NBA Draft 2017: Top 40 Big Board

View 2017 Mock Draft here

De'Aaron Fox

1. Markelle Fultz, G, Washington

Projection: 1st to Philadelphia

Strengths: Polished jumper, instant offense, decent defender

Weaknesses: Leadership, lack of elite speed

Bust Potential: Low

Widely regarded as the top overall prospect in the Draft, Markelle Fultz has all the tools to be a highly productive NBA player for a long time to come. He brings a proven jumper to the table, which mixed in with his impressive size and strength equates to a wonderful all-around offensive game. He still has to prove himself defensively, but Fultz proved he could carry a team on his back, putting up gaudy stats on a terrible Washington team. The hope is that he won't have to do something similar in Philadelphia, where an impressive core of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid awaits.

2. De'Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky

Projection: 5th to Sacramento

Strengths: Breakneck speed, court vision, dominant in transition

Weaknesses: Reliable jumper

Bust Potential: Low

The latest in a long line of John Calipari point guards, De'Aaron Fox's playmaking abilities and insane speed are reminiscent of John Wall when he was selected first overall in 2010. With that speed, impressive court vision and well-beyond-his-years maturity, it is easy to see Fox putting up big-time assist numbers for a long time at the next level. His big weakness is his jump shot, which has to become more consistent. If he can discover that, he can certainly evolve into a multiple All-Star in the NBA.

3. Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA

Projection: 2nd to Los Angeles Lakers

Strengths: Court vision, athleticism, fearless offensive game

Weaknesses: Broken jumper, off-the-court questions

Bust Potential: Moderate

The basketball world is completely split on Lonzo Ball. Some view the former UCLA Bruin as a legitimate star ready to take the NBA by storm, while others question his jump shot, defense and how his loudmouth father may impact his future. I view Ball as an extremely impressive overall prospect; he has proven he can take over games when needed and his ability to pass the ball will immediately upgrade any offense right away.

4. Jayson Tatum, F, Duke

Projection: 3rd to Boston

Strengths: Dominant in isolation, fabulous in paint, overall versatility

Weaknesses: Average defender, needs to get stronger

Bust Potential: Low

One of the top prospects in the 2016 recruiting class, Jayson Tatum did not disappoint in his lone season with the Blue Devils. The versatile forward grew into one of the team's most consistent offensive weapons, displaying a wide range of offensive abilities. He will add an effective forward to any number of NBA teams, and could become even more lethal on the offensive end if he can add some size and bulk to deal with bigger and tougher NBA defenders.

5. Josh Jackson, G/F, Kansas

Projection: 4th to Phoenix

Strengths: Athleticism, rebounding, defense

Weaknesses: Unreliable jumper, inconsistent free throw shooter

Bust Potential: Moderate

Much like Tatum, Josh Jackson was a highly touted recruit coming into the 2016-2017 season, and his improvement over the course of the season has scouts excited. The former Kansas wing still struggled to make a reliable three-pointer, but he showed he could impact the game in a ton of different ways. His athleticism and defensive abilities are perhaps the most impressive in the entire Draft class, and he has proven time and time again he can stuff the stat sheet full. With his potential, it would not be surprising at all to see Jackson land in the Top 5, perhaps even as high as second overall to Los Angeles.

6. Zach Collins, F/C, Gonzaga

Projection: 7th to Minnesota

Strengths: Length, defensive impact, spacing the floor

Weaknesses: Inexperience, strength

Bust Potential: Low

While this Draft Class isn't stock full of dominant big men like some have been in the past, I'm really excited about what Zach Collins can do at the next level. Despite coming off the bench for much of the season at Gonzaga, Collins displayed defensive dominance, using his rangy wingspan and overall seven-foot size to constantly disrupt opponents in the paint. Collins also showed he could space the floor with a very refined jump shot, and he could fit the role of a stretch four in the NBA, something teams are always searching for. 

7. Dennis Smith Jr., PG, NC State

Projection: 8th to New York 

Strengths: Explosiveness, passing ability, ability to excel through contact

Weaknesses: Streaky shooter, injury history

Bust Potential: Moderate

Despite tearing his ACL his senior year of high school, Dennis Smith Jr. showed no signs of slowing down in his lone season in Raleigh, North Carolina, putting on an absolute show for the NC State Wolfpack. Smith's explosive athleticism and ability to get to the rim and finish are both top-notch and should serve him well as he begins his journey in the NBA. However, teams are still concerned about that torn ACL (which obviously has impacted point guards in the past) and his streaky shooting, which could threaten to drop him out of the Top 10.

8. Frank Ntilikina, G, France

Projection: 11th to Charlotte

Strengths: Size, great passer and ball-handler, good feel for the game

Weaknesses: Inconsistent shooter, transition to NBA game

Bust Potential: Moderate

Every single year there is some "mystery man" from the International route, and this year that man is Frank Ntilikina from France. Ntilkina has not gone to the NBA Combine nor worked out for any NBA teams, but scouts are fascinated by his physical gifts and long-term potential. At 6'5", he has ideal size for a point guard in the NBA, and possesses a great understanding of how the game works. He still is improving as a shooter, but the rest of his offensive tools are impressive, and his defense should fit right into the league.

9. Jonathan Isaac, F/C, Florida State

Projection: 6th to Orlando

Strengths: Rim protection, shot-blocking abilities, offensive upside

Weaknesses: Unreliable outside of paint, very young, very raw

Bust Potential: Moderate

Considered by many to be the best big man available in the Draft, Jonathan Isaac's ability to protect the rim and alter shots would immediately fit a major need for a long list of NBA teams (including Orlando, where I have him mocked). However, Isaac is extremely raw on the offensive end of the court, and will need significant work. Though, the potential is certainly there for him to evolve into a very skilled and effective big man at the next level.

10. Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky

Projection: 10th to Sacramento

Strengths: Fabulous shooter, tremendous athlete, can take over games with offense

Weaknesses: Inconsistent at times, weak defender, needs to bulk up

Bust Potential: Low

Malik Monk showcased his elite scoring ability on multiple occasions at Kentucky, including a 46-point outburst against UNC earlier in the season. That ability to absolutely take over games with his offense certainly has to intrigue a wide variety of NBA general managers. Monk has to be able to get more consistent, however, and also add to a relatively thin frame if he wants to really compete in the physical NBA. With that being said, there are still a number of teams willing to take a chance on a guy with his offensive pedigree.

11. T.J. Leaf, F, UCLA

Projection: 20th to Portland

Strengths: Very good shooter, reads defenses well, solid rebounder

Weaknesses: Not elite-level potential, disappears at times

Bust Potential: Low

12. O.G. Anunoby, G/F, Indiana

Projection: 14th to Miami

Strengths: Exceptional athleticism, can defend multiple positions

Weaknesses: Coming off injury, mediocre jumper

Bust Potential: High

13. Luke Kennard, G, Duke

Projection: 21st to Oklahoma City

Strengths: Lights-out shooter, can play multiple positions, quality passer

Weaknesses: Fit in NBA offense, size

Bust Potential: Low

14. Lauri Markkanen, F, Arizona

Projection: 9th to Dallas

Strengths: Spaces the floor well, proven leader, very mobile big man

Weaknesses: Doesn't have ceiling of others in Draft, average defender

Bust Potential: Low

15. John Collins, F/C, Wake Forest

Projection: 13th to Denver

Strengths: Significant upside, terrific athlete, incredibly strong

Weaknesses: Foul trouble, unfocused at times

Bust Potential: Moderate

16. Jarrett Allen, C, Texas

Projection: 17th to Milwaukee

Strengths: Length, rim protection, good feel around the rim

Weaknesses: Inexperienced, poor at free throw line, doesn't run the floor very well

Bust Potential: Moderate

17. Donovan Mitchell, G, Louisville

Projection: 12th to Detroit

Strengths: Productive scorer, efficient overall player, can hit the three-ball

Weaknesses: Average upside, tweener

Bust Potential: Low

Justin Patton

18. Justin Patton, C, Creighton

Projection: 15th to Portland

Strengths: Very physical, great rebounder, good defender

Weaknesses: Doesn't run floor very well, still very raw offensively

Bust Potential: Moderate

19. Harry Giles Jr., F, Duke

Projection: 22nd to Brooklyn

Strengths: Immense potential, great athleticism, terrific finisher around the rim

Weaknesses: Serious injury concerns, unproven beyond collegiate ranks

Bust Potential: High

20. Justin Jackson, F, North Carolina

Projection: 16th to Chicago

Strengths: Good three-point shooter, impressive length, terrific floater

Weaknesses: Average defender, needs to bulk up

Bust Potential: Low

21. Terrance Ferguson, G/F, Australia

Projection: 27th to Los Angeles Lakers

Strengths: Elite in transition, superb athlete, solid defender

Weaknesses: Poor shooter, very inconsistent, prone to mistakes

Bust Potential: High

22. Ike Anigbogu, C, UCLA

Projection: 18th to Indiana

Strengths: Can carve out space down low with size, very good rebounder

Weaknesses: Incredibly raw, needs significant work offensively

Bust Potential: Moderate

23. Josh Hart, G/F, Villanova

Projection: 40th to New Orleans

Strengths: Plays with a chip on his shoulder, versatile offensive game, proven winner

Weaknesses: Low upside, average athleticism

Bust Potential: Low

24. Isaiah Hartenstein, F/C, Germany

Projection: 26th to Portland

Strengths: Fantastic potential, very good shooter, fast learner

Weaknesses: Very young & inexperienced, prone to defensive lapses

Bust Potential: Moderate

25. Caleb Swanigan, F/C, Purdue

Projection: 31st to Atlanta

Strengths: Fantastic college player, overpowers opponents with his size, underrated shooter

Weaknesses: Average upside, not very mobile, mediocre defender

Bust Potential: Low

26. Kyle Kuzma, F, Utah

Projection: 38th to Chicago

Strengths: Great defender, great finisher around the rim, provides terrific energy

