NBA Finals 2017 Prediction

LeBron James, Cleveland

Even though the 2016-2017 NBA season gave us plenty of different surprises and storylines (Russell Westbrook and James Harden's triple-doubles, Boston getting the one seed out East, etc.), it is coming to its end the way many people predicted: a third straight Golden State-Cleveland finale. The last two series between the two have treated us to not only great basketball but some legendary moments, and things should get even more intriguing with Kevin Durant in the fold, still searching for his elusive first ring. Both teams bring their own set of superstars to the equation, along with some of the deepest lineups we've seen in NBA history. But, which won will come out on top in the third part of the trilogy, and forever imprint their name in history? Things should be close either way, but a closer look into each team should tell the story.

This March and April, there appeared to be legitimate concerns about Cleveland's chances of a repeat title. At one point, Cleveland had lost of six of ten, and were throttled by San Antonio by nearly 30 to cap off a terrible March stretch. There is no denying the Cavaliers have recovered in a dominating fashion, going 12-1 in their first three series out East. Many could argue their competition in the perennially-weak Eastern Conference contributed to their success, but there is still something to be said about the resiliency and focus of this Cleveland team, and LeBron James. James has put together one of the best Playoffs of his life to this point, and seems to have a chip on his shoulder about the Warriors being such a dynasty and the "greatest team ever", despite beating them in the thrilling seven game series in '16. Joining James has been point guard Kyrie Irving, who had a dominating series against Boston in the ECF, and outplayed Steph Curry in the Finals last season. Long known as a flashy player that couldn't really win, Kyrie has shredded that label, and his impressive playmaking abilities should be on full display here. Beyond that, the Cavaliers' recent success has been fueled by a bench that has stepped up at the right time. Unheralded names like Deron Williams and Kyle Korver (both acquired mid-season) have given Cleveland's second unit as much pop as ever. Overall, the Cavaliers are riding a huge wave of momentum, and seem to appreciate the "underdog" label that has been handed to them. When this team plays like they've been disrespected or wronged, they play so well and confident, and I could certainly see that being the case as they enter their third straight Finals.

While Cleveland has looked near unstoppable in their conquest of the Eastern Conference, Golden State has been even better out West. Despite the fact the Western Conference is deeper and tougher than the East, the Warriors haven't lost a single game in the post-season. It isn't too difficult to understand why; their offensive firepower is absolutely staggering, and their toughest competition, San Antonio, watched as their star player went down with injury. It's the same old story for Golden State in many ways; they spread the ball out extremely well, share it at an incredible rate and let their stars hit the shots. It isn't a super complex formula, but it works super well when you have four Top 15 players in the NBA and a coach that innovative and confident. That formula has helped Golden State to the best three-year stretch in NBA history (in terms of wins), and one title. There isn't much doubt it could certainly yield another crown.

For anybody facing a team like Golden State, finding weaknesses to exploit is next to impossible. That means that you have to find and maintain your strengths, and hope that it works out for the better. The good news for the Cavs is that they have three distinct advantages in the series: depth, size and the best player in the world today. For as scary good as the Warriors' first unit is, they did lose some quality bench options to land Kevin Durant. You can't argue that is wasn't a great trade-off, but what made the Warriors so tough to beat over the past few years has been their energy off the bench, with guys like Leandro Barbossa and Mareese Speights. Shaun Livingston is still a match-up nightmare, and long-time veteran David West can still score. But, beyond that, Golden State's bench is thinner than last season, and that could be a huge factor, particularly if the series goes seven, which many assume it will. Steve Kerr (who is currently out due to illness, assistant Mike Brown is running the team) and the entire Warriors' organization will be creative with how they solve that particular problem, but Cleveland should try and get out and run, which is where they are at their best anyways. Another huge advantage for the Cavaliers has to be their size underneath. Tristian Thompson didn't get much recognition for what he did last season in the Finals, but the big man is an X-Factor for Cleveland. His ability to relentlessly pound the glass gives the Cavs plenty of extra possessions, which are obviously key if you want to beat a team with an offense such as Golden State's. Paired with other key frontcourt pieces such as Kevin Love and underrated Channing Frye, expect Cleveland to pound the ball down low often, as they did in 2016. Golden State is going to be running small-ball quite frequently, so the Cavaliers should be able to control the paint and play it to their strengths.

What is the key for Golden State to win this series? It starts with defense, which isn't something you would think about when you look at this offensive-minded roster. LeBron took over games often towards the end of the series last year, which can't happen again. It may be impossible to completely stop the King but forcing him into jumpers or contested shots has to be of top priority. The issue is that beyond the rugged Draymond Green, the Warriors don't have any great on-ball defenders to stop him. Andre Igoudala did such a good job in 2015 he won Finals MVP, but Iggy has aged significantly over the past two seasons, and could be focused on other tasks. Because of this, the Warriors will have to play smart, expertly communicated defense to help neutralize LeBron (and his sidekick Kyrie). Outside of that, the mental game has to be important for Golden State. There was more than just one reason for the Warriors' loss last season, but a big part of it was their lost composure. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson looked flustered too often, and the edge Golden State had for so long disappeared. When you're facing a team as deep and balanced as Cleveland, you cannot afford for that to be the case. Maintaining that mental edge will be key, but perhaps in a different sense. The Warriors have gotten a lot of hate this season for their constant complaints to refs and more than a few teams and players have accused them of being dirty. The Warriors can't let that outside noise get to them and must also control their game, not let the refs dictate how they feel they're doing.

While many people assumed it would be a Golden State-Cleveland, third edition, entering the year, most are split on just who will take home a ring. On one hand, Golden State has four guys that can take over the game at any moment, but Cleveland seems to be more balanced and deeper. I don't think there is any doubt this series will go six to seven games, and I think it should be thrilling all the way through, much like the 2016 edition. I think it should also end quite similarly to last year's special series. The Cavaliers have the depth, the coaching and a transcendent superstar aiming for his fourth ring. They win the series.

Cavaliers in seven

NBA Offseason 2017: Which Teams Need to Blow it All Up and Rebuild?

Paul George and Indiana

The Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers is still technically ongoing, but with the firepower on the Cavs' roster and Celtics' star Isaiah Thomas done for the rest of the postseason, it appears we are heading towards a third straight Golden State-Cleveland NBA Finals. While many may enjoy the new grand rivalry brewing, others may hate how unbalanced and uncompetitive the current league has become. No matter your opinions on the matter, there is no denying how impressive it is. Despite the fact 28 other teams are trying to take them down, the Warriors and Cavaliers have obliterated their competition, and look to add another title to the fold. It also begs a question: how, in a league with a salary cap and plenty of fresh talent entering the league every season, can two teams form such a monopoly? While people can point to the formation of super-teams as the answer, the fact of the matter is that so many teams in the league today are poorly structured and built. Some times in the NBA, the only real solution to improve is to actually get worse; get younger, more athletic and more diverse and enter a rebuilding stage that may eventually yield the pieces to finally get you over the top. For a decent chunk of the teams that made the Playoffs this year, this is almost certainly the case. Which teams should really blow up their roster and hope a rebuild can finally break a trend of Golden State-Cleveland? These teams have to be looked at as the best candidates:

