This article takes a look at the current draft landscape and provides you with a mock draft of each first round selection in the pre-lottery draft order.
The 2017 NBA Draft is approaching quickly. On June 22, the picks will flow in, and each team will have new players to call their own.
Sadly, we do not even know the draft order, yet. The NBA Lottery occurs on May 16, and that will determine which teams select in the top three. In some cases, it will, also, determine which team makes that selection. Check out the lottery odds here.
MUST READ: Could Jimmy Butler be in play for the Sacramento Kings?
The combine begins today, May 9, and runs through Sunday, May 14. We will get some new information from the combine and the lottery, but a lot of it will be smoke screens and misinformation. Be careful what you believe, but the combine is a great opportunity to see these players go head-to-head against each other one last time before the draft.
Today, I am going to do a Mock Draft of the first round assuming everything stays as it stands right now. That means the draft selections are in reverse order of regular season record (with all trades that occurred before May 9 factored in) and there is no movement from today forward. There is a short write-up following each draft choice of why I think that team will pick that particular player. Let us roll right into it.
1. Boston Celtics (via Brooklyn Nets)- Markelle Fultz- PG- Washington
How great is it to be the Boston Celtics and their fans right now? Making a serious playoff run and hold the rights to the best lottery odds after a trade with the Brooklyn Nets. It is a pick swap this year, so the Brooklyn Nets have a selection later on.
Why Markelle Fultz?
I think the Boston Celtics are already a talented team with a deep roster, so they will be going for best player available. By all accounts, Markelle Fultz is that man.
Fultz leaps off the page in a plethora of ways for a point guard. He is 6’4 with a 6’10 wingspan. He is a young player who can score, shoot, pass; you name it on the offensive end. Check out this highlight video from Fultz only season at the University of Washington to see his many talents on display.
I think the Celtics are all in on Fultz and think he has the upside to be a superstar player, hence why they select him first overall.
*Boston has a 25.0% chance to have the number one overall selection.
2. Phoenix Suns- Josh Jackson-SF- Kansas
Surprised? I know most experts and mock drafts have Lonzo Ball going second overall to the Phoenix Suns, but I do not see that happening. If the Lakers hold on to their pick (more on that later), I think we see a situation similar to the one featuring Kobe Bryant in the 1996 NBA Draft.
Ball’s father, a very outspoken man who often makes a headline or two, will force the Suns’ hand by making it clear Ball won’t play in Phoenix. He will tell them his son is only playing for the Lakers and usually, the player wins out in these scenarios.
Why Josh Jackson?
I believe this draft has a three player tier at the top featuring Fultz, Ball, and Josh Jackson. Jackson is perhaps the better fit for Phoenix anyways. Slightly older (already 20 years old), he possesses ability on the defensive end we have not seen from Ball and Fultz. Jackson has his warts, but overall has the talent to blossom into an elite NBA player and a front three of Bledsoe, Booker, and Jackson should be mouthwatering to Suns’ fans.
*Phoenix has a 19.9% chance of having the number one overall selection
3. Los Angeles Lakers- Lonzo Ball-PG- UCLA
Maybe it is my perception, but it seems like the Lakers always get their way (except that Chris Paul trade, Go David Stern). I think this draft will be no different and the Lakers will end up with the man they want in Ball.
Why Lonzo Ball?
Lonzo Ball is a 6’6 point guard with unquestioned passing abilities. He is a true point guard in the NBA by all accounts and becomes a great fit for the Lakers. It will allow them to move D’Angelo Russell to the two and be more of a scorer. Ball gives them the pass first point guard they have lacked during their recent dry spell.
Expect Ball to end up in Purple and Gold and perhaps to be the piece the leads the Lakers back into the Playoffs.
*Los Angeles has a 15.6% chance of having the number one overall selection
**Los Angeles has to give the selection to Philadelphia if it falls outside the top three
4. Philadelphia 76ers- Malik Monk-SG- Kentucky
Finally, the 76ers steer clear of the big men at the beginning of the draft and select a guard. Philadelphia has about the same chance as the Lakes to pick first overall when you factor in the pick swap with the Sacramento Kings and a slightly below a coin flips chance to have two top five picks. The 2017 Draft is an important one for an increasingly intriguing Philadelphia squad.
