Brad Cavallaro 2017 NBA Mock Draft 8 June 2017
June 9, 2017 · Brad Cavallaro
1. Markelle Fultz 2. Lonzo Ball 3. Malik Monk 4. Josh Jackson 5. De'Aaron Fox
| Round 1 | |||||
| 1 |  |
Boston | Markelle Fultz | PG | Washington |
| Fultz is a no brainer selection for Boston and is the top overall prospect by a wide margin. Fultz has the necessary size (6-5) and length (6-10 wingspan) to play both guard positions and has the skill set to play next to Isaiah Thomas. The Celtics also need another player who can create offense for himself and others, which makes Fultz a perfect fit. Boston should not trade this pick since Fultz could be a long term building block who will help keep the Celtics competitive for years to come. | |||||
| 2 |  |
Los Angeles Lakers | Lonzo Ball | PG | UCLA |
| Ball is a great fit for any team due to his unselfish play and extraordinary basketball IQ. Ball can definitely play alongside D’Angelo Russell in a dual PG offense and their skill sets actually complement each other quite well. Russell is better with the ball in his hands while Ball is a great spot up shooter. This backcourt pairing has defensive concerns, but it is worth the risk to add a smart and talented player like Lonzo Ball who will speed up the rebuilding process. Josh Jackson could also be in play for | |||||
| 3 |  |
Philadelphia | Malik Monk | SG | Kentucky |
| he 76ers should pray that Lonzo Ball falls to #3, since the players available at the third pick are more questionable fits. Ball would fit perfectly next to Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, who will command serious attention from opposing defenses and will often have the ball in their hands. Malik Monk is not the third best prospect in the draft, but is the best mix of talent and fit. The 76ers should be able to hide his flaws very well. Playing Monk next to Ben Simmons will allow Monk to guard opposing PG’s while not having to play the position on offense. The undersized Monk will be allowed to focus on his best trait, scoring the basketball, and will provide the 76ers with much needed shooting and floor spacing. I would not be surprised if they moved down in the draft to add an assett and still take Monk. Josh Jackson is also an option here. Jayson Tatum and De’Aaron Fox could also be options, but are questionable fits. | |||||
| 4 |  |
Phoenix | Josh Jackson | SF | Kansas |
| The Suns would be thrilled to get Jackson at 4. They need an athletic wing defender to compliment the skill set of Devin Booker and Jackson fits that mold perfectly. Jackson is known as an unbelievable competitor and is an underrated passer. Even though Jackson shot three pointers well to close out the season, there is concern with his shooting motion and how well the skill will translate to the NBA line. Overall, he is a great fit who should provide another key piece to the Sun’s rebuilding effort. De’Aaron Fox could be in play at 4 if the Suns decide they want to trade Eric Bledsoe. Jayson Tatum could also conceviably go in this spot. | |||||
| 5 |  |
Sacramento | De’Aaron Fox | PG | Kentucky |
| Sacramento desperately need a PG so Fox falling to 5 would be a dream come true. Fox should provide dynamic point guard play on both sides of the ball. While Fox is not a great shooter, he is excellent at getting to the rim. The Kings need to collect assets at this point of their rebuild since they are devoid of talent after the departure of DeMarcus Cousins and the impending free agency of Rudy Gay. Fox and Buddy Hield should solidify the Kings’ future backcourt. Jayson Tatum and Jonathan Isaac would also be good fits for Sacramento, but drafting a dynamic PG like Fox would be foolish to pass up. | |||||
| 6 |  |
Orlando | Jayson Tatum | SF | Duke |
| Jayson Tatum would fit nicely with Orlando, but could easily go earlier in the draft, especially if the 76ers trade down from three. Tatum has the potential to be a great scorer and Orlando could really use his scoring ability and versatile game. He would solidify Orlando’s wing rotation alongside Terrence Ross and Evan Fournier, as each player brings different skills to the table. When Aaron Gordon is on the bench, Tatum can easily slide down to the four which makes him even more appealing for the Magic. If Tatum goes earlier in the draft, Malik Monk could still be on the board and would also be a potential fit in Orlando. If the Magic want to address the PG position, Dennis Smith would be a good choice, but the Magic should prefer to draft Tatum. Jon Isaac is a questionable fit since Aaron Gordon is their PF of the future, but he is talented enough to be drafted here if a team like Denver tries to move up. | |||||
| 7 |  |
Minnesota | Jonathan Isaac | SF | Florida State |
