Sixteen’s 2017 NBA Mock Draft 1.0
With the NBA Draft Lottery edging closer, it’s time to look at how this year’s class currently projects.
With the lottery a mere week away, NBA Draft talk — even in the midst of the playoffs — is beginning to heat up. Teams who fell outside the league’s upper half are planning the next phase in their development, while playoff teams who inevitably drop out will likely view it as an opportunity to pad their depth chart. The draft presents a plethora of opportunities and seldom yields a guaranteed outcome, which is part of what makes it one of the season’s more intriguing events — regardless of team standing.
As always, this June will be the incarnation of a new wrinkle in the development of today’s talent pool. With this class being touted as one of the best in recent memory, it’s assortment of elite point guards and high-upside defenders is bound to alter the trajectories of multiple franchises come next season. This year’s class runs abnormally deep, whether that be in regards to lottery talent or the entire entity as a whole. To put that in perspective, we’ll see players come off the board mid-lottery that could have been top 3 picks last year.
With that talent in mind, it’s time to project the direction that teams may lean this June.
Here’s our first round mock.
Disclaimer: This is a prediction of where picks may fall based on team fit and current trends, not an assessment of who I would personally select. For the sake of intrigue, the order has also been randomized.
1. Phoenix Suns — Markelle Fultz, PG, Washington
The Suns jump up to first here, taking Fultz is what should — in all cases — be a no-brainer. Fultz’s combination of control, skill and athleticism doesn’t come in the same package all that often, while his upside lies well beyond what Eric Bledsoe currently offers to the team long term. He’d allow them to clear out contracts from their backcourt while finally giving them a direction, something the franchise has lacked in their brief and unexpected dissolution into basketball purgatory as of late.
Fultz lacks any sizable holes in his game, which is what makes him such an impressive prospect. He shoots at a high clip from range, while using his length (6'10'’ wingspan) to elevate from mid-range and finish over height around the rim. Combining that with next level court vision, it’s virtually impossible to pass on Fultz.
Note: me saying that guarentees that the Lakers will get the top pick and select Lonzo “$495 shoes” Ball.
2. Boston Celtics (via Nets) — Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA
Ball is the best — or worst, or something — story of this draft class, combining exceptional basketball I.Q., tantilizingly good ball skills and the most audacious father on the NBA scene. The Celtics don’t need another point guard with Isaiah Thomas on the roster, but will think long and hard here about the direction of their franchise. Ball has the size and spot-up shooting needed to play shooting guard in the meantime, while his ability to control the pace of the game is an instant boost for an already-efficient Boston offense.
3. Dallas Mavericks — Josh Jackson, SF, Kansas
The Mavericks make a surprise jump up to number three, where they face a difficult choice positionally. They don’t need another wing with Harrison Barnes locking up a role as their go-to scorer moving forward, but Jackson’s ability to create — as well as defend — at a high clip is enough to push the needle in his favor. He’s an elite two-way player joining a team that’s built in the mold of a young defensive juggernaut, while his prowess as a playmaker could give him a nice opportunity to work to and fro with the likes of Barnes in Rick Carlisle’s offense.
He’ll need to work on his jumper, but the boxes he checks everywhere else are too good to pass up.
4. Philadelphia 76ers (via Lakers) — Jayson Tatum, SF, Duke
Philadelphia gets a pair of picks here, allowing them to address a few needs at once. Tatum would be able to step in as their best perimeter scorer from day one, slithering through dribble handoffs and getting buckets in isolation. How he’d work off of Embiid and Simmons would likely depend on the evolution of his 3-point shot, but his stroke is something that should translate in time. He has to work on his turnovers as well, but showed major improvement as a passer down the stretch in the ACC Tournament.
