So, apparently there's some kind of football draft going on right now. But while that meanders into its seemingly millionth hour of coverage on Saturday, it seems like a good a time as any to turn your attention over to the hardwood and the NBA.
With college basketball now well in the rear-view mirror, the playoffs in full swing, the combine still a week-and-a-half away, and the all-important lottery (May 16) even further away than that, this is somewhat of a dead period for the NBA draft. Nevertheless, there are still important things happening--like last week's early entrant deadline, which saw an absurd 137 college basketball underclassmen (now down to 136 after USC's Bennie Boatwright announced his decision to return to school) declare for the draft. Throw in 45 international players, as well as the NCAA seniors, and that comes out to about 200 players battling it out for just 60 draft spots. Obviously, many players who haven't signed agents will still opt to return to school a la Justin Jackson last year, but it's going to be a crowded draft class nonetheless.
Elsewhere in draft news, the meddling of Lonzo Ball's dad has forced Nike, Under Armour and Adidas all to pass on potential endorsement deals with Lonzo. It's ultimately not a major development in terms of the actual draft, but it's pretty unprecedented that those three giants all choose not to work with a potential No. 1 pick, and it's evidence that Lavar Ball's antics are rubbing important people--not just the general public--the wrong way. As Ball battles with Markelle Fultz and Josh Jackson for the top overall selection, this will continue to be a storyline to monitor.
With all of that in mind, you can click through the gallery for my newest NBA mock draft and projections for the first 30 picks. (Getty)
1. Boston Celtics: Markelle Fultz, PG, Washington
Age: 18 (May 29, 1998)
Size: 6-foot-4, 195 pounds
Fultz has been my No. 1 pick for months, and I don't foresee that changing unless something crazy happens during the lottery. If the Celtics are picking here, the smooth guard gives them an elite scorer and playmaker to lead the second unit when Isaiah Thomas goes to the bench, plus he has the size and shooting ability to play off the ball at the 2 while IT is running the point.
Ultimately, this is a unique case of a team with an already stacked roster picking at the top of the draft. Boston will value best overall player rather than filling a position of need, and that makes Fultz the clear choice. (Getty)
2. Phoenix Suns: Josh Jackson, SF, Kansas
Age: 20 (February 10, 1997)
Size: 6-foot-8, 207 pounds
Even with Eric Bledsoe already on the roster, the idea of adding Lonzo Ball--an elite passer--next to a number of young scorers who would benefit from having a pass-first PG has to be enticing for Phoenix. Still, for a team that finished 28th in the NBA in defensive rating, Jackson's ability to change the game on that end of the court may be too difficult to pass up.
Blessed with the perfect defensive trifecta--athleticism, length and a high basketball IQ--Jackson averaged 2.2 steals and 1.4 blocks per 40 minutes and finished with a sparkling 96.0 defensive rating.
Throw in his improved offense and shooting stroke down the stretch (17.6 points, 53.2 percent shooting and 48.1 percent three-point shooting on 3.1 attempts over his last 17 games), and Jackson has a strong claim to being the best two-way player in the draft. (Getty)
3. Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA
Age: 19 (October 27, 1997)
Size: 6-foot-6, 190 pounds
Even if the Lakers land the top overall pick (a 15.6 percent chance according to math and a 99.8 percent chance according to conspiracy theorists), Ball may still be their choice.
D'Angelo Russell is better served playing off the ball as a pure scorer, and Ball could immediately step in as the 1, where his elite creating and passing skills would be ideal next to developing players such as Russell, Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle and Ivica Zubac. Having led the 20th fastest team in college basketball to the second-best offensive efficiency, he'd also be comfortable in Luke Walton's up-tempo system. (Getty)
4. Philadelphia 76ers: Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky
Age: 19 (February 4, 1998)
Size: 6-foot-3, 200 pounds
Ben Simmons, who is expected to start at the point, is a questionable shooter with excellent vision and passing, and as such, surrounding him with guys who can stretch the floor makes a lot of sense.
Enter Monk, who seems like the perfect backcourt mate for Simmons. Though he can be a bit streaky, he's the kind of player who is in range as soon as he steps onto the court. A deadly perimeter scorer with elite athleticism, no conscious and unwavering confidence, Monk would immediately improve a team that finished last in the NBA in offensive rating. (Getty)
5. Orlando Magic: Jayson Tatum, SF, Duke
Age: 19 (March 3, 1998)
Size: 6-foot-8, 205 pounds
Speaking of offensive struggles, the Magic weren't much better than Philly, finishing the season 29th in offensive rating, 29th in effective field-goal percentage and 29th in three-point percentage. Hey, at least they were consistent in being second-worst at everything.
