NBA Mock Draft 1 (Mid-Season Snippet)
The first overall pick in the past 8 NBA drafts have all been players that spent one year on the college basketball scene. The last non-freshman picked in that slot was Blake Griffin in 2009. Since then 3 out of 8 picks have become All-Stars and 2015 top pick of Karl-Anthony Towns (2015) is a shoe in this year too.
This years freshman class is touted as one of the most talented in recent history, so as expected the NBA draft will be chock-full of one and done freshman.
Here we go.
Round 1:
#1. Boston Celtics (Acquired from Brooklyn):
Markelle Fultz — Fr PG, Washington
- He’s the most gifted player in the country. No ifs, ands or buts. As a high school player, Fultz decided to go Washington, quickly replacing Ben Simmons as the most talented player in the country on a really bad team. However, I believe this decision has allowed Fultz to shine.Currently he’s averaging 22.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG, and 6.7 APG. His 6'4 is exactly what you want from a point guard in today’s NBA. He should be able to knock down the long ball too if he winds up playing as an off-ball guard in the Celtics efficient offense.
#2 Philadelphia 76er’s:
Josh Jackson — Fr SF, Kansas
- Huge upside. That’s the key phrase that comes with this 6'8 youngster. As a top player on a top team, we’re going to see a lot of Jackson between now and the draft. Up to this point in the season he has shown his raw scoring ability from everywhere except beyond the three point line. If he can improve his shot he will be a star in the league.
#3 Miami Heat:
Lonzo Ball — Fr PG, UCLA
- If his full name isn’t Lonzo Can Ball, I need to have a conversation with his parents. As a do it all point guard for one of the best teams in the country, Ball has shown Magic Johnson type passing, Curry type range, and LeBron type leadership. Although his shot is unorthodox he has shown signs of being an elite scorer, and is already proven as a passer. Stud.
#4 Phoenix Suns:
Jayson Tatum — Fr SF, Duke
- Tatum may be unproven so far in his Duke career, but you remember that guy Kyrie Irving? He only played 8 college games. Tatum has the length to be a great NBA guard/forward. His largest flaw is his shot selection, he often settles for a long range jumper instead of a drive or dish. And why doesn’t he pass to Luke Kennard??? Weird.
#5 Dallas Mavericks:
Dennis Smith Fr PG, NC State
- Freak athlete. Smith is an explosive point guard who loves to play above the rim and is an elite finisher. He scores with ease, but could use a good amount of work on his shaky 3 point shooting, and shooting of the catch.
#6 Minnesota Timber Wolves: Malik Monk Fr SG, Kentucky
#7 Philidelphia 76ers: Frank Ntilikina PG, France
#8 New Orleans Pelicans: De’Aaron Fox Fr PG, Kentucky
#9 Denver Nuggets: Johnathan Isaac: Fr C, Fla St.
#10 Orlando Magic: Lauri Markkanen Fr PF, Arizona
#11 Detroit Pistons: Dwayne Bacon Soph SG/SF, Fla St.
#12 New York Knicks: Robert Williams Fr PF, Texas A&M
#13 Washington Wizards: Bam Adebayo Fr PF, Kentucky
#14 Portland Trailblazers: TJ Leaf, Fr PF, UCLA
#15 Sacramento Kings: Ivan Rabb Soph C, California
Stay tuned for updates, insights and adjustments to the order and info. And as always, enjoy theses guys while they’re tearing up the NCAA and abroad
