2017 NBA Mock Draft – Projected Lottery Picks: Another NBA Draft lottery is in the books, and thanks to a trade several years back with the Brooklyn Nets, the Boston Celtics grabbed the No. 1 pick the same year they finished with the best record in the Eastern Conference. For the record, you have to go back to 1982 for the last time a team won its conference and landed the top pick.
The Celtics were followed by the Los Angeles Lakers, who held on to their pick because it fell in the top three. The Sacramento Kings actually landed the third pick, but a previous trade will force them to swap picks with the Philadelphia 76ers, moving the 76ers to the No. 3 spot and Sacramento back to No. 5.
With the picking order for the lottery now set, it’s time for a first look at the potential picks for the 2017 NBA Draft.
- Boston Celtics: Markelle Fultz, PG, Washington
Fultz might not be the best fit in Boston, but he’s considered by most to be the best player in this draft. I expect the Celtics to snatch him up, even if it is just to use him as trade chip down the road.
- Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA
His loud mouth father’s act will play well in Los Angeles, and Lonzo’s ability as a floor general is a perfect fit for a team loaded with young players. Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram and D’Angelo Russell will look a lot better with Lonzo running the show.
- Philadelphia 76ers: Josh Jackson, SF, Kansas
The 76ers could use a knockdown shooter, especially with Ben Simmons likely to play the role of point-forward. However, Jackson has a huge ceiling and the potential to be a two-way force. He and Simmons would be fun to watch in transition.
- Phoenix Suns: Jayson Tatum, SF, Duke
Phoenix is loaded with young talent, and while De’Aaron Fox could be in play here, I think Tatum’s polished offensive game gives him the edge. The Suns have a couple of raw but athletically gifted big men, and Tatum’s scoring ability will help take some pressure off of the rest of the team.
- Sacramento Kings: De’Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky
If the draft plays out this way, Fox is a no-brainer selection for the Kings. He instantly becomes their best perimeter defender, and he is one of the fastest point guards in the draft. He will be able to create better looks for the rest of Sacramento’s young players.
- Orlando Magic: Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky
The Magic need more perimeter shooters, and Monk will provide that and then some. Whether he plays alongside Elfrid Payton or plays a little point guard himself, Monk will provide a much-needed offensive boost to Orlando’s backcourt.
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Jonathan Isaac, PF, Florida State
For a team loaded with young talent, taking a chance on Isaac’s huge ceiling makes a lot of sense. He has the skills to be a stretch-forward and a force defensively, and he could also make an attractive trade chip if Minnesota decides to make a move for a veteran.
- New York Knicks: Dennis Smith, PG, North Carolina State
Not surprisingly, the Derrick Rose experiment wasn’t all it cracked up to be. Smith is a steal in this spot, and he is the complete package at the point guard spot. He can score and distribute, and he is a legit building block for a franchise that is kind of a mess right now.
- Dallas Mavericks: Frank Ntilikina, PG, France
Dallas’ point guard situation is kind of a joke right now, but Ntilikina offers a potential solution. He has the size teams look for in point guards right now, and the Mavericks have scouted him a lot, according to league reports.
- Sacramento Kings: Zach Collins, C, Gonzaga
He came off the bench for a loaded Gonzaga team, but Collins was a force whenever he was on the court. He has all the skills teams look for in a big man these days, and Collins can defend the rim, score on the block and has solid touch from outside. He isn’t DeMarcus Cousins, but he will help fill the void in the middle.
- Charlotte Hornets: OG Anunoby, SF, Indiana
Anunoby has a knee issue that will cloud his draft stock a bit, but his length and elite athleticism can’t be taught. Charlotte could use a lockdown defender, and when healthy, Anunoby can cover guards and wings.
- Detroit Pistons: Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona
Stan Van Gundy loves to surround big men with outside shooters, and Markkanen is the prototypical stretch-forward in today’s NBA. He needs to get a lot tougher on the defensive end, but the seven-footer has a solid 3-point shot and could be a perfect fit alongside Andre Drummond.
- Denver Nuggets: Luke Kennard, SG, Duke
Nikola Jokic looks like a potential superstar, and with the offense running through the smooth passing center, adding the draft’s best pure shooter makes a lot of sense. Kennard doesn’t have as much upside as some other prospects, but there is always a place for elite shooting.
- Miami Heat: Harry Giles, PF, Duke
Multiple knee injuries make him a risky pick, but prior to a second ACL tear, Giles was the No. 1 player in this draft class. At this spot in the draft, the risk is well worth the reward. Giles could still end up being an All-Star-caliber player.
Get the latest updated 2017 NBA Finals Odds from top-rated Bovada Sportsbook everyday on NSAwins.com plus expert NBA picks and predictions against the spread and LIVE NBA odds on every NBA game daily.
| 2 EASY STEPS to BET on 2017 NBA Odds! STEP 1: CLICK HERE to OPEN BOVADA Sportsbook Account STEP 2: Deposit with Credit Card or Deposit by Check and get a 50% BONUS upto $250 FREE added to your Player Account Funds. |