NBA Mock Draft 2017: Predictions for All 30 1st-Round Picks

1. Boston Celtics Select Markelle Fultz, PG, Washington


Year: Freshman


This pick will certainly be in play for trades, but for now we'll assume Boston stays put. Isaiah Thomas is obviously entrenched into the point guard position, but this is about taking talent over positional need. Fultz, who is averaging 23.2 points, 5.9 assists and 5.7 rebounds, is an explosive playmaker who can get to the rim at will, who can finish in creative ways in traffic, and who is shooting 41.3 percent from deep. He has the entire offensive package with the potential to be a playmaker defensively (1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks per game).

Also, if you think Washington's dreadful record is an indication of Fultz's talent, just look at what the Huskies have done in the four games without him: 0-4 with an average margin of defeat of 19.75 points. With all due respect to Matisse Thybulle and David Crisp, who are solid players, Fultz has worked with very little talent around him and still be remarkably efficient. Pairing him with Thomas, another former Husky, would immediately give the Celtics one of the best offensive backcourts in the Association. (Getty)