| If the Wolves are able to pick Jonathan Isaac with the 7th pick, then they have built a extremely promising frontcourt with Karl-Anthony Towns and Gorgui Dieng alongside Isaac. Isaac is a 6’11 forward who will be best utilized as a versatile PF who can stretch the defense. Isaac is a low usage player who does not need isolation possesions to be effective, which is important when playing with ball dominant guys like Towns, Andrew Wiggins, and Zach Lavine. Isaac’s potential to be an elite role player should be really appealing to a rebuilding team with plenty of scorers. Minnesota could look to move down in the draft and add some veterans in exchange for this high pick. Lauri Markkennen is another option and while he is an elite shooter, he does not have the defensive ability or potential of Isaac. | |||||
| 8 |  |
New York | Dennis Smith | PG | North Carolina State |
| Dennis Smith would be a good fit for the Knicks who need to add a PG with Derrick Rose becoming a free agent. Smith might be the quickest guard in the draft and has one of the highest upsides of any player in this class. Smith’s often causal and lacksadasical attidute could concern teams, but at the eighth pick and in need on a PG, Smith is too valuable to pass up. Frank Ntilikina could be an option for the Knicks as well. Lauri Markanen would provide the Knicks with the best shooting frontcourt in the NBA if Porzingis moves to center, but it is more likely that the Knicks draft one of the PG’s. | |||||
| 9 |  |
Dallas | Frank Ntilikina | PG | International |
| Dallas is in a position to grab the best player available and will hope that someone unexpectedly falls to the 9th pick. Ntilikina is a long and high upside guard who is an excellent defender and has improved his jump shot. If Ntilikina can continue to improve his jump shot, he could be a good starting PG which Dallas desperately needs. Dallas could use another frontcourt player with Dirk Nowitzki’s retirement coming soon, so Lauri Markanen could also be an option, but PG is the bigger need. Zach Collins could be in play at 9 too, especially if Nerlens Noel goes elsewhere in free agency. Collins has a high upside, but is a risky pick with the options still on the board. | |||||
| 10 | |
Sacramento | Lauri Markkanen | PF | Arizona |
| Lauri Markkanen is the best player on the board and would add some much needed shooting to Sacramento’s front court. He is a very versatile shooter who can even shoot coming off screens despite being a 7 footer. Markkanen’s weakness is his defensive ability, but he is a great value at the tenth pick. Adding Fox with the 5th pick and Markkenen with the 10th would be a home run draft for the Kings. Zach Collins could be an option if the Kings think he can play the PF spot. They have used two recent lottery picks on centers, Willie Cauley-Stein and Georgios Papagiannis. | |||||
| 11 |  |
Charlotte | Zack Collins | C | Gonzaga |
| The draft opens up at this point as teams can choose to go in many different directions and the players have more noticable flaws when compared to the top ten prospects. Charlotte can afford to take a chance on a high upside player here and Collins fits that description to a tee. Any player that falls out of the top ten would also be in play for Charlotte. The Hornets have a group of talented players already and should swing for the fences and try to hit on a high upside prospect who can get them back to the playoffs. Collins did not even start on his college team, but is the unusual three point shooting shot blocker who can also score in the post. If these skills translate, Collins will be a starting center. | |||||
| 12 |  |
Detroit | Luke Kennard | SG | Duke |
| Detroit is stuck in the dreaded late lottery position where they are too good to get high lottery talent, but not good enough to make the playoffs. Detroit could use an upgrade at PG, but there are not many PG options at the 12th pick. Luke Kennard would be a good pick for Detroit. He would add a scoring punch to the bench and add insurance if they cannot retain Kentavious Caldwell Pope. Kennard also has some PG skills and could play the position in a pinch. | |||||
| 13 |  |
Denver | OG Anunoby | SF | Indiana |
| Denver is committed to building around their star center Nikola Jokic. They already have a promising backcourt with Jamal Murray and Gary Harris who fit quite well with Jokic. Anunoby would be a nice piece for Denver since he can play multiple positions and provides elite athleticism at both forward positions. Even if Anunoby does not develop as a shooter, he still be a significant contributor on defense. The concern with Anunoby is that his season was ended prematurely with a knee injury. The Nuggets need to be confident that he can fully recover before selecting him. Denver could also look to move up in the draft by packaging this pick and a veteran player. | |||||
| 14 |  |
Miami | TJ Leaf | PF | UCLA |
