A Royal Pain
Fansided

2017 NBA First Round Mock Draft 2.0

By Tyler Watts

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA;Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) drives between UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) and guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA;Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) drives between UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) and guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) drives to the basket against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first half at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) drives to the basket against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first half at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports /

18. Indiana Pacers- Luke Kennard- SG- Duke

The Indiana Pacers are going through a transition phase.  Larry Bird resigned, and rumors are running rampant that star player Paul George will be bolting for the Lakers after next season.

The Pacers are in a position to select the best available player and let the rest fall where it may.  I am interested to see what point guard the Pacers target in free agency.  That is their biggest need with Jeff Teague a free agent and no readymade starter on the roster, so that is another offseason storyline to watch for Indiana.

Why Luke Kennard?

Luke Kennard is rising rapidly in other mock drafts, but I held Kennard at this spot.  I see a lot of similar players in this range, and if he makes it past the Nuggets at pick 13, Kennard will probably fall to Indiana.

Kennard is a great three-point shooter (43.8% last season) and has some offensive talents, but he is not a huge guy, and his measurable are not great.  Ultimately, I view Kennard as a shooting specialist, but I cannot decide if turns into Kyle Korver or Jimmer Fredette.  The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle.

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