his savvy passing and rangy defensive tools allow him to contribute at a high level on both ends.
27. Brooklyn Nets (via Celtics) — Semi Ojeleye, F, SMU
A brute force around the basket, Ojeleye thrived on a bully-ball mentaility at SMU. He has a nice set of mid-range jumpers he can fall back on, while his strength around the basket makes him tough to contain. More of an undersized four than a true wing, though, finding his best spot on defense and making sure his 3-point shot translates will be imperative for NBA success. The Nets, liking long athletes who they can mold, take the risk.
28. Los Angeles Lakers (via Rockets) — Ivan Rabb, F, California
If he falls this far, the Lakers could take yet another prospect out of California in Rabb. Widely considered a lottery talent last season, Rabb’s disappointing sophomore campaign caused his stock to fall significantly. He’s still remains an energetic rebounder, while his soft touch around the rim and high basketball I.Q. on the defensive end could allow him to develop into a solid role player in time.
29. San Antonio Spurs — Jordan Bell, F, Oregon
The Spurs need frontcourt help and Bell gives them one heck of an athlete to work their magic on. Depsite having a lighter frame than desired, his mobility out to the perimeter and bounciness around the basket are set to make him one of the draft’s best defensive prospects. If his shot becomes even remotely reputable, his ceiling could be much higher than 29th.
30. Utah Jazz (via Warriors) — Isaiah Hartenstein, F, Zalgiris
With their second first round pick, the Jazz go for somebody I’m far higher on than most. An athletic 7-footer with excellent mobility and a potential-laden jumper, Hartenstein has top 15-level upside. He struggles with fundamentals and decision making a bit too much, but the framework for a successful career is very much in place.
31. Atlanta Hawks (via Nets) — Frank Jackson, G, Duke
Jackson struggled to find his role in a talent-filled Duke backcourt, but made the decision to stay in the draft after a strong combine performance. An impressive athlete with solid shooting and improved playmaking, he has the type of combo-guard upside a team like Atlanta could gamble on to start off the second round.
32. Phoenix Suns — Tony Bradley, C, North Carolina
Bradley’s another freshman who, despite playing in a limited role all season, made the decision to stay in the draft. At 6'11 with an old-school game, he has the size and physicality needed to provide rebounding and an interior presence from day one. His offensive repertoire remains a bit suspect, though.
33. Orlando Magic (via Lakers) — Tyler Lydon, F, Syracuse
If Lydon falls to 33, the Magic would be hard pressed to pass on him. At 6'10 with a quick, fluid stroke from deep, Lydon has the potential to develop into a quality stretch four in time. He’s an underrated athlete as well, although he may need to fill his frame out some to play power forward in the NBA.
34. Sacramento Kings (via Sixers) — Edmond Sumner, G, Xavier
A lanky guard with excellent athletic tools, Sumner’s season was cut short by a brutal ACL tear — and one that may have cost him a first round selection. Regardless, though, his ability to weave his way through contract at the rim is uncanny, while his mid-range game is inconsistent-but-impressive when his shots are falling. He lacks a jumper from deep, but brings the type of upside Sacramento needs to be shooting for.
35. Orlando Magic — Caleb Swanigan, C, Purdue
Swanigan made massive strides this season, upping his game offensively while also improving his conditioning tenfold. He’s a stout rebounder, quietly impressive athlete and has the shooting touch needed to space the floor. He’s a bit undersized and is slower than you’d like, but has a chance to hang in the league as a rotational big.
36. Philadelphia 76ers (via Timberwolves) — Tyler Dorsey, G, Oregon
Dorsey can shoot — a lot — and that’s precisely what this Sixers team is in need of on the perimeter. A quick release and fluid off-ball movement should allow Dorsey to fit right in when working off of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, while any size disadvantage he may have at the two spot could be mitigated by the Sixers’ ability to run him as the de facto point guard alongside Simmons.
37. Boston Celtics (via Knicks) — Thomas Bryant, C, Indiana
At 6'11 with a 7'6 wingspan, Bryant’s athletic tools go without question. He runs the floor hard, while his defensive potential remains inherently high given both his interior mobility and excellent length around the rim. He needs to be more physical around in the painted area, but his improving offensive polish is enough to warrant a high second round selection.