Indiana Pacers
Since the LeBron-Miami days, Indiana has been a pretty consistent contender out in the Eastern Conference. Led by star Paul George and a solid crop of veterans, the Pacers have been able to be competitive, and even give the Heat some fits of their own during the infamous "Big Three" era. Yet, a sweep at the hands of none other than LeBron and the Cavs seems to indicate it is time for a makeover in Indianapolis. Paul George is as good as ever; the versatile wing has proven he can score in so many different ways and defend some of the best the league has to offer. Yet, "PG13" only has one year left on his deal, and it has become pretty common knowledge he wants to be on a winner. Without a ton of cap space or future stars to work with, the Pacers probably aren't his best chance to get a ring, so why stay? Certainly he should feel a sense of loyalty since Indiana did take a chance on the Fresno State product out of college and has helped him to develop into a star, but they have become a stagnant organization without any real direction. If you're Indiana and you think he's gone, why not get started on life after Paul George as soon-as-possible? If they traded him today, they could likely get a boatload of assets and picks to build around. Boston and the Lakers have both expressed serious interest in George, and would likely be willing to give up quite a bit to land him. Outside of Paul George's uncertain future, who do the Pacers have that really excites you? Jeff Teague is a mediocre point guard who isn't very young, Monta Ellis has to be nearing the end of his career, and Al Jefferson is a one-dimensional center that is also getting old. Versatile big man Myles Turner has emerged as a terrific developmental piece who the Pacers could realistically build around, but he isn't there yet. Why not rid themselves of Jefferson and let Turner get the bulk of the touches underneath, to see what you truly have in him? While Indiana has had a nice run of consistency under George and company, it is time to move on. Even if they don't trade George and want to take one last stab at a Finals run, the roster needs to change significantly. There just isn't enough there to win right now, especially with LeBron still at the peak of his career.

Toronto Raptors
Speaking of being consistent winners, Toronto has gone to the Playoffs four straight seasons and made the Conference Finals in 2016. However, much like the Pacers, Toronto was swept without much fight by LeBron and the Cavs, and enter a weird situation. Point guard Kyle Lowry plans to enter free agency and wants to play for a winner, but how big of a loss would Lowry really be? Lowry has always been pretty good, but has consistently disappeared in big moments for the Raptors and probably never will be a leader on a Championship team. With that in mind, it may be wise for Toronto to let him walk and develop somebody else at point guard. Unfortunately, that would leave guard DeMar DeRozan as really their lone star. DeRozan was just given a hefty contract extension this past summer and has had his moments, but suffers from the same issues Lowry does; inconsistency and poor performances in the clutch. I struggle to imagine a team being really great and challenging a Warriors or Cavaliers with DeRozan as their centerpiece. That doesn't mean the Raptors need to trade DeRozan, but it may be interesting to see what teams would offer for a guy that has put up some big numbers in his career, but hasn't really ever helped their team win the important ones. I actually don't hate what Toronto has done in their frontcourt, but that doesn't mean it couldn't use some retooling. Serge Ibaka was okay after coming over from Orlando and stretches the floor pretty well, but he has struggled with injuries over the course of his career. Meanwhile, center Jonas Valanciunas has been pretty good but still isn't an elite center and really doesn't look like he'll ever be considered one. General manager Masai Uriji seems committed to riding this current core, but it seems pointless at this juncture. This current roster has no chance of overtaking Cleveland out East any time soon, and Toronto isn't an attractive-enough destination for a stud free agent to come along. So, once again I ask, why delay the inevitable? DeRozan and Ibaka could still get plenty of assets in a trade and perhaps open up the door for some younger pieces to show what they got, such as Norman Powell and Jakob Poeltl.

Los Angeles Clippers
Back when Doc Rivers arrived from Boston, inheriting a core that included perennial All-Star Chris Paul and two stud big men, DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin, you'd be crazy to not think the Clippers would make at least one trip to the Western Conference Finals. But yet here we sit today in 2017, roughly five years after the Clips really started to take off, and the team's Playoff chokes have become all too common. In 2015, the Clippers beat San Antonio and then held a 3-1 lead against Houston, finally looking like the team they were destined to be. And then they fell apart, losing three in unbelievably frustrating fashion. The trend continued on to this season, when Los Angeles held the series for awhile against the Jazz but found a way to choke it away. It is pretty clear what the issue is; poor roster makeup, and lack of true chemistry. Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan are good, but they make a truly terrible frontcourt together. Why? Neither can stretch the floor or make the big play, and too often Los Angeles' offense gets jammed together and struggles. To make things worse, Griffin hasn't been able to stay healthy and hits free agency this summer. Chris Paul is still an All-Star-caliber guard, but he has yet to shred his reputation as a playoff-loser, still not reaching a conference finals in his wonderful career. He has all the tools to do it, but this isn't the roster. He doesn't have enough help in the backcourt and tries to make up for it by doing too much in the clutch moments, which really end up backfiring. Now 32 and still ringless (let alone zero Finals trips), Paul may feel it is time to take his talents elsewhere. I'd love the fit of him in San Antonio or something similar, where his skills could be utilized in a better-designed offense. Also sure to make things interesting is the future of J.J. Reddick and Jamal Crawford, who both could be gone soon. Reddick is a free agent this summer and could head elsewhere, which could take away a valuable shooter to this offense. I've felt this way for awhile and another early Playoff exit has confirmed it; this team is so good on paper but so poor in true execution. If either Griffin or Paul walk it should be full rebuild time in Los Angeles. And, even if it isn't, something has to change on this current roster. They don't have the right system to overtake a Golden State or San Antonio and seem forever stuck in good-but-not-great mode, which is the worst place to be as an NBA franchise.

Memphis Grizzlies
Much of these teams on this list have seen long runs of success, and that continues with Memphis. With a gritty and hard-nosed attitude, the Grizzlies have been to the postseason seven straight times, even winning 50 games for three consecutive years from '12-'13 to '14-'15. While that run has been impressive to watch and appreciate for a small-market team without a true superstar, the title picture may be closed in Memphis. The Grizzlies have been eliminated in the first round by the Spurs for two straight seasons, and are aging significantly. Zach Randolph was once a building block for this team but is now 35, and no longer a starter. Marc Gasol was a gem uncovered by the Grizz, but he isn't young anymore at 32, and has had injury issues. Mike Conley is still a fine point guard, and a true leader on and off the court. However, his massive contract will be a big hit to the Grizzlies' books for a long time and he has also dealt with injury issues. The same goes for Chandler Parsons, who was really bad this season despite earning a huge contract this past off-season. That increased age, serious money problems and lack of direction all seem to be indicating a team that needs to start looking ahead to the future. The tough part about this time is how and when to really start a rebuild. If they can stay healthy are they still a team that could make a run? If not, what do you do first? They don't really have any fantastic options to use in a trade that could lay the foundation for an overhaul. Yet, much like LA, Indiana and Toronto, you get the feeling something has to and likely will change in Memphis. It is sometimes a harsh reality for NBA teams to accept, but sometimes you have to come to the realization your current roster never is going to make it over the top, particularly in a league where super-teams are the new-normal. The quicker some of these teams accept that, the more efficient and quick a rebuild can happen.

