College basketball and 2017 draft - One more poll after last game

[PackSuns]

Anybody watching Dennis Smith right now? #GoodGod

[Phoenix-Sons]

Anybody watching Dennis Smith right now? #GoodGod

Watching Fultz right now, but saw they were making fools out of Va. Tech.

[PackSuns]

Anybody watching Dennis Smith right now? #GoodGod

Watching Fultz right now, but saw they were making fools out of Va. Tech.

1 reb away from a triple double. Pretty tough to do in college against a solid Va Tech team that is well coached.

[PackSuns]

Monster game. I am a homer though.

[DirtyDez]

Smith looks like a more polished version of Rose at Memphis.

[darealjuice]

Monster game. I am a homer though.

He was incredible, can't wait to see more of him in conference play.

[Phoenix-Sons]

I'm honestly good with him, Fultz, Jackson, or Ball.

Don't screw this up Suns!

[PackSuns]

29th triple double in ACC history ( blocks were not tabulated back in the day)

[Mulhollanddrive]

Fultz was 5 rebounds away from having 4 triple doubles this season don't forget.

My rankings:
1A: Fultz
1B: Smith
2nd Tier (3-10): Giles, Tatum, Jackson, Ball, Monk, Fox, Ntilikina, Isaac

[DirtyDez]

The Suns will play their way out of a top-3 pick. I need to learn more about guys like Fox, Tatum and Ntilikina. Shame Giles isn't anywhere near his old caliber yet.

[bwgood77]

The Suns will play their way out of a top-3 pick. I need to learn more about guys like Fox, Tatum and Ntilikina. Shame Giles isn't anywhere near his old caliber yet.

You know anything about Jonathan Isaac? He's ranked 7th on DX.

[DirtyDez]

The Suns will play their way out of a top-3 pick. I need to learn more about guys like Fox, Tatum and Ntilikina. Shame Giles isn't anywhere near his old caliber yet.

You know anything about Jonathan Isaac? He's ranked 7th on DX.

I've only seen FSU once and Dwayne Bacon was the best player on the floor but I need to watch more of them. Their next 5 games are vs ranked teams.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

The Suns will play their way out of a top-3 pick. I need to learn more about guys like Fox, Tatum and Ntilikina. Shame Giles isn't anywhere near his old caliber yet.

You know anything about Jonathan Isaac? He's ranked 7th on DX.

I'm not worried about missing out on the top 3. This draft is solid up until about 9 or 10. I like Ntilikina, Simmons, Tatum about as much as anyone else not named Marquelle Fultz. I don't think teams will have a very easy time distinguishing the stars from this group of potential stars.

[bwgood77]

The Suns will play their way out of a top-3 pick. I need to learn more about guys like Fox, Tatum and Ntilikina. Shame Giles isn't anywhere near his old caliber yet.

You know anything about Jonathan Isaac? He's ranked 7th on DX.

I'm not worried about missing out on the top 3. This draft is solid up until about 9 or 10. I like Ntilikina, Simmons, Tatum about as much as anyone else not named Marquelle Fultz. I don't think teams will have a very easy time distinguishing the stars from this group of potential stars.

Where is Simmons from? I was trying to find him on DX but don't see one.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

You know anything about Jonathan Isaac? He's ranked 7th on DX.

I'm not worried about missing out on the top 3. This draft is solid up until about 9 or 10. I like Ntilikina, Simmons, Tatum about as much as anyone else not named Marquelle Fultz. I don't think teams will have a very easy time distinguishing the stars from this group of potential stars.

Where is Simmons from? I was trying to find him on DX but don't see one.

MB. Jonathan Isaac.

I also like Jonathan Simmons, just not for what he'll be paid this summer. At least I haven't called Dragan "Jonathan Bender" yet!

[bwgood77]

I'm not worried about missing out on the top 3. This draft is solid up until about 9 or 10. I like Ntilikina, Simmons, Tatum about as much as anyone else not named Marquelle Fultz. I don't think teams will have a very easy time distinguishing the stars from this group of potential stars.

Where is Simmons from? I was trying to find him on DX but don't see one.

MB. Jonathan Isaac.

I also like Jonathan Simmons, just not for what he'll be paid this summer. At least I haven't called Dragan "Jonathan Bender" yet!