| Miami should go with TJ Leaf to compliment Hassan Whiteside in the frontcourt. The PF position is wide open for Miami after Chris Bosh was not medically cleared to play. Leaf has potential to be a good floor spacer and will bring athleticism to the frontcourt immediately. Leaf is a good rebounder who can push the ball up the court himself which will allow Miami to play fast and best utilize their athletic perimeter players. Defense is a concern with Leaf, but he is worth the risk with the 14th pick. | |||||
| 15 |  |
Portland | Jarrett Allen | C | Texas |
| Portland owns three first round picks and will likely move at least one of them. Jarrett Allen would be a good pick at 15 to add frontcourt depth and a high upside player. Allen has a 7-5 wingspan and can really run the floor for someone his size. The Blazers would be wise to develop him behind Jusuf Nurkic who flourished after being traded from Denver. | |||||
| 16 |  |
Chicago | John Collins | PF | Wake Forest |
| Collins would be a great fit in Chicago and essentially would be a replacement for Taj Gibson. Collins is very skilled offensively and showed flashes of being able to space the floor at the combine. Collins struggles defensively, but is a great rebounder and was extremely young for a sophomore. | |||||
| 17 |  |
Milwaukee | Ike Anigbogu | C | UCLA |
| The Bucks were notorious for drafting young, high upside players with long wingspans in recent years. It will be interesting to see if that trend continues with a new GM. | |||||
| 18 |  |
Indiana | Donovan Mitchell | SG | Louisville |
| The Pacers need to take the best non-center available since their only long term piece is Myles Turner. Paul George has said that he wants out of Indiana so the Pacers need to think about rebuilding their team. Mitchell could go as high as 11th and would be a great value here. Mitchell is only 6-3, but has a 6-10 wingspan, which makes him perfectly capable of guarding opposing shooting guards. Offense is a question for Mitchell, but he improved his jump shot significantly over the past year and is an elite athlete. | |||||
| 19 |  |
Atlanta | Justin Patton | C | Creighton |
| Patton is a high upside center who has shown flashes of long range shooting. Patton’s greatest skill is his ability to catch and finish lobs out of the pick and roll which would make him a good fit with Dennis Schroeder. Patton lacks strength at this point and often gets outmuscled by opposing bigs inside. If he can add strength, he could be a really interesting piece for Atlanta’s future. | |||||
| 20 | |
Portland | Justin Jackson | SF | North Carolina |
| Jackson had a breakout junior season at UNC where he improved his long range shooting dramatically. His thin frame and lack of elite athleticism limit his upside, but he has a very high basketball IQ and is a good defender. Jackson should be a solid role player and is a good value in the early 20’s. | |||||
| 21 |  |
Oklahoma City | Jawun Evans | PG | Oklahoma State |
| Evans is an undersized PG who excels in the pick and roll and is also a threat from beyond the arc. Evans best skill is finishing at the rim despite only being 6-1. Evans could be a capable backup for Russell Westbrook and could play alongside him if needed. | |||||
| 22 |  |
Brooklyn | Harry Giles | PF | Duke |
| Brooklyn desperately needs assets after the devasting Paul Pierce-Kevin Garnett trade. They have rolled the dice on perimeter players the past few years with Isaiah Whitehead, Caris LeVert, and Rondae Hollis Jefferson so now it is time to roll the dice on a post player. There is no bigger dice role than Harry Giles. Giles was a former elite high school prospect who had multiple knee surgeries and often looked tentative on the court for Duke. If Giles can regain his old form and confidence in his abilities then he could be a very good NBA player. There is no reason for the Nets to not take this chance to swing for the fences. | |||||
| 23 |  |
Toronto | Ivan Rabb | PF | California |
| Ivan Rabb should be a solid role player who rebounds and scores around the rim. Despite having a good sophomore season, his stock dropped because of his questionable upside and lack of perimeter shooting ability. Rabb is a great value in the late first round and is one of the safer bets to be a role player. | |||||
| 24 |  |
Utah | Terrance Ferguson | SG | International |
| Utah has many talented players, but they will not be able to afford to sign them all in the future. Ferguson would be a good pick for Utah since he can get playing time in the G League while the Jazz wait for him to develop. Ferguson is a good shooter with good size, but struggled overseas. Utah should take a chance on the high upside Ferguson at 24. | |||||
| 25 | |
Orlando | Isaiah Hartenstein | PF | International |
