Point guard Markelle Fultz of Washington and Lonzo Ball of UCLA were chosen first and second overall. Get a breakdown of all the selection here.
Second-round selections
31. Charlotte Hornets: Frank Jackson, Duke PG, 6-2, 202 (rights traded to New Orleans)
32. Phoenix Suns: Davon Reed, Miami, SG, 6-4, 206
33. Orlando Magic: Wesley Iwundu, Kansas State, SF, 6-6, 193
34. Sacramento Kings: Frank Mason III, Kansas, PG, 5-11, 189
35. Orlando Magic: Ivan Rabb, California, PF, 6-9, 220 (rights traded to Memphis)
36. Philadelphia 76ers: Jonah Bolden, UCLA, PF, 6-10, 227
37. Boston Celtics: Semi Ojeley, SMU, SF, 6-6, 240
38. Chicago Bulls: Jordan Bell, Oregon, PF, 6-7, 224 (rights traded to Golden State)
39. Philadelphia 76ers: Jawun Evans, Oklahoma State, PG, 5-11, 185
40. New Orleans Pelicans: Dwayne Bacon, Florida State, SG, 6-5, 222 (rights traded to Charlotte)
41. Atlanta Hawks: Tyler Dorsey, Oregon, SG, 6-4, 183
42. Utah Jazz: Thomas Bryant, Indiana, C, 6-10, 248 (rights traded to Lakers)
43. Houston Rockets: Isaiah Hartenstein, Germany, PF, 7-0, 225
44. New York Knicks: Damyean Dotson, Houston, SG, 6-4, 205
45. Houston Rockets: Dillon Brooks, Oregon, PG, 6-5, 220 (rights traded to Memphis for future second-round pick)
46. Philadelphia 76ers, Sterling Brown, SMU, SG, 6-4, 225
47. Indiana Pacers: Ike Anigbogu, UCLA, C, 6-9, 250
48. Milwaukee Bucks: Sindarius Thornwell, South Carolina, SG, 6-4, 212
49. Denver Nuggets: Vlatko Cancar, Slovenia, SF, 6-7, 210
50: Philadelphia 76ers: Mathias Lessort, Fancce, PF, 6-9, 235
51. Denver Nuggets: Monte Morris, Iowa State, PG, 6-3, 175
52. New Orleans Pelicans: Edmond Sumner, Xavier, PG, 6-4, 170 (rights traded to Indiana for cash considerations)
53. Boston Celtics: Kadeem Allen, Arizona, PG, 6-2, 192
54. Phoenix Suns: Alec Peters, Valparaiso, PF, 6-7, 225
55. Utah Jazz: Nigel Williams-Goss, Gonzaga, PG, 6-2, 190
56. Boston Celtics: Jabari Bird, California G, 6-5, 198
57. Brooklyn Nets: Aleksandar Vezenkov, Cypress, PF, 6-9, 225
58. New York Knicks: Ognjen Jaramaz, Serbia, PG, 6-3, 194
59. San Antonio Spurs: Jaron Blossomgame, Clemson, SF, 6-6, 219
60. Atlanta Hawks: Alpha Kaba, France, C, 6-10, 225
Utah Jazz choose Josh Hart with 30th overall selection; Lakers acquire his draft rights in a trade
30. Utah Jazz: Josh Hart, Villanova, SG, 6-6, 210
The Big East player of the year as well as defensive player of the year averaged an impressive 18.7 points a game to go along with 6.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals. An average athlete by NBA standards, Hart does have good size and a solid 6-8 wingspan that will help him check both guards and forwards on the perimeter. He doesn’t have any elite skills offensively but he is an efficient scorer who shot 40% from three-point range on more than five attempts a game. NBA scouts say they are impressed with Hart’s toughness and nose for the ball on defense, which will serve him well at the next level.
-- Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: The Lakers moved back in the draft to take Hart. He’s a very competitive player who plays the guard position.