NBA Mock Draft 2017: Edition 2

De'Aaron Fox to Philadelphia

1. Boston Celtics: Markelle Fultz, G, Washington (Scouting Report)
After managing to land the No. 1 selection, Boston should take some time to look at either Lonzo Ball or Markelle Fultz here. Ball would bring an elite-level playmaker to Boston, but Fultz fits the roster better. He would fill in nicely next to Isaiah Thomas as an off-ball guard that can score in bunches.
2. Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA (Scouting Report)
Lonzo Ball and his family have made it perfectly clear that he wants to go to the Lakers, and he would certainly be one of the best available at the second spot. His arrival could move D'Angelo Russell to shooting guard, where he is more comfortable, and help run the up-tempo offense head coach Luke Walton wants to have.
3. Philadelphia Sixers: De'Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky
The Sixers were unable to steal the Lakers' pick (if it had dropped past three they would have received both LA's first-rounder this year and in 2018), they were steal certainly winners of the lottery, landing at three. They could land the dynamic and lightning-quick Fox out of Kentucky, who could be the perfect running mate with a healthy Ben Simmons.
4. Phoenix Suns: Josh Jackson, G/F, Kansas
Beyond the ever-improving Devin Booker, the Suns are incredibly thin at wing, without any long term scoring threats. That would change quickly if they brought in Jackson, whose athleticism and court vision would excel in the transition game and would certainly bring instant offense.
5. Sacramento Kings: Jayson Tatum, F, Duke
Out of the top-rated prospects in the 2017 Draft Class, I think Jayson Tatum made the most progress from the start of the season to the end, and he's a rock-solid NBA prospect. The Kings are completely rebuilding their frontcourt with Demarcus Cousins gone, and would have to add a versatile scorer, a role Tatum would fit perfectly.
6. Orlando Magic: Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky
Elfrid Payton is among the worst shooting guards in the NBA, and the Magic as a whole don't shoot the ball well from deep. That needs to change if they ever want to turn the corner, so selecting Malik Monk would make sense. Monk is still streaky at this point in his career, but he has proven he can absolutely take over games at times, and can really stroke it from downtown.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jonathan Isaac, F/C, Florida State
It's pretty clear Karl-Anthony Towns is on the verge of superstardom, but the fantastic big man doesn't play great defense or really protect the rim. The T-Wolves choked away too many games this past season, and stopping opponents from getting easy baskets needs to be of top priority. Isaac is among the top rim protectors in the Draft, and should slide in nicely next to KAT.
8. New York Knicks: Frank Ntilikina, G, France
The Knicks have made it well-known they plan to go after Jrue Holiday or one of the other top guards in the free agent market this summer, but they need to get younger talent with more potential in the long term. Phil Jackson hit on Kristaps Porzingis, so he may got the International route once more and land Ntilikina, a dangerous offensive player with a smooth jumper.
9. Dallas Mavericks: Lauri Markkanen, F, Arizona
He is definitely a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer, but the Mavericks have to accept Dirk Nowitzki is almost certainly nearing the end of his career. His game has aged well because he never relied too much on athleticism and he's still as smart and crafty as ever, but decreased minutes going forward could be an option. If that's the case, Dallas would love to develop somebody behind him and Markkanen's versatility is reminiscent of a young Dirk.
10. Sacramento Kings: Dennis Smith Jr., PG, NC State
Even though his team was terrible, Dennis Smith Jr. was absolutely superb in 2016-2017, and has a ton of talent. However, teams may be concerned about his health (torn ACL in senior year of high school) and he could slip. After adding Tatum to help their frontcourt, the Kings should use their pick acquired in the Cousins' deal to add a building block at point guard.
11. Charlotte Hornets: Zach Collins, F/C, Gonzaga
I've mentioned before how much I love Collins as a prospect, but he isn't viewed on the same level as some of the other big men in this Draft. If he is available here at 11, Charlotte should jump on the chance to add the seven-footer, who has significant more upside than the mediocre Cody Zeller or Frank Kaminsky.
12. Detroit Pistons: Jarrett Allen, C, Texas
Despite the continued presence of Andre Drummond, the Pistons need more help in their frontcourt, and there are an abundance of options here. Allen had some ups-and-downs in his lone season at Texas, but he is a lengthy defender that has the potential to make this move worth it.
13. Denver Nuggets: Terrance Ferguson, G/F, Australia
Some casual fans may not be aware of Ferguson, who opted to head overseas instead of staying in college and going to Arizona, but they should soon make themselves aware of his fabulous athleticism and defensive abilities. The Nuggets are thin and aging at wing, which should surely change if Ferguson was out there.
14. Miami Heat: John Collins, F/C, Wake Forest
After a quiet freshman year at Wake Forest, John Collins exploded this past season, and has emerged as a quality NBA prospect. He increased his PPG from 7.3 to 19.2 and his rebounds per game also nearly tripled. Much like Detroit earlier, Miami has plenty of possibilities with this selection if they're looking for a big man, but Collins' wild improvement could convince them to go with him.
15. Portland Trail Blazers: Justin Patton, C, Creighton
The Trail Blazers appeared to get quite a steal when they acquired Jusuf Nurkic mid-season, who played very well in the Portland system. However, adding another young center would still really help, and after an impressive freshman season, Patton could be a steal if he falls out of the lottery.
16. Chicago Bulls: Justin Jackson, G/F, North Carolina
Chicago is a very bad shooting team, which is a significant problem for a team that has a lot of attacking wings who need space to operate. Justin Jackson took huge leaps this past season, and emerged as a reliable three-point shooter. His ability to space the floor and attack defenses in a variety of ways will be a key asset for the Bulls.
17. Milwaukee Bucks: Ike Anigbogu, C, UCLA
Even though Anigbogu didn't get much attention on the Bruins' lineup this past season, he has emerged as a high-upside, high-energy player. He is still growing as an offensive player but is good around the rim and an insane 7'6" wingspan enables him to alter plenty of shots defensively. He would add another young, talented frontcourt option to the table for Milwaukee.
18. Indiana Pacers: Bam Adebayo, C, Kentucky
The Pacers have unearthed a gem in Myles Turner, but the rest of their big men are aging (Al Jefferson) or don't have significant roles on this roster. Coming out of Kentucky, Bam Adebayo still has a long way to go offensively and is still one-dimensional, but his strength and impressive physical tools are enough for Indiana to take a chance on him.
19. Atlanta Hawks: Hamidou Diallo, G/F, Kentucky
An impressive showing at the NBA Draft Combine certainly helped Diallo's stock, as his amazing athleticism was on full display. Yet, he is still a major risk as he hasn't played one minute of college basketball (enrolled at Kentucky for one semester but never played) and his jump shot needs a ton of work. The Hawks may be searching for a steal here and while Diallo is obviously risky, his potential is still enticing.
20. Portland Trail Blazers: Donovan Mitchell, SG, Louisville
Much like Diallo, Donovan Mitchell helped out his Draft stock with a strong showing at the Combine. The former Louisville Cardinal may not have the upside of some of the other players in this Draft, but he is a proven scorer who could provide plenty of offensive help off the bench in Portland.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder: Luke Kennard, G, Duke
In their first off-season post-Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City has a number of things they must address. Paramount on that list is adding some sharpshooters, who can take some pressure off of Russell Westbrook so he doesn't have to do it all. Kennard seems like a natural fit on this roster and proved to be quite the deadeye over the past two seasons for the Blue Devils.
22. Brooklyn Nets: Ivan Rabb, F/C, California
Every single NBA Draft we see young players leave too early and struggle at the next level, not fully prepared for the rigors of the NBA. Ivan Rabb hoped to not fit this trend and opted to stay an extra season at Cal to improve his game despite being a likely lottery selection in 2016. The move didn't really pay off; he didn't improve much from last season and struggled when called on to be the Bears go-to option. Even so, he is a skilled forward that can space the floor and really dominate in the mid range. He would definitely improve a terrible Brooklyn frontcourt from the get-go.
23. Toronto Raptors: Tyler Lydon, F, Syracuse
Tyler Lydon first emerged as an NBA Draft prospect with his superb play for Syracuse in their Final Four run in 2016, and he showed improvements in his sophomore campaign. Lydon is a little bit undersized for the NBA, but he makes up for it with fabulous instincts and a solid jump shot. His versatility and smarts make him a great fit to Toronto.
24. Utah Jazz: Dwayne Bacon, G/F, Florida State
Nothing is set in stone yet, but there is a lot of people around the Jazz organization worried about Gordon Hayward leaving. The franchise's top player has emerged as a perennial All-Star, and will certainly attract plenty of attention from teams like Miami and Boston when he hits the free agent market this summer. If that is too happen, Utah needs to fill the scoring void, and they could do just that by adding Bacon. Although streaky and inconsistent, Bacon has proven he can take over games at times while at Florida State.
25. Orlando Magic: O.G. Anunoby, G/F, Indiana
I mentioned in my last mock how I envision Anunoby ending up going higher than 25 (perhaps in the lottery), but I still believe he could drop some as he recovers from a season-ending injury. Anunoby's a terrific defender and high-energy player, and he could play a number of positions at the next level. Orlando needs help nearly everywhere, so they shouldn't hesitate to add the former Hoosier.
26. Portland Trail Blazers: Jonathan Jeanne, C, France
With their third selection of the first round, there remains a strong chance Portland goes for an overseas option that they can stash for a years and wait to develop. Coming out of France, Jeanne certainly could refine his skills in Europe before coming over to the NBA. Standing at 7'2" with a 7'6" wingspan, Jeanne possesses excellent shot-blocking ability and he has drawn comparisons to Jazz center Rudy Gobert.
27. Brooklyn Nets: Harry Giles, F/C, Duke
Much like Anunboy, Harry Giles is a name that could shoot up draft boards as the process goes on, and I doubt he lasts until pick 27 with his high ceiling. If he does get fully healthy, the Nets are getting a crazy athletic forward that can hurt defenses in a variety of ways.
28. Los Angeles Lakers: T.J. Leaf, F, UCLA
After snagging Lonzo at pick 2, why don't the Lakers double-down on some UCLA prospects by adding Leaf here? None of Leaf's abilities really jump out at you, but he is extremely reliable and a force on the glass. If he gets stronger and can develop even better from the outside, the Lakers get quite a steal in the late first.
29. San Antonio Spurs: Jawun Evans, PG, Oklahoma State
The play of Kawhi Leonard and some of the other younger pieces on the Spurs have masked the fact that the old core of San Antonio is growing extremely old. Manu Ginobli is clearly a shell of what he once was, and Tony Parker may soon be nearing the end of his career. It may be time to snatch up his replacement in Evans, whose playmaking potential would give Gregg Poppovich plenty to work with going forward.
30. Utah Jazz: Rodions Kurucs, F, Lativa
Much like the Blazers, Utah has a plethora of picks and doesn't really need to use all of them for right now. Kurucs is viewed as a great European stash option; the Latvian has shown bits and pieces playing for Barcelona 2, and could really fill out as a dangerous slashing forward, something the Jazz could certainly need in the future.

