Yao Presents: Final 2017 Mock Draft

[Yao Ming]

1 Day Until the 2017 NBA Draft, but we all know that the D720 draft is where it's at!

Yao’s Final 2017 D720 Mock Draft (v2.0) 

1st Round 

1.  Bulls (from Clippers) – Markelle Fultz, PG, Washington.


Not much needs to be said about Fultz other than it’d be surprising to see him not go first to Chicago. He’s an instant upgrade over Cory Joseph. Congratulations PP.

Previously Mocked: N/A

PP’s Mock: Markelle Fultz

2017 Projections: Starter, 34 mpg, 19.5 ppg, 3 rpg, 5 apg.


2.  76ers – Josh Jackson, SF, Kansas.


I could see Ball go here as well, but Jackson should fit in better since it allows Lillard and Harden to stay at PG and SG. With Harden in his contract year, Philly needs to at least secure a playoff berth to have a shot at getting him to resign. That being said, Jackson might not win the starting job over Tim Hardaway right away, but should still provide a boost on defense in 2017.


Previously Mocked: Jayson Tatum

PP’s Mock: Josh Jackson

2017 Projections: 6th Man, 24 mpg, 8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.5 spg.


3.  Hawks (from Raptors) - Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA.


Exum and Payne’s upside have looked bleaker by the year, but Brown Cobb gets a solid high-IQ point guard in Lonzo. There’s less pressure for BC to have Rozier develop into a stud with Ball on the team. Ball may not have top 3 assist numbers in 2017 on a young Hawks team, but those numbers should improve as the roster gets more experience.


Previously Mocked: Lonzo Ball

PP’s Mock: Lonzo Ball

2017 Projections: Starter, 30 mpg, 12 ppg, 5 rpg, 7.5 apg.


4.  Pelicans (from Mavericks) – Dennis Smith Jr., PG, N.C. State.


I think it’s safe to say that Billy has a crush Dennis Smith Jr. Jayson Tatum may be more ready to contribute and a better immediate fit, but it’s more probable that BK favors overall upside. DSJ can be groomed to succeed John Wall, or even as a very valuable trade chip if he can realize his full potential.


Previously Mocked: Dennis Smith Jr.

PP’s Mock: Dennis Smith Jr.

2017 Projections: 6th Man, 25 mpg, 12.5 ppg, 2 rpg, 4 apg.


5.  Hawks – Jayson Tatum, SF, Duke.


Ball, Beal, Tatum, and Cauley-Stein has the potential to be a great core perhaps sooner than we think. Even in his first year, Tatum projects to be a better scorer than current forwards Sam Dekker and Stanley Johnson. Jonathan Isaac can go here too since he would be able to play PF, but I think Cobb will opt for a more offensive minded and nba-ready forward to pair with Lonzo Ball.


Previously Mocked: Justin Patton

PP’s Mock: Jayson Tatum

2017 Projections: Starter, 30 mpg, 16.5 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 apg.


6.  Wizards – De’Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky.


2017 may not have been an ideal year for Pete and the Wizards, but Fox should be a great consolation prize. He brings some much needed speed for a Wizards roster with many large forwards. Fox would instantly be a candidate for the starting point guard position with only Tyler Johnson in the way. Good upside, and a fast style of play that increases game tempo should help the Wizards in 2017.


Previously Mocked: Josh Jackson, Harry Giles

PP’s Mock: De’Aaron Fox

2017 Projections: Starter, 33 mpg, 14 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 6 apg.


7.  Trailblazers – Frank Ntilikina, PG, Strasbourg.


Point guard seems to be the greatest positional need for Teddy and the Trailblazers, especially after how Dunn fell short of expectations during his rookie year. Devin Booker, Fournier, and Porzingis will all be better scoring options than Ntilikina, so there shouldn’t be much pressure for Frank to create his own shots. I think Dunn has the slight edge on Ntilikina for the starting job, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Ntilikina made starts in 2017.


Previously Mocked: Frank Ntilikina

PP’s Mock: Frank Ntilikina

2017 Projections: Rotation Player, 14 mpg, 5.5 ppg, 1 rpg, 2 apg.


8.  Supersonics (from Spurs) – Malik Monk, PG/SG, Kentucky.


Here John chooses to go with a young guard, who has the potential to start over Allen Crabbe, or even one day take away Lebron’s starting Point Guard job. Monk can be boom or bust, but we should be able to see how his skill set translates to D720 within his first year. If everything clicks, Monk could be a solid rotation piece or even starter for the championship contenders.