-- Broderick Turner
San Antonio Spurs select Derrick White at No. 29 overall
29. San Antonio Spurs: Derrick White, Colorado, PG, 6-5, 200
The Division II transfer is one of the best stories in this year’s draft, going from virtual unknown to first-round choice. Derrick White was one of four power conference players to average at least 18 points, four rebounds and four assists. The other three? Markelle Fultz, Dennis Smith and Frank Mason.
White has good size for a combo guard and was tasked with being Colorado’s primary shot creator last year. He excelled in creating off the dribble, especially in pick-and-roll situations. Overall, he scored an above-average 1.07 points per possession, and was the seventh-most-efficient scorer out of all high-major conferences.
-- Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: White played three seasons at Colorado and can play both shooting guard and point guard.
-- Broderick Turner
Lakers take Tony Bradley with 28th overall selection; expected to trade draft rights to Jazz
28. Utah Jazz: Tony Bradley, North Carolina, C, 6-10, 250
Tony Bradley was productive last season despite playing only 14 minutes per game. He is not too quick or athletic but has good size and length, which makes him an excellent rebounder and finisher inside. He averaged over six offensive rebounds per 40 minutes and has shown some skills in the mid-post area but still has a ways to go.
-- Tyler Flint-Welsh
Reaction: Bradley comes from a good program at North Carolina. At 6-11 and 240 pounds, he can battle inside for rebounds.
-- Broderick Turner
Brooklyn Nets select Kyle Kuzma at No. 27 overall; Lakers trade for draft rights
27. Brooklyn Nets: Kyle Kuzma, Utah, PF, 6-9, 223
Kuzma has good ball-handling skills and passing instincts for a power forward, and looks comfortable pushing the ball in transition or making plays off the dribble on the perimeter. He’s a willing passer, averaging 3.2 assists per 40 minutes last season, as well as a smooth athlete.
He’s not very explosive, which leads to him struggling to finish in traffic. NBA power forwards are expected to shoot the three-pointer, so he will have to improve on his below-average 32.1% rate from behind the arc.
-- Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: The Lakers will get the draft rights to Kuzma in a trade proposal, giving them a pretty good athlete who can score some from the outside.
-- Broderick Turner
Portland Trail Blazers choose Caleb Swanigan with 26th overall selection
26. Portland Trail Blazers: Caleb Swanigan, Purdue, PF, 6-8, 249
Swanigan projects as a small-ball center in the NBA as he is a little undersized and a non-impressive athlete, who measured the third worst vertical jump at the combine. He is capable of creating his own offense in the low post, however, and is a capable three-point shooter, making 44% of his long-range shots last season after converting only 29% as a freshman. Swanigan also has solid court vision, averaging 3.7 assists per 40 minutes. He is turnover-prone, however, and coughed the ball up 4.1 times per 40 minutes last season.
-- Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: Swanigan lost a lot of weight to get down to 249 pounds. He made himself into a player who can score down low.
-- Broderick Turner
Orlando Magic take Anzejs Pasecniks at the 25th spot
25. Orlando Magic: Anzejs Pasecniks, Latvia, C, 7-2, 230
Pasecniks is skilled for his height, with the ability to make the three-pointer and take defenders off the dribble. In the NBA, his ideal role would be as a pick-and-roll heavy big man as his long arms and big hands make him an easy target in the paint. However, he needs to get stronger and doesn’t have much positional awareness on defense at this point in his development.
-- Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: Pasecniks is an athletic big man who can score the basketball, but he’ll be a liability on defense to start
-- Broderick Turner
Utah Jazz take Tyler Lydon with 24th overall selection
24. Utah Jazz: Tyler Lydon, Syracuse, F, 6-9, 215
As a knockdown long-range shooter, there’s plenty of room in the NBA for Lydon. In his 245 attempts from behind the three-point arc, he shot 40%, consistently punishing teams for leaving him open. However, his non-explosive first step and poor shooting off the dribble will make him a more off-ball option at the next level.
Defensively, his 1.6 blocks and 1.1 steals per game indicate his instincts and timing, but he isn’t quick enough laterally to be a stopper on the perimeter nor is he strong enough to be an enforcer in the paint.
-- Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: Lydon will make his mark by shooting the basketball. At 6-9, he can step out and shoot three-pointers.
-- Broderick Turner
Toronto Raptors choose OG Anunoby with the 23rd overall selection
23. Toronto Raptors: OG Anunoby, Indiana, SF, 6-8, 215
His sophomore season was cut short because of a knee injury, but Anunoby showed vast improvement, averaging 19 points and eight rebounds per 40 minutes on a 62% true shooting. Anunoby’s muscular frame and 7-6 wingspan will allow him to play both forward spots and occasionally as a small-ball center in the NBA, and his fluid body movements give him defensive versatility.
In college, he defended all five positions at times, but struggled with putting the same effort and toughness into every possession, which will have to change at the next level.
-- Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: Anunoby has a nice all-around game for a small forward. Despite a right knee injury last season, he is a really good athlete.
-- Broderick Turner
Brooklyn Nets take Jarrett Allen at No. 22 overall
22. Brooklyn Nets: Jarrett Allen, Texas, C, 6-10, 234
The biggest part of Allen’s appeal is his frame. Though a little undersized at 6-10, his 7-5 wingspan and large hands will serve him well as an active inside defender while his 19-year-old body should fill out over time. His game is full of holes, and he faces a steep learning curve when he gets into the NBA.
Allen doesn’t yet have the high motor he’ll need to succeed, has limited face-up skills on offense and despite his wingspan only averaged 2 blocks per 40 minutes in college.
-- Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: Allen’s 7-5 wingspan will help the undersized center become a nice inside presence for the Nets.
-- Broderick Turner
Oklahoma City Thunder choose Terrance Ferguson with 21st overall selection
21. Oklahoma City Thunder: Terrance Ferguson, Adelaide 36ers (pros), SG/SF, 6-7, 184
Ferguson opted to play professionally in Australia instead of going to college and was a rotation player but didn’t make a significant impact, averaging 4.6 points and 1.2 rebounds in 15 minutes a game. He is a knockdown spot-up shooter, but hasn’t developed the other aspects of his offense yet. He is a relatively weak ball handler and might not play well in pick-and-roll situations, something most NBA shooting guards are expected to do.
-- Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: Ferguson showed in Australia’s National Basketball League last season that he has quickness on both ends of the court.
-- Broderick Turner
Portland Trail Blazers take Harry Giles at No. 20; send draft rights to Kings
20. Portland Trail Blazers: Harry Giles, Duke, C, 6-11, 232
Stuck playing behind fifth-year senior Amile Jefferson last season, Giles averaged only 4 points and 4 rebounds in 11 minutes a game. His 13.5 points per 40 minutes are the lowest for any player projected to go in the first round this year.
His physical tools are what are making him attractive, however. Despite his history of knee injuries, he’s still an explosive athlete who moves with agility, he has a high energy motor, and his 7-3 wingspan makes him the prototypical rim protector if he can fill out his frame. Plus, his 13.3 rebounds per 40 minutes are the fifth highest out of the 2017 prospects. Giles’ limited offense will be a problem at the next level, however, as he has poor footwork, poor ball handling and limited shooting range.
-- Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: Giles is an explosive leaper. He’s expected to be a good rebounder who can run the floor.
-- Broderick Turner
Atlanta Hawks take John Collins with 19th overall selection
19. Atlanta Hawks: John Collins, Wake Forest, PF, 6-10, 225
The most efficient player in all of college basketball, Collins averaged 28 points and 14 boards per 40 minutes last season. He has impressive footwork and almost half of his possessions took place in the post, indicating his refined back-to-the-basket game. Collins’ 5.6 offensive boards per 40 also leads all draft prospects.
Like many bigs, he has to work on his defensive awareness as well as his overall strength but a glaring offensive hole is his propensity to be a black hole. He had a dismal .28 assist to turnover ratio and just 4.5% of his possessions led to assists.
--Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: The 6-10 Collins can score and rebound, but his defense will have to improve as he moves to the next level..
Indiana Pacers select TJ Leaf at No. 18 overall
18. Indiana Pacers: TJ Leaf, UCLA, PF, 6-10, 222
The Israeli-born forward is a versatile offensive player, who ranked in the 89th percentile in transition offense and shot 64% from two-point and 46.6% from long range. His ball handling lets him initiate the break off of defensive boards, and his footwork and savvy allow him to finish with finesse.
Though he shot the three-pointer well in limited attempts, he’ll be expected to shoot it from beyond the arc with more frequency at the next level. But, his court vision and ability to facilitate on his drives to the rim are a coveted skill by many NBA teams. On defense, his lack of lateral quickness, exceptional length and strength will lead to some struggles but he can be a capable rim protector if he learns to fit within an overall defensive scheme.
-- Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: The Pacers took Leaf to help spread the floor with his shooting. The former Bruin can also run the floor.
-- Broderick Turner
Milwaukee Bucks choose DJ Wilson at No. 17 overall
17. Milwaukee Bucks: DJ Wilson, Michigan, PF, 6-10, 235
Wilson’s versatility makes him a useful prospect for almost any NBA team. He shot 37% on nearly four three-point attempts per game and connected on 73% of his baskets around the rim. His ball handling allows him to create off the dribble and his footwork gives him the ability to be creative as he finishes inside. Like many other prospects his size, however, he’ll need to beef up to be a real force in the paint.
-- Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: Wilson can find some playing time if he focuses on defense because he can defend multiple positions.
-- Broderick Turner
Chicago Bulls take Justin Patton with 16th overall selection; send draft rights to Timberwolves
16. Chicago Bulls: Justin Patton, Creighton, C, 7-0, 230
Patton is an above-average athlete for a center and uses it to his advantage. In transition he was one of the best finishers in the nation, averaging 1.47 points per possession. He understands spacing on offense and positions himself well for both dump-down passes and lobs. He has solid footwork and is a capable scorer, averaged 20 points per 40 minutes on 68% true shooting.
--Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: Jackson might be a project, but he has enough skills to make up for what skills he might lack.
--Broderick Turner
Portland Trail Blazers choose Justin Jackson with 15th overall selection; send draft rights to Kings
15. Portland Trail Blazers: Justin Jackson, North Carolina, SF, 6-8, 201
The ACC player of the year, Jackson helped lead UNC to a national championship this season. He isn’t explosive by NBA standards but is a fluid athlete who has a solid feel for the game and has made steady improvements over his career. He’s raised his three-point shooting accuracy to 37%, up from 29% despite doubling his attempts, and averaged 22 points per 40 minutes last season.
His thin frame, however, makes him one of the worst rebounding forwards in the draft, and his lack of physicality impacts his defensive potential. He does move his feet well and covers ground on closeouts and help defense because of his 6-11 wingspan.
-- Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: The Trail Blazers will send Jackson’s draft rights to Sacramento for Zach Collins, who was taken 10th overall. Jackson can score and play solid defense.
-- Broderick Turner
Miami Heat take Bam Adebayo with 14th overall selection
14. Miami Heat: Bam Adebayo, Kentucky, C, 6-10, 243
A big man with explosive athleticism to go along with his agility, Adebayo will bring a high motor and a knack for cleaning up the glass to the NBA. His 4.1 offensive boards per 40 minutes is among the highest of all prospects in the draft, and his 8.2 free-throw attempts per 40 indicate his willingness to be an aggressor in the paint and initiate contact.
Defensively, he has shown he can hold his own against guards on the perimeter with his agility, and he has the strength to guard bigs in the post. The key for him is remaining engaged on every possession, something he struggled with last season.
-- Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: The Heat went for size and strength. Adebayo, 6-10, is a good defender but needs to work on his offense.