Spring Football 2017: Redemption on the Plains

Kamryn Pettway, Auburn

There may not ever be as magical of a season by a single college football team than the 2013 Auburn Tigers. Despite the fact the Tigers had managed to bring on their former offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn on as their next head coach, not much was expected of them coming into the season. A 3-0 start was soon followed by a sobering loss to LSU by two touchdowns, but Auburn's season didn't end there. Over the next nine weeks, the Tigers put together one of the craziest runs in college football history. They had an insane, Hail Mary reception by receiver Ricardo Louis to stun Georgia and then followed it up a week later by beating archrival Alabama in one of the most improbable endings in the sport's history. They capped things off by running all over Missouri in the SEC Championship, setting up a matchup with Jameis Winston and Florida State in the final BCS National Championship Game. Even though the Tigers would eventually lose in a heartbreaker it seemed Auburn was back to being a national power, and Malzahn was leading the charge. However, sports don't always work that way, and the winds of fate once again shifted. Auburn was the victim of a number of close losses in 2014 and struggled defensively, amounting to a disappointing 8-5 mark. 2015 was supposed to be their year, but nearly everything that could go wrong did and the Tigers went 7-6, finishing dead last in the ultra-competitive SEC West. This past season, Auburn showed plenty of promise, even starting off 8-2, but fell back to Earth. They lost their last three games to finish off 8-5, and looked overmatched against Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl. That means since that National Championship Game appearance, the Tigers are 23-16 and have suffered three consecutive losses to Alabama. Yet, things appear to be changing once more for Auburn. Led by a new transfer at quarterback, and a running back on the cusp of superstardom, this Tigers team seems truly ready for a return to the national stage and a shot at redemption for the past three disappointing years.

Gus Malzahn has long been hailed as a genius offensive mind, and his achievements certainly seem to back that up. As offensive coordinator for Auburn in 2010, Malzahn worked wonders with Cam Newton, and Auburn had one of the nation's most explosive offenses in the nation. Upon his return in '13, Malzahn once more worked some magic, transforming former JUCO recruit Nick Marshall into a successful QB and opening up lanes for Tre Mason to gauge defenses through. Unfortunately, that offensive success has lacked one big thing: a true, dangerous vertical passing game. Newton proved he could get the ball down the field, but outside of him, the Tigers have yet to find any signal-caller to really open things up and keep defensive backfields honest. That could be changing with the addition of Jarrett Stidham, who arrives from Baylor. Stidham wowed in four games with the Bears in 2015 but was quickly lost to injury. When scandal rocked Baylor and he learned he would not overcome incumbent starter Seth Russell for the quarterback gig, Stidham opted to transfer. He was considered one of the best "free agents" in college football before Malzahn managed to convince him to head East and take over the reigns of the offense. Stidham has astounding arm strength and is a fearless quarterback; he was definitely helped by Baylor's weapons at times but that shouldn't overshadow what he was able to achieve there despite being so young. Stidham will certainly have to adjust to SEC defenses, which will vary completely in their coverage packages and blitzes, versus the wide-open Big 12, but Malzahn and company will be creative with how they use their new dazzling arm. If he is able to adjust quickly, the Tigers almost certainly have their best quarterback since Newton, and should finally have the balance they covet offensively, which should absolutely strike fear into opposing defenses.

