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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 9, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) controls the ball against Louisville Cardinals forward Mangok Mathiang (12) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sportsat Barclays Center.
Mar 9, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) controls the ball against Louisville Cardinals forward Mangok Mathiang (12) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sportsat Barclays Center. /

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

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