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2017 NBA Draft: First Round Mock 1.0

By Tyler Watts

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) reacts against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) reacts against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

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

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