Even if Stidham adjusts quickly and greatly improves the Auburn passing attack, he is far from the only piece ready to make some serious noise in 2017. If you don't know him already, acquaint yourself with Kamryn Pettway. The junior from Montgomery, Alabama, had an absolutely breakout 2016, going from zero carries the year previously to first team All-SEC. He rushed for 1,224 yards (124.8 per game) and had seven touchdowns, absolutely bullying opponents along the way with his physical style of play. What was truly amazing about it was that Pettway did those things despite splitting time. He played in just ten games and started just six, while splitting snaps with Kerryon Johnson and Stanton Truitt. Truitt has transferred to North Carolina, while Johnson is expected to play a reduced role, opening the door up for Pettway to do even bigger things this season. While he doesn't quite have the flash or speed of past Auburn star backs such as Ronnie Brown, Michael Dyer or Tre Mason, Pettway's tenacity and excellent vision have helped him evolve into a real playmaker. With another off-season of workouts under his belt and a quarterback that can stretch the field, in turn giving him more room to operate, I expect Pettway to run absolutely wild and perhaps even put his name on the Heisman short list.

Those two are ready to put on a show in '17, but that doesn't necessarily mean Auburn is going to be fully ready to dominate. This team still definitely has other pieces that they need to figure out to really take the next step. Second year defensive coordinator Kevin Steele did a good job remaking the Tigers' defense last season, but loses some significant pieces, namely defensive tackle Montravious Adams and end Carl Lawson. Yet, Malzahn has recruited well enough that depth should not be much of an issue and other breakout stars are ready to step up (keep a close eye on junior end Byron Cowart). The Tigers must also find some new playmakers at receiver and make some tweaks on a good, not great offensive line. Then there is the the tough schedule they have to contend with. Auburn has to go on the road in week two against defending champs Clemson and will have to endure a brutal three-game stretch in late October and early November that includes road trips to LSU, Texas A&M and Arkansas all in a row. Those things will certainly play a huge role in Auburn's success this season, but even if those questions, it is time to get excited about this football team. They may have finally unearthed the secret to their success (Stidham) and have enough weapons to cause some serious damage. If things work out, this team should be able to finally meet the enormous expectations that always come out of their football-crazed college town, and maybe, just maybe, take down the mighty Alabama Crimson Tide.

NBA Draft Scouting 2017: Breaking Down Lonzo Ball

Lonzo Ball, UCLA

After just one season of college basketball at UCLA, Lonzo Ball has already become a household name. He put together a marvelous season, led the Bruins back to the top of the Pac-12, and took home many honors. But, it was his father, and his often controversial comments really took the Ball name to the next level. Lavar Ball has been quoted saying he could beat Michael Jordan one-on-one, that Lonzo was already better than Steph Curry, and that he favored a 1 billion dollar shoe endorsement for his three sons. Pair that with the recent release of the "Zo2's", Lonzo's own personal shoe that has a hefty price tag of $495, and Lonzo already has made a name for himself before he even steps foot on an NBA court. But, just how good will he be at the next level? Will his game translate well to the more physical NBA? A deeper look into strengths and weaknesses may just give us the answer we're looking for.

Offense: One of the most impressive aspects of Lonzo Ball's offensive game is his breakneck speed. He is incredibly quick and agile and uses it to get easy transition opportunities. He is the fastest baseline-to-baseline prospect I've seen since John Wall back in 2010. UCLA head coach Steve Alford used that speed and quickness very well, letting Lonzo truly run crazy in those transition opportunities. With his pinpoint passing ability and lightning speed, Ball was highly successful. He is going to have to go up against quicker and bigger defenders in the NBA, but that strength of his game should still serve him very well moving forward. Lonzo also possesses extraordinary court vision and a wonderful feel for the game. Despite being just 19, Lonzo can recognize defenses and anticipate plays as well as a longtime NBA veteran, which makes him so dangerous when he chooses to attack. Occasionally he will try to sneak passes into tight windows which is where he gets in trouble, but overall, his turnover rate was very low for someone who averaged an NCAA-best 7.6 assists per game this past season. Outside of his speed, Ball's other physical gifts are also mind-boggling. At 6'6" with a 6'8" wingspan, Ball has ideal size for today's NBA which should enable him to be creative offensively in the NBA, such as using his size when attacking the rim or perhaps even posting up down low against mismatches. He is also an incredible athlete always able to create a highlight. He had more than just a few posterizing slams while at UCLA and while that shouldn't be something he relies on going forward it provides energy to the team and the fans, which should not be overlooked in the NBA. Yet, for all these positives, there is one glaring question mark for Lonzo offensively: his jump shot. His form is messy and unrefined, where he brings the ball back and essentially throws it at the rim. However, it is hard to say that this shooting form hasn't served him pretty well; he was a superb shooter in the high school ranks and shot 41 percent in his lone season with the Bruins. I assume whoever drafts him won't try and completely change it considering how much work it would take, but it will need some tweaks. It's a relatively slow release and it needs to be raised, or else longer defenders in the NBA are going to be able to get pieces of it. No matter what his form does look like going forward, he has to be less streaky. For all the times Lonzo took over games in '16-'17, there seemed just as many times he disappeared, or his shot was completely off. A lot of that has to do with mentality and preparation, so hopefully he'll have a good system of vets wherever he goes to help him out. Lonzo also has to improve at an area that not a lot of people seem to put enough emphasis on: the free throw line. He shot 67% from the stripe this past season, which is pretty poor for a guard playing at such a high level. Considering so much of his offensive game is blowing past defenders and getting to the rim and drawing contact, that is a very worrying stat for me.

Defense: People are quick to criticize Lonzo Ball on nearly everything, including defense, but I think he actually proved to be a pretty dang good defender while at UCLA. That size is where he is really going to have an advantage defensively. He'll be able to handle offensive players going hard to the rim and get in the way of shots with his long arms, while also disrupting passing lanes on the perimeter. He also has pretty good footwork and agility, which obviously plays such a huge role in on-ball defense. He does a good job having short, choppy feet and staying low to the ball and not reaching, which is something that always impressed me whenever I watched him play. He is good moving side-to-side as well as vertically, so there isn't any easy way to get around him, and he plays a pretty disciplined brand of defense. Ball is a pretty solid playmaker on that side of the ball, recording 1.8 steals per game this year. If he can keep that up, he'll really be able to create a lot of transition chances and fast-breaks where he can work some real magic. If there is one thing you can look for improvement on defensively, it is his focus. I mentioned something similar with Markelle Fultz in my scouting report on him, but Lonzo occasionally looses track of the ball and gets backdoor cut on often, or doesn't make the proper rotation that his team needs. The good news is that isn't the toughest thing to fix, and his natural physical tools are going to be able to overcome any of the mental errors he makes along the way. Defensive rebounding is a really underrated part of Lonzo's game. He had multiple double-digit rebound games while at UCLA and uses his lengthy frame to snatch up loose balls off the glass. I assume he'll be spending most of his time on the outside and leaking out for long outlets at the next level, but his ability to do work on the glass is still going to be an important thing to have in the future.

Verdict: So many people are split on just how good Lonzo Ball is going to be that I think he is a super intriguing prospect. He is as gifted and dynamic a player as I've seen coming from the college ranks in awhile, but there are clearly some major deficiencies in his game, and you never know how his father's comments could affect his reputation of perception. The general consensus around Lonzo is that he is going to be either a superstar or complete bust at the next level, but I disagree, I see him somewhere in between. With his court vision and ability to create, I don't think there is any doubt he'll be able to produce at a very quality level in the NBA. I see him being a quality starter for an NBA contender who can set up teammates all the time and give the fans plenty to enjoy. For a number of struggling NBA franchises just looking for any type of guard help, that will be more than enough.

