17) Milwaukee Bucks- Luke Kennard, Guard, Duke, Sophomore
Stats per game 2016-17: 35.5 MIN/19.5 PTS/58 eFG%/43.8 3PT%/5.1 REB/.5 AST/0.8 STL/0.4 BLK
Measurements from 2017 NBA Draft Combine: 6’5 ½” height with shoes/196 lbs. /6’5 ¼” wingspan/8’2 ½” standing reach
The Bucks couldn’t pass if Kennard fell to them at 17. He has skyrocketed up draft boards and could sneak into the top ten, but I think he falls a little. Kennard is a great shooter that can play off the ball and make plays off the dribble for himself or teammates. His athleticism has surprised teams in workouts which has caused the ascent. Milwaukee and Giannis would welcome the extra space created by Kennard’s presence.
18) Indiana Pacers- Donovan Mitchell, Guard, Lousiville, Sophomore
Stats per game 2016-17: 32.3 MIN/15.6 PTS/50 eFG%/35.4 3PT%/4.9 REB/2.7 AST/2.1 STL/0.5 BLK
Measurements from 2017 NBA Draft Combine: 6’3” height with shoes/211 lbs. /6’10” wingspan/8’1” standing reach
Another late-riser that falls in my mock as Donovan Mitchell ends up in Indiana. The Pacers are heading towards a rebuild with Paul George on his way out, so drafting the best player available in Mitchell makes sense. The Louisville guard competes on both ends of the floor and has the physical tools to become a great defensive player. He is best playing the point with his size but needs to develop a consistent pick-and-roll game. Mitchell could be a late lottery pick with his potential and Indiana would have another young athlete to pair with Myles Turner.