Previously Mocked: Edmond Sumner

PP’s Mock: Malik Monk

2017 Projections: Rotation Player, 20 mpg, 11 ppg, 1 rpg, 3 apg.


9.  Hornets – Zach Collins, PF/C, Gonzaga.


In my opinion one of the more underrated prospects this year, Collins has no glaring weakness and should be reliable on both ends of the floor. Luis Scola will be a free agent, Trey Lyles remains a liability on offense, and O’Quinn/Boban seem better suited as rotation guys. Markkanen may also be an option here, but Collins’ defense should give him the edge to be picked at this spot.


Previously Mocked: Robert Williams

PP’s Mock: Lauri Markannen

2017 Projections: Starter, 28 mpg, 13.5 ppg, 7 rpg, 1 bpg.


10.  Raptors (from Bulls) – Jonathan Isaac, SF/PF, Florida State.


The raw but high ceiling Isaac joins the rebuilding project with Scalabrine in this mock. In Toronto he can settle in on a team where the priority is development, which should prove to be more than ideal given his skill set. His only real competitor at SF should be Caris Lavert and Matt Barnes, but Isaac profiles to be a smarter choice than Barnes on a rebuilding Toronto team.


Previously Mocked: Markelle Fultz

PP’s Mock: Zach Collins

2017 Projections: Starter, 22 mpg, 7.5 ppg, 5 rpg, 1 bpg.


11.  Heat – Justin Jackson, SF, North Carolina.


If new GM Jamario Moon goes for pure upside, Giles or Hartenstein may be the pick here. But on a team where only Ben McLemore and Hollis Thompson can play small forward, Justin Jackson could be a steady presence on the wing. With at most $55 million committed to 2017 so far, Miami should be a big spender on free agents who can help the gear up for a playoff run next year. Jackson should help the cause as he’s one of the most nba-ready players in the draft.


Previously Mocked: Lauri Markannen

PP’s Mock: Jonathan Isaac

2017 Projections: Starter, 32 mpg, 14.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3 apg.


12.  Timberwolves – Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona.


Lauri Markkanen gives Milt a stretch-four, which should add another dimension for Minnesota’s offense. There’s a good chance however that Markkanen becomes a liability on defense in his first pro year, which may cost him some minutes to more seasoned players like Kenneth Faried, Otto Porter, or Justice Winslow. Still, Markkanen should become at least a solid rotation guy for years to come in Minnesota.


Previously Mocked: Luke Kennard

PP’s Mock: Donovan Mitchell

2017 Projections: Rotation Player, 18 mpg, 8.5 ppg, 4 rpg, 0.5 apg.


13.  Warriors – OG Anunoby, SF/PF, Indiana


New Warriors GM Penny Hardaway will hope to find the next Draymond in Indiana’s OG Anunoby. Point guard may be a need if Curry leaves, so a guy like Frank Mason, Frank Jackson, or Jawun Evans may be picked here. Alternatively, Penny could trade down to take one of those point guards later on in the draft. OG has solid upside for a 13th overall pick though, carrying the potential to one day unseat Jae Crowder. However, minutes will probably be hard to come by for OG on a roster full of seasoned players.


Previously Mocked: Miles Bridges

PP’s Mock: OG Anunoby

2017 Projections: Reserve Player, 5 mpg, 1 ppg, 1 rpg.


14.  Lakers – Luke Kennard, SG, Duke.


Rasheed and the Lakers have a talented starting 5 in Tony Parker, Bledsoe, Klay Thompson, Drummond, and Vucevic. However, their second unit past Jeremy Lin, Jared Dudley, and Joffrey Lauvergne is a concern that Rasheed Wallace would probably look to address this offseason. Plenty of picks would make sense here: Kennard, Donovan Mitchell, or Terrance Ferguson if Rasheed prefers a shooting guard. If Rasheed looks to take a power forward, Hartenstein, Rabb, Lydon, Leaf, and Giles are all logical choices. The Lakers should have a talented enough roster to make a deep playoff run next year, so I think a more nba-ready prospect like Kennard or Lydon would go here.