-- Broderick Turner
Denver Nuggets take Donovan Mitchell at No. 13 overall
13. Denver Nuggets: Donovan Mitchell, Louisville, SG, 6-3, 211
Though he’ll be an undersized shooting guard at the NBA level, Mitchell has the athleticism and frame to compete against bigger guards. At Louisville he effectively guarded positions 1-3 and averaged 2.6 steals per 40 minutes, leading all draft prospects. He had a 36-inch standing vertical leap at the combine and has the speed to create separation both with his first step and in the open floor.
He’s a bit streaky, but Mitchell developed into a competent perimeter shooter in college. He tripled the amount of three-pointers he made as a freshman this last season and saw his percentage rise from 25% to 35%. He struggled to finish at the rim however, where he shot just 46% last season.
-- Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: The Utah Jazz traded for the draft rights to Mitchell, who can score, defend and brings toughness to the floor.
-- Broderick Turner
Detroit Pistons choose Luke Kennard at No. 12 overall
12. Detroit Pistons: Luke Kennard, Duke, SG, 6-6, 196
The sharpshooting sophomore was the second-highest scorer in the ACC last year, averaging 19.5 points per game on 53% shooting inside the arc and 44% shooting from beyond. While Kennard is just an average athlete, he has tremendous offensive savvy that helps him score in bunches. He is comfortable pulling up off the dribble, understands how to get himself open off the ball and is a willing facilitator who has solid handles and rarely turns the ball over.
Defensively, however, he is going to struggle in the NBA. He’s not too quick laterally, doesn’t have the wingspan to alter shots and has been caught napping on plenty of defensive possessions during his time at Duke.
-- Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: The Pistons are in desperate need of shooting, and Kennard knocked down 43.8% of his three-pointers at Duke last season.
-- Broderick Turner
Charlotte Hornets take Malik Monk with No. 11 overall selection
11. Charlotte Hornets: Malik Monk, Kentucky, SG, 6-4, 197
As the first option on one of the nation’s best offenses, Monk has proven himself to be a prolific scorer. Monk hit 40% of his eight three-point attempts per game, and his off-ball savvy helped him get easy buckets, with the vast majority of his shots coming either off spot-ups, screens or in transition. Off the dribble, Monk connected on 43% of his jumpers, largely a result of his explosive first step.
In the NBA Monk will be an undersized shooting guard, which will make it difficult for him to create for himself at times. With less than 10% of his shots at Kentucky coming on isolation attempts, Monk will need to be a more creative scorer to excel at the next level.
-- Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: Charlotte gets a player who can flat-out shoot the basketball. Monk will provide offense off the bench.
-- Broderick Turner
Dallas Mavericks choose Dennis Smith Jr. at No. 9
9. Dallas Mavericks: Dennis Smith Jr., North Carolina State, PG, 6-3, 195
Smith had an up-and-down year with the Wolfpack, but still managed to average 20 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 2.2 steals per 40 minutes. An explosive athlete, Smith is deadly in the open floor and has the confidence to attack and finish above the rim. In the half-court game, his first step and flashy handle let him create his own shot with ease.
However his ability as a leader comes with question marks. He’s not the most willing passer, turns the ball over frequently and he doesn’t play defense with much passion. Though a lot of factors led to N.C. State’s poor 15-17 finish, as his team’s best player Smith is partially to blame.
-- Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: The Mavericks are in need of a point guard, and Smith is an explosive player coming off a very good season at North Carolina State.
-- Broderick Turner
New York Knicks take European Frank Ntilkina at No. 8 overall
8. New York Knicks: Frank Ntilkina, Strasbourg, France (pros), PG, 6-5, 170
The 18-year-old guard from Belgium has played in the French League since September, where he averaged 5.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 19 minutes a game. His size gives him the ability to play both backcourt positions, and his time with Strasbourg shows that he is comfortable playing off the ball.
Though he isn’t the most explosive guard, he understands how to navigate the pick-and-roll and uses changes of speed to get himself into the paint. Ntilkina’s jump shooting has also seen drastic improvement, going from just 18% last season to 40% this year, which is an encouraging sign for a team looking to add shooting.
-- Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: It’s a mess in New York, but the Knicks took the French point guard who has good size.
-- Broderick Turner
Minnesota Timberwolves choose Lauri Markkanen with No. 7 selection; trade his draft rights to Bulls
7. Minnesota Timberwolves: Lauri Markkanen, Arizona, PF, 7-0, 225
The 7-foot Finnish Sniper has one of the most intriguing skill sets in the lottery. Markkanen was one of the most efficient offensive players in the nation, averaging 15.6 points and shooting 42% from trey while also showing flashes of playmaking ability off the bounce.
At just 19, he still needs to develop into a more physical inside enforcer but he has the athleticism and footwork to be effective on defense, especially in the switch-heavy defensive schemes that are trending across the NBA.
-- Tyler Flint-Welsh
Reaction: The Bulls are expected to acquire the draft rights to Markkanen, who shot 42.3% from three-point range, by sending All-Star Jimmy Butler to Minnesota.
-- Broderick Turner
Orlando Magic take Jonathan Isaac No. 6 overall
6. Orlando Magic: Jonathan Isaac, Florida State, F, 6-10, 210
The wiry forward showed off his versatility during his one season at Florida State, averaging 12 points, 8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.2 steals a game. He’s extremely agile, especially for his height, which gave him the ability to effectively guard guards and forwards in college. Isaac is a fundamentally sound defender who moves his feet well, covers a lot of space on the floor and is great at weakside help. Isaac does have an excellent motor, which helps him compensate on the glass for his rail-thin frame.
Offensively, his athleticism is going to be his biggest key to success at the next level. He’s doesn’t have the best handles and isn’t a superior playmaker but has shown the ability to attack closeouts and finish at the rim, where he shot nearly 65%.
-- Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: Isaac needs to put some weight on his 6-10, 210-pound frame. But NBA scouts think he has a great upside.
-- Broderick Turner
Sacramento Kings choose De’Aaron Fox at No. 5 overall
5. Sacramento Kings: De’Aaron Fox, Kentucky, 6-4, 170
Injuries led to Fox turning in an inconsistent freshman year at Kentucky, but his NBA potential was still clear. An explosive athlete, Fox led all power-conference players in fast-break scoring with 5.9 points per game and showed he can finish at the rim, making almost 60% of his shots in the paint.
However, his poor jump shooting will make him easier to defend at the NBA level. Fox shot just 31% on pull-up jumpers last season and fared even worse on spot-up attempts, converting just 20%.
-- Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: Speed. Fox can accelerate with the basketball similar to the way John Wall can. The Kings need a point guard.
-- Broderick Turner
Phoenix Suns choose Josh Jackson with fourth overall selection
4. Phoenix Suns: Josh Jackson, Kansas, SF, 6-8, 205
As Jackson isn’t the most imposing physical figure, his versatility will be his biggest asset in the NBA. He’s an effective scorer both on and off the ball, averaging 21 points per 40 minutes, while shooting 55% of two pointers and nearly 40% from three.
On defense, his lateral quickness allows him to guard positions 1-4 and his anticipation skills allow him to disrupt passing lanes. His overall competitiveness and pride in playing lockdown defense make him an attractive target for many teams.
-- Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: Jackson might be the best athlete in the draft. He needs to work on his shot, but he’s a big-time competitor.
Celtics take Jayson Tatum with third selection
3. Boston Celtics (via trade with 76ers): Jayson Tatum, Duke, SF, 6-8, 204
At Duke, Tatum proved himself as an effective scorer, averaging over 20 points per 40 minutes in his lone season. He has exceptional footwork and body control, as well as a quick first step that lets him create separation from slower defenders.
Efficiency however is his biggest question. Almost 40% of Tatum’s non-transition shot attempts were on mid-range jumpers, and he only made 40.2% of them.
-- Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: Tatum is considered the prototypical NBA small forward. He’ll be a nice wing player for the Celtics.
