NBA Mock Draft 2017: A Comprehensive Two-Round Analysis
The 2017 NBA Draft was an eventful one, filled with surprises and strategic moves. Here, we present a comprehensive, two-round mock draft analysis, delving into the picks that shaped the league's future.
Top Prospects in the 2017 NBA Draft
The 2017 draft class was headlined by Markelle Fultz, a dynamic point guard out of Washington, and Lonzo Ball, a playmaking guard from UCLA. Other top prospects included Jayson Tatum, Josh Jackson, and De'Aaron Fox. Let's dive into the first round and see how these prospects fared.
| Pick | Player | Position | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Markelle Fultz | PG | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 2 | Lonzo Ball | PG | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 3 | Jayson Tatum | SF | Boston Celtics |
| 4 | Josh Jackson | SF | Phoenix Suns |
| 5 | De'Aaron Fox | PG | Sacramento Kings |
Surprises and Steals in the First Round
The 2017 draft was filled with surprises, none more so than the selection of Malik Monk at 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets. Monk, a sharpshooting guard from Kentucky, was projected to go much higher, making him a steal for the Hornets.
Another surprise was the selection of Lauri Markkanen by the Minnesota Timberwolves at 14th overall. Markkanen, a Finnish power forward, was projected to go in the lottery but slid to the Timberwolves, who traded for the pick to select him.
Intrigue and Potential in the Second Round
The second round of the 2017 draft was filled with intrigue and potential. The Brooklyn Nets selected Jarrett Allen with the 22nd pick, a move that paid off as Allen developed into a solid center for the Nets.
Other notable second-round picks include Semi Ojeleye, selected 37th overall by the Boston Celtics, and Dillon Brooks, selected 45th overall by the Houston Rockets. Both players have since made significant contributions to their respective teams.
International Flavor in the Second Round
The 2017 draft also featured a strong international presence in the second round. Players like Anžejs Pasečņiks, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Frank Ntilikina were all selected in the second round and have since made an impact in the NBA.
Pasečņiks, a Latvian center, was selected 25th overall by the Orlando Magic and has since become a key player for the team. Hartenstein, a German center, was selected 43rd overall by the Houston Rockets and has shown promise as a rim protector and rebounder.
Ntilikina, a French point guard, was selected 8th overall by the New York Knicks but was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2019 offseason. Ntilikina has since become a key player for the Mavericks, known for his defensive prowess and playmaking abilities.
Lessons Learned from the 2017 NBA Draft
The 2017 NBA Draft was a testament to the unpredictability of the draft process. Teams that took risks, such as the Charlotte Hornets with Malik Monk and the Minnesota Timberwolves with Lauri Markkanen, were rewarded with valuable contributors.
Moreover, the 2017 draft highlighted the importance of international scouting. Players like Anžejs Pasečņiks, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Frank Ntilikina have all made significant contributions to their respective teams, demonstrating the value of looking beyond the NCAA for talent.
In conclusion, the 2017 NBA Draft was an eventful one, filled with surprises, steals, and potential. The draft process is a complex and unpredictable one, but with strategic planning and a keen eye for talent, teams can find the diamonds in the rough that will shape their future.
