Martino: Projecting the First Round of the 2017 NBA Draft

PHOTO: Projected #1 Draft Pick, Markelle Fultz, Washington

Some things we already know as we do from every draft is there are things we all look out for. Let’s start with a superstar, a dud, an underrated and the next LeBron James. Admit it, we all know some NBA teams take a different approach or have a different strategy when drafting. In this mock draft, I am going to examine some of the potential draft picks that might occur. This can also base on what teams need and some who are considered “safe”

Jake Martino’s 2017 NBA Mock Draft

1. Boston (From Brooklyn)- Markelle Fultz, G, Washington- Skill, the kid has got skill. One of the best prospects this year comes out of the University of Washington. Possibly one of the best come out of Washington since Isaiah Thomas. The reason the Celtics take Fultz is because he is versatile and can adapt to his surroundings. The possibility of the Celtics trading Thomas is unlikely, but if they bring in a guard like Gordon Hayward or a forward like Jimmy Butler or PG13 he can adjust easily to who he is playing with. There are some negatives, he doesn’t have the quickness compared to Lonzo Ball or anyone else in the draft. He does show the ability at times to change speeds while pushing the floor or change directions and show quickness. Offensivley, Fultz is ready to become one of the premier scorers in the NBA. If anything he is a natural ball mover, and a solid catch and shoot 3 point specialist.

2. Los Angeles Lakers- Lonzo Ball, G, UCLA- What can you expect with this. Many expect Lonzo Ball to be a dud. There are some things that come with Ball, and unfortunately, his dad comes with him. The born and raised So-Cal guard belongs in LA. With the Lakers claiming they will trade anyone but Ingram, Ball fits right him with him and Russel. He along with Fultz, is one that is claimed show potential to alter a franchise. Driven by Ball’s natural inclination to speed up the pace of the game and ability to create three-point shots for others without necessarily needing to get deep into the lane to collapse the defense, the Bruins ranked second in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency. Ball along with others has places he can improve in, including his ability to control offense. Problems also arise when it comes to creating shots for others in a half-court setting. He is a beast when it comes to defensive rebounding which leads to strong transition offense and good tempo. In isolation, he has enough of a handle to crossover slower defenders and some shiftiness for hesitation moves but lacks speed to just blow by his man and strength to maintain his balance and his momentum forward through contact.

3. Philadelphia (from Sacramento)- Josh Jackson, G, Kansas- Kansas forward Josh Jackson has to be considered a safe prospect for reasons other than Fultz and Tatum. While Jackson is certainly adept on the offensive side of the court—he scored 16.3 points per game last season—his biggest draw is defense.

4. Phoenix- De’Aaron Fox, G, Kentucky 5. Sacramento (from Philadelphia)- Jason Tatum, F, Duke 6. Orlando- Malik Monk, G, Kentucky 7. Minnesota- Dennis Smith Jr, G, NC State 8. New York- Jonathan Issac, F, Florida State 9. Dallas- Harry Giles, F, Duke 10. Sacramento (From New Orleans)- Frank Ntilikina, G, France 11. Charlotte- Justin Jackson, F, North Carolina 12. Detroit- OG Anunoby, F, Indiana 13. Denver- Zach Collins, C, Gonzaga 14. Miami- Ivan Rabb, F, California 15. Portland- Terrance Ferguson, G, Australia 16. Chicago- Lauri Markkanen, F, Arizona 17. Milwaukee- TJ Leaf, F, UCLA 18. Indiana- Jarrett Allen, C, Texas 19. Atlanta- John Collins, F, Wake Forest 20. Portland (From Memphis via Denver and Cleveland)- Tony Bradley, C, North Carolina 21. Oklahoma City- Dwayne Bacon, F, Florida State 22. Brooklyn (From Washington)- Josh Hart, G, Villanova 23. Toronto (From LA Clippers via Milwaukee)- Jordan Bell, F, Oregon 24. Utah- Moritz Wagner, F, Michigan 25. Orlando (From Toronto)- Justin Patton, C, Creighton 26. Portland (From Cleveland)- Isaiah Hartenstein, F, Germany 27. Brooklyn (From Boston)- Sindarius Thornwell, G, South Carolina 28. Los Angeles Lakers (From Houston)- Caleb Swanigan, F, Purdue 29. San Antonio- Ike Anigbogu, C, UCLA 30. Utah (From Golden State)- Rodions Kurucs, F, Latvia