2017 NBA Draft: First Round Mock 1.0
By Tyler Watts
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.