-- Broderick Turner
Lakers choose Lonzo Ball with No. 2 overall selection
2. Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball, UCLA, PG, 6-6, 190
No, he’s probably not better than Stephen Curry just yet, but Lonzo Ball definitely has the skills to excel at the next level. As a pass-first point guard, Ball has supreme court vision and basketball IQ, which complements his deadly outside shot. His 8.1 assists per 40 minutes ranks second out of all players in the draft, but he’ll have to cut down on his 18% turnover ratio to lead an efficient NBA offense.
-- Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: Who will make the most noise, Lonzo Ball on the court or his dad, LaVar Ball, off the court? Still, Lonzo can play.
-- Broderick Turner
The Philadelphia 76ers select Markelle Fultz of Washington with first pick
1. Philadelphia 76ers (via trade with Boston Celtics): Markelle Fultz, Washington, PG, 6-4, 195
Joel Embiid’s Twitter excitement over Fultz’s impending arrival says everything you need to know (see below).
The 19-year-old has John Wall potential on both ends of the floor, and his 41.3% three-point shooting gives the 76ers a much-needed perimeter threat. His playmaking ability, both on and off the ball, will help Ben Simmons ease into his role while his 7-foot wingspan is going to be useful as he develops into a defensive stopper.
-- Tyler Blint-Welsh
Reaction: Trust the process. Markelle Fultz is NBA-ready. He’ll fit in well with center Joel Embiid and guard Ben Simmons.
--Broderick Turner
NBA’s future star Markelle Fultz is old-school cool
One morning in Seattle, then-Washington men’s basketball coach Lorenzo Romar was touring a group of recruits around campus. He brought them to Markelle Fultz’s apartment and heard the smooth sound of Sam Cooke’s voice, singing a song released 34 years before Fultz was even born.
I was born by the river in a little tent …
He stopped and turned to the 18-year-old.
“I’m like, ‘What do you know about that, partner?’ †Romar said.
But when he thought about it, the fact that Fultz loved oldies made perfect sense.
“He’s an old soul,†Romar said.
It’s a quality that has served Fultz well as he’s gone through the final stages of NBA draft season, vetted by the top three teams in this year’s draft — the 76ers, the Lakers and the Celtics. Three and a half years ago, Fultz was a JV basketball player at DeMatha Catholic High in Maryland.
Lonzo Ball waits patiently for his NBA draft number
On the eve of the biggest night of his life, Lonzo Ball pops up from underneath a fluffy, white down comforter and digs through a box of chicken nuggets. On a television a few feet away, pundits debate De’Aaron Fox, one of the top point guards in this year’s NBA draft.
“Ey, bro, you have a turn down? Controller?†Ball calls across the room to Darren Moore, his trainer and manager.
He hadn’t really been listening anyway. The show was on in the background as he napped. But a lot of that is just noise to Ball right now. That stuff isn’t as real as what awaits him.
Thursday night in Brooklyn, his dream will come true, when he’s drafted by an NBA team — especially if the Lakers do what’s expected and take him second overall. It will end a pre-draft season dominated by his father, one in which Ball, the prospect, has been largely behind the scenes.
A last look at The Times’ mock draft
A Paul George mega-deal could turn the NBA draft upside down if the Indiana Pacers trade him before or during Thursday night’s proceedings.
They’ve had discussions with multiple teams, including the Lakers, who feel as if they are in prime position to acquire George. The four-time All-Star will be a free agent after the upcoming season, and his agent has informed the Pacers that George wants to return home to Los Angeles and is not willing to re-sign with another team that might try and strike a deal with Indiana.
When the week began, the Boston Celtics made the first bold move, swapping picks with the Philadelphia 76ers. Now, the 76ers are poised to take Washington point guard Markelle Fultz first overall.
The Lakers, who hold the second pick, are expected to select UCLA point guard Lonzo Ball. The Lakers secured an extra pick later in the first round in a deal Tuesday that sent point guard D’Angelo Russell and center Timofey Mozgov to Brooklyn for center Brook Lopez.
Here is the 2017 Los Angeles Times (mock) draft: