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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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Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams talks with forward Justin Jackson (44) in the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams talks with forward Justin Jackson (44) in the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

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.

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