38. Chicago Bulls (via Kings) — Johnathan Motley, F, Baylor
One of college basketball’s most improved players, Motley emerged as one of the country’s most dominant bigs this season. He moves well around the basket and has the ability to attack some off the dribble, but his offensive success largely hinges on the development and consistency of his jumper moving forward. He’s already a high-energy rebounder and defender who should stick in the league based on those attributes alone.
39. Philadelphia 76ers (via Mavericks) — Jonah Bolden, F, Radnicki Basket
The Sixers have four second round picks, meaning they’ll likely go international a handful of times should they end up keeping them in totality. Bolden, a former UCLA attendee, has the offensive versatility needed to thrive as a stretch four in today’s league. Excelling in transition, he handles well, can create his own shot and has the passing touch indicative of somebody who can develop well beyond most second round talents.
40. New Orleans Pelicans — Jawun Evans, G, Oklahoma State
Evans is on the shorter side of the spectrum, but boasts the skill set needed to become a solid rotational guard in today’s league. He works well in the pick-and-roll, while his shifty ball handling and quick first step allows him to find space and score at all three levels. This is the Pelicans’ only draft pick, and with Jrue Holiday’s potential exit looming, they’ll need some insurance at the one.
41. Charlotte Hornets — Kyle Kuzma, F, Utah
If Kuzma falls this far, the Hornets take the best player available. A mobile four with scoring ability at all three levels, Kuzma’s strong combine performance helped reemphasize the NBA potential he flashed during his third season with the Utes. Lacking much in terms of long term depth at the four, Kuzma could quickly carve out a role in Charlotte.
42. Utah Jazz (via Pistons) — Mathias Lessort, F, Nanterre
Already boasting a pair of picks in the first round, the Jazz go international yet again in the form of Lessort. A high-energy rebounder who runs the court vigorously, Lessort’s calling card will be hustle more so than anything else. His offensive game remains relegated to lobs and offensive rebounds, but a player who displays his level of effort likely has an NBA niche somewhere.
43. Houston Rockets (via Nuggets) — Alec Peters, F, Valparaiso
A prototypical stretch four, Peters brings a smooth jumper and a smart playmaker out of the interior. While his excellent rebounding numbers at Valpo likely won’t translate to the NBA, this is a Rockets team that thrives on floor spacing and volume shooting — a system in which Peters could find ample success.
44. New York Knicks (via Heat) — Dillon Brooks, F, Oregon
Brooks marks the third Oregon product off the board in the last 15 selections, completing the Ducks’ draft day triad. Without the length to guard NBA fours nor the lateral quickness to stick with threes, his ability to find defensive success will be reliant on effort more so than anything else . He has an odd 3-point release, but it falls at a high clip.
45. Houston Rockets (via Trail Blazers) — Sindarius Thornwell, G, South Carolina
Thornwell had his coming out party during South Carolina’s unheralded run to the Final Four, where his shot making and defensive versatility was on full display. He has weird spin on his jumper, but his form looks good while his ability to operate out of the pick-and-roll hints at some point guard potential down the line. He’s another 3-and-D guy for Houston to invest in.
46. Philadelphia 76ers (via Bulls) — Alberto Abalde, F, Joventut
Another international guy for Philadelphia, Abalde brings solid athleticism, good shooting and smart play off the ball to a Sixers squad that’s in need of players like him alongside Ben Simmons. He doesn’t have much shake, but can create his own shot off the bounce on occasion.
47. Indiana Pacers — P.J. Dozier, G, South Carolina
Dozier was Thornwell’s backcourt mate at South Carolina, providing the defensive versatility needed to anchor one of the country’s most effective two-way backcourts. His 3-point shot is a work in progress, but he has a nice mid-range game with a Shaun Livingston-esque feel to it. Should be a solid two-way guard for a team like Indiana to take a run at.
48. Milwaukee Bucks — Vlatko Cancar, F, Mega Leks
A long-but-skinny swingman, Cancar has some stretch four potential once his frame fills out. He thrives most as a spot-up shooter for the time being, but shows solid handles in transition and enough fluidity around the hoop to leave some optimisim in regards to his finishing. Long shooters fits the bill for what Milwaukee needs right now.
49. Denver Nuggets (via Hawks) — Frank Mason III, G, Kansas
The Nuggets take somebody who has arguably earned the title of best Kansas guard ever in Mason. A bulky 5'11, size is obviously the foremost concern in regards to Mason’s NBA potential. He scores well at all three levels, while his efficiency was beyond impressive during his senior campaign with the Jayhawks.