Previously Mocked: Dwayne Bacon

PP’s Mock: Justin Jackson

2017 Projections: Rotation Player, 16 mpg, 8 ppg, 2 rpg, 1 apg.


15.  Bucks – Bam Adebayo, C, Kentucky.


The Bucks made the playoffs this year with Derrick Favors, JJ Hickson, and Noah Vonleh at Center. A traditional center should prove to be a wise long-term upgrade, and Bam Adebayo fits that bill. He should be able to efficiently contribute sooner than guys like Jarrett Allen or Justin Patton. If the White Mamba drafts him here, Adebayo would become the immediate favorite to take over the starting center job in two years if Favors decides to resign elsewhere.


Previously Mocked: Bam Adebayo, Jarrett Allen

2017 Projections: Reserve Player, 8 mpg, 2 ppg, 3 rpg.


16.  Suns (from Pistons) – Donovan Mitchell, SG, Louisville.


The Suns don’t have any immediate pressing positional needs, so here JT takes Mitchell for some shooting guard depth. Mitchell is a little undersized, but is overall a well-rounded prospect that projects to be ready to contribute on the NBA level. Drafting Mitchell allows JT to either have him step in E’Twaun Moore’s role, or play Jamal Murray more and keep Mitchell on the bench.


Previously Mocked: Ivan Rabb, Terrance Ferguson, Josh Hart

2017 Projections: Reserve Player, 0 mpg, 0 ppg, 0 apg.


17.  Kings – Isaiah Hartenstein, PF/C, Zalgiris Kaunas.


Jawun Evans could go here, but I think new GM John Lodge decides to go for upside here. Hartenstein can play either of the two big man positions, giving the Kings some positional flexibility. Jawun Evans may also be an option here if Lodge doesn’t see Ulis as his point guard of the future. Hartenstein’s role should be dependent on the direction Lodge takes with his team. If he decides to contend, Hartenstein will find minutes scarce playing behind Amir Johnson and Trevor Booker (and Taj Gibson if he resigns with the Kings). A rebuild approach should allow Hartenstein to see the floor more often behind Marquese Chriss and Julius Randle, while pushing older vets like Amir Johnson and Omer Asik to the bench.


Previously Mocked: Malik Monk

2017 Projections: Reserve Player, 10 mpg, 3 ppg, 3.5 rpg.


18.  Grizzlies – Jarrett Allen, C, Texas.


Allen is a great combination of NBA-readiness and long-term upside. He has the size and athleticism to be a great rebounder off the bench behind Blake Griffin, Aaron Gordon, and Mason Plumlee. He would compete with Montrezl Harrell, but can be groomed to one day be a starter for Logan and the Grizzlies.


Previously Mocked: Kostja Mushidi

2017 Projections: Rotation Player, 15 mpg, 5 ppg, 5 rpg.


19.  Pacers – Jawun Evans, PG, Oklahoma State.


With Jeff Teague set to test free agency this offseason, Evans would be a good insurance option at the point guard spot for Reggie Miller. With Delon Wright as the only other point guard currently signed on for the 2017 season, Jawun Evan’s path to minutes should be manageable. He’s undersized at 6’0, but his IQ should at least help rack up assists at the professional level. Frank Jackson or Frank Mason may be options here too.


Previously Mocked: De’Aaron Fox

2017 Projections: Rotation Player, 21 mpg, 9.5 ppg, 2 rpg, 5 apg.


20.  Bulls (from Rockets) – Terrance Ferguson, SG, Adelaide 36ers.


PP and the Bulls could look to use this pick and pair Fultz with athletic 6’7 Terrance Ferguson. The Bulls’ top guards are currently Devin Harris, Cory Joseph, Aaron Brooks, and Marcus Thornton. Ferguson could provide Paul Pierce with some nice and needed athleticism at the shooting guard spot. A center like Patton or John Collins could be an option here too if Pierce does not see Okafor as their future Center.


Previously Mocked: N/A

2017 Projections: Reserve Player, 5 mpg, 2 ppg, 0.5 apg.


21.  Nets – T.J. Leaf, PF, UCLA.


With plenty of young depth on the wings, Kareem and the Nets can go for a big man/power forward here. T.J. Leaf is well rounded, and could be ready to contribute to the Nets very soon. There’s a chance he beats out Terrance Jones, Nogueira, Dragan Bender, and even Derrick Williams for the starting power forward job. The Nets however, have plenty of cap space for 2017, and could easily use it to add a power forward during free agency, pushing Leaf to a bench role.


