2017 NBA Draft Big Board: Pre-Tournament edition
Chris Stone and I are back with another update to our list of the top 60 prospects available in the 2017 NBA Draft. The NCAA Tournament is about to shake up the draft order, as this is the time of year where the most eyes will be on the top draft prospects. Unfortunately, players like Markelle Fultz and Dennis Smith, Jr. Have already concluded their seasons, so the amount we can learn about a few of the draft’s top names is limited. But with Josh Jackson of Kansas and Jayson Tatum of Duke looking to lead deep tournament runs, there is plenty of evaluating to do at the top.
Several matchups in the opening weekend will be appointment viewing, as well. We could see Jawun Evans battle against Donovan Mitchell in a second round Louisville/Oklahoma State battle, for instance, and Miami/Michigan State pits Miles Bridges against rising Hurricanes swingman Bruce Brown. A battle between Jonathan Isaac and Lauri Markkanen looms in a potential Sweet 16 bout.
Players will also inevitably solidify a move up draft boards with a deep tournament run. Much like Shabazz Napier in 2014 or Buddy Hield in 2016, expect a player or two to boost their resume with a solid performance. UNC small forward Justin Jackson, Villanova guard Josh Hart, or even Kansas point guard Frank Mason could gain steam by leading a national title charge. At the same time, weaknesses could be exposed by certain matchups. How would Lonzo Ball deal with a plodding, mistake-free defense, like potential 2nd round opponent Cincinnati? Will Jonathan Motley get exposed by a team that can exploit Baylor’s zone?
How the next few weeks shake out should be interesting for how we perceive the 2017 draft class. We’ll assess the chaos after the tournament, but for now, here’s who to watch as we head into March Madness.
check out his full scouting report."
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1
Markelle Fultz
PG, Washington
Fultz may have solidified himself as the sure-fire number one pick despite missing the tournament. It’s hard to find a hole in his offensive game, and any NBA team can likely find a role for him. For more on Fultz, check out his full scouting report.
check out his full scouting report."
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2
Josh Jackson
SF, Kansas
The 6-foot-8 freshman hasn’t been tasked with being the go-to guy at Kansas, but his playmaking and excellent defense make him a unique talent at the wing. For more on Jackson, check out his full scouting report.
check out his full scouting report."
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3
Lonzo Ball
PG, UCLA
There’s no better passer in the draft and if his outside shot if for real, he looks like a brilliant point guard. However, his shooting form and lack of separation ability is enough to doubt. For more on Ball, check out his full scouting report.
check out his full scouting report"
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4
Dennis Smith Jr.
PG, North Carolina St.
NC State collapsed, and it painted Smith in a bad light. But the bottom line is he’s a fantastic scorer at every level, and he’s athletic enough that he may not always be this bad on defense. For more on Smith, check out his full scouting report
check out his full scouting report."
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5
Jayson Tatum
SF, Duke
A 6-foot-8 silky scoring wing, Tatum has great defensive potential and an old-school offensive game. Can he fit in the modern NBA? For more on Tatum, check out his full scouting report.
check out his full scouting report."
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6
Jonathan Isaac
SF/PF, Florida St.
Florida State’s strong season has hinged on Isaac’s all-around ability. He looks like a future super-role player at the three and four at the NBA level. For more on Isaac, check out his full scouting report.
check out his full scouting report."
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7
Frank Ntilikina
PG, Strasbourg
A well-rounded French point guard who is developing as a shooter and defender, and can run a high-tempo offense. For more on Ntilikina, check out his full scouting report.
8
Malik Monk
SG, Kentucky
Kentucky’s success has been keyed by Monk’s incredible scoring ability. He’s small for a two-guard, and doesn’t do much outside of scoring, but he has outstanding athleticism.
check out his full scouting report."
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9
Lauri Markkanen
PF, Arizona
The 7-foot Finn has been lethal offensively for Arizona, shooting 49/43/82 and showing potential to score off the dribble. For more on Markkanen, check out his full scouting report.
10
Miles Bridges
SF/PF, Michigan St.
Bridges is a 6-foot-6 combo forward who can knock down outside jumpers and plays with a great motor. For more on Bridges, check out his full scouting report.
11
De'Aaron Fox
PG, Kentucky
An athletic defender, Fox looks the part. But he has several questions about his halfcourt playmaking, even if his shooting has been better of late.