Not only does Tatum bring ideal size (6-foot-8 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan) to the small forward position, but he's a polished offensive player who can score from all three levels. ESPN's Chad Ford pegs him as a potential dark horse for the No. 1 pick, and while that may be pushing it a little bit, his advanced offensive game will certainly allow him to help Orlando right away. (Getty)
6. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jonathan Isaac, SF, Florida State
Age: 19 (October 3, 1997)
Size: 6-foot-10, 210 pounds
On a scale of rebuilding to competing, the Timberwolves are closer to the latter. As such, taking a gamble on Isaac--who is considered the biggest project among the Top 10 prospects--may raise a few eyebrows.
Still, the idea of adding a player with arguably more upside than anyone not named Markelle or Lonzo to a core that already includes Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine is awfully enticing. Moreover, with all of those talented pieces already in place, Isaac will face less pressure early on, which could be key for his development. (Getty)
7. New York Knicks: De'Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky
Age: 19 (December 20, 1997)
Size: 6-foot-3, 187 pounds
Their plans for free agency could change things, but it's pretty clear at this point the Knicks will go for a point guard. Beyond that, it's tough to a forecast. I continually go back and forth on Fox and France's Frank Ntilikina, while Dennis Smith Jr. could also be in play here.
For now, we'll go with Fox, an electrifying player who has the quickness to get to the rim at will. He would be an easy top-five pick if he had a more consistent jumper, but even without one, he has the rest of the tools to be the Knicks' long-term answer at point guard and a dangerous pick-and-roll partner with Kristaps Porzingis. (Getty)
8. Sacramento Kings: Dennis Smith, PG, NC State
Age: 19 (November 25, 1997)
Size: 6-foot-3, 195 pounds
The Kings are in full-on rebuilding mode, plus they have a pair of Top 10 picks, so they can afford to take a gamble on someone like Smith. There are concerns about the NC State product's effort level, as his production slipped during the latter portion of the season, but in terms of actual skill set, there are few players more exciting.
Smith is quick, athletic and explosive. He plays down-hill and he attacks the rim with a relentless nature, drawing comparisons to Russell Westbrook due to his violent, no-nonsense style of play. That's not to say Smith will be Westbrook, but he's an incredibly exciting point guard, and that's exactly what the Kings need. (Getty)
9. Dallas Mavericks: Frank Ntilikina, PG, France
Age: 18 (July 28, 1998)
Size: 6-foot-5, 170 pounds
Jackpot. Ntilikina could easily be the third point guard off the board, so the Mavericks would likely be ecstatic to see him still available at this spot. Not only is he one of the youngest prospects in the draft, but he's considered one of the best perimeter defenders and has the size to play multiple positions. In other words, he's someone who can play an important role right away, but there's also a very high ceiling as he continues to improve his jump shot. (Getty)
10. Sacramento Kings: Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona
Age: 19 (May 22, 1997)
Size: 7-foot-0, 230 pounds
Markannen is a 7-footer who has arguably the best three-point stroke in this draft class. That alone makes him a rare prospect, and even though he still needs work as an interior defender and rebounder, he shouldn't slip much further than this. In the modern age of NBA that values pace and space, Markannen is the prototypical power forward. (Getty)
11. Charlotte Hornets: Zach Collins, C, Gonzaga
12. Detroit Pistons: Justin Jackson, SF, North Carolina
13. Denver Nuggets: Isaiah Hartenstein, PF, Germany
14. Miami Heat: Jarrett Allen, C, Texas
15. Portland Trail Blazers: OG Anunoby, SF, Indiana
16. Chicago Bulls: Terrance Ferguson, SG, Adelaide
17. Milwaukee Bucks: Justin Patton, C, Creighton
18. Indiana Pacers: T.J. Leaf, PF, UCLA
19. Atlanta Hawks: Ivan Rabb, PF, California
20. Portland Trail Blazers: John Collins, PF, Wake Forest
21. Oklahoma City Thunder: Donovan Mitchell, SG, Louisville
22. Brooklyn Nets: Harry Giles, PF, Duke
23. Toronto Raptors: Rodions Kurucs, SF, Latvia
24. Utah Jazz: Ike Anigbogu, C, UCLA
25. Orlando Magic: Luke Kennard, SG, Duke
26. Portland Trail Blazers: Jawun Evans, PG, Oklahoma State
27. Brooklyn Nets: Bam Adebayo, C, Kentucky
28. Los Angeles Lakers: Tyler Lydon, SF/PF, Syracuse
29. San Antonio Spurs: Jordan Bell, PF, Oregon
30. Utah Jazz: Semi Ojeleye, SF/PF, SMU
NBA Mock Draft 2017: Full 1st-Round Projections & Updates