Where He'll Go: No. 3 to the Los Angeles Lakers

How does Lonzo end up in LA? Full NBA Mock Draft 2017: Edition 1 

NFL Draft 2018 Sneak Peek

Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming

After a months-long process that has many twists and turns, the 2017 NFL Draft process has come to its inevitable conclusion. While some may have gotten the piece they need to contend for a Super Bowl, others still will have to look ahead to continue their rebuilds (ahem, Cleveland and San Francisco). Which prospects can those teams look to in 2018? We take an in-depth look at which prospects will most likely hear their name called first 12 months from now.

Quarterbacks

Sam Darnold, QB, USC
After stepping in for a 1-3 USC team that appeared to be going nowhere, Sam Darnold promptly led the Trojans to nine consecutive victories and looks to continue to guide them to their resurgence among the nation's elite. Darnold has all the tools NFL scouts love; a big, accurate arm, impressive mobility and a strong, analytical mind. With many teams still searching for their franchise quarterback next year, Darnold will make a strong push to the top of the 2018 board.

Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
He may be from a small school, but Josh Allen has all the traits to be a stud in the NFL. He has a huge arm that can make some truly impressive deep throws, and also possesses quality mobility. He has displayed poise and confidence throughout his time at Wyoming, and looks like he is only scratching the surface of what he can be as a quarterback. Many will mock the competition he plays against in the Mountain West, but that shouldn't detract from his talents.

Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
Injuries and breaking in a new offensive coordinator contributed to a rough 2016 for Josh Rosen and UCLA, who fell to 4-8. Even so, many scouts still believe the former five-star recruit, once hailed as "Chosen Rosen" can be a superstar NFL quarterback. He possesses pinpoint accuracy with refined mechanics and he is never overwhelmed by any situation, as he started as true freshman with the Bruins. He'll have to get healthy and prove he can be one of the nation's elite signal-callers, and expect plenty of interest from a wide assortment of NFL teams.

Others to Watch
Luke Falk, QB, Washington State
Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
Austin Allen, QB, Arkansas
J.T. Barrett, QB, Ohio State

Runningbacks

Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia
If not for a freak knee injury suffered in 2015-2016, Chubb may well have been selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. However, the injury altered his career path slightly and despite a solid 2016, he opted to stay one more season in Athens. The powerful rusher has proven he can absolutely shred defenses with his physical nature while still displaying excellent bounce on the outside. Some NFL teams may still have concerns over his knees, but talent-wise, Chubb should be dominant.

Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
While Penn State's explosive passing offense got plenty of attention last year, it was often Saquon Barkley's running that loosened up the defense and allowed for the Nittany Lions' big plays, and he should be even more lethal in 2017. Despite not being massive, Barkley has shown excellent variety in his rushes, going in between the tackles or breaking down defenders in the open field. He's also a freak athlete, evidenced by his blazing speed and ability to leap defenders. He has to improve as a blocker and pass-catcher to really lock him down as a first-round prospect, but his skills are already impressive.

Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
Leonard Fournette just went fourth overall to Jacksonville and many consider him the best running back prospect since Adrian Peterson, but could Derrius Guice end up being better? Guice put on an absolute show in 2016 when Fournette was injured, and reports out of LSU camp say that the tailback is squatting upwards of 500 pounds. He may not have the bulldozing abilities of Fournette, but with a little bit more shift to him, Guice could terrorize opposing SEC defenses all the same.

Others to Watch
Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon
Bo Scarbrough, RB, Alabama
Kamryn Pettway, RB, Auburn
Ronald Jones II, RB, USC

Receivers/Tight Ends

Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
Since stepping on campus as a youthful freshman, Calvin Ridley has been an absolute game-changer for Alabama. He has shown incredible explosiveness, reliability and a clutch gene out of this world. After two impressive years in Tuscaloosca, expect him to be in Biletnikoff Award contention as a junior, and likely follow the trend of former Tide receivers Julio Jones and Amari Cooper and end up in the first round.

Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
He may not be a household name just yet, but NFL scouts are already very well acquainted with Courtland Sutton. The uber-athletic SMU wide out is already among the nation's most dangerous red zone threats, and scouts love his physical nature of play. At 6'3", 215 pounds Sutton has a game very similar to that of former Clemson receiver Mike Williams, who just so opened to go seventh overall to the Chargers a week ago.

Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State
There are a lot of tight ends in the nation that can catch the ball, but few have the ability to break open games quite like Mike Gesicki. A relative no-name prior to 2016, the soon-to-be senior hauled in 48 receptions for 679 yards and five touchdowns, averaging over 14 yards per catch. He displayed a knack for finding open space against defenses, and even being able to make some incredible leaping catches that floored coaches, fans and scouts alike. Expect the athletic tight end to get even better in '17, and shoot up draft boards.

Others to Watch
James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
Mark Andrews, WR/TE, Oklahoma
Antonio Callaway, WR, Florida
Bryce Bobo, WR, Colorado

Offensive Linemen

Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
Despite first-round projections for the 2017 NFL Draft, Mike McGlinchey opted to stay one more season at Notre Dame, likely honing his skills and helping lead the Irish back from a disastrous 4-8 2016. At 6'7", 310 pounds, McGlinchey certainly has an NFL body, but he must continue to improve as a run blocker, where he struggled at times this past season.

Mitch Hyatt, OT, Clemson
After two seasons of blocking for Deshaun Watson, Hyatt should follow his former quarterback on the road to the NFL. Thrust into a large role at a very young age, Hyatt has done a remarkable job picking up on the fly and displaying impressive confidence, even as he stared down some great ACC pass rushers. Even more impressive for Hyatt is his play in this past year's Playoff, where he absolutely shut down the plethora of talented pass rushers Ohio State and Alabama had to offer.

Mason Cole, C, Michigan
He may play a center, a position not known for being selected very high in the Draft often, but Mason Cole still has a very good chance to go high up in the 2018 NFL Draft because of two things: his durability and versatility. Cole has started every single game over the past three seasons for Michigan, and he'll look to bring that to the next level. He has also displayed impressive versatility, moving from tackle to center, and there is a good chance he will move around quite a bit for the Wolverines in 2017.

Others to Watch
Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma
Tyrell Crosby, OT, Oregon
Tyrone Crowder, OG, Clemson
Trey Adams, OT, Washington

Defensive Linemen

Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
Even though NC State's defense wasn't terrific this past season, Bradley Chubb certainly was. The defensive recorded 10.5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss in 2016, absolutely terrorizing opposing quarterbacks along the way. That tackles for loss number was the second most at NC State in a single season in their history coming only behind former No. 1 overall pick Mario Williams. Chubb's size and impressive pass rushing skills certainly remind of Williams, who has carved out quite a career for himself at the next level.

Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
Defensive tackles aren't supposed to be very athletic, but Wilkins certainly shatters that mold. Despite weighing in at well over 300 pounds, Wilkins has shown an incredible ability to get to the ball and make plays in open space. He ran one of the fastest 40s for his position in the country this past season and heck, he even caught a pass in the 2016 Playoff off a fake punt, helping give Clemson the momentum they need to win the game.

