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2017 NBA Draft: First Round Mock 1.1

By Tyler Watts

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. UCLA won 107-66. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. UCLA won 107-66. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 23, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) reacts during the second half in the semifinals of the midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) reacts during the second half in the semifinals of the midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Phoenix Suns- Josh Jackson-SF- Kansas

Surprised?  I know most experts and mock drafts have Lonzo Ball going second overall to the Phoenix Suns, but I do not see that happening.  If the Lakers hold on to their pick (more on that later), I think we see a situation similar to the one featuring Kobe Bryant in the 1996 NBA Draft.

Ball’s father, a very outspoken man who often makes a headline or two, will force the Suns’ hand by making it clear Ball won’t play in Phoenix.   He will tell them his son is only playing for the Lakers and usually, the player wins out in these scenarios.

Why Josh Jackson?

I believe this draft has a three player tier at the top featuring Fultz, Ball, and Josh Jackson.  Jackson is perhaps the better fit for Phoenix anyways.  Slightly older (already 20 years old), he possesses ability on the defensive end we have not seen from Ball and Fultz.  Jackson has his warts, but overall has the talent to blossom into an elite NBA player and a front three of Bledsoe, Booker, and Jackson should be mouthwatering to Suns’ fans.

*Phoenix has a 19.9% chance of having the number one overall selection

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