Weaknesses: Average upside, not a great shooter

Bust Potential: Low

27. Bam Adebayo, C, Kentucky

Projection: 19th to Atlanta

Strengths: Incredibly strong, powerful finisher, good rebounder

Weaknesses: Very limited offensive game, poor at free throw line

Bust Potential: Moderate

28. Semi Ojeleye, F, SMU

Projection: 25th to Orlando

Strengths: Exceptional athlete, great defender, weapon in transition

Weaknesses: Prone to turnovers, poor jump shot

Bust Potential: Moderate

29. Jawun Evans, PG, Oklahoma State

Projection: 23rd to Toronto

Strengths: Fantastic playmaker, incredibly quick, fearless offensive player

Weaknesses: Poor defender, poor jumper, leadership questions

Bust Potential: Moderate

30. Tony Bradley, C, North Carolina

Projection: 28th to Los Angeles Lakers

Strengths: Impressive size, good shot-blocker, offensive upside

Weaknesses: Very unproven, very raw

Bust Potential: High

31. Jonah Bolden, F, Australia

Projection: 34th to Sacramento

Strengths: Versatile, incredibly strong, effective rebounder

Weaknesses: Unfocused at times, struggles in college

Bust Potential: High

32. D.J. Wilson, F/C, Michigan

Projection: 24th to Utah

Strengths: Terrific athlete, quick learner, showed ability to hit three-pointer

Weaknesses: Needs to add muscle, poor defender

Bust Potential: Moderate

33. Derrick White, G, Colorado

Projection: 32nd to Phoenix

Strengths: Ideal size, good decision-maker, rock-solid defender

Weaknesses: Average upside, won't wow anyone with physical tools

Bust Potential: Low

34. Dwayne Bacon, G, Florida State

Projection: 36th to Philadelphia

Strengths: Can score in bunches, very dangerous from deep, good size

Weaknesses: Poor defender, turnover-prone, sometimes overconfident

Bust Potential: Moderate

35. Frank Jackson, G, Duke

Projection: 30th to Utah

Strengths: Fabulous shooter, underrated defender, plenty of upside

Weaknesses: Tweener, leadership questions

Bust Potential: Moderate

36. Anzejs Pasecniks, C, Latvia

Projection: 41st to Charlotte

Strengths: Incredible size, decent shot-blocker, solid jump shot

Weaknesses: Very untested, will need significant time to adjust to NBA speed

Bust Potential: High

37. Ivan Rabb, F/C, California

Projection: 29th to San Antonio

Strengths: Spaces the floor very well, versatile offensively

Weaknesses: Not very big, average upside

Bust Potential: Moderate

38. Tyler Lydon, F, Syracuse

Projection: 33rd to Orlando

Strengths: Very good shooter, plenty of potential, very mobile

Weaknesses: Not very big, wildly inconsistent

Bust Potential: Moderate

39. Wesley Iwundu, G/F, Kansas State

Projection: 43rd to Houston

Strengths: Can play multiple positions, polished offensive game, great at getting to the rim

Weaknesses: Streaky shooter, average defender

Bust Potential: Low

40. Frank Mason, PG, Kansas

Projection: 49th to Denver

Strengths: Superb leader, incredibly durable, excellent decision-maker

Weaknesses: Very little long-term potential, extremely undersized

Bust Potential: Low

NBA Mock Draft 2017: Edition 4 (Final Edition)