50. Philadelphia 76ers (via Grizzlies) — Alpha Kaba, C, Mega Leks
In need of rotational depth at the five, the Sixers go international yet again in the form of Kaba. A long body with excellent athleticism underneath the rim, Kaba’s game is raw, but his shot blocking potential, energy on the boards and willingness to run the floor in transition give him plenty to build off of.
51. Denver Nuggets (via Thunder) — Devin Robinson, F, Florida
Another long athlete, Robinson’s stock seems far lower than it should be. Boasting the wingspan needed to play some stretch four, he’s a bouncy athlete with a strong spot-up jumper and a penchant for attacking the rim in straight-line drives. His defensive versatility and offensive functionality could yield a solid rotational gem for Denver.
52. Washington Wizards — Josh Hart, G, Villanova
Hart’s game, as well as his physical tools, are tough to translate to the next level. He’s not explosive off the bounce, while his ability to find shots and create for others could be capped by his lackluster athleticism. He does have the all-around offensive smarts to carve out a role, though. Washington takes a risk on the former champion from Villanova.
53. Boston Celtics (via Raptors) — Dwayne Bacon, G, Florida State
An impressive athlete on the wing, Bacon’s main flaws are derived from his inefficiency. Largely an isolation scorer while at Florida State, Bacon’s inconsistent jumper and knack for taking ill-advised pull-ups made strong, team-friendly basketball a rarity. He’s a solid defensive prospect with offensive potential, but his tools weren’t necessarily put to the best use while with the ‘Noles.
54. Phoenix Suns (via Clippers) — Sterling Brown, G, SMU
The Suns add a shooter in Brown — who happens to be the younger brother of Shannon Brown. While not an overly impressive athlete in any one facet, his ability to create for others while spotting up with consistent success gives him some solid comboguard potential in a league that embraces skill sets in that mold.
55. Utah Jazz — Jaron Blossomgame, F, Clemson
Blossomgame’s lack of shooting is a concern, but he’s a strong athlete with excellent defensive chops on the wing. He showed some flashes of creation off the dribble, but it was often capped by a lack of reliable shot making. A lot of his NBA success could hinge on the development of that jumper.
56. Boston Celtics (via Cavaliers) — Wesley Iwundu, F, Kansas State
A malleable defender with playmaking potential on the wing, Iwundu fits the mold of today’s role players exceptionally well. While his jumper and finishing touch around the basket were often inconsistent, he did make smart plays and flash impressive vision. For a player who defends hard, that’s a promising mix to take a flier on this late in the draft.
57. Brooklyn Nets (via Celtics) — George De Paula, G, Paulistano
Standing a 6'6 with a 7-foot wingspan, De Paula fits the Nets’ athletic mold on the perimeter. While his game is largely unpolished, he runs the floor with long strides while his size gives him a tremendous advantage in making reads and finding teammates across the court. Mostly criticized for inconsistency and youthful mistakes, De Paula could use some more time overseas.
58. New York Knicks (via Rockets) — L.J. Peak, G, Georgetown
A lively scorer with the quickness needed to find space at all three levels, Peak gives the Knicks another potential rotational cog who can help spark an offense that often struggled. His game doesn’t boast much outside of his scoring touch, but that — combined with the two-way potential that comes with his length — gives Peak enough to find NBA relevancy.
59. San Antonio Spurs — Kobi Simmons, G, Arizona
Simmons’ game, in general, was a work in progress for Arizona last season. The former McDonald’s All-American struggled to hit jumpers with consistency, while his quick first step and ability to penetrate the lane was often counteracted by a lack of strength and touch on his shots around the basket. He tries hard, though, as has plenty of athletic tools to build off of. Knowing San Antonio’s success rate, there’d be plenty of upside for the later portion of the second round.
60. Atlanta Hawks (via Warriors) — Luke Kornet, C, Vanderbilt
A mobile 7-footer with a 3-point shot, Kornet projects almost entirely as a floor spacer at this point in his development. He’s not strong enough to defend at a high level, while his interior game isn’t nearly as effective as his production in the pick-and-pop. For a Hawks team that needs frontcourt depth and shooting, he’s a solid last pick.