Jonathan Simmons popped into my head after thinking about it. My guess is more names rise, and perhaps some fall in the next five months. Chriss probably wasn't ranked in the first round at this time last year and skyrocketed throughout the year. Oladipo wasn't ranked real high early in the year he came out too and ended up being a top prospect (albeit a weak class, or people thought not thinking about Greek Freak and Gobert).

Here is Chad Ford's mock:

Spoiler:

http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/18396903/chad-ford-nba-mock-draft-20-picks-philadelphia-76ers-boston-celtics-more

It's time for the our first NBA mock draft in 2017.


It's our best stab at a full first-round mock -- assuming every eligible prospect who has yet to state his intentions on the draft declares -- after taking into account team needs and conversations with NBA scouts and GMs.

We'll be using ESPN's Basketball Power Index (BPI) to project the order in this very deep and talented draft.

Without further ado, I present Mock Draft 2.0.

1. Philadelphia 76ers*
Markelle Fultz
Washington
Freshman
Guard

There's no consensus No. 1 pick right now, but that's a good thing this year. The Sixers project to have several elite options here.

Fultz seems like the best fit of the group. He does everything well and has no real holes in his game. At his size, he can play either backcourt position, and for a team that could really use some 3-point shooting, his 46 percent rate from deep this season is encouraging.

Ben Simmons might still be the Sixers' primary point guard of the future, but Fultz's all-around game gives the team multiple options.

Odds of winning lottery (if they finish with the worst record): 25 percent

Projected record: 21-61

2. Boston Celtics (via Nets)*
Lonzo Ball
UCLA
Freshman
Guard

I'm not sure there's a Celtics fan left on the planet who doesn't know that Boston owns the rights to the Nets' draft picks for the next two years. Last year, picking in the Nets' position produced Jaylen Brown. This year, the reward might be much higher.

Point guard isn't an immediate need for Boston, but Ball is such a terrific prospect that I don't think it will matter much to GM Danny Ainge. His combination of size, playmaking, shooting and sizzle doesn't come along very often.

The Celtics can always move other pieces around. Ball would immediately be the highest-ceiling player on the roster.

Odds of winning lottery (via Nets): 19.9 percent (Boston owns the rights to swap picks with Brooklyn.)

Projected record: 22-60

3. Phoenix Suns
Josh Jackson
Kansas
Freshman
Forward

The Suns are one of the worst defensive teams in the league, and Jackson happens to be the highest-ceiling defensive prospect in the draft.

His length, athleticism and motor allow him to guard three positions on the floor. Although he isn't an elite offensive player because of his inconsistent shooting, he's a terrific playmaker and slasher who excels in the open court. Most importantly, he's a high-character player who would immediately add toughness and grit on and off the court.

He'd be a great fit with the rest of the Suns' young players.

Odds of winning lottery: 15.6 percent

Projected record: 26-56

4. Philadelphia 76ers (via Lakers)*
Malik Monk
Kentucky
Freshman
Guard

The Lakers have a 35.6 percent chance of landing a top-three pick in the draft, per BPI. If they do that, they'll keep the pick another year. There's a very strong incentive for the Lakers to tank, given the strength at the top of the draft and the fact that they could lose their pick completely.

If the Sixers get this selection, it's the best-case scenario for them. Monk is the most dynamic scorer in the draft. He can light it up from anywhere. Pairing him with Fultz in the backcourt would give Philly two elite shooters and scorers to pair with Simmons and Joel Embiid.

If the Sixers trot out Embiid, Simmons, Dario Saric, Fultz and Monk next season, we will be talking about them as the best young team in the NBA, and Sam Hinkie will finally find some redemption for "The Process."

Odds of Lakers winning lottery: 11.9 percent (Philadelphia will get L.A.'s first-round pick if it falls outside the top three.)

Projected record (Lakers): 27-55

5. Miami Heat
Dennis Smith
NC State
Freshman
Guard

The Heat are in full-blown rebuild mode. Goran Dragic is available, and Justise Winslow and Hassan Whiteside are the two building blocks for the future.

Finding a dynamic scorer to play alongside that duo is a must, and Smith has that ability. He's an explosive athlete who can create his own shot and finish above the rim. He isn't an elite shooter, but his 39 percent shooting from beyond the arc gives scouts hope that he's improving.

Odds of winning lottery: 8.8 percent

Projected record: 29-53

6. Dallas Mavericks
Frank Ntilikina
France
Age: 18
Guard

The bounty of college freshmen point guards is obscuring one international prospect who has the potential to be just as good as the rest of them. He has a 7-foot wing span, sees the floor well and can be a terrific defender.

