The 2017 NBA Draft class is being hyped as the best in over a decade with an abundance of star power at the top and plenty of depth to go along with that. And now that the NBA regular season is coming to a conclusion and the college season is over, we know which stars will be at the top of the draft and the teams that will be at the top of the draft. So, without further ado, here is Version 4.0 our 2017 Mock NBA Draft - the post-NCAA Tournament edition - with the order based on the current NBA standings:
1) Boston Celtics (via Brooklyn Nets) - Markelle Fultz, Fr., PG, Washington Huskies
6'5", 186 lbs. - 23.2 ppg, 5.9 apg, 5.7 rpg
I've had Lonzo Ball going to Boston in the top spot for most of the season, but I'm becoming more and more convinced they'll go with Fultz. I ultimately think Boston will trade this pick for an established superstar, but if they keep it, Fultz if their guy. He can do everything on the court, is a dynamic scorer and is big enough to play alongside Isaiah Thomas in the off-guard position. There are questions about his drive, leadership and passion after Washington's nine-win season, but I think the Boston brass would rather work with that than have to deal with LaVar Ball.
2) Phoenix Suns - Josh Jackson, Fr., SF, Kansas Jayhawks
6'8", 207 lbs. - 16.3 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 3.0 apg
Phoenix is loaded at the guard positions (why I have them passing on Ball) and needs players with versatility, which Jackson would provide. He's as athletic as any player in this class, is great at attacking the rim and - most importantly - is an extremely smart player. Jackson also has the passing and ball-handling abilities to play point forward, making him that much more valuable.
3) Los Angeles Lakers - Lonzo Ball, PG, Fr., UCLA Bruins
6'6", 190 lbs. - 14.6 ppg, 7.6 apg, 6.0 rpg
This seems to be way things are trending in LA. Ball became one of the best players in the entire country in his lone season at UCLA, turning a team that went 15-17 last year to 31-5 this year. At 6-foot-6, he can play either guard position, and while he's at his best with the ball in hands, he doesn't need it to make a huge impact on the game. His vision and up-tempo style would make him a perfect fit in head coach Luke Walton's system.
Yes, the Lakers already have D'Angelo Russell running the point, but Ball can either play alongside him or replace him. After all, Ball is a better prospect (and potentially already a better player) with more upside.
4) Orlando Magic - Jayson Tatum, Fr., SF, Duke Blue Devils
6'8", 205 lbs. - 16.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 2.1 apg
Orlando needs scoring in the worst way, and Tatum may just be the most well-rounded offensive threat in this class. He showcased a reliable jump shot (especially from mid-range) and wide array of finishes around the rim during the season. He isn't the quickest player in the world and needs work defensively, but he knows how to get his shots off by using his size and length.
5) Philadelphia 76ers - Malik Monk, SG, Fr., Kentucky Wildcats
6'3", 200 lbs. - 19.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.3 apg
Philly needs shooting and backcourt help in the worst way. Enter Monk, who's dynamic shooting and scoring ability nearly helped Kentucky make the Elite 8. There were times this year when he was simply unstoppable, and Philadelphia needs a perimeter weapon.
6) New York Knicks - De'Aaron Fox, Fr., PG, Kentucky Wildcats
6'4", 187 lbs. - 16.7 ppg, 4.7 apg, 4.0 rpg
Fox's stock is rising after the NCAA Tournament, and he's a good fit with the Knicks who need a point guard with Derrick Rose entering free agency. He has the size (6'4") and athleticism that NBA teams love, along with having the scoring ability to take over a game. That being said, he is also a pass-first point guard that would rather get his teammates involved. He's a bit like former Kentucky point guard John Wall in that sense - dangerous scorer, but he's most dangerous with his passing ability.
7) Sacramento Kings - Dennis Smith Jr., Fr., PG, NC State Wolfpack
6'3", 195 lbs. - 18.1 ppg, 6.2 apg, 4.6 rpg
Sacramento's point guard situation is among the worst in the league, and they'd be more than happy to land a player with Smith's potential now that he has fully recovered from a torn ACL he suffered in high school. Smith is an elite athlete and lightning quick. Couple that with very good ball handling, and Smith can get to where ever he wants on the court. He can play a little reckless at times and doesn't have the most reliable jumper, but all of the physical tools of a star are there.
8) Minnesota Timberwolves - Lauri Markkanen, PF, Fr., Arizona Wildcats
7'0", 225 lbs. - 15.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 0.9 apg
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The Finland-native wanted to play at Arizona instead of entering the 2016 draft, and it has benefitted him greatly. He's already polished offensively with a reliable three-point jumper, which would make him a perfect fit as a stretch four in Minnesota next to Karl-Anthony Towns.
9) Dallas Mavericks - Frank Ntilikina, PG, Strasbourg (France)
6'5", 170 lbs. - 4.9 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 0.9 apg
Ntilikina could be the best international guard prospect we've ever seen, and with Dallas' need at the position and their international scouting department, this would be a great fit. Along with his elite size and seven-foot wingspan, he is a very good athlete that is polished in almost every phase of the game. He is a great passer with gifted vision, but his jumper does need some work - the only part of his game that is a serious flaw.