Previously Mocked: T.J. Leaf

2017 Projections: Rotation Player, 18 mpg, 8 ppg, 4 rpg, 1.5 apg.


22.  Cavaliers – John Collins, PF/C, Wake Forest.


Like the Nets, the Cavs don’t seem to have any single positional weakness. Adding a big man with upside seems like a likely move here for Scottie Pippen given the prospects remaining at this point. Collins doesn’t have the defensive upside as Justin Patton, but his offense may be more valuable with Ibaka already on the roster.


Previously Mocked: Isaiah Hartenstein

2017 Projections: Reserve Player, 0 mpg, 0 ppg, 0 rpg.


23.  Pistons (from Thunder) – Justin Patton, C, Creighton.


Koufos, Markieff Morris, and Seraphin all seem to be awkward fits as Detroit’s starting center. This could prompt Greg Oden to draft Patton here, whose large frame could eventually help him be a solid post presence in Detroit. He’s a little raw, so there’s a good chance that he won’t be ready to immediately contribute in 2017.


Previously Mocked: Thomas Bryant

2017 Projections: Reserve Player, 8 mpg, 2 ppg, 2 rpg.


24.  Pelicans – Ivan Rabb, PF/C, California.


If Hartenstein falls he could be the pick here. But in this mock, Hartenstein ends up being taken a few picks earlier. Rabb looks like he’s ready to grab boards against nba big men. Dwight Howard, Patrick Patterson, and Aron Baynes are all free agents after this season, so there should be minutes available for Rabb.


Previously Mocked: N/A

2017 Projections: Rotation Player, 12 mpg, 4 ppg, 3.5 rpg.


25.  Hawks (from Magic) – Harry Giles, PF/C, Duke.


With the Hawks not yet ready to contend, Brown Cobb can afford to take a high risk high reward pick here with Harry Giles. Giles would be a steal if he can play up to his pre-Duke expectations. Giles should be one of the taller guys on the Hawks roster if drafted to them.


Previously Mocked:  N/A

2017 Projections: Reserve Player, 5 mpg, 1.5 ppg, 2 rpg.

26.  Pistons (from Jazz) – Ike Anigbogu, C, UCLA.


The Pistons take another high-upside center to pair with Justin Patton. There’s a chance Detroit trades these two picks to move up, but drafting two similar prospects could increase their chance at finding some value for their center position. Ike is one of the rawest prospects in the draft, but is also one of the most athletic, and has one of the higher ceilings amongst fellow big men in this class.


Previously Mocked: N/A

2017 Projections: Reserve Player, 0 mpg, 0 ppg, 0 rpg.


27.  Celtics – Rodions Kurucs, SF, FC Barcelona.


The Celtics have $108m+ on their payroll for this upcoming season. Red and the Celtics could use more small forward depth, but could draft an overseas player like Kurucs and stash him in Europe for a few years. Kurucs could eventually start for Red, who is currently playing Dwayne Wade as his starting small forward.


Previously Mocked: Rodions Kurucs

2017 Projections: N/A


28.  Knicks – Josh Hart, SG, Villanova.


The Knicks have a solid roster, and are expected to take who Allan thinks is the best talent on the board. Josh Hart could be the Malcolm Brogdon of 2017. Hart isn’t overly athletic, but has high work ethic and court IQ. Even if his offense never clicks, he should be able to contribute on defense for Allan and the Knicks. Tyler Lydon, Dwayne Bacon, DJ Wilson, and Tyler Dorsey could be options here as well.


Previously Mocked: Justin Jackson

2017 Projections: Reserve Player, 0 mpg, 0 ppg, 0 rpg.


29.  Clippers (from Suns) – Sindarius Thornwell, SG, South Carolina.


The current guards on Elton’s rosters are Mike Conley, Austin Rivers, Trey Burke, and Yogi Ferrell. The Clippers could certainly use a shooting guard with potential to be a great scorer. Thornwell could go here, or perhaps his fellow South Carolina teammate PJ Dozier.


Previously Mocked: Zach Collins

2017 Projections: Reserve Player, 3 mpg, 1 ppg, 0.5 rpg.


30.  Supersonics – Derrick White, PG/SG, Colorado.


Derrick White looks to be the next best combo guard available for John’s pick at 30. Though he does not have good burst, he has decent vision and projects to be a well-rounded guard. White has the tools potential to be groomed into a backup point guard in D720.


Previously Mocked: N/A

2017 Projections: Reserve Player, 0 mpg, 0 ppg, 0 apg.

2nd Round 

31. 76ers (from Mavericks) – Kyle Kuzma, PF, Utah.