5. Philadelphia 76ers — Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky
Monk is the best shooter in this draft and fills, perhaps, the most obvious niche of any player in the lottery. He’s the yin to Ben Simmons’ yang, gunning his way through screens and giving him the off-ball scorer he so desperately needs. He’ll be the engine that opens up the floor for the Sixers’ new frontcourt trio while establishing an impressive big four to build around in the process. (process plug)
6. Orlando Magic — De’Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky
Monk’s teammate comes off the board next, giving the Magic another point guard in what is essentially their not-so-subtle rejection of Elfird Payton as a long term option. Even though Fox carries some of the same concerns Payton does (namely his 3-point shooting, or lack thereof), his energy and character is something that will enamor teams in the pre-draft process. He works his tail off on both ends and is one of the quickest end-to-end players we’ve seen in quite some time.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves — Jonathan Isaac, PF, Florida State
Isaac’s versatility is tailor made for the NBA four spot, as he possesses the length needed to protect the help side defensively while boasting the offensive malleability needed to work the perimeter on the other end. He’s a bit further behind on the developmental curve than some of his lottery counterparts, but presents the type of two-way upside that’s difficult to pass on. He’s everything the Wolves need at the four spot and it’s tough to see them passing on that.
8. New York Knicks — Dennis Smith Jr., PG, North Carolina State
Smith is shamelessly slotted as my third best prospect in this year’s class, as his explosiveness on the offensive end is bound to translate to production in some form at the next level. His 3-point shot improved steadily throughout the season, while his passing is among the more underrated skills in this year’s class. He has the strength needed to take contact around the rim, and the three-level scoring ability needed to outclass Lonzo Ball. The Knicks get a steal — what are the odds?
9. Sacramento Kings — Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona
The Kings love shooters, and Markkanen fits that bill. He’s arguably the best set shooter in this class, competing with Malik Monk for a title most 7-footers never qualifiy for. He has some massive gaps in his game, both defensively and on the interior, but his ability to warp the defense in the pick-and-pop and create his own shot off the bounce is something that could be developed into a dangerous offensive weapon alongside Buddy Hield and Co.
10. Sacramento Kings (via Pelicans) — Frank Ntilikina, PG, Strasbourg
Ntilikina is one of the better defensive prospects in this class, wielding a 7-foot wingspan that gives the Kings a nice defensive balance alongside Hield in the backcourt. He has the ranginess needed to switch around the perimeter with ease, while providing the intelligent playmaking and improved shooting needed to function in an NBA offense. He’s a project in some ways, but also gives the Kings a handful of skills that can be relied upon from day one. This is a Sacramento team in the midst of a massive undertaking in regards to their rebuild, and a couple of high-end picks like Markkanen and Ntilikina could help push them in the right direction.
11. Charlotte Hornets — Zach Collins, C, Gonzaga
Collins shot up draft boards behind a strong NCAA Tournament run with Gonzaga. Now, his offensive versatility and defensive polish has catapulted him well into the lottery conversation. This is a Hornets team that still hasn’t found the right formula in regards to drafting big men, as their penchent for ending up with painstakingly mediocre talents continues to leave a void of sorts in their frontcourt. Collins could help cover that.
12. Detroit Pistons — Jarrett Allen, C, Texas
Allen has all the physical tools you want in an NBA prospect at the five spot. His 7'6'’ wingspan and massive hands give him a wealth of potential, which was encapsulated, in part, by the fact that he may have had both the dunk and block of the year this past season. His offensive game hasn’t stretched beyond the interior as much as desired, but he’s still a silky scorer around the basket and covers a lot of ground on the other end. Detroit needs a Drummond contingency plan.
13. Denver Nuggets — O.G. Anunoby, SF, Indiana
Anunoby has one of the more underrated ceilings in this year’s class. A 6'8'’ frame with a wingspan in the vicinity of 7'6'’ is an incredible weapon on the defensive end — made even more impressive by his ridiculous lower body strength. He has the potential to guard all five positions at a high level while switching all over the floor for Denver. The Nuggets were one of the league’s worst defensive units last season, and none of their cornerstones in Nikola Jokic, Gary Harris nor Jamal Murray are particuarly successful on that side of the ball. Anunoby is a step in the right direction.
