Only a short time ago we were discussing whether or not LeBron James could take down the highly-touted Golden State Warriors. A team that acquired Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green through the NBA Draft. The journey to a championship begins on draft night for all 30 NBA teams. For the players, it is the night where they join the ranks of the players they group watching. There remains a long way to go from here, but it’s the first major step in their NBA careers.
Teams Without Picks in the 2017 NBA Draft:
Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Wizards, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans
Pick #1: Markelle Fultz (Washington)
Philadelphia 76ers
2016-17 Stats: 23.2 PPG, 5.9 AST, 5.7 REB, 64.9 FT%
Trade:
PHI: No. 1
BOS: No.3 (Jayson Tatum) and 2018 LAL 1st (Protected) or 2019 SAC 1st
There was little doubt going into the draft that Markelle Fultz would be the first name on the board. A highly coveted 5-star recruit out of high school, he was a dynamic scorer through his first (and only) season with the Huskies. There are concerns about his inability to positively impact his college team. Joining the ranks of an already young and exciting Philadelphia squad, the 76ers welcome an NBA-ready body that should play well in unison with the potentially ball dominant Ben Simmons.
Pick #2: Lonzo Ball (UCLA)
Los Angeles Lakers
2016-17 Stats: 14.6 PTS, 7.6 AST, 6.0 REB, 67.3 FT%
The Ball name has been surrounded by a lot of controversy because of his dad, but there’s is no question about his ability on the field. Lonzo Ball made history as a passer at the collegiate level and will offer a positive change of pace to a Lakers’ offense that has struggled with ball movement in recent years. He will need to prove he can score at the NBA level, but the foundation is there.
Pick #3: Jayson Tatum (Duke)
Boston Celtics
2016-17 Stats: 16.8 PTS, 7.3 REB, 2.1 AST, 84.9 FT%
Trade
BOS: No.3 and 2018 LAL 1st (Protected) or 2019 SAC 1st
PHI: No. 1 (Markelle Fultz)
A seemingly predetermined pick, Tatum offers one of the highest floors in the draft because of his scoring. It seems unlikely that he ever emerges as a true number-one option, but his defensive ability will make him a dangerous starting option. There remains some questions as to whether or not he and Jaylen Brown will bth be in green to start the season, but the Celtics remain a favorite to make moves with a number of assets.
Pick #4: Josh Jackson (Kansas)
Phoenix Suns
2016-17 Stats: 16.3 PTS, 7.4 REB, 3.0 AST, 56.6 FT%
Josh Jackson has been dubbed a top lottery pick for quite some time and it came to fruition with the fourth selection. Jackson has flashed strong offensive ability with good size, but there remain a lot of questions about his technical transition to the NBA. He should place well next to an emerging star in Devin Booker as he fills a major need at the small forward position.
Pick #5: De’Aaron Fox (Kentucky)
Sacramento Kings
2016-17 Stats: 16.7 PTS, 4.6 AST, 3.9 REB, 73.9 FT%
Trade
PHI: Nik Stauskas, Carl Landry, Jason Thompson, SAC 1st (2019), Pick Swaps (2017/2017)
SAC: Draft Rights to Artūras Gudaitis and Luka Mitrović
De’Aaron Fox showcased promising growth in his freshman season as he tormented opposing defenses all season with his speed and vision. Continued work in the gym saw his shot pick up late in the year and the Kings will look for that ethic to carry into the pros. Sacramento has been lacking at the point position for quite some time, and this may finally be their solution.
Pick #6: Jonathan Isaac (Florida State)
Orlando Magic
2016-17 Stats: 12.0 PTS, 7.8 REB, 1.2 AST, 78.0 FT%
Jonathan Isaac stands as one of the more polarizing prospects due to an imbalance between on the court performance and off the court standing. Isaac offers good size and efficient production, but there are questions about how much of an impact he will have at the top level in a loaded small forward position. Orlando has missed on a number of recent picks, and while Isaac may not possess the highest ceiling, he should hold one of the best floors.
