1) Philadelphia 76ers- Markelle Fultz, PG, Washington
-No surprises here. Fultz has been the consensus number one overall pick throughout the predraft process. The Sixers are getting a solid scoring guard who can play the one or the two for a young Philly squad. With Ben Simmons, Dario Saric, Joel “The Process” Embiid, and now Markelle Fultz, The City of Brotherly Love has something to look forward to for the 2017-2018 season.
2) Los Angeles Lakers- Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA
-Everyone, head to Chino Hills to get your fortune read. LaVar Ball called it. The Lakers got that ball, and then got that Ball. While the hype surrounding this pick was huge, it doesn’t come as a surprise, especially given the D’Angelo Russell trade. The Lakers needed a Point Guard, and Lonzo is the best option in this draft. Staples Center, get ready. Showtime maybe coming back to the City of Angels, and I’m not talking about Magic.
3) Boston Celtics- Jayson Tatum, SF, Duke
-I’m a little surprised by this pick. While Tatum is arguably the best scorer in this draft, Josh Jackson has the highest ceiling of the wings in this draft. Given the Celtics need for some defense, I thought they’d go Jackson. However, Tatum can score in a variety of different ways, and is a gifted scorer in the half court. We’ll see if this pick is going to be used as a trade chip, but if the Celtics decide to keep it, they’ll be getting a polished scorer who should be able to make a solid impact in his rookie season.
4) Phoenix Suns- Josh Jackson, SF, Kansas
-Falling to the fourth pick on Lottery Night had many Suns fans outraged. However, they’ll be very happy that their consolation prize is Josh Jackson. Jackson is the best defender in the draft and one of the best athletes. In any other draft, he would be the consensus number one pick. The Suns need help on defense and a young, defensive minded wing like Jackson would be a great fit alongside a young core led by Devin Booker. One thing Jackson needs to work on is his jump shot, but given his talent on the other side of the floor, he’ll make solid contributions for the Suns next season.
5) Sacramento Kings- De’Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky
-The Kings got the player they wanted all along. Fox is the quickest guard in the draft, can easily score at the rim, and a great pick and roll player. Fox needs to work on his jumpshot, but without the pressure to win now, Fox should be able to become a decent shooter. The Kings are in full rebuild mode and in today’s NBA, a dynamic Point Guard is a great way to get back to winning ways. The Kings now have a player they can build around and hopefully, will lead them back to the playoffs.
6) Orlando Magic, Jonathan Isaac, SF, Florida State
-I thought the Magic would go for a guard to pair with Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic. However, Isaac is a solid shooter who can spread the floor and has solid height for a small forward. He still has a lot of work to do to become a great player in this league, but with a young team in Orlando, he will be able to grow together with this young squad and rebuild the Magic to a playoff contender.
7) Chicago Bulls- Lauri Markannen, PF, Arizona
-Wow. First big trade of the night and it’s huge. Jimmy Butler is on his way to the Timberwolves. With a core of KAT, Wiggins, Rubio, and now Butler, Minnesota is going to be a playoff team this year. For Chicago, they are getting the best stretch four in the draft. Markannen can spread the floor with his solid three point shot, and pairing him with newly acquired point guard, Kris Dunn, Chicago has a solid foundation to build upon in this new era of Bulls basketball.
8) New York Knicks- Frank Ntilikina, PG, France
The Knicks front office made a good decision. How’s that for a change? Ntilikina has a huge ceiling, as he’s a great shooter, has great length for a point guard, and is a tremendous athlete. Pairing him with Porzingis would be a great fit for the triangle, given his shooting ability. He is only 18 years old and has a lot of room to grow. He has the potential to become a starter in the NBA, and hopefully the bright lights of Madison Square Garden brings out the best in him.
9) Dallas Mavericks- Dennis Smith Jr., PG, NC State
The Mavericks needed a Point Guard. Dennis Smith Jr was the best guard available. He is a gifted scorer who can put the ball in the basket in a variety of ways. He is also an insane athlete, with a 48 inch vertical and a blur on the court. He needs to work on his defense and can be a defensive liability on the court, but he will be able to step into the Dallas Mavericks and be able to contribute right away.
10) Portland Trail Blazers- Zach Collins, PF, Gonzaga
The Blazers traded the 15th and 20th picks to the Kings for the 10th pick, and turned it into Zach Collins from Gonzaga. Collins is a perfect fit for the Blazers, who are led by dynamic guards in Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. Collins can score with his back to the basket and has also shown the potential to score from the perimeter as well. He is a solid athlete and has the potential to become a great defender down low. The Blazers will be very happy to pair Collins and Nurkic down low, creating a solid frontcourt for Rip City.
11) Charlotte Hornets- Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky
Malik Monk is the first player to fall in the draft. Slated to go around the 6th-8th pick, Monk will be a little disappointed falling to the 11th pick. The Hornets, however, will be ecstatic. Monk is a pure scorer and one of the best shooters in the draft. Pairing Monk and Kemba Walker in the backcourt will be a formidable offensive unit. However, Monk is undersized for a two guard and can be a liability on defense. All in all, the Hornets are getting a great player and someone who can have an impact right away.
12) Detroit Pistons- Luke Kennard, SG, Duke
Splash. Splash. Splash. Lake Michigan isn’t the only thing that’s going to be wet next year. Luke Kennard is the best shooter in the draft and one of the best scorers as well. He put up huge numbers for a star-studded Duke squad and has the potential to light it up in the NBA as well. At 6’5” he has solid length for a two guard and has the potential to become a good defender. The Pistons now have a solid back-up plan for shooting guard in case Kentavious Caldwell-Pope leaves in free agency.
13) Utah Jazz- Donovan Mitchell, SG, Louisville
The Jazz traded Trey Lyles and the 24th pick for the 13th pick, from which they landed Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell is only a 6’3” shooting guard, but has a 6’10” wingspan. This makes him a great defender and a good rebounder for someone who’s not that tall. Mitchell also proved to be a decent scorer with a formidable three point shot. The Jazz are getting a solid guard who can develop into a lockdown defender. If they can resign Gordon Hayward, there could be something special brewing in Salt Lake City.
14) Miami Heat- Bam Adebayo, C, Kentucky
Coach Cal strikes again. Three Kentucky Wildcats were selected in the lottery, with Bam Adebayo going to South Beach. At 6’10”, Adebayo isn’t a true center, but more of a large Power Forward. He’s a great defender and can morph into an amazing rim protector. He has supposedly developed a jump shot over his pre draft workouts, which is an added skill to a blue chip prospect. Pairing Adebayo with Hassan Whiteside can prove to be a lethal defensive presence. Miami finished off the season with a 30-11 record. With the addition of Adebayo, they may be able to get into the playoffs comfortably next season.