Jonathan Isaac to Orlando

1. Philadelphia Sixers: Markelle Fultz, G, Washington (Scouting Report)
Eager to cement their long-term core, Philadelphia made an aggressive move by acquiring the No. 1 overall pick from Boston, giving up future picks in the process. Acquiring Fultz gives the Sixers a dynamic scorer in the backcourt, something they are sorely missing, and another dangerous offensive weapon to pair with Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.
2. Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA (Scouting Report)
Rumors of Lonzo Ball to the Lakers have been talked about since Ball was in high school, but it isn't a 100 percent lock that he goes to LA at the two spot. The Lakers reportedly also have interest in Josh Jackson, and possibly even fellow guard De'Aaron Fox. Even if that is the case, drafting Lonzo would improve the Lakers' poor offense the most, and give them the franchise point guard they so badly need.
3. Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum, F, Duke
After trading down, Boston has plenty of options to take at pick No. 3, including Josh Jackson, who may be the best prospect on the board here. However, likely the best fit for the Celtics would be Jayson Tatum, a versatile forward who can space the floor effectively, opening up lanes for Isaiah Thomas and company.
4. Phoenix Suns: Josh Jackson, G/F, Kansas (Scouting Report)
Without a ton of long-term pieces to work with beyond Devin Booker, the Suns have to be ready to take the best prospect available here. Selecting Jackson gives them a wing that is lethal in transition and can immediately make an impact on defense, while also giving Phoenix a player that has an extraordinary high ceiling.
5. Sacramento Kings: De'Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky
As they begin life without Demarcus Cousins, Sacramento desperately needs a playmaker that can run their offense, and luckily for them Fox lands in their lap if this is how the Draft unfolds. Fox's electrifying speed and court vision should give this team an elite offensive threat right away, particularly if he can grow a consistent jumper.
6. Orlando Magic: Jonathan Isaac, F/C, Florida State
The Magic do possess two solid big men in Nikola Vuvecic and Aaron Gordon, but neither are great defenders and Orlando really struggles to stop teams in the paint. They'll need to address that with the sixth overall selection, and adding the best rim protector in the Draft, Jonathan Isaac, would help in a big way. Isaac is still growing offensively, but he has all the tools to be a dominant defensive big right away.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves: Zach Collins, F/C, Gonzaga
There are plenty of rumors about Minnesota looking to build a package to land Bulls' star Jimmy Butler, but the T-Wolves would be better suited to add another long-term piece here. They'd love if Isaac dropped to them but if not, taking a chance on Zach Collins may be an option. Collins is extremely young, but he showed immense promise in his lone year at Gonzaga and would be a nice fit next to KAT.
8. New York Knicks: Dennis Smith Jr., PG, NC State
There's a good chance the Knicks look to spend big on a point guard in free agency this summer (Kyle Lowry, Chris Paul and Jrue Holiday will all be on their list) but the team really needs a PG of the future, and Dennis Smith Jr. could be the answer. Despite the fact he was coming off a torn ACL, Smith was wonderful in his lone season at NC State and would immediately upgrade the Knicks' poor backcourt.
9. Dallas Mavericks: Lauri Markkanen, F, Arizona
With a great jump shot and impressive upside, Lauri Markkanen definitely could go higher than pick No. 9, but if he falls to Dallas, the Mavericks will definitely look to add him. With Dirk Nowitzki's career coming to a close in the near future, the Mavs can get his future replacement in Markkanen who would slide in perfectly.
10. Sacramento Kings: Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky
Already adding Fox earlier, the Kings should add another dynamic Kentucky prospect in Malik Monk, who would also upgrade their backcourt in a big way, but differently. While Fox will help run the offense, Monk should end up being the dangerous shooting guard Sacramento needs, and when paired with Buddy Hield, create a scary shooting tandem.
11. Charlotte Hornets: Frank Ntilikina, G, France
There are few players in the Draft that are greater mysteries than Ntilikina. Coming out of France, Ntilikina hasn't worked out with any NBA teams, but NBA teams still have done plenty of homework on him, because of his impressive offensive abilities and impressive potential. If he is still available down here, Charlotte needs to take a chance on him, as he could slide in to the shooting guard position effortlessly.
12. Detroit Pistons: Donovan Mitchell, G, Louisville
After breaking out his sophomore season at Louisville, Donovan Mitchell has continued to rise up Draft boards, and has a very good chance to end up going in the lottery. The Pistons are very thin at shooting guard, and not a great defensive team, two solutions Mitchell could solve right away if they add him.
13. Denver Nuggets: John Collins, F, Wake Forest
Nikola Jokic emerged as a legitimate superstar for Denver this season, putting up wild numbers as the Nuggets took major steps in their race back to respectability out West. Adding another young frontcourt weapon for Jokic to work with would only help the versatile center; Collins will need time to adjust to the NBA, but is a super athletic forward with plenty of upside.
14. Miami Heat: O.G. Anunoby, G/F, Indiana
Without Dwyane Wade, Miami was forced to use inexperienced or untested options on the wing, a major reason why their offense lacked much bite for the majority of 2016-2017. They can upgrade the wing in a big way by adding Anunoby, a versatile guard/forward who showed flashes of stardom while at Indiana.
15. Portland Trail Blazers: Justin Patton, C, Creighton
While the dynamic backcourt of C.J. McCollum and Damian Lilliard will continue to guide Portland for years to come, this is still a team that needs a huge facelift in their frontcourt. Jusuf Nurkic was a pleasant surprise after coming over from Denver mid-season, but Creighton product Justin Patton could be an even bigger improvement in the long run. Patton is a hard-nosed, physical specimen in the paint who will gobble up rebounds for the Blazers.
16. Chicago Bulls: Justin Jackson, G/F, North Carolina
