Predictable Or Unpredictable? 2017 NBA Mock Draft (First Round)

First Round:

1)  Philadelphia 76ers (via Boston)– Markelle Fultz, PG, Washington– Offensively gifted player who also rebounds & dishes. Will team up with Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid to form their own Big 3.

2)  Los Angeles Lakers- Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA– Vision & passing are special. Shot making ability despite funky form. Starter from Day 1. D’Angelo Russell or Jordan Ckarkson could be on the move.

3)  Boston Celtics (via Philadelphia)– Josh Jackson, G/F, Kansas-Very talented wing who will excel in the open court. Jumper needs work. His defense will make him a special 3 & D player.

*Rights will be traded to Chicago for G/F Jimmy Butler.

4)  Phoenix Suns-Jayson Tatum, SF, Duke-Tatum brings a lot of versatility to the table. Not much he can’t do. He will excel in this uptempo offense. He will complement  the back court very well. They are continuing to stockpile young talent.

5)  Sacramento Kings- De’Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky– Ultra quick lead guard who is terrific in the open court. His defense is disruptive. Underrated passer has a knack for finding teammates. Outside shot needs work.

6)  Orlando Mgic- Jonathan Isaac, SF/PF, Florida St.– His versatility makes him a perfect fit. His potential as a 2 way player should really excite the Magic. Once he adds muscle to his frame, he could be scary.

7)  Minnesota Timberwolves- Malik Monk-They need shooters to space the floor for Andrew Wiggins and Karl Anthony-Towns. Enter Monk, an excellent athlete who is also a knockdown shooter. Can defend the perimeter as well.

 

8)  New York Knicks- Frank Ntilikina, PG, France- Despite the boos from Knick fans (see Kristaps Porzingis), this young talent has the goods to make it in the Big Apple. Defense is his strength. Has playmaking ability and 3 point range.

9)  Dallas Mavericks- Dennis Smith, PG, NC St.- They have not been settled at PG since Jason Kidd. The Mavericks hope this offensively talented player can stabilize the position and lead them back to respectability.

10)  Sacramento Kings- Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona- Markkanen adds a much needed offensive punch to the front court since the trade of Cousins. His ability to shoot from deep will spread the floor. Must become a better rebounder.

11)  Charlotte Hornets-Donovan Mitchell, SG, Louisville- Terrific athlete who can create offensively and can also defend his position. 

 

12)  Detroit Pistons- Jarrett Allen, PF/C, Texas- He will complement Andre Drummond with his mobility and offensive upside.

13)  Denver Nuggets- Justin Jackson, SF, UNC- The wing needs to be addressed with Danilo Galinari’s time coming to an end. Jackson shooting is his strength and his defense is underrated.

14)  Miami Heat- John Collins, PF, Wake Forest- A power player to team with Hassan Whiteside. Collins can score and rebound with efficiency. Must improve range.

15)  Portland Trailblazers -TJ Leaf, PF, UCLA- His versatility is intriguing. Can put it on the floor & has range. Surprising athleticism who runs the floor. Needs to get stronger.

16)  Chicago Bulls- Terrance Ferguson, G/F, USA- They need more young athletes. He can score and finish. Has the potential to be a good defender.

17)  Milwaukee Bucks- Zach Collins, C, Gonzaga- They need a big who can score. Collins has good footwork in the post. His athleticism helps him rebound, defend and run the floor. 

18)  Indiana Pacers- Bam Adebayo, PF/C, Kentucky– The Pacers need some beef & toughness in the post. Bam will complement Myles Turner with his defense & rebounding.

19)  Atlanta Hawks- Justin Patton, C, Creighton- The Bucks have a lot of talented pieces except someone in the middle. Patton is a rim protector and rebounder with his offense coming along. 

20)  Portland Trailblazers- Kyle Kuzma, PF, Utah- His versatility is his strength with his ability to knock down shots, put it on the floor and find others. This pick could be traded.

21)  Oklahoma City Thunder- Rodions Kurucs, SF, Latvia– They need wings who can shoot. Kurucs is one of the best in the draft. Can also put the ball on the floor.

22)  Brooklyn Nets- Harry Giles, PF/C, Duke– If he can stay healthy, he can help the Nets up front. Rebounding and defense are a strength.

23)  Toronto Raptors- Jonathan Motley, PF, Baylor– Has three point range, can rebound, has touch around the basket and is an underrated defender.

24)  Utah Jazz- Wesley Iwundu, G/F, Kansas St.– Offers offensive versatility with the size and length to be a steady defender. Underrated athleticism. Range needs to improve.

25)  Orlando Magic- Juwan Evans, PG, Oklahoma St.– Dynamic scorer who can also find teammates. Don’t let his size fool you, he’s a tough competitor. Don’t be surprised if he pushes Payton for minutes at the PG position.

26)  Portland Trailblazers -PJ Dozier, PG/SG, South Carolina– Can add more depth at the PG position. Good size and length to become a good defender. This pick could also be traded.

27)  Los Angeles Lakers-Frank Jackson, PG/SG, Duke-Frank is moving up draft boards based on his versatility and upside as a combo guard. 

28)  Los Angeles Lakers-Jordan Bell, PF, Oregon- Tough, hard nose player who will rebound and defend. Will finish around the rim & run the floor.

29)  San Antonio Spurs- Tony Bradley, C, UNC– They need to infuse some talent and youth up front. Bradley has a world of potential.

30)  Utah Jazz- Ike Anigbogu, C, UCLA– Would add much needed depth behind Gorbert. Great size and power around the basket. Defense and rim protection are his strengths. This pick could also be traded.