14. Miami Heat — John Collins, PF, Wake Forest
Collins emerged as one of college basketball’s better two-way big men this season, providing Wake Forest with an elite rebounder and a lanky defender around the basket. While I’m not sold on Collins’ offensive arsenal — which is relatively barren outside of the painted area — his athleticism and ability to give the Heat a more sustainable reserve at the four spot in something worth noting.
15. Portland Trail Blazers — Justin Jackson, SF, North Carolina
Jackson won ACC Player of the Year behind his best season yet, as he improved as both a shooter and defender for the eventual national champions. His funky release and thin frame are concerns heading to the next level, but his effort level offensively when working off the ball — as well as his commitment to being a passable defender — is something that should translate to a solid role player in the NBA. Portland needs wing depth and Jackson provides it.
16. Chicago Bulls — Rodions Kurucs, SF, Barcelona
Kurucs is somebody who could be rising up more draft boards as June edges closer. At 6'8'’, the Latvian possesses the athleticism and shooting touch needed to develop into a quality offensive spark plug on the wing. He’s a solid finesse finisher around the rim, while his spot-up shooting has emerged as an increasingly reliable facet of his game. This Bulls team may be looking to blow it up, and a high-upside pick of this ilk could be their first action in doing so.
17. Milwaukee Bucks — Hamidou Diallo, SG, Kentucky
The Bucks have carved out a reputation for taking risks on draft night, both with Giannis Antetokounmpo a few years back and Thon Maker in 2016. Antetokounmpo was a little known Greek playing in empty gyms, while Maker hadn’t played a single collegiate game. Diallo’s path follows the latter portion, as he could potentially forgo the collegiate experience after attending prep school for a year in lieu of his high school graduation. He did, however, get to spend his spring semester working out with Kentucky’s basketball team, even though he never saw the court.
18. Indiana Pacers — Terrance Ferguson, SG, Adelaide
Ferguson is another top flight prospect who chose to forgo college, as he instead spent the season playing professionally in Australia. At 6'7'’ with long arms and a strong perimeter jumper, Ferguson fits the archetype of a 3-and-D role player almost seamlessly. He doesn’t have much in the form of isolation scoring yet, but gives Indy somebody who can run around screens, space the floor and defend at a high level on the other end.
19. Atlanta Hawks — Justin Patton, C, Creighton
Patton is a project, but one that could reap massive rewards this late in the first round. The lanky 7-footer made a living as Creighton’s rim-runner this year, diving to the rim in pick-and-rolls and traversing the court in long, fluid strides in transition. He’s an easy lob target with an improving jumper that could, in time, become a dangerous weapon. If he’s able to improve his defensive toughness, as well as his presence on the boards, he could be one of the draft’s bigger steals.
20. Portland Trail Blazers (via Grizzlies) — Ike Anigbogu, C, UCLA
Anigbogu is a wildcard of sorts, as he operated in a heavily limited role off of UCLA’s bench during his yearlong stint with the team. Even in a small role, though, Anigbogu was one of the Bruins’ more important rotational cogs. He was the only capable rim protector on a team predicated on floor spacing, providing raw-but-impressive athleticism underneath the rim. He’s physically ready to contribute from day one, it’s just a matter of whether or not his skill set is ready to keep pace.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder — Luke Kennard, SG, Duke
Kennard is one of the better shooters in this year’s class, combining a quick, compact stroke with a high I.Q. approach to the offensive side of the ball. That fits the bill in terms of what OKC needs alongside Russell Westbrook on the perimeter. His defense is still a question mark, but he has the ball handling and court vision needed to man the backup point guard spot in spurts while retaining ample utility off the ball when Westbrook is in the game.