Why Malik Monk?
Shout out to our friends over at The Sixers Sense who have been championing why Monk should be the pick. He seems like a hand in glove fit given the team wants Ben Simmons to be the primary ball handler and they need scorers and shooters around him. Monk is one of the best scorers in this draft and should help Philadelphia from day one. Not to mention, Monk nailed his three-pointers at 39.7% last season for the Wildcats.
*Philadelphia has an 11.9% chance of having the number one overall selection
**Philadelphia has the right to swap picks with the Sacramento Kings
***Philadelphia receives the Lakers selection if it falls outside the top three selections
5. Orlando Magic- Jayson Tatum- SF- Duke
The allure of selecting a point guard is present for the Orlando Magic. Elfrid Payton is improving and under contract but has often left the Magic asking for more during his three NBA seasons. This draft is flush with point guard talent, but Orlando goes in a different direction on draft night.
Why Jayson Tatum?
I think the Magic need a small forward or wing more than they need a point guard. They started the season with the plan of Aaron Gordon playing the three, but that flamed out. Evan Fournier is a more of a shooting guard, Terrance Ross’ best role is playing a sixth or seventh man, and Mario Hezonja has been a total draft bust. I do not see the answer at small forward on the roster.
Enter Jayson Tatum who had a fantastic season for the Blue Devils. Tatum is still raw in many aspects of his game, but he is oozing potential, and this Magic team is going to need a few years to be competitive. I like Tatum as a piece of the Magic’s future and potentially their starting small forward for years to come.
*Orlando has an has an 8.8% chance of having the number one overall selection
6. Minnesota Timberwolves- Lauri Markkanen- PF- Arizona
Minnesota Timberwolves are building an exciting young team. They have their star in Karl-Anthony Towns and a core starting five featuring Ricky Rubio, Andrew Wiggins, Gorgui Dieng, and Zach Lavine (if he can return from his torn ACL). They are picking this high for a reason, though.
Why Lauri Markkanen?
Lauri Markkanen is another pick that just appears to be the perfect fit. Markkanen shot 42.3% from three-point land for Arizona last season, and the Wolves are searching for some floor spacing. Wiggins was a league average three-point shooter last season and Rubio was well-below average so they need the big men to make up that deficiency. Towns, Dieng, and Markkanen all feature three-point shooting ability and make Minnesota a very dangerous offensive squad.
Lauri Markkanen is a 20-year-old kid from Finland and would continue a trend for the Timberwolves of adding talent from all over the globe. Their current roster features four players who never played NCAA basketball, and that does not include Andrew Wiggins who was born in Canada. Markkanen seems like the most logical choice for Minnesota at this juncture.
*Minnesota has a 5.3% chance of having the number one overall selection
7. New York Knicks- Frank Ntilikina- PG- Strasbourg (International)
The New York Knicks are a team to follow this offseason. The Carmelo Anthony drama is unfolding before our eyes. Derrick Rose is a free agent leaving the Knicks without a true point guard on their roster and other than Kristaps Porzingis this team has little to no young talent.
Why Frank Ntilikina?
A 6’5 point guard who does not turn 19 years old until July sounds enticing. When you throw in Ntilikina’s playmaking ability and defensive prowess it is making the team’s mouth water.
I will admit I have not seen lots of film on Ntilikina. I have heard good things, and Draft Express has some glowing reports about him, but I cannot say I have seen enough to make a firm determination, yet. I think New York has some experience of taking an international player and it paying off, so hopefully, the same goes for Ntilikina.
I believe they pick him due to his three-point shooting and ability to play off the ball better than the next two selections. New York renewed the contract of Phil Jackson meaning some version of triangle offense sticks around. That requires a point guard with a different skill set. Ntilikina appears to the best fit and for what it is worth ESPN is already reporting the Knicks are in on Ntilikina.
*New York has a 5.3% chance of having the number one overall selection
8. Sacramento Kings- De’Aaron Fox- PG- Kentucky
The Sacramento Kings currently have their first of two picks slotted at eighth overall. Both Darren Collison and Ty Lawson are free agents, so the only point guard on the roster is Garrett Temple. The Kings do not want Temple playing the one for anything more than spot minutes, so they have a clearly defined need there.
