The NBA.com first round for the June 22 draft, based on conversations with
executives and scouts:
1. Boston Celtics
Markelle Fultz | Washington | PG | 6-4 | 195
Fultz is probably the pick for anyone else if Boston swaps the pick for a
veteran. If the Celtics keep control of the board, it comes with the knowledge
Fultz still fits because he can play off the ball with an All-Star at the point,
Isaiah Thomas. Fultz’s size at point guard, and barely 19 years old with the
chance to still grow, the ability to create space to get to the rim or pull up
from the perimeter, the versatility to play some shooting guard as well – he has
been the consensus top pick most of 2016-17. Fultz shot 41.3 percent behind the
arc, although also just 64.9 from the line.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
Lonzo Ball | UCLA | PG | 6-6 | 190
While the Lakers are also looking hard at De’Aaron Fox and Josh Jackson, a
majority of front offices think they will stick with Ball, and for more than the
potential comedy value of watching the hype machine overheat. “He’s too good,”
one rival executive said. “He’s too slick. He checks all the boxes.” Family
issues are a non-factor because the Ball who will be drafted has shown himself
to be grounded, relaxed and, more than anything, a team player with little
interest in demanding the spotlight. He has great vision and is a pass-first
point guard with the basketball IQ to deliver the ball at the right time and the
right place.
3. Philadelphia 76ers
Josh Jackson | Kansas | SF | 6-8 | 205
Philly needs shooting, and that’s not Jackson, who showed only occasional
three-point range and was just 56.6 percent from the line. But the 76ers also
needs help at small forward along with defense at most any position, and that is
Jackson. They’re looking at Malik Monk to boost the perimeter offense, but know
No. 3 is a bit of a reach. It probably comes down to a decision between point
guards (Ball or Fox) or small forwards (likely Jackson, possibly Jayson Tatum).
Jackson’s size for the position combined with physical gifts may allow him to
play small-ball power forward after getting older and stronger.
4. Phoenix Suns
De’Aaron Fox | Kentucky | PG | 6-4 | 170
This is more about Fox’s high ceiling than an indictment of incumbent Eric
Bledsoe, who still has value as a two-way player. Some clubs say they would
strongly consider Fox at No. 2, as the Lakers are actuality, making him an
especially good talent at No. 4. Going more conventional, also a possibility,
would mean Jackson or Tatum lands in Phoenix as part of the dramatic front-court
renovation that started with the 2016 draft. It’s even realistic the Suns could
have their choice of the small forwards.
5. Sacramento Kings
Jayson Tatum | Duke | SF | 6-8 | 205
The Kings have been considering a breakup with Rudy Gay since last June, when
they headed into the draft considering the scenario of picking Jaylen Brown
followed in the summer by a Gay trade. (Brown was off the board when Sacramento
picked). Tatum, a nice prospect anyway, is especially appealing now that Gay is
a free agent. If Tatum develops three-point range, he has the chance to become a
complete scorer, able to get points by finding openings in transition, off a
mid-range game and from offensive rebounds.
Complete coverage of 2017 NBA Draft | Mock Draft 1.0 | DA’s Big Board: Point
guards, Shooting guards, Small forwards, Power forwards and Centers.
6. Orlando Magic
Malik Monk | Kentucky | SG-PG | 6-4 | 185
There is no track record to indicate the thinking of Jeff Weltman in his first
draft as a head of basketball operations, only the fact that the Magic were 28th
in shooting and 29th in three-point percentage and now have Monk in front of
them as an obvious response. A few things to counter concerns he is slightly
undersized to become an impact shooting guard: That level of athleticism means
he can play bigger than 6-4, he is 19 and could add an inch or two, and has
promising three-point range after the 39.7 percent as a freshman.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves
Jonathan Isaac | Florida State | PF-SF | 6-11 | 205
It’s easy to see Minnesota loving the possibilities of Lauri Markannen paired
with Karl-Anthony Towns as double bigs with range to twist defenses into knots
while Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine streak to the rim. But Isaac’s height plus
a nine-foot reach could create a lot of havoc on both sides of the ball, along
with rebounding even while obviously needing to put on weight. It’s the ability
to handle the ball and create that makes small forward an option. Isaac has
already shown the quickness to play there, making the potential versatility as a
combo forward an obvious plus.