The Bulls sit in a state of flux with the Draft upcoming, as Jimmy Butler's future remains completely unclear. Even if Butler isn't traded, upgrading the wing and adding a shooter must be top priorities for the front office. Justin Jackson emerged as a dangerous three-point shooter this past season for UNC, and brings a proven winner to this roster.
17. Milwaukee Bucks: Jarrett Allen, C, Texas
Despite having a quiet year on a bad Texas team, NBA scouts are excited about Jarrett Allen's future at the next level. His size, shot-blocking abilities and work ethic are all off the charts, and the Bucks have proven they are willing to take chances on unproven players with tons of upside. With Allen, Giannis and Thon Maker, the size and length on this Milwaukee roster would be daunting.
18. Indiana Pacers: Ike Anigbogu, C, UCLA
Much like Chicago, Indiana finds themselves in a state of limbo as they make a decision on what to do with Paul George. Considering there is a very high chance George will be moving out of Indianapolis at some point over the next few years, Indiana needs to think long-term and add a youngster with significant potential here. Anigbogu certainly fits the mold; the 18-year-old was quiet this past season at UCLA, but his strength and aggressiveness could soon transform into a formidable low post force.
19. Atlanta Hawks: Bam Adebayo, F/C, Kentucky
Now that Dwight Howard is gone and Paul Millsap possibly gone this summer, Atlanta needs to begin remaking their frontcourt, once a notable strength for the franchise. They have a plethora of options available at 19, but Bam Adebayo may intrigue the front office the most. While he still needs work to round out his game, the physical tools are there for him to be dominant.
20. Portland Trail Blazers: T.J. Leaf, F, UCLA
While Patton will help give Portland a physical presence down low, T.J. Leaf could help out in a little different way. The former UCLA Bruin proved he could hit the three-ball in his lone season in Westwood, knocking down 47 percent from deep. Portland would love to add the smart, savvy big to help space the floor for their slashing guards.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder: Luke Kennard, G, Duke
There is a wide range of opinions on Luke Kennard as he awaits his NBA future. Some view him as a legitimate offensive star who could go in the lottery, while others think he's too small for the NBA and not even worth a first-rounder. No matter where he does fall, he will surely bring shooting help, something the Thunder certainly need.
22. Brooklyn Nets: Harry Giles, F/C, Duke
Few players can average 3.9 PPG on 11.5 minutes per game and perhaps be considered for a lottery selection, but this is the NBA and teams are eager to take chances on unproven commodities as long as they bring potential. Giles has proven he can star in the high school ranks, but his lengthy injury history will make teams wary. Even so, the Nets need all the help they can get, and may be willing to take a chance on the ultimate boom-or-bust prospect.
23. Toronto Raptors: Jawun Evans, PG, Oklahoma State
Rumors have surfaced around the league that there is next to no chance Kyle Lowry returns to Toronto next season, forcing the Raptors to rebuild their thin point guard position. There isn't a great number of guard options available near the end of the first, but Evans should still be a quality selection. The dynamic point guard would bring immediate playmaking and offense, especially if he improves his shooting.
24. Utah Jazz: D.J. Wilson, F/C, Michigan
The Jazz love versatile big man that can help their team in a variety of ways, something former Michigan big D.J. Wilson certainly could do. Wilson emerged as a star for the Wolverines in '16-'17 after a quiet first few years on campus, and displayed impressive shooting touch.
25. Orlando Magic: Semi Ojeleye, F, SMU
Orlando hopes they fixed their defensive woes by adding Isaac with the sixth selection, now its time to improve their poor wing play. Ojeleye proved he could carry a team on his back with his play this past season at SMU, where he truly did it all. He could be a nice running mate for Elfrid Payton, while also bringing an immediate upgrade defensively.
26. Portland Trail Blazers: Isaiah Hartenstein, F/C, Germany
With three picks in the first round, there is a very good chance Portland either trades away some selections, or uses a pick or two on an international stash guy. Isaiah Hartenstein would be quite the pick; the young German big man is a fine shooter and runs the floor well. With a little bit more professional experience over in Europe, he could be quite polished when he does come over to the league.
27. Los Angeles Lakers: Terrance Ferguson, G/F, Australia
With the pick they just recently acquired in the Brook Lopez-D'Angelo Russell deal, the Lakers could be looking for a high-risk, high-reward prospect who could just maybe play out. Terrance Ferguson made a questionable move heading to Australia instead of enrolling at Arizona, and it will be interesting to see how his career plays out. No matter what, his athleticism and speed would be lethal in transition, and an ideal fit in the up-temp offense Luke Walton wants to run.
28. Los Angeles Lakers: Tony Bradley, C, North Carolina
He certainly never panned out in Los Angeles, but the Lakers' large investment in Timofey Mozgov last summer indicated how desperately this team needs rim protection. Tony Bradley will need significant time to adjust to the NBA after coming off the bench this season for UNC, but his defense alone is worthy of a late first-round pick.
29. San Antonio Spurs: Ivan Rabb, F/C, California
With Tim Duncan gone, Pau Gasol aging and Lamarcus Aldridge not quite panning out the way they envisioned, San Antonio has some questions to solve in their frontcourt. They should address a big issue right here by adding Rabb, a terrific scorer who can bring rim protection. Rabb might not have the upside of others in this Draft, but his mobility and smarts will be important assets right away for the Spurs.
30. Utah Jazz: Frank Jackson, G, Duke
Jackson surprised many when he announced he would be leaving Duke after one season, mainly because he still has big questions surrounding him. Is he a shooting guard or point guard? Can he really run an offense? Just how high is his ceiling? Those questions are still to be answered, but Jackson's three-point shooting and instant offense would really help Utah.

