Shaun's 2017 Mock Draft
- Shaun Holkko
- Jun 22, 2017
- 5 min read
It's the best time of the year. Rumors are running rampant around the league. "Sources" is just a word unless there's a name behind it. But rumors are what makes the offseason so much fun. Draft night is just the beginning of it all. Here's my mock draft for the Top 10 of the 2017 NBA Draft, enjoy!
1. Philadelphia 76ers (From BOS via BKN): Markelle Fultz, PG, Washington
With the first pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers will select Markelle Fultz. The Sixers traded up to the first pick the weekend prior to the draft to get their point guard of the future, and it was a smart move considering how many great point guards are in this year's draft class. Adding Fultz will give the Sixers the scorer that they desperately need. This pick will also complete the process that fans in Philadelphia have been trusting for years. The young core of Fultz, Ben Simmons, Dario Saric, and Joel Embid should have 76ers fans very excited for their future.
2. Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA
June 22nd will be the greatest day of Lavar Ball's life. His entire plan will come to fruition when his first son, Lonzo, will be taken second overall to their hometown Lakers. Lonzo is one of the best college players that I've ever watched. His vision on the court is incredible. His ability to get his teammates involved makes them all better. Lonzo is a facilitator and that's what the Lakers need. Not to mention he can shoot too. His shot mechanics are unique, but the old phrase goes "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." It should be interesting to view the potential rise of the Big Baller Brand.
3. Boston Celtics (From PHI via SAC): Josh Jackson, SF, Kansas
The Celtics are looking towards the future. Danny Ainge knows until the King is out of the East, that the Celtics are unlikely to make the NBA Finals. That being said, he loves his assets. Boston has been acquiring several first-round picks in the past five years, and that continued over the weekend when they traded back from the first pick. As for this year's draft, the Celtics pick third and will take Josh Jackson from Kansas. He is a great defender and a scorer. His offensive game could use some work but his explosiveness and ability to get to the rim are what makes him successful on the offensive end. The Celtics are attempting to trade for Jimmy Butler, so maybe all those assets (Including Jackson) could come in handy for Ainge this offseason.
4. Phoenix Suns: Jayson Tatum, SF, Duke
The Suns are in a full rebuild mode and Jayson Tatum is another piece that will lead them back to the playoffs. He's a great scorer, especially in isolation. He'll prevent Devin Booker from getting double teamed as he will be another scoring option for the Suns. Veteran Jared Dudley will be a great mentor for Tatum, as he's been around the league and can take Jayson under his wing. They could draft a point guard, but they still have Eric Bledsoe, along with Tyler Ulis who showed promise in his rookie campaign.
5. Sacramento Kings (From PHI): De'Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky
This is a marriage made in heaven. De'Aaron Fox is meant to be a Sacramento King. He already has relationships with his fellow Wildcats on the team, and I may add after his workout with the Kings, he took a Snapchat with a Kings foam finger. The Kings have needed their point guard of the future since the departure of Isaiah Thomas. Fox will finally fill that need. He is aggressive on both ends and gets to the basket at will. His shot needs to be developed, but Peja and the Kings coaching staff can help him with that.
6. Orlando Magic: Jonathan Isaac, SF, Florida State
Jonathan Isaac will have to make a long journey down the Florida coast from Tallahassee to Orlando as he will become a member of the Orlando Magic. He is a lengthy small forward who can easily slide down to the four. He fills the biggest need for the Magic. His wingspan is impressive and a big reason why he's a great defender. Isaac's stock has risen over the past few months. He is a guy who will need to develop, but if Orlando has patience with him, he could be a multiple time all-star.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves: Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky
Malik Monk reminds me a lot of J.R. Smith. He's a streaky shooter, but when he's hot there's no stopping him. Monk would be a good fit on this young Timberwolves team. Zach Lavine's injury last season may have opened the door at the shooting guard position. He may come back better than ever, but some guys can never come back from an ACL injury, or if they do return they aren't nearly the same player they once were (i.e. Derrick Rose). Monk is a scorer who can help take pressure off Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns. He won't always shoot the lights out but on those nights his teammates will pick up his slack. Coach Tom Thibodeau is also trying to acquire his former player, Jimmy Butler, so Monk could also serve as an asset to the Wolves.
8. New York Knicks: Frank Ntilikina, PG, France
Frank from France is a boom or bust type of player. His court vision is superb but he's not a great shooter and his defense needs work. He'll be a facilitator in the NBA but is to be seen how he adapts to the NBA. Phil Jackson loves his foreign players and New York needs their point guard of the future, so Frank is their guy. Ntilikina is another player who just needs time to develop.
9. Dallas Mavericks: Dennis Smith Jr. PG, North Carolina State
Dennis Smith Jr. caught my attention this past season when his team beat Duke. He finished the game with an emphatic dunk which showed NBA teams his athleticism. He is aggressive, quick, and has heart. Dallas is rebuilding whether Mark Cuban likes it or not. They also need their point guard of the future, and they can't pass on Smith if he falls to 9. Lauri Markkanen is a good option too as he could be the successor to Dirk, but I just think a point guard is more important for Dallas this year. It could go either way between Smith and Markkanen, but we have to see the first 8 picks before Cuban even gets that choice.
10. Sacramento Kings (From NOP): Justin Jackson, SF, North Carolina
This pick is a toss-up. I honestly feel like the team will trade back in the draft. The Kings need a small forward but the remaining options at 10 aren't great. Justin Jackson is a good option but failed to perform when the lights were the brightest in the National Championship game. OG Anunoby from Indiana remains another option. But both guys would be considered a reach at 10, so if the Kings can trade back they should. Sacramento should follow in the Celtics footsteps by acquiring assets and moving back to draft someone you might've picked anyways. I went back and forth on it but if the Kings stay at ten, they will pick Justin Jackson.
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