8. New York Knicks
Frank Ntilikina | France | PG | 6-5 |170
If at age 18 the Frenchman is this poised, with great court vision and unselfish
with the ball, already at 6-5 and with the chance to keep growing, imagine the
possibilities when he becomes an old man of 21 or 22 with NBA experience. Not
merely the top international prospect, Ntilikina would have been one of the
first five selections in a lot of other years. That he isn’t there already says
everything about the point-guard depth in 2017. Some teams like his perimeter
game enough to think Ntilikina could also play off the ball.
9. Dallas Mavericks
Dennis Smith | North Carolina State | PG | 6-3 | 195
Good NBA defenders may have trouble staying in front of Smith as a rookie. He
has that much explosiveness, with speed and leaping ability while constantly in
attack mode, assets that allow him to break down defenses, get inside and play
above the rim at 6-3. The lack of perimeter game, though, means the same
defenders will be able to back off. Playing big minutes at a high level was an
especially important accomplishment after missing 2015-16, what would have been
his senior season in high school, with a knee injury.
10. Sacramento Kings
Lauri Markkanen | Arizona | PF | 7-0 | 225
The agile, fluid 7-footer is the latest European stretch four bound for the
lottery, following Kristaps Porzingis and Dragan Bender. Markkanen, from
Finland, will beat defenders down court on the break or pick them apart in half
court with range that resulted in making 42.3 percent of his threes while
attempting 4.4 per game. In a draft heavy with point guards, he is a big who
stands out.
11. Charlotte Hornets
Donovan Mitchell | Louisville | SG | 6-3 | 210
The Hornets would love to see Ntilikina or Smith drop a few spots to find a
backup for Kemba Walker, but Charlotte has depth problems in general. Mitchell’s
projected ability to play both backcourt spots would be a boost for the second
unit and give him a chance to break into the rotation. He has the physical
tools, with very good athleticism and strength at 210 pounds, both of which help
compensate for being undersized for a shooting guard. But his game is
inconsistent and lacks three-point range, two obvious concerns for front
offices. He did have some of his better showings against quality opponents.
12. Detroit Pistons
Zach Collins | Gonzaga | PF | 7-0 | 230
Collins had a fast climb up draft boards in the second half of his freshman
season, even for someone prominent enough to be a major recruit for the Zags.
Although front offices don’t want to over-emphasize one game, the 14 points, 13
rebounds and six blocks in the national semifinals at the Final Four showed he
can already handle the pressure moments. Collins averaged just 17.2 minutes on a
team loaded with veterans, but that was enough to impress the NBA.
13. Denver Nuggets
Justin Jackson | North Carolina | SF | 6-8 |195
He can impact a game on both sides of the ball with energy, mobility and long
arms. He finds openings on the defense to score in a variety of ways while his
role has increased each of the last three years, to where Jackson was the
leading scorer on a national champion. That’s the other thing: Three years in an
elite program with the added experience of back-to-back trips to the title game.
He does not have three-point range that will force an opponent to come out, but
is improving.
14. Miami Heat
Harry Giles | Duke | PF | 6-11 | 220
On talent, Giles is in the conversation for at least the top five and possibly
even No. 1. But he tore ligaments in both knees in high school and missed the
first 11 games this season while recovering from a third procedure, arthroscopic
surgery on the left knee, meaning a general manager is really, really going to
have to trust his medical staff before spending a high pick on Giles. He
averaged just 11.5 minutes in 26 games without the consistent standout play
front offices want to see from a lottery pick, but also with the understanding
2016-17 was a double transition as a freshman and working back from injury.