| Orlando needs to continue to accumulate talent. Hartenstein is a long term prospect who they can stash overseas or develop in the G League. He is a legitimate 7 footer who should be able to stretch the defense in time and gives them a different type of big man than they currently have with Gordon, Biyombo, and Vucevic. | |||||
| 26 | |
Portland | DJ Wilson | PF | Michigan |
| DJ Wilson has a very versatile skill set to go along with great size (6-10) for the PF position. Wilson is a good defender who can guard the perimeter and the post. Wilson is also a good three point shooter which would make him a good fit in the Blazers front court. | |||||
| 27 | |
Brooklyn | Jonathan Jeanne | C | International |
| Jeanne is a thin 7-2 center who has significant potential. He wants to play in the NBA next season and Brooklyn could give him minutes and start developing him immediately. | |||||
| 28 | |
Los Angeles Lakers | Jordan Bell | PF | Oregon |
| Jordan Bell is a great defender who can add rim protection to the Lakers front court. The Lakers have some questionable fits in their lineup defensively and Bell could immediately improve their defense. | |||||
| 29 |  |
San Antonio | Caleb Swanigan | PF | Purdue |
| Swanigan had an unbelievable sophomore season at Purdue and was a constant double-double threat. Swanigan is caught between being a PF and Center, but he has enough talent that it should not matter. Swanigan also showed off an improved three point shot which will go along way if he is to stick in the league. | |||||
| 30 | |
Utah | Edrice Adebayo | PF | Kentucky |
| This is great value for Adebayo. Adebayo’s greatest skill is his physical tools which should allow him to switch onto guards in the pick and roll. Adebayo does not have much skill on offense and is undersized for the center position, but his athleticism and strength should allow him to stick in the NBA. | |||||
| Round 2 | |||||
| 31 | |
Atlanta | Monte Morris | PG | Iowa State |
| Monte Morris is remarkable at taking care of the ball, which is something every team should value in their back up PG. Morris should compete with Malcolm Delaney for back up PG minutes immediately. | |||||
| 32 | |
Phoenix | Anzejs Pasecniks | C | International |
| Pasecniks is a skilled 7 footer who projects as a stretch five. Pasecniks is mobile, but not a great rebounder or shot blocker for his size. The Suns could stash him and he is great value at 32 since he could easily break into the 1st round. | |||||
| 33 | |
Orlando | Tyler Lydon | PF | Syracuse |
| Lydon should provide shooting to the Orlando frontcourt and is a better athlete and defender than he is given credit for. | |||||
| 34 | |
Sacramento | Semi Ojeleye | SF | SMU |
| The Kings could use a small ball PF so Ojeleye makes perfect sense here. Ojelye is a strong forward who can carve out space inside as well as shoot three pointers. Ojeleye could conceivably go in the late first round, but early second round is more likely. | |||||
| 35 | |
Orlando | Derrick White | PG | Colorado |
| Derrick White is a former division two player who broke onto the NBA radar during his one season at Colorado. White has great size and can play both guard positions and would provide quality depth for Orlando. White also has a chance at being selected in the first round and has solid role player potential. | |||||
| 36 | |
Philadelphia | Josh Hart | SG | Villanova |
| The 76ers need more talent on the wing and should take a flyer on Josh Hart. Hart is an experienced and versatile player who was extremely productive during his four years at Villanova. His shot mechanics are unorthodox, but even if his shooting does not translate he should be able to make an NBA roster. | |||||
| 37 | |
Boston | Radions Kurucs | SF | International |
| Boston should stash Kurucs, who is still young and has a high upside. There is not much room on their current roster for additional young players, but there may be room in a year or two for Kurucs to play a role. | |||||
| 38 | |
Chicago | Johnathan Motely | PF | Baylor |
| Motley was very strong offensively at Baylor and should provide frontcourt depth for the Bulls. Motley is a little undervalued at 38 so this would be a great second round value pick for Chicago. | |||||
| 39 | |
Philadelphia | Jaron Blossomgame | SF | Clemson |
| Blossomgame is an athletic wing who has three and D potential. He should have a chance to make the roster. | |||||
| 40 |  |
New Orleans | Damyean Dotson | SG | Houston |
| Dotson was the MVP of the Portsmouth Invational and is the prototypical 3 and D wing. He is a solid player and should be a mid second round pick. | |||||
| 41 | |
Charlotte | PJ Dozier | PG | South Carolina |
| Dozier is a huge PG who struggles to shoot and will need a year or two in the G League before he is ready to contribute. His size should allow him to guard two or even three positions. If he develops he will be a very versatile and valuable piece to any backcourt in the NBA. | |||||