Sacramento also has a need for a young wing who can replace Rudy Gay. Gay has decided to opt out of his contract and test free agency but could return to Sacramento. Stay tuned for more on this developing story.
Why De’Aaron Fox?
Selecting De’Aaron Fox is probably the dream scenario for the Kings. Other mock drafts have Fox chosen in the top five, and I believe he has the talent for that. The draft is talent meets team needs, though and that allows him to fall to Sacramento. Fox is by no means a finished product, but he is a big point guard with some incredible athletic gifts. He needs to improve this three-point efficiency and overall playmaking ability to be an elite NBA player, but he provides the Kings with a point guard to build their future around.
Below is a highlight video from De’Aaron Fox’s lone season at Kentucky to give you a glimpse of his on-court abilities.
*Sacramento cannot have the number one overall selection due to a pick swap with the Philadelphia 76ers
**If Sacramento’s pick falls outside the top ten selections it goes to the Chicago Bulls from a previous trade
9. Dallas Mavericks- Dennis Smith Jr.- PG- North Carolina State
Dallas is the third team in a row looking to solve their point guard position. It will be interesting to see which team falls in love with a player and how this shakes out. Luckily for all three squads, this draft appears to have plenty of point guard talent to build around.
Why Dennis Smith?
The Mavericks fill the need with Dennis Smith Jr. This 19-year-old point guard is a highlight maker. Check out the video below from his lone season leading NC State to see what I mean.
Smith lacks the polish and Draft Express notes he may need help with his ability to run a team. Dallas needs to find a veteran to mentor Smith Jr. early on, but having him as the point guard of the future should excite Mavericks fans.
*Dallas has a 1.7% chance of having the number one overall selection
10. Sacramento Kings (via New Orleans)- Jonathan Isaac-F- Florida State
I mentioned the Kings needs at pick eight, and I have them filling the first one with that selection. That means they are going to be in the market for a wing player with high upside. The DeMarcus Cousins’ trade shifted the Kings into rebuild mode, and I expect the Kings to plug the remaining gap with this selection.
Why Jonathan Isaac?
Isaac is the small forward that completes the starting five of Buddy Hield, Skal Labissiere, Willie Cauley-Stein and Fox. Isaac is another player who is relatively raw but has the upside to be a force on both ends of the floor.
His defensive potential is intriguing to Sacramento. As my colleague, Michael Dugger wrote about recently the Kings need to improve their defense to make a quick turnaround. Isaac could blossom into a defensive stopper and Sacramento is in desperate need of that. He is still unpolished, but Coach Joerger grew up coaching a defense first team in Memphis and should be able to get the best out of Issac in this area.
I think you could make a case of Jonathan Isaac to be selected higher than tenth overall, so Kings fans should be ecstatic if they land both Fox and Issac come June 22.
*New Orleans has a 1.1% chance of having the number one overall selection
**New Orleans keeps the pick if it falls inside the top three overall
11. Charlotte Hornets- Zach Collins- PF/C- Gonzaga
The Charlotte Hornets are perhaps a better team than this season indicated. They had a positive scoring differential, one of only seven teams in the Eastern Conference and one of just fifteen teams in the entire NBA. The roster is flush with young talent and players in their prime except at the power forward position. Marvin Williams has played great two straight seasons, but he is 30 years old, and the team will probably be searching for his long-term replacement in this draft.
Why Zach Collins?
The Hornets are fans of stretch big men and Zach Collins may be just that. A seven foot tall big who is still 19 years old shot 47.6% from three-point last year at Gonzaga granted it was on just 21 attempts. Under the tutelage of the Michael Jordan owned Hornets, Collins could blossom into a combo big who can space the floor and wreak havoc on the defensive end. Expect him to be the selection at eleventh overall.
*Charlotte has a 0.8% chance of having the number one overall selection
12. Detroit Pistons- Harry Giles- PF- Duke
The Detroit Pistons have a lot of question marks around their team heading into the offseason. Be it health, regression, or some combination of the two, Reggie Jackson just never looked quite right this season. Will the Pistons try to move on from the 27-year-old or are the committed to him being their point guard of the future? Does Kentavious Caldwell-Pope return in free agency? Will Aron Baynes decline his option and become a free agent? Will the team try to open up minutes for Stanley Johnson and Henry Ellenson? And perhaps the biggest question, what happened to Andre Drummond this season and will it cause the Pistons to sour on him?