15. Portland Trail Blazers
John Collins | Wake Forest | PF | 6-10 | 225
He went from 7.3 points and 54.7-percent shooting as a freshman in 2015-16 to
19.2 and 62.2, respectively, this season while playing against the very good
competition of the ACC. The offense, beyond scoring inside and capitalizing on
offensive rebounds is very much a work in progress. But defensively, although
hurt by foul trouble, he is active and could develop into a rebounder and shot
blocker in the NBA.
16. Chicago Bulls
Luke Kennard | Duke | SG | 6-5 | 190
Kennard – not Tatum, not Harry Giles or Grayson Allen with more publicity – was
Duke’s most dependable scoring threat and also one of the biggest three-point
threats in the country. While that range is the obvious selling point, Kennard
has a nice offensive game in general, including passing, as part of the big
improvements from last season as a freshman. The NBA does not see star
potential, but can project a solid career at least as a contributor in the
rotation.
17. Milwaukee Bucks
Jarrett Allen | Texas | C | 6-10 | 235
The size, the big hands, the long reach and wingspan – he will be ready
physically. It’s just that Allen does not play physical, doing most of his
damage running the court hard and finishing, and following offensive rebounds.
Beyond that, his offense needs a lot of work. His level of agility and reach
equals the potential to become a good shot blocker and rebounder, and the Bucks
need to improve on the boards.
18. Indiana Pacers
T.J. Leaf | UCLA | PF | 6-10 | 225
The appeal is that Leaf does a lot of things well, with moves around the basket,
range out to the three-point line and passing ability, all the more impressive
that it’s as a freshman. He was an important recruit a year ago but not compared
to some of the elite high school seniors at the top of 2017 draft boards, and he
is not close to the No. 1 prospect from his own school, yet Leaf has jumped out.
He benefited from all the NBA eyes on Ball.
19. Atlanta Hawks
Terrance Ferguson | Australia | SG | 6-7 | 185
He gambled big by turning pro in Adelaide, Australia, rather than spending a
freshman season at the University of Arizona with much better competition and
playing for a coach, Sean Miller, with a record of developing NBA prospects.
Ferguson counters that a season against adults and living on his own made him
more ready for the leap to the NBA. He is essentially a spot-up shooter without
much ability to handle or create an opening, but the Hawks need three-point
threats and, generally, anyone who can make baskets. “That kid is going to be
the surprise of the draft,” one executive said. “He’s an outstanding shooter.”
20. Portland Trail Blazers
Bam Adebayo | Kentucky | C | 6-10 | 250
He can play with some power inside or use mobility to score in transition,
complete with the leaping ability that could lead to finishing a lot of lobs.
Beyond potential as a rebounder and the ability to play in open court, though,
Adebayo needs to show he can expand his game on offense. He would ideally be
paired with a big who can hit a shot or score from the post… or as part of a
team with a dynamic set of scoring guards.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder
OG Anunoby | Indiana | SF-PF | 6-8 | 235
It wouldn’t be the first time Sam Presti went for a long-term investment in the
first round. Anunoby would have been an easy call as one of the top defenders
available and potential lottery pick until needing season-ending surgery on his
right knee from an injury suffered Jan. 18 at Penn State. The health concern
will obviously weigh heavily on the minds of front offices. But if the reports
from team doctors are good, a front office in the late-teens or early-20s could
consider Anunoby a steal, even with the uncertainty of when he will be back on
the court.
22. Brooklyn Nets
Justin Patton | Creighton | C | 7-0 | 230
The redshirt freshman, originally not part of the discussion of the heralded
first-year players, has surged with athleticism to go with the size. The 18
points on nine-of-12 shooting plus eight rebounds and two blocks in 28 minutes
when Creighton played then-No. 1 Villanova on Dec. 31 was part of getting
noticed, but not everything. The rest of the season offered encouraging hints of
Patton’s future.
