NBA Mock Draft 2017: 1st-Round Predictions, National Championship Edition

1. Boston Celtics: Markelle Fultz, PG, Washington

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Age: 18 (May 29, 1998)

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Size: 6-foot-4, 195 pounds

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Nothing that happened during the NCAA tournament came close to moving Fultz off the No. 1 line for me. You could perhaps make the argument that a few other prospects in this class have a higher upside, but Fultz in unmatched in terms of offensive polish--which is especially impressive considering he's seven months younger than Lonzo Ball. He's big, he's long, he's explosive, he's really good in the pick-and-roll, he can get to the rim at will, and he answered questions about his jump shot by knocking down 41.3 percent of his threes despite often having to create on his own.

The Celtics have a bit of a crowded backcourt, but that doesn't matter when you have a chance to add the clear-cut best player in the draft. Fultz gives the C's an elite scorer and distributor at point guard when Isaiah Thomas goes to the bench, but he has also shown the ability to play off the ball and could fit next to the fellow former Husky. (Getty)

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