2017 NBA Draft: First Round Mock 1.1
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)- Isaiah Hartenstein- PF/C- Zalgiris
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 Hartenstein should help in that area.
24. Utah Jazz- Jonathan Jeanne- C- Nancy
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.
A new addition, Jeanne fits the profile of a first rounder and Jazz could be looking for a player than can let play overseas for a season or two.
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)- Tyler Lydon- SF/PF- Syracuse
The Lakers add a combo forward to their young squad. He gives them depth behind both Brandon Ingram and Julius Randle. Lydon gives the Lakers a different type of player to plug into their rotation. He can stroke the three ball and provides a different skill set than both Ingram and Randle.
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)- D.J. Wilson- PF- Michigan
The Jazz will be searching for a power forward especially if they decide to move on from Favors. Enter Wilson who showed the ability to stretch the floor at Michigan. Utah has been successful at developing its talent and Wilson has the tools to be a rotation player in the NBA.