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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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Jan 28, 2017; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) shoots a three point shot against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the second half at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Duke defeated Wake 85-83. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) shoots a three point shot against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the second half at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Duke defeated Wake 85-83. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

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.

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