12
Robert Williams
PF, Texas A&M
There’s always an under the radar freshman who breaks out and onto NBA draft boards. This year, it seems to be Williams, a rim protecting menace and excellent rebounder.
13
Mikal Bridges
SG/SF, Villanova
The Villanova sophomore is one of the draft’s best slashers, hitting 71.3 percent on two-point shots and even reaching 39.3 percent on threes. He plays the role he will likely fill at the NBA level, and does it at an elite level.
check out his full scouting report"
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14
Justin Patton
C, Creighton
Patton has emerged as a quality big man for the Blue Jays. The redshirt freshman’s offensive efficiency and rim protection has made him a lottery-level prospect. For more on Patton, check out his full scouting report
15
Zach Collins
PF, Gonzaga
Collins is the best draft prospect on one-loss Gonzaga. He has great size and potential as an offensive rebounder and rim protector. Plays just 17.1 minutes per game, but is posting great per-40 numbers.
16
Tyler Lydon
SF/PF, Syracuse
A quality floor spacer (41.0 percent from 3) who looks like a bench marksman that can play the three or four at the next level.
17
Donovan Mitchell
SG, Louisville
A high-energy guard with a strong motor, Mitchell has been a high riser in recent weeks. 6-foot-3, but plays much bigger than his size.
18
OG Anunoby
SF, Indiana
Anunoby’s knee injury makes him a total mystery for the upcoming draft. He may not declare this year due to it. If he does, he still will go high due to his potential as a perimeter defender. For more on Anunoby’s injury, check out his full scouting report.
check out his full scouting report."
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19
John Collins
PF, Wake Forest
Collins’s production has taken a big leap this year, as he averages 18.9 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. He is a bit of a black hole, but his production is too strong to ignore. For more on Collins, check out his full scouting report.
20
Josh Hart
SG, Villanova
Hart has the potential to be an excellent role player in the NBA thanks to his defensive acumen and abilities as a pick-and-roll scorer. He could rise if Villanova makes it back to the final stages of the tournament.
21
Rodions Kurucs
SF, Barcelona B
A high-flying slasher who is battling back from a meniscus injury on Barcelona’s lower team. He has owned youth tournaments over the last two years, and recently got a call-up to the Barca senior team for Euroleague games.
check out his full scouting report."
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22
Isaiah Hartenstein
PF, Zalgiris
A 6-foot-11 German who projects as a decent rim protector and stretch big. Awareness is an issue, but he’s making strides at the domestic level. For more on Hartenstein, check out his full scouting report.
check out his full scouting report."
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23
Anzejs Pasecniks
C, Gran Canaria
A Latvian center with NBA size (7-foot-2, 220) playing in Spain. A mobile pick-and-roll finisher and smart defender worth a draft-and-stash pick. For more on Pasecniks, check out his full scouting report.
24
Jarrett Allen
C, Texas
Allen has potential as a defender and pick-and-roll big man. He’s shown major limitations on both sides of the ball, but recent play suggests he could still be an NBA-level talent.
check out his full scouting report."
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25
Harry Giles
PF, Duke
Giles put together a solid ACC tournament after struggling for much of the season. Is he rounding back into his elite form? For more on Giles, check out his full scouting report.
26
Luke Kennard
SG, Duke
He’s surprised as the most effective player on a Duke team loaded with NBA prospects. He’s not a great athlete, but his scoring efficiency is promising.
27
Johnathan Motley
PF, Baylor
The 6-foot-10 big man is a versatile scorer who can rebound well. How he’ll translate defensively is the big question after spending much of his time on the court in a zone at Baylor.
check out his full scouting report."
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28
Ivan Rabb
PF/C, California
Rabb’s averaged 14.0 points and 10.5 boards per game. A strong rebounder, but will his thin frame limit his ability at the NBA level? For more on Rabb, check out his full scouting report.
29
Terrance Ferguson
SG/SF, Adelaide
Ferguson is currently playing overseas in Australia. He has potential as a 3-and-D wing who can get hot from the outside, but has struggled to make an impact in a weak professional league.
30
Bam Adebayo
PF/C, Kentucky
Adebayo is a potential energy big. The Kentucky product has all the physical tools you want from a power forward, but few polished skills.
31
T.J. Leaf
PF, UCLA
One of college basketball’s most productive players, Leaf is the ultimate intangibles guy. The hope for NBA teams is that his work ethic helps overcome questions regarding his defensive ability and shooting mechanics.