Arden Key, DE, LSU
A rangy edge rusher with an explosive first step, Key fits the bill as a future 4-3 DE or 3-4 outside linebacker at the next level. He used his explosiveness and wide frame to record 12 sacks last year, breaking the LSU single-season record, truly amazing considering the amount of talent that has passed through the defensive line over the years in Baton Rouge. After taking some time away from the game in the spring for personal reasons, expect Key to return in 2017 with the same passion and fire that made him so scary to opponents last season.

Others to Watch
Da'Shawn Hand, DE, Alabama
Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford
Byron Cowart, DE, Auburn
Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State

Linebackers

Rashaan Evans, ILB, Alabama
Alabama produces NFL-level talent at nearly every position, but it seems that they particularly emphasize inside linebacker, where a long list of studs have taken the leap from Tuscaloosca to the next level (including Rueben Foster this year). In his first significant action since arriving at Alabama, Evans recorded 52 tackles and four sacks. Expect even more damage from the hard-hitting linebacker as he inherits a starting job.

Marquis Haynes, DE/OLB, Ole Miss
Even though opponents honed in on blocking specifically for him and coming at him with double-teams, Haynes produced plenty this past season at Ole Miss and he appears to be gearing up for an NFL career. He picked up 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks this past season and his dynamic playmaking off the edge makes the Rebels so aggressive defensively. If he can grow in other parts of the game beyond being just a pass rusher, he could be a first-round selection.

Malik Jefferson, OLB, Texas
Malik Jefferson arrived at Texas with plenty of fanfare and so far we have seen bits and pieces of his vast potential, but not the complete package. With a new head coach and defensive philosophy expect the Longhorns to unleash the junior, who can inside or outside. With his instincts, tracking abilities and range, he should have a fabulous season, and give scouts plenty of highlights to drool over.

Others to Watch
Cameron Smith, ILB, USC
Azeem Victor, ILB, Washington
Micah Kiser, ILB, Virginia
Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, OLB, Oklahoma

Defensive Backs

Derwin James, S, Florida State
There was perhaps no bigger blow to Florida State this past season than losing Derwin James for a long period of time, as he missed the whole second half of the season. James' range and closing speed gave the Seminoles' defense so many options because they knew they had a security blanket in back. Now healthy, expect James to have a terrific junior season and maybe fulfill a comparison that is becoming increasingly popular: Deion Sanders.

Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB, Alabama
Much like linebacker, Alabama produces some really fine talent in their secondary, and it appears Minkah Fitzpatrick is next up. Fitzpatrick has been very young these past two seasons but has still found ways to make a big impact on the Alabama defense. With his versatility and smarts, it isn't unlogical to think he could play either corner, where he has the athleticism to hang with top-tier receivers, or safety, where he can come down and make plays in run support at a very high level in the NFL.

Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
Alexander first made a name for himself with a spectacular showing against Deshaun Watson and Clemson, but he struggled in the season's second half as the Louisville defense seemed to lose its ferocity and aggressiveness. Don't expect that again in '17, as the motivated Alexander should lead a hungry Cardinals' defense. The corner is quick and physical, and he has the hard-hitting abilities that make so many teams scared to throw his way.

Others to Watch
Tarvarus McFadden, CB, Florida State
Jordan Whitehead, S, Pittsburgh
Quin Blanding, S, Virginia
Iman Marshall, CB, USC

