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The NBA trade deadline has passed and numerous 2017 draft picks were moved, but one particularly popular asset stayed in place: The Boston Celtics' pick from Brooklyn, which is highly likely to turn into the No. 1 overall selection this June.
With Washington's Markelle Fultz and UCLA's Lonzo Ball, regarded as two of the best point guard prospects in quite some time, sitting at the top of most teams' draft boards, that No. 1 overall pick could demand a King's ransom--or a Pacers' ransom, or a Bulls' ransom. The Celtics, who already have a superstar point guard in Isaiah Thomas as well as several other attractive trading chips for the future, could still attempt to move the pick for a star at a different position this offseason, or they could hold tight and add what looks to be a future star on a rookie contract. Whatever they ultimately end up doing, it's going to be one of the most fascinating stories to watch over the next couple of months.
Another important thing to watch down the stretch of the season: The Los Angeles Lakers' record. If L.A. remains in the Top 3 of the draft order, it will hold on to its pick. If it falls outside the Top 3, though, its pick goes to the Sixers, who already will likely have another Top-10 pick, as they have the right to swap spots with Sacramento. Trust the process, indeed.
Ultimately, there's still a potentially huge amount of shake-up when it comes to the Top-10, but it's still never too early to take a look at how the first round may play out. With that in mind, you can click through the gallery for my 2017 mock draft. Note: Draft order is based on standings as of March 4 (Getty)