| 42 | |
Utah | Frank Jackson | PG | Duke |
| Jackson was not going to be able to play PG at Duke with Trevon Duval coming in so Jackson’s early entry was actually a pretty good move. He would be a great candidate for a two way contract since he can develop at his future position in the G League while getting paid. Utah should take a flyer on the scoring PG. | |||||
| 43 |  |
Houston | Kyle Kuzma | PF | Utah |
| Kuzma could easily go much higher and could even break into the first round. He has great size for the PF position and has good perimeter skills. Kuzma should be a competent shooter in time and has the ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the rim. Inconsistency is an issue with Kuzma, but he is a good value here at 43. | |||||
| 44 | |
New York | Dwayne Bacon | SF | Florida State |
| Bacon could help New York upgrade their bench and add scoring to the second unit. He has potential to be more than just a three and D wing since he can create his own shot, but will need to improve his jump shot to stick in the NBA | |||||
| 45 | |
Houston | Kostja Mushidi | SG | International |
| Mushidi would be a good draft and stash candidate for Houston who might not want to take on too many young players. | |||||
| 46 | |
Philadelphia | Tony Bradley | C | North Carolina |
| Bradley will get looks in the late first round, but will ultimately end up giving a team great value in the second round. The 76ers do not need a center, but it will be hard to find a more talented prospect this late in the draft. | |||||
| 47 | |
Indiana | Jonah Bolden | PF | International |
| Bolden is a versatile defender who will find a role in the NBA. The former UCLA forward is on the draft radar after a solid year in Europe. | |||||
| 48 | |
Milwaukee | Tyler Dorsey | SG | Oregon |
| Milwaukee could use a wing shooter and Dorsey could easily push Rashad Vaughn for reserve minutes. | |||||
| 49 | |
Denver | Frank Mason | PG | Kansas |
| Frank Mason is a scoring guard that would thrive receiving passes from Jokic. Mason could stick as a backup PG. | |||||
| 50 | |
Philadelphia | Edmond Sumner | SG | Xavier |
| Sumner is currently out with an ACL injury, but is an extremely long and athletic guard. He is a candidate for a two way contract. | |||||
| 51 | |
Denver | Alpha Kaba | PF | International |
| Kaba has been on draft boards for the past two years, but has decided to withdraw in both instances. If he stays in the draft, Kaba would be a great draft and stash candidate and could make a roster as a stretch four. | |||||
| 52 |  |
Washington | Alec Peters | SF | Valparaiso |
| Peters is also currently injured, but could be a great pick and pop threat for Washington’s second unit. | |||||
| 53 | |
Boston | Kadeem Allen | SG | Arizona |
| Kadeem Allen brings the toughness and defensive mindset that is common in many Celtics players like Marcus Smart, Avery Bradley, Jaylen Brown, Jae Crowder, and Terry Rozier. Allen could be a defensive stopper down the line. | |||||
| 54 | |
Phoenix | Mathias Lessort | PF | International |
| Lessort is an athletic defensive big man who would compliment Marquess Chriss, Dragan Bender, and Alex Len in the frontcourt. | |||||
| 55 | |
Utah | Wesley Iwundu | SF | Kansas State |
| Iwundu is a wing who can create shots for others. His unusual skill set should find him a home in the second round. | |||||
| 56 | |
Boston | Cameron Oliver | PF | Nevada |
| Oliver is an athletic post player who can rebound and finish above the rim. He has shown great three point shooting touch, which is vital for his longevity in the NBA. | |||||
| 57 | |
Brooklyn | LJ Peak | SG | Georgetown |
| Brooklyn should take a chance on Peak who is an athletic combo guard. Peak will need to improve his shooting, but he can make an impact defensively. | |||||
| 58 | |
New York | Sindarius Thornwell | SG | South Carolina |
| Thornwell is a physical wing who led South Carolina to the Final Four. He could compete for reserve minutes in New York. | |||||
| 59 | |
San Antonio | Thomas Bryant | C | Indiana |
| This is a steep fall for Bryant who is a victim of a deep class of centers. Bryant could easily go much higher and has ability to space the floor at the center position. | |||||
| 60 | |
Atlanta | Peter Jok | SG | Iowa |
| Jok has good size for the wing positions and is an excellent shooter. He has a legitimate chance to make an NBA roster. Also considered: Dillon Brooks, Luke Kornet, Kobi Simmons, Chris Boucher, Jamel Artis, Nigel Williams-Goss, Nigel Hayes, Aleksander Vezenkov, London Perrantes, Davon Reed, Sterling Brown, VJ Beachem, Moses Kingsley, Emgen Guven, Devin Robinson, Erik Mika, Derrick Walton, Chance Comanche, Antonio Blakeney. | |||||
| Harry Giles |
