NBA Mock Draft 2017: Lottery Picks + Potential Steals

The 2017 NBA Draft is all set to go down as one of the most stacked drafts in recent times on June 22. So let’s dive into this year’s draft class and find out what the next generation holds for the NBA!

THE TOP 5

1. Philadelphia 76ers: Markelle Fultz | Washington | PG

University of Washington PG Markelle Fultz is one of the most polished players in the college game. He’s averaged 23 points, 6 assists and 6 rebounds this season while shooting above 40 percent from deep. He makes the 76ers lineup even more scarier playing alongside Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Dario Saric.

2. Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball | UCLA | PG

Ball is a 6’6 PG from UCLA who’s already drawn comparisons to Stephen Curry at just 19 years of age. He likes to play at a fast pace, makes his teammates better, is a leader on the basketball court and makes you drop your jaws with his deep three balls.

3. Boston Celtics: Josh Jackson | Kansas | F

Josh Jackson is one of the few athletic big guys in this year’s draft class. He’s averaged 16 points and 7 rebounds this year and has been a presence on the boards. He and the Celtics will benefit greatly from each other as the Celtics need a big man to play alongside Al Horford.

4. Phoenix Suns: Jayson Tatum | Duke | SF

Duke Forward Jayson Tatum is a pure scorer who might benefit a team like Phoenix Suns playing alongside Devin Booker. He’s averaged 16 points and 8 rebounds a game leading the Duke Blue Devils to a 28-9 record.

5. Sacramento Kings: De’Aaron Fox | Kentucky | PG

Fox is one of the most dynamic point guards in the college game right up there with the likes of Lonzo Ball. Fox has lightening quick speed and a nice floater game. He averaged 16, 4 and 4 leading Kentucky to an impressive 32-6 record.

The Next 5

6. Orlando Magic: Malik Monk | Kentucky | SG

Magic might use a player like Monk who shot almost 40 percent from downtown being one of the worst shooting teams in the NBA. Monk might also bring some clutchness to Orlando along with him.

7. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jonathan Isaac | Florida State | F

 Jonathan Isaac is a solid 6’11” Forward from Florida State who might prove to be one half of the twin-towers alongside big man Karl-Anthony Towns in Minnesota.

8. New York Knicks: Dennis Smith Jr. | NC State | PG

Dennis Smith Jr. is one of the most dynamic and underrated guards up for grabs this year. Having averaged 18 points and 6 assists, he has already drawn comparisons to Russell Westbrook due to his explosive style of play. Passing on Smith will be a huge loss for the Knicks.

9. Dallas Mavericks: Frank Ntilikina | France | PG

Ntilikina is the most promising international player this year. The Mavs might use a PG like him alongside Seth Curry or as a backup.

10. Sacramento Kings: Lauri Markkanen | Arizona | PF

Markkanen is a rare 7 footer in this year’s draft. The Kings might use him as a stretch four alongside Willie Cauley-Stein in the frontcourt and put his impressive over 40 percent three point shooting to good use.Picks 11-14 + Potential Steals

11. Charlotte Hornets: Zach Collins | Gonzaga | PF/C

The Hornets might use a big man like him on both sides of the floor. He can be a double-double machine on most days.

12. Detroit Pistons: Luke Kennard | Duke | SG

Kennard was one of the biggest threats from outside this year and Detroit Pistons, not a very good shooting team might use some of his firepower off the bench.

13. Denver Nuggets: Justin Jackson | UNC | SF

University of North Carolina Forward Justin Jackson will be a solid pickup for the Nuggets. He shows off solid inside presence making the duo of Nikola Jokic and him dangerous in the frontcourt.

14. Miami Heat: Donovan Mitchell | Louisville | PG

One of the best defenders available in the draft. Mitchell shows potential to be a dangerous two-way player and might be a good pick up for a young Heat team.

Potential Steals

29. San Antonio Spurs: Tyler Lydon | Syracuse | PF

You can never count out any player picked by the Spurs, ever. Lydon is a reliable three-point shooter and a brilliant rebounder for his size. He might flourish to be a solid role player under the Spurs system.

21. OKC Thunder: Jawun Evans | Oklahoma State | PG

Evans is a slightly undersized guard from Oklahoma State who declared for the NBA Draft in his Sophomore year. His two year college experience might provide him an edge over many other players.