Detroit is another talented roster that has needs for bench pieces and improved depth.
Why Harry Giles?
Harry Giles was ESPN 100’s top player coming out of high school and according to Draft Express, attended his first Team USA camp at age 14.
Giles is just 19 years old now and has been hampered by injuries for a few straight years. Giles has torn both is ACL’s since 2013 and had another knee surgery while at Duke. Obviously, this is a risk versus reward selection, but to capture the player with perhaps the highest ceiling this late in the draft is a steal. Given the Pistons current roster, I do not think they pass up that opportunity.
*Detroit has a 0.7% chance of having the number one overall selection
13. Denver Nuggets- OG Anunoby- SF/PF- Indiana
The Denver Nuggets have constructed a roster that a lot of teams envy. Their roster is oozing young talent, and they are building a core group that can grow together. That group could be lighting the league ablaze in a few seasons. The Nuggets will be looking to add another piece to that with this lottery pick.
Why OG Anunoby?
OG Anunoby is the replacement for Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler that fits with their young core. He clearly does not have the offensive game of those players, but with Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Gary Harris flanking him I don’t think they need another scorer. Anunoby should be a good defender and make a scary young lineup with the three players mentioned above and Juancho Hernangomez. Did I mention the oldest player in that lineup is currently 22 years old? The Nuggets are building a lot of young assets in a hurry, and OG Anunoby is the perfect next piece in the collection.
*Denver has a 0.6% chance of having the number one overall selection
14. Miami Heat- T.J. Leaf- PF- UCLA
The Miami Heat are in an unusual position these days. After losing Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh last offseason, most experts thought it would be a bad season for the Heat. Fast forward to now, and Miami missed the playoffs on the final day of the regular season and will get Justise Winslow back from an injury that allowed him to play in just 18 games last season.
The Heat could probably most use a power forward they can pair with Hassan Whiteside or a point guard to run the team when they move on from Goran Dragic. By this selection no point guard stands out, so the Heat will have to look in a different direction.
Why T.J. Leaf?
Playing next to Hassan Whiteside, who is an excellent rebounder, defender, and presence in the paint on both ends of the floor calls for a stretch four who can space and create matchup issues for the opposition. Enter Leaf who nailed 46.6% of his three-point attempts last season for the Bruins. The fit is perfect for Leaf as well. Draft Express questions his defensive game, but playing next to Whiteside will probably mask some of his deficiencies. Picking Leaf appears to be a solid fit for both the team and the player in my opinion.
Leaf could be thrust into some immediate playing time if James Johnson departs in free agency. Udonis Haslem and Derrick Williams are also free agents, so expect some offseason moves from Miami to improve their power forward position.
*Miami has a 0.5% chance of having the number one overall selection
15. Portland Trail Blazers- Terrance Ferguson- SG/SF- Adelaide
Portland is another team with some question marks heading into next year. How are they going to solve their cap crunch? They have a dynamic backcourt, and the trade for Jusuf Nurkic gives them a center, but are they satisfied with the forward positions? Can they make a move to push this team further into contention?
Why Terrance Ferguson?
The Trail Blazers need defense especially perimeter defense to take another step forward. Lillard and McCollum are perhaps the most dynamic offensive backcourt in the NBA, but despite their defensive improvements still, need help on that end. Enter Ferguson named by Bleacher Report as the fourth best perimeter defender in the draft.
Draft Express details his offensive ability as being best suited to being a spot-up shooter, and that fits Portland as well. Lillard and McCollum can do the playmaking, so players around them are best served as screeners or spot up shooters. Ferguson seems to fit that bill.
16. Chicago Bulls- Jarrett Allen- C- Texas
Despite qualifying for the playoffs, the Chicago Bulls are another middle of the pack team with plenty of offseason question marks. Will Dwyane Wade accept his $23.8 million player option or become a free agent? Is Rajon Rondo the point guard next season? Are Nikola Mirotic and Michael Carter-Williams part of the future or the next former Bulls?