22. Brooklyn Nets (via Wizards) — Harry Giles III, PF, Duke
Giles is one of those high-risk, high-reward picks that often gets overlooked come draft night. Once the top prospect in this year’s class, a trio of knee injuries has slowed him down quite a bit. The explosiveness that once made him a dangerous face-up scorer has dissapated, while his defensive struggles at Duke were in large part due to the same reason. He did rebound the ball well, though, and has the type of motor that — should his legs get under him a bit more — could make him a major hit down the road. For a Brooklyn team without much to build on, he’s a risk worth taking.
23. Toronto Raptors (via Clippers) — Tyler Lydon, PF, Syracuse
At 6'10'’, Lydon fits the mold of a stretch four off the bench. He’s going to struggle as a tweener on the defensive end, but has the smooth stroke and deep range needed to space the floor and knock down shots for a Raptors team that needs more players in his mold. He might not have an immediate role, but should carve out a niche long term given the stylistic needs within their system.
24. Utah Jazz — Donovan Mitchell, SG, Louisville
Mitchell is one of the draft’s more exciting athletes, as he plays far bigger than his 6'3'’ height would suggest. He’s not overtly long, but gets off the floor with a sense of ease that’s reminiscent of some of the class’ top prospects. He’s explosive en route to the basket and has shown an ability to pop off for big nights on occasion. That offensive spark plug, in combination with his defensive hustle, could make him a valuable addition to a Jazz team that could be in need of perimeter depth in the foreseeable future.
25. Orlando Magic (via Raptors) — T.J. Leaf, PF, UCLA
Leaf is a terrible defender, but makes up for that with a stellar all-around game offensively. He’s a smooth spot-up shooter on the perimeter, while his mobility and passing touch allows him to operate from the high post in several different capacities. The Magic could benefit from a stretch four off the bench, and that’s precisely what Leaf gives them.
26. Portland Trail Blazers (via Cavaliers) — Jonathan Jeanne, C, Nancy
Jeanne is one of the draft’s biggest question marks, as his 7'2'’ frame, in combination with a 7'7'’ wingspan, is accompanied by an abnormally thin muscular build. He’s not strong enough to compete with NBA competition from day one, yet has insisted that he’s coming to the league this upcoming season. His potential as a rim protector — as well as his occasional flashes of jump shooting — is enough to get Portland to gamble on him with their third first round pick.
27. Brooklyn Nets (via Celtics) — Semi Ojeleye, SF, SMU
Ojeleye finished out the year strong, putting together a big outing in SMU’s first round loss to USC in the NCAA Tournament. His strength alone gives him defensive upside at the next level, as he’ll be able to switch between forward spots depending on the rotational needs. His offensive utility will depend largely upon whether or not his spot-up shooting translates at the next level. Regardless, though, he fits the Nets’ long-and-athletic archetype.
28. Los Angeles Lakers (via Rockets) — Bam Adebayo, C, Kentucky
Adebayo saw his stock drop quite a bit this season, but still possesses some significant potential as a role player at the next level. Albeit undersized, his combination of strength and bounciness around the rim makes him one of this draft’s best rebounders, while also giving him high upside as a shot blocker. This is a Lakers team that needs some defensive backup underneath, meaning Adebayo could find himself in a servicable role year one depending on how Los Angeles handles Timofey Mozgov’s situation.
29. San Antonio Spurs — Ivan Rabb, PF, California
Rabb is a former McDonald’s All-American who likely would’ve gone in the lottery had he declared for the draft last season. After returning to Cal in hopes of showcasing his talents in an expanded role, though, Rabb’s stock plummeted behind shaky defensive performances and a rough offensive game that showed little tangible improvement. He’s still a smart player, heady rebounder and decent athlete who San Antonio can mold into a quality NBA player, but his floor is disappointingly low.
30. Utah Jazz (via Warriors) — Mathias Lessort, PF, Nanterre
The Jazz use their second first rounder to go the international route, adding some long term depth to their frontcourt with a high energy athlete in Lessort. He’s an unpolished asset offensively, but rebounds at a high rate and has potential as a rim-runner in transition. If he were a few inches taller (6'9'’), he’d probably be in the top 20 conversation.