10) Sacramento Kings (via New Orleans Pelicans) - Jonathan Isaac, SF/PF, Fr., Florida State Seminoles
6'11", 210 lbs. - 12.0 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.5 bpg
Long and lanky, Issac obviously needs to add weight to his skinny frame, but he has all the ability in the world. His length and athleticism make him a very capable defender on the perimeter, and with his shooting ability, Isaac can be a matchup nightmare at small forward or as a stretch four. The Kings need versatility and they need offensive weapons. Isaac would provide both.
11) Detroit Pistons - Justin Jackson, SF, Jr., North Carolina Tar Heels
6'8", 210 lbs. - 18.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.8 apg
Jackson showcased his full potential this year at UNC as a lanky shooter/defender, making him a prime "3-and-D" guy in the NBA. However, Jackson has also proven in his career to be a terrific rebounder and knows how to score around the rim, particularly with his floater.
12) Charlotte Hornets - Miles Bridges, SF/PF, Fr. Michigan State Spartans
6'8", 230 lbs. - 16.9 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.1 apg
The Hornets really lack an explosive threat on the wing, and Bridges fits the mold. He already has the combination of size, strength and quickness that has NBA scouts drooling about his potential. A freakish athlete, Bridges also has smooth (though inconsistent) jumper, making him virtually unguardable on the offensive end when he's on. He needs to continue to improve defensively, but Bridges provides great value.
13) Miami Heat - Harry Giles, Fr., PF, Duke Blue Devils
6'11", 225 lbs. - 3.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 0.7 bpg
At this point, we still don't know what to make of Giles. He was the top-ranked recruit in the class, but has already torn both ACLs in high school and had three knee surgeries. He returned to the court in December month for the first time in 14 months, so while he showed all the skill of a franchise player in high school, we don't know if he can still play at that level. He has done it in flashes as he continues to re-gain his athleticism, but not consistently. For a team like Miami who is looking to add a star, they could be the ones to gamble on Giles.
14) Denver Nuggets - Terrance Ferguson, SG, Adelaide (Australia)
6'7", 186 lbs. - 4.6 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 0.6 apg
Ferguson opted to play in Australia instead of going to Arizona, and he has already carved out a niche role as a three-point shooter and may be the best shooter in this class. Denver needs shooing in the worst way, making this a perfect fit.
15) Portland Trail Blazers - Justin Patton, Fr., C, Creighton Blue Jays
7'0", 230 lbs. - 12.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.4 bpg
Patton has skyrocketed up draft boards with his outstanding play during his freshman season, showcasing incredible fluidity, athleticism and skill as a seven-footer. He changes the game on both sides of the ball, with is something Portland really needs from a big man.
16) Chicago Bulls - Jarrett Allen, Fr., C, Texas Longhorns
6'11", 235 lbs. - 13.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.5 bpg
Chicago needs frontcourt depth, and Allen is kind of skilled, high-upside big man they are likely to gamble on. After a slow start to his freshman season, Allen showed why he was one of the top recruits in the country over the final two months. Even though he's a true post player, he's athletic enough to make a real impact in today's NBA.
17) Indiana Pacers - Zach Collins, PF/C, Fr., Gonzaga Bulldogs
7'0", 230 lbs. - 10.0 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.8 bpg
Collins' draft stock really rose during the NCAA Tournament as he started to look like the McDonald's All-American he was, showcasing excellent footwork and shooting ability. He's still largely unproven, but is talented enough to make an impact.
18) Atlanta Hawks - T.J. Leaf, PF, Fr., UCLA Bruins
6'10", 225 lbs. - 16.3 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 2.4 apg
Leaf has surprising cemented himself as a first-round talent as he continues to play well - dominating, at times - against good competition. He will never develop into a go-to guy, but Leaf is a very smart complementary player who will be able to make an immediate impact as a stretch four.
19) Milwaukee Bucks - Rodions Kurucs, SF, Barcelona (Spain)
6'8", 190 lbs. - 9.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.5 apg
He needs to fill out, like most 19 year olds, but Kurucs has good ball-handling ability and is a knockdown shooter that can create shots for himself. Milwaukee needs shooting in the worst way.
20) Portland Trail Blazers (via Denver Nuggets from Memphis Grizzlies) - Bam Adebayo, PF, Fr., Kentucky Wildcats
6'10", 260 lbs. - 13.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 1.5 bpg
Simply put, Adebayo is an athletic beast. He's an extremely strong player who loves getting physical on the block on both ends of the court. Adebayo is still incredibly raw developing post moves, and his athleticism is his main calling card right now. He's the perfect big man for an up-tempo NBA team, which Portland is. And, if they draft another big man earlier in the round, they can wait for Adebayo to develop into a larger role.