23. Toronto Raptors
Isaiah Hartenstein | Lithuania | PF | 7-0 | 240
The versatile offensive threat was born in Eugene, Ore., in 1998, moved to
Germany in 2008 and joined Lithuanian team Zalgiris in 2016. He can score from
different areas, inside and out and also on the run, a sign of his mobility at
that size while still growing at 18 years old. NBA teams would like him even
more but are wondering about his attitude and whether bad body language and
being taken out of his game by emotions is being a teenager or being a potential
problem.
24. Utah Jazz
Anzejs Pasecniks | Spain | C | 7-2 | 230
The Latvian, a former teammate of Kristaps Porzingis on the under-18 national
squad, had a very good season in the quality competition of Liga ACB. The
Porzingis connection carries through to style of play – a big who can shoot with
range, smart – only without the same skill level. Pasecniks moves well for his
size and should only get stronger while adding bulk to the 7-2 frame. That could
help him develop an inside game.
25. Orlando Magic
Ike Anigbogu | UCLA | C | 6-10 | 250
The numbers – 4.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 13.0 minutes in a reserve role – don’t
demand attention, and neither does playing on a team with Ball and Leaf both
possibly heading to the top half of the first round. But Anigbogu has good size,
agility, is a good rebounder in a limited role and is still just 18 years old.
He has a long way to go, but also has a very good starting point.
26. Portland Trail Blazers
Ivan Rabb | California | PF | 6-10 | 215
Rabb is an old man compared to much of the rest of the projected draft class – a
sophomore – who was a lottery candidate a year ago while playing with eventual
No. 3 pick Jaylen Brown and second-rounder Tyrone Wallace before returning to
school. Rabb remains a candidate for the teens, with the ability to score
inside, either from the post with a nice touch or on the run with good mobility,
and rebounds. But he will need to improve to make an impact when he moves away
from the paint.
27. Brooklyn Nets
Caleb Swanigan | Purdue | PF | 6-9 | 250
This is not the same Caleb Swanigan who declared for the 2016 draft, had a bad
showing at the Chicago pre-draft camp, and wisely decided to return to school.
The 2017 version, a sophomore, is much improved almost every way, from
conditioning to approach to on-court execution. He suddenly has the look of a
potential reserve big man, at power forward and possibly some small-ball center.
28. Los Angeles Lakers
Jordan Bell | Oregon | PF | 6-9 | 230
The Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year went from some very good moments in the
tournament (eight blocks and 13 rebounds in the Elite Eight victory over Kansas)
to the additional credibility boost of a nice showing at the Chicago pre-Draft
combine. Following that with more good days at individual workouts would
solidify Bell’s spot in the first round. Teams already know his energy and
athleticism means the defense should translate to the NBA. He could also
contribute on the boards.
29. San Antonio Spurs
Tyler Lydon | Syracuse | PF | 6-10 | 205
Shooting 42.7 percent behind the arc the first 25 games and 39.5 for the season
makes him an ideal stretch-four candidate and also means he could handle some
small forward on offense while getting stronger. Being able to defend both
positions may be another matter. Lydon rebounded well against ranked Atlantic
Coast Conference opponents and overall averaged 8.6 boards in 36.1 minutes, a
sign he will be able to handle himself inside at the next level after adding
weight.
30. Utah Jazz
Jawun Evans | Oklahoma State | PG | 6-1 | 185
Evans should not be overlooked in a class with many other point guards rated
higher and was not lost in Oklahoma State’s bad start to conference play as part
of a 20-13 season. Evans has the speed to compensate for any concerns, handles
the ball well, and would be coming out with two years of experience at a major
program against tough competition. Teams see a backup point guard of the future
available late in the first round.
Scott Howard-Cooper has covered the NBA since 1988. You can e-mail him here,
find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
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