When a team has a plethora of holes to fill they usually just go for the best available player, and I think that is what Chicago will do here.
Why Jarrett Allen?
Jarrett Allen is a traditional big man whose college stats show you some obvious strengths and weaknesses. He showed off by pulling down 3.0 offensive rebounds a game and scoring 13.4 points per game on 56.6% shooting from the field. A takeaway is 56.4% free throw percentage on 4.5 attempts per game. Hack-a-Allen could be coming to the United Center next season.
Allen just turned 19 years old in April, so there is still plenty of time and room for him to grow. He profiles as a similar player to Robin Lopez and that would be a great mentoring relationship the Bulls could foster. That would help both players and the Chicago organization. It is an upside over needs play, but I think it’s a great pick for the Bulls at pick 16.
17. Milwaukee Bucks- Justin Patton- C- Creighton
The Milwaukee Bucks appear to be a team on the rise. Led by 22-year-old Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks qualified for the playoffs and lost a six-game first round series to the Toronto Raptors. The team appears set going into next year with only bench pieces in Tony Snell, Michael Beasley, and Jason Terry heading to free agency.
According to a recent ESPN rumor, the Bucks are looking for shooting in the draft. I can see the need and the growing NBA trend causing Milwaukee to draft a shooter.
Why Justin Patton?
If there is one position that was always in flux for Milwaukee last season it was the center spot. They shuffled between Greg Monroe, Spencer Hawes, and John Henson all season.
Enter Justin Patton a center with three-point shooting potential. Patton sank 57.1% of his three-point attempts last season, but he only took 0.4 attempts per game. It is a minuscule sample but shows Patton has the potential to be dangerous from that range with some extra work.
I like the fit with Milwaukee and believe this will be their selection if he is still on the board.
18. Indiana Pacers- Luke Kennard- SG- Duke
The Indiana Pacers were swept from the first round of the NBA playoffs by LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers leaving the entire organization in flux. Paul George complained the whole series and rumors are he wants out of Indiana. Larry Bird resigned his role as team President shortly after the season and the only point guard under contract for next season is Joe Young. The Pacers could switch to rebuilding mode for the first time in years.
Why Luke Kennard?
Luke Kennard is a versatile offensive player that will fit well with the Pacers regardless of where Paul George is playing. Kennard can do a little bit of everything on offense. His three-point production stands out as one of his strengths. He connected on 43.8% of his shots from that distance and sank 2.4 threes per game.
Kennard played two years at Duke and is about to turn 21 years old. He may be a bit older, but extra time in college was put to good use expanding his game, and it should pay off with him being a top twenty selection.
19. Atlanta Hawks- John Collins- PF- Wake Forest
The big question mark for the Atlanta Hawks is whether they can keep All-Star Paul Millsap or if he heads to greener pastures like former teammate Al Horford? Millsap has a player option for next season that he will most likely decline to become an unrestricted free agent. The open market will have plenty of suitors for his services, so stay tuned to this developing story.
The other power forwards on the roster are all free agents as well. Ersan Ilyasova, Kris Humphries, and Mike Muscala will all be hitting the market, so even if Millsap stays the Hawks will be searching for a reserve at that position.
Why John Collins?
John Collins‘ best NBA position may be a center, but I am a fan of his game. A more traditional big, Collison scored 19.2 points per game last season on 62.4% from the field. He added in 9.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. Undoubtedly great college numbers and he has some skills that should translate well to the NBA.
Draft Express questions his defense, and that is fair, but I think Collins has potential. He makes a great fit for the Hawks at pick 19.
20. Portland Trail Blazers (via Memphis)- Justin Jackson-SF-North Carolina
I went into detail about Portland’s needs at pick 15, so I won’t rehash that here.
Why Justin Jackson?
Justin Jackson gives them depth at the wing positions. A big man might be a better fit here, but I did not love any of the player fits, so I chose Jackson. A wing who has improved his shooting leaps and bounds according to Draft Express, Jackson provides the Blazers with another offensive threat.