NBA Mock Draft 2017: Edition 1

Josh Jackson to Philadelphia

1. Boston Celtics: Markelle Fultz, PG, Washington (Scouting Report)
As of right now, Boston is in prime position to not only get to the Eastern Conference Finals, but also land the top pick in the Draft, still reaping the rewards of the Paul Pierce/Kevin Garnett trade to Brooklyn years ago. Despite the play of Isaiah Thomas, who has been godly in the last few Playoff games, Boston could use further help in the backcourt, and Fultz is the clear-cut top prospect in the Draft.
2. Phoenix Suns: Jayson Tatum, F, Duke
After taking some time to adjust to the collegiate level, Jayson Tatum was an absolute monster for Duke over the last few months. With a polished inside-out game, and impressive versatility, he has all the tools to be effective right away in the NBA. Phoenix needs all the help they can get, and I love the fit.
3. Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA 
Lonzo Ball has become a pretty popular name on and off the court in recent months, but there is no denying his immense playmaking potential. His jump shot is broken and off, but he still has shown the ability to score in a variety of ways, and his athleticism and court vision are unmatched. Him (and his father) seem like a good fit in the bright lights of LA, who will pair him with promising backcourt mates Jordan Clarkson and D'Angelo Russell.
4. Philadelphia Sixers: Josh Jackson, G/F, Kansas
Without a whole lot of backcourt help to build around, Philadelphia would certainly examine stud Kentucky products De'Aaron Fox or Malik Monk here, but Josh Jackson would still clearly be the top player on the board. Jackson has to round out his offensive game, but he has the length, athleticism and energy to do just that, and he'll immediately upgrade the wing for Philly.
5. Orlando Magic: De'Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky
De'Aaron Fox really grew into his own at Kentucky this past season, and he could form a lethal backcourt combo with Elfrid Payton in Orlando. Fox still has to grow a reliable jump shot, but his speed and defensive skills already make him an impact player, and paired with Payton, Orlando could run opponents to death.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves: Zach Collins, F/C, Gonzaga
I absolutely love Zach Collins' game. He's a lengthy, smart big man who already is a proven disruptor on defense and his upside is off the charts. At seven feet tall, his length will allow him to make an impact in the NBA immediately on the defensive side of the ball, while he still works on growing and developing.
7. New York Knicks: Dennis Smith Jr., G, NC State
Despite acquiring Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah this past summer, the Knicks are a laughingstock, and they have next to know developmental options on this roster. They have to take the best player on the board, and Dennis Smith Jr. fits the bill. Despite tearing his ACL his senior year of high school, Smith showed impressive explosiveness and athleticism in his lone year with the Wolfpack, and he would immediately bring some bite to this stagnant offense.
8. Sacramento Kings: Jonathan Isaac, F/C, Florida State
Without Demarcus Cousins getting all the touches offensively, Skal Labissiere and Willie Cauley-Stein both really came into their own in the season's second half, but neither can really be considered franchise building blocks. Isaac is extremely raw, but his length, shot-blocking abilities and strength give him the framework, and he should only get better.
9. Dallas Mavericks: Lauri Markkanen, F, Arizona
One of the lesser-known commodities arriving in a good 2016 recruiting class for 'Zona, Markkanen turned out to be one of the premier freshman in the Pac-12. He proved to have a very diverse and polished offensive game, and could stretch the floor a bit. He doesn't quite have the upside of some of the other big men in the NBA, but he could certainly be a nice long-term replacement for Dirk Nowitzki, whose career has to be finishing up soon.
10. Sacramento Kings: Malik Monk, G, Kentucky
After snatching up Isaac earlier on Sacramento will use their draft pick acquired in the Cousins' trade to pick up the best pure scorer in the Draft. Monk is a little bit of a tweener at guard and not a great defender, but he has proven he can absolutely take over games. Him and Buddy Hield wouldn't be a great backcourt, but boy it'd be entertaining.
11. Charlotte Hornets: Justin Patton, C, Creighton
Despite not being highly touted coming out of high school, Justin Patton really impressed NBA scouts at Creighton. He showed that he could really finish around the basket, and he could use his wide frame to really work on the glass. He still has plenty to improve, but he appears to be one of the best pure centers in the Draft and could anchor Charlotte's low post for years to come.
12. Detroit Pistons: Frank Ntilikina, G, France
Easily the most difficult part of the NBA Draft is projecting International players. For every Dirk Nowitzki or Kristaps Porzingis, there seems to be about 100 Fran Vasquez or Andrea Bargani types. Even so, in the late lottery they aren't a super big risk, and Frank Ntilikina may end up being quite the steal. He's a speedy, aggressive offensive player who has proven he can produce on the big stage. He'd immediately add some energy to a Pistons' offense lacking much substance beyond Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond.
13. Denver Nuggets: Terrance Ferguson, G/F, Australia
Much like Brandon Jennings and Emmanuel Mudiay before him, Terrance Ferguson shocked the basketball world by announcing he would forgo college and play one year overseas, fulfilling the NBA Draft requirements of one-year out of high school. He was very quiet in Australia, but his Draft stock will inevitably rise once scouts get to see more of his tremendous athleticism and scary transition game, which will be even more deadly in Denver's altitude.
14. Miami Heat: John Collins, F/C, Wake Forest
With Chris Bosh's time in South Beach effectively over and Hassan Whiteside still rather one-dimensional, Miami should favor adding a young prospect to help out the frontcourt. John Collins seems like a real good fit. He took a huge leap in his sophomore season at Wake Forest and while he still is improving offensively, he has all the tools to become very, very good.
15. Portland Trail Blazers: Jarrett Allen, F/C, Texas
With his size and defensive abilities, there remains a good chance Jarrett Allen will go in the lottery. With that in mind, he still is incredibly raw and some NBA teams could favor going with a more experienced, less-risky prospect. If he does drop a bit, Portland should bring him on, he'd give them a dominant true center they've lacked for a long time.
16. Chicago Bulls: Edrice "Bam" Adebayo, F/C, Kentucky
He may not quite have the superstar potential of former Kentucky big men Anthony Davis and Karl Anthony-Towns, but Bam Adebayo is going to really produce for some NBA team. He has to get better at the free throw line and defensively but he's already massive and powerful and he has so much potential.
17. Milwaukee Bucks: Isaiah Hartenstein, F/C, Germany
A common trend has emerged in the last couple Milwaukee Bucks' draft selections: insane potential and impressive length. Why not keep up the trend and go with an unproven, but high-upside center in Hartenstein, who just happens to have a 7'2" wingspan? If he works out, he could force out Greg Monroe, who seems to disrupt the rhythm of this offense.
18. Indiana Pacers: Justin Jackson, G/F, North Carolina
After suffering through some severe ups-and-downs in his first two years in Chapel Hill, Justin Jackson took huge strides this past season, emerging as one of the Tar Heels' go-to options. He has done a complete 180 as a three-point shooter, and his floater is a handy tool to have. Again, his upside may not be off the charts, but the Pacers should be happy to add a dangerous offensive weapon into the fold.
19. Atlanta Hawks: Ike Anigbogu, C, UCLA
Lost behind the hype of Lonzo Ball and the other UCLA freshmen, Ike Anigbogu has shown signs of growth and plenty of potential. He averaged just 4.7 PPG in his lone year with the Bruins, but he showed a knack for disrupting the opponents' offense down low and outmuscling defenders on the block. Dwight Howard has reportedly been frustrated with his role in Atlanta, so why not replace him with a younger, less dramatic version?
20. Portland Trail Blazers: Ivan Rabb, F/C, California
There were plenty of people shocked last year when Ivan Rabb announced he was going to stay another year at Cal, and it's hard to say it really paid off. He failed to really lead the Golden Bears, who dropped out of the NCAA Tournament, and scouts weren't enthralled by him. However, he showed enough to go in the first round, and the Trail Blazers need to upgrade the power forward position.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder: Luke Kennard, G, Duke
Even with Russell Westbrook bringing in triple-doubles every other night, OKC wasn't great in 2016-2017 and a lot of it had to do with poor three-point shooting. The good news is that the Thunder can land Luke Kennard here, a guy who took over at times this past season for Duke and can absolutely stroke it from downtown.
22. Brooklyn Nets: Harry Giles, F/C, Duke
Here is the deal with Brooklyn: they aren't going to be good in a long, long time so why not risk some of their draft picks and hope they turn into something? There is not a bigger boom-or-bust prospect n the Draft than Harry Giles. He was one of the top players in the 2016 recruiting cycle, but barely played at Duke as he recovers from significant injuries to both knees. If he does manage to get and stay healthy and capitalize on his potential, the Nets get a huge steal here at 22.
23. Toronto Raptors: Dwayne Bacon, G, Florida State
In his two seasons at Florida State, Dwayne Bacon struggled with consistency and turnovers but also proved he has wonderful talent and can carry a team on his back. With Kyle Lowry and Demar DeRozan, Toronto won't need that, but he can be a high-quality, instant offense option off the bench.
24. Utah Jazz: T.J. Leaf, F, UCLA
T.J. Leaf doesn't come out and wow you with any parts of his game, but he does bring a sharp, skilled big man to the table. He proved that he could stretch the floor often while at UCLA, and despite not being incredibly strong down low, he could handle himself down low. The Jazz should be more than willing to take a waiver on the low-risk option here late in the first.
25. Orlando Magic: O.G. Anunoby, G/F, Indiana
I absolutely love O.G. Anunoby as a prospect; he reminds me so much of another former Hoosier, Victor Oladipo, with his energy and quickness. When it's all said and done, I think he'll end up going higher than 25, but teams must be wary of his health after missing most of the season at Indiana. If he does fall, Orlando adds an elite defender with upside.
26. Portland Trail Blazers: Donovan Mitchell, SG, Louisville
Donovan Mitchell made huge strides as a sophomore at Louisville this past season, and has emerged as a possible lottery pick. He brings NBA size for his position and a wide range of talents offensively, but he must also develop as a shooter. Portland would love a backup to C.J. McCollum, and Mitchell could be quite the get down here.
27. Brooklyn Nets: Rodions Kurucs, F, Latvia
For some of the same reasons mentioned above, Brooklyn could also add an international player or two, who they could stash overseas until his game grows. Kurucs could be good bet, as the Latvian is sure to impress with his slashing offensive game and proven defensive capabilities.
28. Los Angeles Lakers: Tony Bradley, F/C, North Carolina
The jury is still out on Julius Randle and Larry Nance in LA but even if those two make big improvements over the next few years, more frontcourt help will be necessary. Bradley's super young and there is a good chance he returns next season for UNC. If not, his shot-blocking abilities and wonderful upside make him an attractive option.
29. San Antonio Spurs: Josh Hart, G/F, Villanova
Most scouts don't view Josh Hart as a first-round prospect but we all know San Antonio loves their sleeper picks, and Hart seems like a great fit. He's a versatile, smooth player and is incredibly unselfish. In this type of offense, he could fit right in on the wing, alongside Kawhi Leonard.
30. Utah Jazz: Jawun Evans, G, Oklahoma State
Considering his youth, Utah should not give up on Dante Exum just yet, but the former Top-5 pick is still learning. With an abundance of options available late in the first, why not snatch up a perfect change-of-pace in Evans out of Oklahoma State? Evans is a fearless player who attacks the rim at every opportunity, differing from the conservative Exum. Those two would give Utah a pretty potent 1-2 punch moving forward.