Ntilikina just took home MVP honors after leading France to the Under-18 European Championships a couple weeks ago. He scored 31 points on seven 3s and had four rebounds and three assists in the title game.

The Mavericks have two of the best international scouts in the business on their staff. They aren't sleeping on Ntilikina.

Odds of winning lottery: 6.3 percent

Projected record: 30-52

7. Orlando Magic
Jayson Tatum
Duke
Freshman
Forward

How deep is this draft? Some NBA scouts have Tatum No. 1 on their board. He goes No. 7 here.

Tatum is the prototypical NBA wing in both size and skill set. He's athletic and strong, he can score from all over the floor, and he plays defense. His lack of a strong 3-point shot (6-for-20 so far this season) is the biggest weakness of his game and pushes him a little farther down the board for some teams.

The Magic don't really need a small forward, especially when Aaron Gordon continues to show so much promise. But at this point, Tatum is the best player on the board and a great pick here.

Odds of winning lottery: 4.3 percent

Projected record: 32-50

8. Minnesota Timberwolves
Harry Giles
Duke
Freshman
Forward

Giles might be the best prospect in the draft, were it not for several knee surgeries that have him slowly coming back to form.

He hasn't shown much in the three games he has played for Duke, but his eight rebounds in 13 minutes against Virginia Tech on Saturday give you a glimpse of what he's able to do with a hyperactive motor, athleticism and the ability to score inside and out.

If Giles comes on late, he won't be available this low. And if he's here, the Wolves just added to their embarrassment of young riches.

Odds of winning lottery (via Knicks): 2.8 percent

Projected record: 32-50

9. New Orleans Pelicans
Jonathan Isaac
FSU
Freshman
Forward

The Pelicans are among a slew of Western Conference teams competing for that eighth playoff seed. BPI's projections are pessimistic that they'll keep up their current hot streak, and it might be for the best. They desperately need talent to put around Anthony Davis.

Isaac might not be the best player on his current team, but his upside is enormous. He's super skilled, with a huge wingspan, and he can guard multiple positions.

He needs to get stronger but would be a long-term upgrade at the 3 for the Pelicans.

Odds of winning lottery: 1.7 percent

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Projected record: 33-49

10. Sacramento Kings*
De'Aaron Fox
Kentucky
Freshman
Guard

The Kings currently have dibs on the last playoff spot in the West, but BPI doesn't project that they'll hold onto the spot for long (nor do most long-suffering Kings fans).

If the Kings keep this top-10 pick, point guard seems like the way to go. Darren Collison, Ty Lawson and Garrett Temple are not long-term solutions, and there's one elite point guard left on the board in Fox.

Fox is the fastest point guard in the draft and one of the craftiest. He can't shoot, but his abilities to push the basketball and create make him a dangerous threat in the NBA.

Odds of winning lottery: 1.1 percent (If the Kings move ahead of Philadelphia in the lottery and are in the top 10, they swap spots with the Sixers. If Sacramento's pick falls outside the top 10, it will go to Chicago.)

Projected record: 34-48

11. Denver Nuggets
Miles Bridges
Michigan State
Freshman
Forward

The Nuggets are loaded with young talent and don't have any glaring needs, but if Bridges is here, he should be an attractive option.

The ultra-athletic forward is a dominant scorer and underrated passer who can play the 3 and the 4.

Odds of winning lottery: 0.8 percent

Projected record: 36-46

12. New York Knicks
OG Anunoby
Indiana
Sophomore
Forward

The Knicks could use some help at the 2, but with no great shooting guards on the board, Anunoby will be very attractive instead.

He's built like an NFL player but has athleticism and quickness. He's the ideal 3-and-D type player who has a little Kawhi Leonard in his game.

Odds of winning lottery: 0.7 percent

Projected record: 38-44

13. Indiana Pacers
Lauri Markkanen
Arizona
Freshman
Forward

The Pacers' biggest need is probably at the 2 as well, where they'll eventually need to replace the increasingly ineffective Monta Ellis. However, there isn't a player left on the board who really makes sense.

Markkanen would be an interesting pick here. His ability to stretch the floor makes him an ideal long-term frontcourt companion for Myles Turner.