NBA Mock Draft 2017: Edition 3

Markelle Fultz to Boston

1. Boston Celtics: Markelle Fultz, G, Washington (Scouting Report)
Despite the fact they reached the Eastern Conference Finals, Boston clearly has a lot to work on, evidenced by some of the blowout losses they suffered to Cleveland. Adding another backcourt scorer to complement Isaiah Thomas would work wonders, and Fultz proved he could score in bunches while at Washington.
2. Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA (Scouting Report)
People are incredibly mixed on Lonzo Ball and what type of player he is going to be at the next level. Many view him as an elite-level playmaker who can run an offense, while others argue his shot, inconsistent defense and loudmouth father may hold him back. He has made it perfectly clear he wants to play for the Lakers, but that doesn't necessarily mean they'll invest in him. However, he'd be a pretty nice fit in the LA offense and could make it even more lethal in transition.
3. Philadelphia Sixers: Josh Jackson, G/F, Kansas (Scouting Report)
While the Boston and Los Angeles picks aren't set in stone, we have a pretty good idea where they are going with their respective picks. That isn't the case with Philadelphia, who could go nearly anywhere with the No. 3 selection. There is a good chance they trade the pick but if they keep it, adding Jackson makes sense. The former KU product has plenty to work on, but when paired with Ben Simmons, the Sixers would be absolutely lethal on the wing.
4. Phoenix Suns: Jayson Tatum, F, Duke
Beyond Devin Booker, Phoenix has plenty of question marks and no clear-cut building blocks (although Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss still have plenty of time). They are especially thin at both forward spots, so adding a versatile big man is imperative. Tatum proved he could be the No. 1 option on a good team, and his polished offensive abilities should upgrade the stagnant Suns' offense from the get-go.
5. Sacramento Kings: De'Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky
There are rumors swirling that Sacramento would be willing to trade up to select Fox, who the front office is super high on. However, things might work before them that they won't need to do that, and instead be able to add the dynamic Kentucky point guard at pick 5. Outside of a mediocre jump shot, Fox has all the tools to be a force in the NBA, and could lead the Kings' offense for years to come.
6. Orlando Magic: Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky
Former first-rounder Elfrid Payton has proven that he can run the show in Orlando, but the point guard still struggles to shoot the ball and really space the floor, a significant issue for this team. The Magic could go a long way in fixing the spacing issues by adding Monk. Monk shot 40 percent from deep on the season at Kentucky, and proved he could take over at times, providing the type of scorer Orlando has sorely missed over the past few years.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jonathan Isaac, F/C, Florida State
While this Draft is stocked to the brim with explosive guards, it isn't very strong in the frontcourt, particularly at the top. Jonathan Isaac may end up being the best big man in the Draft, with impressive rim protecting abilities and offensive upside. Minnesota would love to add a center with his potential to pair with rising superstar Karl Anthony-Towns.
8. New York Knicks: Dennis Smith Jr., PG, NC State
The Knicks have a ton of issues and a lot of drama surrounding them, but perhaps no issue on this team is as big as the point guard position. Derrick Rose isn't a good fit in the triangle offense and will likely be leaving this off-season. New York may try and dangle some money in front of a big free agent name, but the smarter move would be thinking long-term and picking one. Dennis Smith Jr. would be easily the best guard available here, and give the Knicks an explosive backcourt weapon.
9. Dallas Mavericks: Frank Ntilikina, G, France
As a team, Dallas sits in an interesting position in the loaded Western Conference. The Mavericks still have enough talent to contend for a playoff spot right now, but also must realize that Dirk Nowitzki's career is coming to a close, and looking ahead to the future is necessary. Although he is raw and untested, Ntilikina has all the tools to be a building block for the Mavs going forward. With a smooth, polished offensive game and plenty of versatility the French guard would be a great pickup.
10. Sacramento Kings: Lauri Markkanen, F, Arizona
Even though Skal Labissiere and Willie Cauley-Stein were surprisingly productive over the second half of 2016-2017 for the Kings, more frontcourt helped is a must. He may not have the ceiling of some of the other bigs in this Draft, but Lauri Markkanen is a reliable offensive threat that can stretch the floor. He'd be a welcome asset to a Sacramento team still seeing what they have in the post-Demarcus Cousins world.
11. Charlotte Hornets: Zach Collins, F/C, Gonzaga
I've mentioned on previous mock drafts how high I am on Zach Collins as a prospect and if I was a GM, he would not last outside the Top 10. However, Collins' youth and inexperience may cause some teams to be more cautious, which could land Charlotte quite a steal if Collins is available here. Despite that youth, Collins' length and athleticism should make an impact for the Hornets immediately.
12. Detroit Pistons: Donovan Mitchell, G, Louisville
Donovan Mitchell's name has been rising up draft boards since a superb showing at the NBA Combine, and I wouldn't be surprised if the former Louisville guard finds himself going in the lottery. For Detroit, the dangerous wing would give them a proven scorer with a very all-around game, and an ideal fit next to Reggie Jackson.
13. Denver Nuggets: John Collins, F/C, Wake Forest
NBA scouts are impressed by John Collins' potential and quick learning ability, and he is another name that could hear his name rising up draft boards as the Draft inches closer. The former Wake Forest big man still has to improve shooting in the mid range and at the free throw line but he is a monster in the paint and still growing.
14. Miami Heat: O.G. Anunoby, G/F, Indiana
Standing 6'8" with astounding quickness and strength, O.G. Anunoby is a dazzling NBA prospect, which should keep him from dropping too far despite tearing his ACL this past season. Miami needs further reinforcement on the wing and getting a player that can impact the game like Anunoby seems like a no-brainer here.
15. Portland Trail Blazers: Justin Patton, C, Creighton
Portland hasn't always had success drafting big men (see Greg Oden over Kevin Durant, or Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan), but that doesn't change their need for a true post presence. Justin Patton still needs to grow offensively but he was an absolute force on the boards in his lone season at Creighton, and has an incredibly high ceiling.
16. Chicago Bulls: Justin Jackson, G/F, North Carolina
One of the strengths of the Bulls' lineup right now is actually on the wing, where franchise centerpice Jimmy Butler and future Hall-of-Famer Dwyane Wade roam. But, Butler's name has been heard in trade talks for months on end and there is no denying Wade is nearing the end of an illustrious career. Adding a young wing that can shoot would be an ideal solution to the problem, and Jackson can do just that.
17. Milwaukee Bucks: Terrance Ferguson, G/F, Australia
While we aren't completely sure what Milwaukee's future holds we know one thing: they want to get out and run. With Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the charge, this team is going to be absolutely freakish in transition for many years. They could only get better in the up-tempo if they can add Ferguson, an Oklahoma native who struggled this past season playing pro ball in Australia, but an insane athlete.
18. Indiana Pacers: Jarrett Allen, C, Texas
The Pacers have a rising star in their frontcourt in Myles Turner, but no long term solutions beyond that. They could quite a steal by adding Jarrett Allen with this selection, a player who could easily go in the lottery. Allen is still learning offensively but is already an elite shot-blocker that could go a long way in improving Indiana's rim protection.
19. Atlanta Hawks: Harry Giles, F/C, Duke
There is no greater mystery in this year's Draft than Harry Giles. When healthy, Giles is one of the best players in the country, but he has had torn ACLs in both knees and we saw barely any of him at the collegiate level. Yet, Atlanta is a team lacking clear direction; why not take a chance on the ultimate boom-or-bust prospect?
20. Portland Trail Blazers: T.J. Leaf, F, UCLA
Portland got a terrific rebounding big and bully in the post with Patton, but they should still look for a big man with this pick, considering the abundance of options still available. Leaf has to grow stronger and more aggressive when he hits the NBA but the shooting touch and feel for the game are already impressive.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder: Luke Kennard, G, Duke
If Luke Kennard manages to last until pick 21 (which there isn't any guarantee he does), I think it is a near lock Oklahoma City takes him. The sharpshooting guard would fit a huge need for a poor shooting team, and seems like a perfect fit next to the ball-dominant Russell Westbrook.
22. Brooklyn Nets: Ike Anigbogu, F/C, UCLA
While this is a great Draft for big men, so many of the big guys in it are raw and need significant work. That is the case for Ike Anigbogu, who has impressive physical tools and is great defensively, but still learning the ropes offensively and the finer parts of the game. Brooklyn isn't going to be good for awhile, so they can afford to wait for him to come around and cash in on his potential.
23. Toronto Raptors: Tyler Lydon, F, Syracuse
With the NBA transforming into a small-ball, fast-paced league, bigs who can run the floor and shoot are incredibly valuable, and Lydon fits that mold. The versatile forward out of Syracuse is a good athlete who has proven he can beat you on the perimeter. He will need some work, but could be a real help to a Toronto offense prone to bouts of inconsistency.
24. Utah Jazz: Kyle Kuzma, F, Utah
The Jazz already have a strong frontcourt with Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert, but it isn't very deep. That could change with the addition of the athletic Kuzma, who quietly had a very impressive year at Utah. The Jazz could keep the forward in the state, while adding a high-upside, defensive-minded big.
25. Orlando Magic: Bam Adebayo, F/C, Kentucky
With so many impressive forward and center prospects, there is a good chance at least one or two drop to the bottom of the first round or top of Round 2. That could be the case for Bam Adebayo, an overpowering center who can play volleyball on the glass. Scouts worry about Adebayo's versatility and fit in the modern NBA, but the Magic should still be willing to take a chance on him at 25.
26. Portland Trail Blazers: Rodions Kurucs, F, Latvia
After already adding two NBA-ready bigs to their rotation, the Blazers should play it smart and get an international stash guy with pick 26. Although he is very untested, Kurucs has impressed scouts with his offensive abilities and creativity. In a few years time, he would be quite the addition to the Portland offense.
27. Brooklyn Nets: Semi Ojeleye, F, SMU
A Duke benchwarmer turned SMU superstar, Semi Ojeleye is undeniably incredibly fun to watch and a player that can do so many things. He proved he could take over games for the Mustangs in '16-'17, and the 6'7" forward plays with a chip on his shoulder. For a Nets team that needs any help they can get, he'd be quite the addition.
28. Los Angeles Lakers: Tony Bradley, C, North Carolina
Being just 19 and a freshman on UNC's deep National Championship squad, Tony Bradley was pretty quiet, putting up averages of 6.9 PPG and 5.1 RPG. Yet, he has an incredibly high ceiling, and with a 7'5" wingspan he could be the rim protector the Lakers thought they were getting when they invested all that money in Timofey Mozgov.
29. San Antonio Spurs: Isaiah Hartenstein, F/C, Lithuania
It's no secret Gregg Poppovich and San Antonio love their international big man, and there is a pretty good chance they go after one late in the first round. Jonathan Jeanne would be the selection but he was unfortunately diagnosed with career-threatening Marfans syndrome days ago, so the Spurs turn to Hartenstein, a crafty big man that can shoot.
30. Utah Jazz: Jawun Evans, PG, Oklahoma State
The Jazz are still holding out hope former Top-5 selection Dante Exum can stay healthy and grow into the ultra-playmaking point guard they envisioned, but that doesn't mean they need to stay away from getting more PG help. Jawun Evans shredded the competition this past season at Ok. State, and is an electrifying offensive player.