Pick #7: Lauri Markkanen (Arizona)
Chicago Bulls
2016-17 Stats: 15.6 PTS, 7.2 REB, 0.9 AST, 83.5 FT%
Trade
MIN: Jimmy Butler and No. 16 (Justin Patton)
CHI: Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, and No. 7
Lauri Markkanen completes the young trio of players that Chicago will receive in the Jimmy Butler trade. A versatile 7-footer, he represents the new age big man with a strong perimeter shot. At 230-pounds he’ll need to put on weight to work in the post, but he offers a valuable skillset for the modern game. Chicago remains a bit of a mystery in their overall build. However, Markkanen is a valuable piece for a team that’s floundered since the loss of Tom Thibodeau.
Pick #8: Frank Ntilikina (France)
New York Knicks
Frank Ntilikina should immediately step in as a valuable backcourt asset for New York. The Knicks have a strong frontcourt presence (assuming Kristaps Porzingis remains with the team). Ntilikina offers a strong combo guard foundation, though there are questions about his ability to be a primary ball-handler. He profiles as a low floor, high ceiling option though that will be held to the high standards of the high apple.
Pick #9: Dennis Smith Jr. (NC State)
Dallas Mavericks
2016-17 Stats: 18.1 PTS, 6.2 AST, 4.6 REB, 71.5 FT%
Dennis Smith Jr. comes in as the first promising young, true point guard for Dallas in quite some time. Despite the Mavericks making a number of moves to sure up their frontcourt over the past season (Harrison Barnes, Nerlens Noel), the backcourt has been lackluster as Seth Curry plays better at the two and Wesley Matthews has disappointed after his injury. Smith’s natural athleticism should translate to immediate impact off the bench as he brings the technical aspects of his game up to their necessary levels.
Pick #10: Zach Collins (Gonzaga)
Portland Trail Blazers
2016-17 Stats: 10.0 PTS, 5.9 REB, 0.4 AST, 74.3 FT%
Trade
SAC: Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway, No. 10, and No. 34
NO: DeMarcus Cousins and Omri Casspi
Draft Day
SAC: No. 15 (Justin Jackson) and No. 20 (Harry Giles)
POR: No. 10
It did not take long for the Trail Blazers to make a move after star point guard Damian Lillard expressed his frustrations with the team’s role players. Portland moved up to take the 7-foot Zach Collins who has flashed potential on both the block and the perimeter. He will be limited to a secondary role behind a slew of veterans in the short-term, but eventual development may result in him starting more games alongside Nurkic.
Pick #11: Malik Monk (Kentucky)
Charlotte Hornets
2016-17 Stats: 19.8 PTS, 2.5 REB, 2.3 AST, 82.2 FT%
Malik Monk stands nearly unrivaled as the best shooting guard in the draft. Charlotte has seen inconsistent production from a number of average talent, but Monk may be a quick solution. Carrying more talent than his draft position would suggest, the Hornets have made a number of moves pairing the new guard with veteran Dwight Howard. While a number of Eastern Conference teams have picked high in the draft, Monk may be a front runner for Rookie of the Year.
Pick #12: Luke Kennard (Duke)
Detroit Pistons
2016-17 Stats: 19.5 PTS, 5.1 REB, 2.5 AST, 85.6 FT%
Luke Kennard is the newest rookie installment in the Detroit wing positions. The Pistons have brought in the likes of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Stanley Johnson over the past couple seasons with less than impressive results. With rumors swirling about a potential departure of Andre Drummond, a shift to the future may provide Kennard with a larger role than anticipated in the short-term. A guaranteed spot-up shooter, Kennard’s hidden all-around ability could lead him to surprising impact down the road.