It would be a better fit if Jackson were a better defender. As I mentioned earlier, that is what Portland needs on the wings, but they found a fit there at pick 15. Jackson provides another matchups option at the wing and Portland loves to mix and match during the regular season.
Jackson is already 22 years old. He may be more developed than any player selected ahead of him, but Portland is in win now mode anyways.
The Last Ten Selections of Round One
21. Oklahoma City Thunder- Ivan Rabb- PF/C- California
Taj Gibson is a free agent, and Domantas Sabonis is a long way from being their power forward, so they take a shot on another skilled four in Rabb.
22. Brooklyn Nets (via Washington Wizards)- Donavan Mitchell- SG- Louisville
The search for wing players continues for Brooklyn with the addition of Mitchell. He should see plenty of minutes during his rookie campaign for this rebuilding club.
23. Toronto Raptors (via LA Clippers)- Tyler Lydon- SF/PF- Syracuse
Kyle Lowry’s announcement that he will opt out of his contract and test free agency has to have the Raptors in a panic. They need forward depth, and Lydon should help in that area.
24. Utah Jazz- Isaiah Hartenstein- PF/C- Zalgiris
Gordon Hayward can opt out of his contract, starting point guard George Hill is a free agent, and speculation is rampant that Derrick Favors will have a new home this offseason. This Jazz team that showed so much promise this season could look very different come next year.
Hartenstein just turned 19 years old and will be a development piece that sees limited action in his few seasons if the Jazz stays on the course to contention.
25. Orlando Magic (via Toronto Raptors)- Jawun Evans- PG- Oklahoma State
Orlando selects a point guard at pick 25 after passing up the chance early on. If nothing else this should push Elfrid Payton and send him a message that his spot on the team is not guaranteed.
26. Portland Trail Blazers (via Cleveland Cavaliers)- Anzejs Pasecniks- C- Gran Canaria
When you have three first round selections one of them has to be a player you can stash overseas and the Blazers make that pick with attractive big man Anzejs Pasecniks.
27. Brooklyn Nets (via Boston Celtics)- Ike Anigbogu- C- UCLA
Anigbogu is a player projected to go much higher, but I could not find the right fit for him. The Nets are not going anywhere next season, so drafting the best available player seems like a great strategy and Anigbogu has raw talent.
28. Los Angeles Lakers (via Houston Rockets)- Semi Ojeleye- SF/PF- SMU
The Lakers add a combo forward to their young squad. He gives them depth behind both Brandon Ingram and Julius Randle. I do not love that Ojeleye is already 22 years old, but if he can play, Ojeleye will erase those doubts in a hurry.
29. San Antonio Spurs- Rodions Kurucs- SF- Barcelona
The San Antonio Spurs have had some success selecting international players, and they can afford to wait on Kurucs. He is just 19 years old and may not head straight to the NBA, but the future looks bright. I am a believer the Spurs can make just about any prospect better, so watch out for Kurucs in a few seasons.
30. Utah Jazz (via Golden State Warriors)- Hamidou Diallo- SG- NY Rens HS
A high school player? Really? You cannot draft him until next season, what are you thinking? I know that is what you are thinking. Well, Diallo has an interesting story and is draft eligible this time around. He is still 18 years old and is probably more of a second-round selection, but I wanted to link his story and give you the chance to learn more about the none and done player and the impact it could have on future drafts.
Closing Thoughts
There you have it, my first mock draft for the 2017 NBA Draft. As I mentioned, many things will change between now and draft night on June 22, so expect to see future mock drafts from me. A Royal Pain will also have player profiles on some of the draft’s talent, so stay tuned for that.
The 2017 Draft is an important one for the Sacramento Kings. With two possible top ten selections, June 22 could go a long way in reshaping their franchise. Here is to hoping the front office makes the right choices, and it leads the Kings back to playoff contention.
Big thanks to Draft Express. Those guys do fantastic work, and their insight appears throughout this piece. Their site features excellent videos and reports on every player so if you interested in a particular player head over there and check them out.
Next: 2016-2017 Season Grades for Every Sacramento Kings Player
A Royal Pain is just kicking off with all the offseason content you desire about the Sacramento Kings. We will, also, be covering the free agency and all the juicy rumors, so please check back with us often. Thank you for reading.