NBA Draft Scouting 2017: Breaking Down Josh Jackson

Josh Jackson

Last year, Josh Jackson made headlines when his late commitment to Kansas landed the Jayhawks their third No. 1 overall recruit in six years (Josh Selby in 2010 and Andrew Wiggins in 2013), while also seeming to push KU to the forefront of National Championship contention. While he endured some growing pains and mistakes in his lone season in collegiate basketball, Jackson also made serious strides and by the end of the season, was as dynamic and explosive as any college basketball player in the country. Now, like many Jayhawks before him, the former No. 1 recruit will take his game to the next level, where scouts will be forced to analyze his interesting and complex game. Will his shooting deficiencies force him to drop, or will his dangerous abilities in the open floor still help him land a top three selection? Delving deeper into Jackson's game may give us the answers we need to see where he'll end up being selected in just a few weeks time.

Offense: A comparison to Wiggins (who of course, just happened to go No. 1 overall in the '14 Draft), certainly can be made at this point in Jackson's career on the offensive end. Much like Wiggins, Jackson is not much of a shooter, but does most his damage getting to the rim and finishing. Jackson shot just 38 percent from deep on the season, and seemed to really stray away from the shot late in the season. There is plenty of hope that he can improve from deep, much like Wiggins has since heading to the next level, but his shooting form needs refinement. It is very low and slow, which leaves him susceptible to getting blocked by the taller and lengthier defenders he will see in the NBA. Jackson did prove to grow a pretty good mid range shooting game as the season wore on, which certainly will help him stay away from being one-dimensional and keep defenders guessing. He proved to be a pretty good shooter off the dribble in the mid range, a part of his game that has certainly improved since joining Kansas. Yet, it is completely realistic that Jackson will never be known as a guy that can stretch the floor or shoot lights out, because he is so strong in other aspects. Using his size (6'8") and strength to get to the rim is where Jackson excels, and his underrated agility and quickness should help at the next level, even as defenders get bigger and more physical. Jackson is absolutely exceptional in transition, where his explosiveness is really key and he can finish off some highlights with his athleticism. That highlight-reel-making athleticism and dunking ability certainly gets a lot of attention, but it overshadows some of the little things Jackson does that are very important. For one thing, the youngster is an impressive passer, averaging three assists per game this past season in Lawrence, despite not playing at a position that needs to pass the ball a ton. He has a great feel for the game in general, and makes the right decisions. Combine that with an ability to crash the offensive glass and get second chance buckets (2.3 offensive rebounds per game) and Jackson overall has a pretty impressive offensive game, despite the questions he may have shooting the ball.

Defense: A lot of players can consider themselves good defenders, but few really change the game on the defensive end of the ball. Jackson certainly is in that minority, as his defensive abilities play a huge role for his team. Jackson is a superb on-ball defender, and he isn't a guy that you can really get mismatches against. He is big enough and lengthy enough to defend players in the post, but also possesses the quickness and footwork to handle quicker wings, which makes him so versatile on that end of the court. He can make plenty of steals with his quick hands and ability to read the defense, which also enables him to jump passing routes. He recorded 1.7 steals per game last season, which fed seamlessly into his aggressive transition game. Another major factor for Jackson is his ability to alter and block shots down low. Offensive players will struggle to really get anything easy when taking it in on the wing, because he does an excellent job of forcing difficult shots without fouling, which is an obvious advantage to have. Much like his offensive rebounding ability, Jackson is a beast on the defensive glass. His 7.4 rebounds per game this past season were extremely impressive, and showed just how much he could impact the game without scoring. There's a good chance he could end up being one of the better rebounding guards/forwards in the NBA, and a pretty consistent double-double machine.