Pick #13: Donovan Mitchell (Louisville)
Utah Jazz
2016-17 Stats: 15.6 PTS, 4.9 REB, 2.7 AST, 80.6 FT%
Trade
UTA: No. 13
DEN: Trey Lyles and No. 24 (Tyler Lydon)
Donovan Mitchell will be a much needed young insurgence to a Jazz backcourt that aged rapidly over the past season. Veteran George Hill is moving on after one season and the team is left with clear holes at ball-dominant positions. Mitchell’s athleticism and ability to score should play well into the team’s system regardless of the future of star Gordon Hayward.
Pick #14: Bam Adebayo (Kentucky)
Miami Heat
2016-17 Stats: 13.0 PTS, 8.0 REB, 0.8 AST, 65.3%
Bam Adebayo is a throwback to an older style of play in the age of stretch-fours. Miami will be welcoming a power forward that took only one three-pointer in his freshman season at Kentucky. What he did offer was aa bullying presence on the inside that at times seemed reminiscent of Julius Randle. Adebayo has a long way to go in technical development, but he grants Miami an athletic frame and plenty of time to improve.
Pick #15: Justin Jackson (North Carolina)
Sacramento Kings
2016-17 Stats: 18.3 PTS, 4.7 REB, 2.8 AST, 74.8 FT%
Trade
POR: No. 10 (Zach Collins)
SAC: No. 15 and No. 20 (Harry Giles)
Justin Jackson marks the selection outside the lottery, though he rivals the talent of multiple players picked ahead of him. The Kings brought in young prospect Buddy Hield last season, but also roster a number of aging veterans. Jackson will not possess a major role in the short-term. However, one of the deeper arsenals in the draft may allow him to develop into one of the steals of this draft.
Pick #16: Justin Patton (Creighton)
Minnesota Timberwolves
2016-17 Stats: 12.9 PTS, 6.2 REB, 1.2 AST, 51.7 FT%
Trade
MIN: Jimmy Butler and No. 16
CHI: Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, and No. 7 (Lauri Markkanen)
Justin Patton offers a story reminiscent of Anthony Davis. A guard early into his high school career, a late growth spurt saw him grow into a 7-foot center. He immediately offers an efficient, technical scorer off the rim that will learn from one of the best young centers in the game. Many would have liked to see the Timberwolves add a backcourt player to add depth following the trade, but Patton will find a clear role quicker than expected.
Pick #17: D.J. Wilson (Michigan)
Milwaukee Bucks
2016-17 Stats: 11.0 PTS, 5.3 REB, 1.3 AST, 83.3 FT%
D.J. Wilson may be one of the more overlooked players in this draft. He’s been unpolished on the offensive end and lacks the strength to compete with some of the bigger frames of similar bodied wings. However, his defensive intangibles and remarkable length should allow him to escape with mistakes early in his career. He showcased a knack for the bright lights late in the season with Michigan and the Bucks will look for that level of competition throughout the year. Limited to a secondary role, Wilson will be the beneficiary of professional development before he is truly expected to contribute.
Pick #18: T.J. Leaf (UCLA)
Indiana Pacers
2016-17 Stats: 16.3 PTS, 8.2 REB, 2.4 AST, 67.9 FT%
T.J. Leaf comes in as a valuable addition to a Pacers’ squad that would include Paul George. He is the modern prototype of a stretch-four that’s proven capable on the glass. Indiana has seen Myles Turner play well at the power forward position, but he remains focused around the center spot. Leaf should see more opportunity than expected for the eighteenth pick as Indiana tries to fit the pieces together in a rapid rebuild.
Pick #19: John Collins (Wake Forest)
Atlanta Hawks
2016-17 Stats: 19.2 PTS, 9.8 REB, 0.5 AST, 74.5 FT%
John Collins may be a relatively unattractive selection for fans given some of the big names still on the board, but he offers a promising frame for a Hawks team that is realigning for the future. Collins nearly averaged a double-double as a sophomore at Wake Forest with an intimidating 6’10” frame. He will need to add weight in order to bang at the highest level, though his foundation is set. Atlanta’s frontcourt remains a mystery following the Dwight Howard trade and unsigned Paul Millsap, potentially creating surprising opportunity for Collins.