Odds of winning lottery: 0.6 percent

Projected record: 38-43

14. Chicago Bulls
Terrance Ferguson
Australia
Age: 19
Guard

There starts to be a pretty big drop-off at this point in the draft, as those top 13 players seem like near-locks for the lottery. The pool gets shallower as we head into the next tier.

Chicago's biggest need is probably at the point -- especially in the wake of the Rajon Rondo fiasco -- but all the elite point guards are off the board. The Bulls also really need 3-point shooting, as they are last in the league, shooting just 30.7 percent from deep.

Ferguson is one of the best shooters in the draft and is getting real minutes playing pro ball in Australia,. He's a bit one-dimensional, but the Bulls need all the help they can get.

Odds of winning lottery: 0.5 percent

Projected record: 39-43

[ATTL]

The Suns will play their way out of a top-3 pick. I need to learn more about guys like Fox, Tatum and Ntilikina. Shame Giles isn't anywhere near his old caliber yet.

You know anything about Jonathan Isaac? He's ranked 7th on DX.

I'm not worried about missing out on the top 3. This draft is solid up until about 9 or 10. I like Ntilikina, Simmons, Tatum about as much as anyone else not named Marquelle Fultz. I don't think teams will have a very easy time distinguishing the stars from this group of potential stars.

Solid is the difference between KAT and porzingis vs hezonja and stanimal.
This is a year we need a top pick. We get top picks in years without clear top end talent. We need that top pick to solidify our core or it could extend our rebuild another two years.

I think we can get a good player in the 5-8 range but I believe we need a top 4 pick this year.

I do like both Tatum and Jackson more than Ingram and jaylen brown. I'm just totally underwhelmed by monk and fox. Wouldn't mind French frank but I think he's a tier below the top 3 point guards and small forwards.

I really wish Giles didn't have the knee issues, loved him before the injuries.

[Qwigglez]

You know anything about Jonathan Isaac? He's ranked 7th on DX.

I'm not worried about missing out on the top 3. This draft is solid up until about 9 or 10. I like Ntilikina, Simmons, Tatum about as much as anyone else not named Marquelle Fultz. I don't think teams will have a very easy time distinguishing the stars from this group of potential stars.

Solid is the difference between KAT and porzingis vs hezonja and stanimal.
This is a year we need a top pick. We get top picks in years without clear top end talent. We need that top pick to solidify our core or it could extend our rebuild another two years.

I think we can get a good player in the 5-8 range but I believe we need a top 4 pick this year.

We need to trade Bledsoe/Tucker/Chandler now before they win us more games! We will end up outside the top 3 once again.

[bwgood77]

You know anything about Jonathan Isaac? He's ranked 7th on DX.

I'm not worried about missing out on the top 3. This draft is solid up until about 9 or 10. I like Ntilikina, Simmons, Tatum about as much as anyone else not named Marquelle Fultz. I don't think teams will have a very easy time distinguishing the stars from this group of potential stars.

Solid is the difference between KAT and porzingis vs hezonja and stanimal.
This is a year we need a top pick. We get top picks in years without clear top end talent. We need that top pick to solidify our core or it could extend our rebuild another two years.

I think we can get a good player in the 5-8 range but I believe we need a top 4 pick this year.

I do like both Tatum and Jackson more than Ingram and jaylen brown. I'm just totally underwhelmed by monk and fox. Wouldn't mind French frank but I think he's a tier below the top 3 point guards and small forwards.

I really wish Giles didn't have the knee issues, loved him before the injuries.

There probably isn't a clear cut top 3. I don't think there is a Towns/Porzingis caliber player for sure. Ford was saying some GMs have Jayson Tatum #1. He also mentioned in that mock I posted above that Giles might be the best player if he could get over his knee issues. I don't think there are that many teams we will pass, if any. Brooklyn has no incentive to lose and was missing Lin for a long time. Philly will probably get better. Minnesota will certainly get better. Their pt differential would put them in about the 8 seed.

But what's going to happen is going to happen. I think this is the year we probably REALLY play the rookies heavy minutes down the stretch though, which will most likely lead to losses.

[Maystack]

I haven't looked into the 2017 draft that much outside of Fultz/Ball but someone posted on the Suns subreddit the other day about Frank Ntilikina, and he looks like the real deal. Even if we don't manage to get a top 3 pick, I think we could be able to nab him and win the draft. His length reminds me of Giannis.