21) Oklahoma City Thunder - OG Anunoby, SF/PF, So., Indiana Hoosiers
6'8", 215 lbs. - 11.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.3 spg
Anunoby is the kind of athletic, versatile prospect NBA teams love - and is just starting to scratch the surface of his potential. He is a dynamite defender and a very good rebounder, and while he's still a work in progress offensively, he has the potential to be a very good small ball four. His stock dropped after season-ending ACL injury, but assuming he is able to fully recover, OKC would get an elite defender with a growing offensive game on the wing - something they've been looking for.
22) Toronto Raptors - Isaiah Hartenstein, PF, Zalgiris (Lithuania)
6'11", 225 lbs. - 3.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 0.6 bpg
Hartenstein has excellent physical tools and athleticism, allowing him to play power forward instead of center, but he still struggles to put it all together at times. He can play with his back to the basket, shoot from the perimeter, create his own offense and attack the basket off the bounce - yet is very inconsistent, often makes bad decisions and is a bit of a ball hog. The potential is there, but he needs a lot of polishing.
23) Brooklyn Nets (via Washington Wizards) - Donovan Mitchell, SG, So., Louisville Cardinals
6'3", 210 lbs. - 15.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.1 spg
Without many draft picks for the next few years, Brooklyn needs to gamble with this late pick - and Mitchell is the high-upside prospect who fits the bill. He might be the best athlete in this class (which is saying something) and has developed a good jump shot, making an average of two three-pointers per game this season.
Mitchell is still scratching the surface of how good he can be and is already an elite defender in college basketball. The Nets would love to watch him develop into much more.
24) Orlando Magic (via Toronto Raptors from Los Angeles Clippers) - Tyler Lydon, SF/PF, So., Syracuse Orange
6'9", 223 lbs. - 13.2 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 2.1 apg
Lydon will be a stretch four at the next level (42.7 percent from three), and that has been his calling card in college. Scouts want to see him add strength and become more consistent, but he is a first-round talent. As Orlando looks for offense, he could be a good fit.
25) Utah Jazz - Ivan Rabb, PF, So., Cal Golden Bears
6'10", 215 lbs. - 14.0 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 1.5 apg
Rabb needs to bulk up, but he's the prototype stretch four at the NBA level. He has excellent touch around the rim and on his mid-range jumper, shooting 51.6 percent this season. However, Rabb's biggest problem is his tendency to fade out of games offensively from time to time because of his passiveness.
26) Brooklyn Nets (via Boston Celtics) - John Collins, PF, So., Wake Forest Demon Deacons
6'10", 235 lbs - 19.2 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 1.6 bpg
Another high-upside pick for the Nets, Collins is the kind of player who can give them a spark - specifically offensively - off the bench. He has taken a huge step forward this season and has emerged as a force for a Wake Forest team challenging for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Collins will be able to contribute immediately and give them a post scoring threat once they inevitably move on from Brook Lopez.
27) Portland Trail Blazers (via Cleveland Cavaliers) - Caleb Swanigan, PF/C, So., Purdue Boilermakers
6'9", 250 lbs. - 18.5 ppg, 12.5 rpg, 3.1 apg
Swanigan was the most dominant post player in the country this season, and it's pretty much a guaranteed two points when he gets the ball on the block. He also has range that extends out to the three-point line, is a good passer and a decent defender. His lack of height is a problem, and there are questions about how effective his style will be in the NBA, but he's talented enough to be a first-round pick.
28) Los Angeles Lakers (via Houston Rockets) - Semi Ojeleye, SF/PF, Jr., SMU Mustangs
6'7", 235 lbs. - 19.0 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.5 apg
While Swanigan's back-to-the-basket style may not translate to the NBA, Ojeleye's skill set translates perfectly. His strength and athleticism makes him a perfect stretch four, and he's excellent at scoring around the basket. However, he's also quick enough to defend small forwards on the perimeter. His potential is high enough that the Lakers should take a flyer on him.
29) San Antonio Spurs - Josh Hart, SG, Sr., Villanova Wildcats
6'6", 215 lbs. - 18.7 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.9 apg
Stop me if you've heard this before - a really smart and skilled player going to the Spurs! Hart has cemented himself as a National Player of the Year candidate while leading a Villanova team that was a top team for most of the season. He's only an average athlete, but is a great shooter, reliable defender and excellent around the rim.
30) Utah Jazz (via Golden State Warriors) - Luke Kennard, SG, So., Duke Blue Devils
6'6", 202 lbs. - 19.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.5 apg
Kennard emerged as the best player on a loaded Duke basketball team this year. Averaging nearly 20 points per game, Kennard used his craftiness and high skill level to create shots for himself whenever he wants despite a lack of athleticism. Offensively, he's incredibly polished, and that has elevated him to a potential late first-round pick. That being said, there are still questions about his defense, but Utah can gamble on those kind of players with Rudy Gobert protecting the basket.
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