Pick #20: Harry Giles (Duke)
Sacramento Kings
Trade
POR: Jusuf Nurkic, No. 20, and MEM 1st (2018; 1-5 Protected)
DEN: Mason Plumlee and POR 2nd (2018)
Draft Day
SAC: No. 15 (Justin Jackson) and No. 20
POR: No. 10 (Zach Collins)
Harry Giles possess star potential that is nearly unmatched through the 2017 Draft class. However, continued knee troubles (torn ACL in both knees) have limited his playing ability to this point. He showed flashes in his one year at Duke, and is a low-risk selection in the back half of the first round. Sacramento is looking to replace the lost interior production of DeMarcus Cousins, and a healthy Giles would be able to shoulder a major portion of that load.
Pick #21:Terrance Ferguson (Australia)
Oklahoma City Thunder
Terrance Ferguson came out of high school as one of the most exciting prospects of the year. Deferring college to play in Australia, he’s fallen under the radar despite premier athleticism and instinctive shooting. Ferguson is a strange fit for the Thunder who have Victor Oladipo ahead of him on a much larger contract. Oklahoma City has a limited roster committed to next season, so Ferguson may be the next strong sixth-man in an attempt to regain the second unit success from the James Harden days.
Pick #22: Jarrett Allen (Texas)
Brooklyn Nets
2016-17 Stats: 13.4 PTS, 8.5 REB, 0.8 AST, 56.4 FT%
Trade
BKN: Andrew Nicholson, Marcus Thornton, and No. 22
WAS: Bojan Bogdanovic and Chris McCullough
Jarrett Allen is one of the most sensible picks outside the lottery as Brooklyn has an immediate hole to fill following the loss of Brook Lopez. Allen will have time to develop behind Timofey Mozgov, but his natural athleticism should result in production early in his career. The technical side of his game remains a few years away from being reliable. However, he’s bought into his role as a rim protector, something the Nets have missed with the offensive focus of the past few years.
Pick #23: OG Anunoby (Indiana)
Toronto Raptors
2016-17 Stats: 11.1 PTS, 5.4 REB, 1.4 AST, 56.3 FT%
Trade
TOR: Norman Powell and No. 23 (Previously traded to MIL from LAC)
MIL: Greivis Vasquez
OG Anunoby has the makings of the next great utility defender. Anunoby offers elite athleticism and flashes of offensive potential which make him a potential sixth-man candidate down the road. Toronto parted with long-time sixth man Terrence Ross last season. Norman Powell elevated into that bench scoring role, and now Anunoby should play as a defensive complement for that second unit.
Pick #24: Tyler Lydon (Syracuse)
Denver Nuggets
2016-17 Stats: 13.2 PTS, 8.6 REB, 2.1 AST, 83.6 FT%
Trade
DEN: Trey Lyles and No. 24
UTA: No. 13 (Donovan Mitchell)
Tyler Lydon fits the modern power forward position as his undersized build is balanced with an effective perimeter jumper. Though he lacks the typical measurables of the highly regarded prospects, he’s proven reliable in the right roles. Denver is clearly moving away from the likes of Kenneth Faried with the acquisition of both Lydon and Trey Lyles. He will have to fight for time in what is currently a loaded position, but a team still building for the future will find him opportunity.
Pick #25: Andzejs Pasecniks (Latvia)
Philadelphia 76ers
Trade
ORL: Terrence Ross and No. 25 (Previously traded to TOR from LAC)
TOR: Serge Ibaka
Draft Day
PHI: No. 25
ORL: Future First
Andzejs Pasecniks is the beneficiary of a weak center class and a strong showing on the Spanish pro circuit. Standing 7’2″, he is an intimidating presence on the interior despite a frame that needs to be filled out. Philadelphia traded away a future pick in order to add another center to their already large lineup. While expectations are high for their current big men, injuries have kept them from producing on the court. Pasecniks still has two years remaining on his contract with Gran Canaria, but it may not be that long before we see him.