Verdict: There is no denying that Jackson has some pretty significant flaws in his game, and he isn't a super consistent player at this point in his career. But, it's rare that a 19-year-old with just one year of college basketball doesn't have some notable deficiencies and time in the NBA learning from the best should help the Kansas product grow as a shooter and in other aspects of his game. When he does, Jackson's versatility on both ends of the court should only be more impressive, and his transition abilities should be a difference-maker right away wherever he goes in the NBA. He isn't a perfect prospect right now, but his ceiling is incredibly high and there is no doubt in my mind he'll be a rock-solid player in the Association for years to come.

Where He'll Go: No. 4 to the Phoenix Suns

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.

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 

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.

NBA Draft Scouting 2017: Breaking Down Markelle Fultz

Markelle Fultz, Washington

Ben Simmons sent shockwaves through the college basketball world when the nation's top prospect opted to head to LSU and play for head coach Johnny Jones, instead of going to a "blue-blood" program such as Kentucky or Duke. The surprising move had its ups-and-downs; at times Simmons and LSU were playing really well, but all too often the help around the star forward was dismal and in the end, the Tigers missed the NCAA Tournament despite having one of the faces of college basketball. Things worked out just fine for Simmons who fulfilled his destiny by becoming the building block of the Philadelphia Sixers after being selected No. 1 overall in the 2016 NBA Draft. One season later, Markelle Fultz did much the same but opted to head Northwest, joining the Washington Huskies. Fultz was a superstar in high school at Maryland, and believed his NBA future was better in the hands of Lorenzo Romar. Fultz proved to be the real deal, racking up 23.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG and 5.9 APG, but his supporting cast was far from perfect. Without much help and in an offense that had terrible spacing, the Huskies dipped to 9-22 and Romar was fired after missing out on the NCAA Tournament for the sixth consecutive season. Fultz is now trying to do what Simmons did; overcome a poor team to impress NBA scouts enough to hear his name be called first come June. With his talent and upside, it would be no surprise if he does.

Offense: One of the first things you'll notice about Fultz offensively is his smooth, polished jumper. In a Draft Class with a number of guards not known for their shooting abilities (Lonzo Ball, De'Aaron Fox) that is obviously a key asset to have. Fultz over 41.3 percent from deep and was an effective mid range shooter. He is a deadeye spot up shooting, but he is still learning how to create his own shot. Fultz is a great athlete but he has never been known as being insanely quick or having unbelievable handles, making it more difficult to beat defenders and get his shot up, especially at the next level. With that in mind, he has to become even quicker with his shot and utilize his pump-fakes. Standing at 6'4" and nearly 200 pounds, Fultz impressive and sturdy frame is going to pay off big-time for him in the NBA. It will allow him to take it to the rim finish through contact, even in the physical NBA and hold up over the course of the 82-game season. Even without an insane level of quickness or an explosive first step, that size is going to be able to get him plenty of baskets at the next level. Fultz is a great passer, and he showed tremendous court awareness throughout his time with the Huskies. Even in an offense that was so often poorly spaced, and with so little talent around him, the point guard showed a knack for reading the defense in the correct way and making great passes, enabling him to average nearly six assists per game. Defenders are going to be tougher and better at the next level, but his court vision and smarts should enable him to still run a successful NBA offense. If there is one big issue, it is his tendency to telegraph passes. It wasn't an overwhelmingly terrible issue at the college ranks, but it can't continue on to the pros. Fultz is a terrific weapon in the transition game, as he attacks the defense in a variety of different ways. He is great at taking advantage of numbers and finding the openings, and his decision-making means his team will always get the most out of their trips down the floor.

Defense: While his offensive stats were gaudy, Fultz also showed plenty of playmaking abilities on the defensive end of the court. He took advantage of his long arms and impressive athleticism to rack up 1.6 steals per game. Again, ball-handlers are going to be better in the NBA, but Fultz has great lateral movement and his sturdy frame is not going to be pushed around, especially if he keeps guarding point guards. Fultz is great at recognizing opponents' tendencies and can jump passing routes effectively, which will open up that dangerous transition game. He also averaged 1.2 blocks per game in the college ranks. No NBA team is going to be expecting him to swat many shots, but his defensive awareness and superb flexibility enables him to get in the way or deflect shots, which is always going to help out a defense. The big issue for Fultz on the defensive side of the ball is an interesting one: getting caught watching the ball. Its something that plenty of young players struggle with, but it can be a big issue. Often, Fultz was caught watching the ball and not paying attention to his defender, which left him susceptible to back-door cuts or other open shots by his men. Even with his ability to track down defenders and make plays, he can't recover from a good back-door, and too often his Washington defenders didn't help him out too much. He can't make the same mistakes at the next level, but it is not a super difficult thing to correct. Simply better coaching and focus by Fultz can easily correct the mistake and help him on his quest to be a lock-down defender.

Verdict: The upcoming 2017 Draft Class has the best collection of guards I think we've seen in awhile, from the uber-athletic Lonzo Ball and De'Aaron Fox to the gritty play of veterans Juwan Evans and Frank Mason. However, I believe Fultz is miles ahead of the rest of the Class, even though he does have some flaws (as any 18-19 year-old player is going to have). His jump shot is already terrific, although it could use some refinements, and he can take it to the rim as well as anybody. Fultz has also proven that he can be a key contributor on a very bad team, so he knows how to lead even in the face of struggles. With Brooklyn locking down the worst record in the NBA, Boston now has the best chance at locking down the No. 1 pick (they own the Nets pick), so he won't have to deal with that right away if that happens, but it is still an obviously important trait to have.

Where He'll Go: No. 1 to Boston Celtics

Check out my full NBA Mock Draft 2017 coming out later this spring