32. 76ers (from Hawks) – Dwayne Bacon, SG, Florida State.

33. Raptors – DJ Wilson, PF, Michigan.

34. Wizards – Wesley Iwundu, SG/SF, Kansas State.

35. Clippers – Edmond Sumner, PG/SG, Xavier.

36. Thunder (from 76ers) – Dillon Brooks, SF, Oregon.

37. Trailblazers – Jordan Bell, PF, Oregon.

38. Spurs – Frank Jackson, PG, Duke.

39. 76ers (from Hornets) – PJ Dozier, SG, South Carolina.

40. Cavaliers (from Bulls) – Semi Ojeleye, SF/PF, SMU.

41. Trailblazers (from Heat) – Caleb Swanigan, PF, Baylor.

42. Timberwolves – Aleksander Vezenkov – SF/PF, FC Barcelona.

43. Raptors (from Warriors) – Tony Bradley, C, North Carolina.

44. Kings (from Lakers) – Cam Oliver, PF, Nevada.

45. Hornets (from Bucks) – Anzejs Pasecniks, C, Gran Canaria.

46. Bucks (from Pistons) – Mathias Lessort, PF, Nanterre 92.

47. Raptors (from Kings) – Johnathan Motley, PF, Baylor.

48. Hornets (from Grizzlies) – Alec Peters, PF, Valparaiso.

49. Thunder (from Pacers) – Tyler Dorsey, SG, Oregon.

50. Grizzlies (from Rockets) – Frank Mason, PG, Kansas.

51. Nets – Damyean Dotson, SG/SF, Houston.

52. Thunder (from Cavaliers) – Kobi Simmons, PG/SG, Arizona.

53. Kings (from Thunder) – VJ Beachem, SF, Notre Dame.

54. Magic (from Pelicans) – Nigel Williams-Goss, PG, Gonzaga.

55. Raptors (from Magic) – Thomas Bryant, C, Indiana.

56. Supersonics (from Jazz) – Kostja Mushidi, SG/SF, Mega Leks.

57. Supersonics (from Celtics) – Chris Boucher, PF/C, Oregon.

58. Raptors (from Knicks) – Jonah Bolden, PF, FMP Belgrade.

59. Rockets (from Suns) – Charles Cooke, SG, Dayton.

60. Supersonics – Alpha Kaba, PF, Mega Leks.

[Paul Pierce]

Great read! Our lottery predictions were very similar. This mock look like it took some time and it was well detailed. I love how active this league has become :)

[Justin Timberlake]

Can't complain about that

[billy]

Gold. Really nice picks too. Unconventional, but with solid logic. Better than DX for sure.

[John Stockton]

Jun 21, 2017 20:57:02 GMT -5 Yao Ming said:

8.  Supersonics (from Spurs) – Malik Monk, PG/SG, Kentucky.


Here John chooses to go with a young guard, who has the potential to start over Allen Crabbe, or even one day take away Lebron’s starting Point Guard job. Monk can be boom or bust, but we should be able to see how his skill set translates to D720 within his first year. If everything clicks, Monk could be a solid rotation piece or even starter for the championship contenders.


Previously Mocked: Edmond Sumner

PP’s Mock: Malik Monk

2017 Projections: Rotation Player, 20 mpg, 11 ppg, 1 rpg, 3 apg.


9.  Hornets – Zach Collins, PF/C, Gonzaga.


In my opinion one of the more underrated prospects this year, Collins has no glaring weakness and should be reliable on both ends of the floor. Luis Scola will be a free agent, Trey Lyles remains a liability on offense, and O’Quinn/Boban seem better suited as rotation guys. Markkanen may also be an option here, but Collins’ defense should give him the edge to be picked at this spot.


Previously Mocked: Robert Williams

PP’s Mock: Lauri Markannen

2017 Projections: Starter, 28 mpg, 13.5 ppg, 7 rpg, 1 bpg.


30.  Supersonics – Derrick White, PG/SG, Colorado.


Derrick White looks to be the next best combo guard available for John’s pick at 30. Though he does not have good burst, he has decent vision and projects to be a well-rounded guard. White has the tools potential to be groomed into a backup point guard in D720.


Previously Mocked: N/A

2017 Projections: Reserve Player, 0 mpg, 0 ppg, 0 apg

pretty damn spot on. picked Collins over monk and would do it 100x over without regret. also excited for Edmond Sumner who we grabbed late 2nd who was previously mocked to go 8