Pick #26: Caleb Swanigan (Purdue)
Portland Trail Blazers
2016-17 Stats: 18.5 PTS, 12.5 REB, 3.0 AST, 78.1 FT%
Trade
POR: No. 26
CLE: CLE 1st (2018) (Previously traded to POR)
Caleb Swanigan is not only a heart warming story of a child that turned his life around with basketball. He is a potential double-double machine that’s already expanded his offensive arsenal to include a perimeter shot. Swanigan’s body will always be a point of concern as he’s needed to lose weight even through his collegiate career. Despite the limitations, natural instincts and impressive footwork kept him in favor against Big Ten competition. The Trail Blazers brought in the longer Zach Collins at No. 10, but Swanigan may be a favorable complement to bruise off the bench.
Pick #27: Kyle Kuzma (Utah)
Los Angeles Lakers
2016-17 Stats: 16.4 PTS, 9.3 REB, 2.4 AST, 66.9 FT%
Trade
LAL: Brook Lopez and No. 27
BKN: D’Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov
Kyle Kuzma fits the mold of a standard last first round pick as he’s shown flashes of greatness, but consistency has been lacking. He’s proven to be a versatile option on a 6’8″ frame that could lineup at power forward in college. Concerns come on the defensive end where his effort was a greater problem than his ability. The Lakers have their small forward of the future in Brandon Ingram, but Kuzma will have the opportunity to develop into a reliable two-way player in his secondary role.
Pick #28: Tony Bradley (North Carolina)
Utah Jazz
2016-17 Stats: 7.1 PTS, 5.1 REB, 0.6 AST, 61.9 FT%
Trade
LAL: Corey Brewer and No. 28
HOU: Lou Williams
Draft Day
UTA: No. 28
LAL: No. 30 (Josh Hart) and No. 42 (Thomas Bryant)
Tony Bradley offers lottery-level production when he is on the floor. The problem is that he’s often struggled to play extended minutes. He walks into a favorable situation where he will be able to work behind one of the league’s emerging big men in Rudy Gobert and heavy minutes will not be expected. Playing the first half of the upcoming season as a teenager, expectations are reserved for a couple years down the road once he’s had time to progress.
Pick #29: Derrick White (Colorado)
San Antonio Spurs
2016-17 Stats: 18.1 PTS, 4.4 AST, 4.1 REB, 81.3 FT%
Derrick White already has the makings of the next Spurs’ point guard to thrive in a secondary role. Similar to the start Patty Mills‘ saw, White will step into a low-stress role as he adapts to the San Antonio offense. After four years on the collegiate scene, though, he should not take as long to make the physical adjustments as some of the younger prospects. The Spurs are realigning for a post Duncan/Ginobili/Parker era and the offensive efficiency of White may make him a valuable contributor in that process.
Pick #30: Josh Hart (Villanova)
Los Angeles Lakers
2016-17 Stats: 18.7 PTS, 6.4 REB, 2.9 AST, 74.7 FT%
Trade
Three-team deal. Highlights: Andre Iguodala to GS; No. 30 to UTA
Draft Day
LAL: No. 30 and No. 42 (Thomas Bryant)
UTA: No. 28 (Tony Bradley)
Josh Hart may lack the natural ability of the small forwards drafted at the top of the draft, but years of proven work and clear improvement have many believing that he can at least contribute at the NBA level. The Lakers have seen similar players like Larry Nance carry clear skill sets into selective production in the NBA. He will be fightng with fellow rookie Kyle Kuzma for minutes, but the work ethic that allowed for one of the best collegiate careers in recent years should result in him finding fair opportunity.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.