(Lonzo) Ball Don’t Lie.

Josh Higgs gives us his take on what’s going to happen at tonight’s NBA Draft.

With the NBA playoffs finally behind us, the league shifts its focus to the upcoming NBA draft. Many trades, both leading up to the draft and from previous years, have dramatically changed the selection order for this excellent draft class.

The following is a mock draft of the June 22nd, 2017 NBA draft.

1. Philadelphia 76ers (from Boston Celtics through Brooklyn Nets)

Markelle Fultz, PG, Washington — A futile Nets trades gave this pick to Boston, who parlayed it into even more future assets from Philadelphia. The 76ers will add a legitimate future star and big time player alongside Embiid and Simmons.

2. LA Lakers

Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA — Ball, Julius Randle, and Brandon Ingram make a dangerous young core. His court vision is superb, but his defense is suspect. The Lakers just dealt away his competition in D’angelo Russell to Brooklyn, and brought in an excellent big man in Brook Lopez, and are in the market to trade for Paul George. Adding Ball, alongside Lopez and possibly George also, makes the Lakers an instant playoff contending team.

3. Boston Celtics (from Philadelphia who pick swapped with Sacramento)

Josh Jackson, SF, Kansas — Toughness, tenacity, two-way player with superb defense, he’s an elite player who’s missing a consistent jump shot from making him a star. Off court issues have also plagued him, but joining the top team in the East conference, surrounded by so many veterans and playing meaningful games nightly will allow Jackson to grow. GM Danny Ainge flipped the #1 pick to Philadelphia for this pick plus future picks, and theyll still fill a need. Although it wouldnt be shocking to see this pick dealt to Chicago in a trade involving Jimmy Butler.

4. Phoenix

Jayson Tatum, SF, Duke — Close pick between Tatum and Isaac, but Isaac too raw, Tatum is NBA ready right now with ability to score from anywhere. Phoenix really wanted Ball or Jackson, but will be happy to take on Tatum who can put up 20 points a night.

5. Sacramento (pick swap with Philly)

De’Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky — With Buddy Hield, Skai Labissiere, and Willie Caulie-Stein in the fold, they need to add a PG. He performed excellent in the tournament, possess great speed and vision but needs to develop his shot more. Given that this team loves to draft pure scorers, it also wouldnt be surprising to see them draft Malik Monk.

6. Orlando

Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky — Needing help almost everywhere and the new GM having playoff expectations, taking a sweet scorer will help the team fill a need and allow Aaron Gordon to play PF where he belongs, thus they pass on Jonathan Isaac.

7. Minnesota

Jonathan Isaac, SF/PF, Florida State — Extremely raw, but capable of playing the 3 or 4, runs well, lengthy and athletic. Needs to add strength or he’ll be bullied at next level.

8. New York

Dennis Smith, PG, NC State — With the Knicks losing Derrick Rose, Smith can replace him immediately. Smith brings elite athleticism and shot, but has effort issues, not good for a young player. Theyve also worked out Ntilikina, Kennard and Monk to fill guard spots, and Markkanen to back up Porzingis.

9. Dallas

Frank Ntilikina, PG, France — The D-will experiment didn’t work. Mavericks have heavily scouted and fallen in love with this kid. Knicks may be interested also. He can defend, a pass-first guard, with great quickness and agility. Dallas might try to move up in the draft to secure Ntilikina as the French national is highly sought after.

10. Sacramento (from New Orleans)

Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona — After solving the PG problem a few picks ago, they address the problem at the 4. Although he struggled in the tournament, Markkanen is a stretch 4 with a good shot, but needs to work on toughness, defense, and rebounding. This pick could also be a prime spot for the Kings to make some noise via trade, possibly moving it to the Clippers for Deandre Jordan.

11. Charlotte

Luke Kennard, SG, Duke — He’s a great shooter, and could work some minutes from Batum and Walker. Recently adding Dwight Howard helped fill a need in the front court, and adding some shooting should propel Charlotte into the playoff picture next season.

12. Detroit

Harry Giles, PF, Duke — Arguably a top five pick, knee injuries have cost him big bucks. If he’s healthy, he brings elite athleticism, scoring, rebounding, and defending.

13. Denver

OG Anunoby, SF, Indiana — He’s a two way player who can guard multiple positions. He will miss significant time due to knee injury.

14. Miami

Zach Collins, C, Gonzaga —

A team expecting to make playoffs, would love Giles here, but need to make a safer pick with a guy who could contribute right away. Good Scorer and athlete. They could also make a play at Donovan Mitchell, but Collins may represent the best value pick at this point.

15. Portland

John Collins, PF, Wake Forest — Portland needs a SF or PF, but at this point in the draft it would be a reach, so they go BPA and take Collins who brings defense, a jump shot, and some length and athleticism to the bench. Their first of many picks, could be used to lure Deandre Jordan, Paul George, Carmelo Anthony, or other players rumoured to be on the move.

16. Chicago

Donovan Mitchell, G, Louisville — Chicago needs to add youth to this aged roster, as relying on Wade and Rondo will not cut it. He brings elite athleticism and is reminisce of Wade from time to time.

17. Milwaukee

Jarrett Allen, C, Texas — Milwaukee needs help up front. They’re overly reliant on the Greek Freak, but bringing in Allen should be able to help, as he grades out highly on defensive end, despite being seen as a raw offensive talent.

18. Indiana

TJ Leaf, PF, UCLA — Leaf is undersized at the PF, but is an excellent scorer. This team is in trouble and will be looking to make trades during this draft, as franchise player Paul George has indicated this will be his last season in Indiana. Look for an infusion of youth from Indiana on the trade front for this draft.

19. Atlanta

Justin Patton, C, Creighton — He will need some seasoning as he’s very raw, but he’s athletic, efficient in the post. Atlanta just jettisoned Howard and Millsap likely wont return so they need to fill up that front court fast.

20. Portland (from Memphis)

Justin Jackson, SF, UNC — Blazers needs more depth at SF, jackson would bring great scoring off the bench. Dont be surprised if this pick is moved during the draft.

21. Oklahoma City

Edrice Adebayo, PF, Kentucky — This part of the draft is a crap shoot. Bam brings strength, rebounding and blocking to the teams rotation.

22. Brooklyn (from Washington)

Terrance Ferguson, SG, Australia — Finally the worst team in the league gets to pick a player! A very lightweight player, but excellent shooting and defense, if he adds strength he could be a solid NBA player. With holes throughout the entire lineup, Ferguson would be an excellent pick and could jump into the starting rotation almost immediately.

23. Toronto (from La Clippers)

Ike Anigbogu, C, UCLA — Toronto needs some toughness and defense off the bench. Ike brings defense and high motor with strength, wingspan, and shot blocking.

24. Utah

Tony Bradley, C, UNC — He can contribute offensively and defensively, but not elite at either end of the floor.

25. Orlando (from Toronto)

Jawun Evans, PG, Oklahoma State — Backing up Elfriid Payton he will bring court vision, ball handling, and adequate shooting and defense.

26. Portland (from Cleveland)

Isaiah Hartenstein, PF, Germany — A draft-and-stash PF who is extremely aggressive, can shoot, rebound and shot block.

27. LA Lakers (from Brooklyn through Boston)

Tyler Lydon, SF, Syracuse — Lydon brings good shooting, shot blocking and explosive athleticism off the bench. With the huge trade with Brooklyn, the Lakers not only shed a bad contract (Mozgov) and bad attitude (Russell), they also picked up stellar centre Brook Lopez and this pick. But come draft night, I think this pick, along with the following pick will be packaged with Luol Deng for Indiana Superstar Paul George.

28. LA Lakers (from Houston)

D.J. Wilson, PF, Michigan — A high flying stretch 4, can hit the 3 and play some defense. Would likely be a rotation player at best off the bench. See above write up about this pick.

29. San Antonio

Anzejes Pasecniks, C, Latvia — Draft and stash player, skilled offensively but needs to add strength to contend on the defensive end.

30. Utah (from Golden State)

Jonah Bolden, F, Australia — Streaky player who left UCLA to play international where he truly blossomed. Very versatile but soft at times defensively.

Josh is a baseball and basketball contributor for TheOcho.ca. By day he teaches in schools or works at gas stations. By night he’s watching hours of sports and brainstorming his next article.