Gallery: 2/15
No. 1 Boston Celtics (via Nets): PG Markelle Fultz
School: Washington
Position: Point Guard
Size: 6'4"/195 pounds
Class: Freshman
2016-17 Stats: 23.2 ppg, 5.9 apg, 5.7 rpg, 1.6 spg, 1.2 bpg, .476 FG%, .413 3P%
Outlook: The Celtics did it or at least they did it by living vicariously through the Nets. Brooklyn lost enough games to secure Boston the highest odds to land the number one pick. How did this happen? It was seemingly a throw-in for a trade that occurred years ago sending Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to the Nets. As part of the Nets return package, they gave the Celtics the right to swap 2017 first round picks. This turned out to be a very bad decision for the Nets and gives Boston the rare opportunity to make a Finals run while also landing the number one draft pick. For months, we have been giving the Celtics the top selection, but draft fans know the lottery does not always work out as planned. The Celtics will land a high pick, but may not end up landing the number one spot. The Markelle Fultz-Lonzo Ball debate may not turn out to be theirs after all. For now, we have the Celtics taking Fultz if given the opportunity, but it will be interesting to see what happens in May. The odds are in their favor. (Getty)
Comments
NBA Mock Draft 2017: Updated Lottery Order, Picks & Teams