32
Jawun Evans
PG, Oklahoma St.
A solid pick-and-roll scorer who’s been lighting it up on a high volume, averaging 19.0 points per game. At 5-foot-11, there are concerns defensively that he will struggle in the NBA.
check out his full scouting report."
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33
Alec Peters
SF/PF, Valparaiso
Peters is one of the best shooters in college basketball. That’s valuable for someone who projects as a combo forward, but will his defense keep him off the floor? For more on Peters, check out his full scouting report.
34
Justin Jackson
SF, North Carolina
Jackson is a tall, lanky wing who can score in plenty of ways inside the arc. His three-pointer shooting needs work, but he’s been on a tear in ACC play.
35
Alpha Kaba
C, Mega Leks
A center prospect from France with promising physical tools and a developing jump shot. He could be a project worth taking a risk on. For more on Kaba, click here.
36
De’Anthony Melton
PG, USC
Melton has come on in recent weeks for USC, earning some draft buzz behind his streaky three-point shooting and solid defensive potential as a combo guard.
37
Caleb Swanigan
PF, Purdue
One of college basketball’s most improved players, Swanigan is an undersized power forward who may have a role as a small-ball center in the NBA.
38
Bruce Brown
SG, Miami
A brilliant physical specimen who has the tools to be a solid two-way player. Needs more development, but has shown flashes of excellent perimeter defense.
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39
Kostja Mushidi
SG, Mega Leks
A German international who is a positionally diverse defender with an evolving and developing offensive game. For more on Mushidi, click here.
click here."
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40
Dwayne Bacon
SG/SF, Florida St.
Bacon is an older prospect who was overshadowed a bit last season by Malik Beasley, and this year by Jonathan Isaac. His versatile scoring from the wing could find a fit at the next level. For more on Bacon, click here.
41
Allonzo Trier
SG, Arizona
Trier missed the first part of the season with a PED suspension. Since his return, he’s been Arizona’s best two-way player. He has scoring talent, and could be a decent bench gunner in the NBA.
check out his full scouting report."
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42
Monte Morris
PG, Iowa St.
The Iowa State senior is an excellent game manager who can run an NBA-style offense. But his physical tools are lacking. For more on Morris, check out his full scouting report.
43
Thomas Bryant
C, Indiana
An intruiging offensive big man who can handle the ball and step out to the three-point line. Disappointing, because he hasn’t stepped up in Anunoby’s absence.
44
Jonathan Jeanne
C, Le Mans
Another prospect who’s played at the junior level, Jeanne hasn’t yet broke through onto Le Mans’s senior team consistently. A physical freak reminiscent of Rudy Gobert with his 7-foot-7 wingspan.
45
Devonte' Graham
PG, Kansas
Graham shares point guard duties with Frank Mason at Kansas, but he’s plenty capable of commanding an offense and making big shots.
46
V.J. Beachem
SF, Notre Dame
Beachem has cooled off after a hot start, but he’s a decent off-ball scorer. He projects as a 3-and-D small forward in the NBA.
47
Tony Bradley
C, North Carolina
Bradley could be this year’s version of Deyonta Davis. He’s not earning starter’s minutes, but averaging 19.6 points and 13.9 rebounds per 40 minutes is enough to get excited about.
check out his full scouting report."
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48
Grayson Allen
SG, Duke
He has the physical tools to contribute at the next level. But his consistent issues with maturity on the floor could make him slide in the draft. For more on Allen, check out his full scouting report.
check out his full scouting report."
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49
Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk
SG, Kansas
Mykhailiuk has been in college for three years, but he’s still just 19-years old. He’s got potential as a creator from the wing and finally looks to have developed a consistent outside jumper. For more on Mykhailiuk, check out his full scouting report.
50
Wesley Iwundu
SF, ”Kansas
A late bloomer, Iwundu looks like a versatile defender and can create some off the dribble as a wing. Worth a developmental flier as a 3-and-D forward.
51
Dillon Brooks
SF, Oregon
A versatile wing who plays good defense and can facilitate offense. Continued improvement of his outside shot could push him higher.
52
Cam Oliver
PF, Nevada
A 6-foot-8 forward who has been an above average 3-point shooter, rebounder and shot blocker over two seasons at Nevada.
53
Semi Ojeleye
PF, SMU
Ojeyele is another combo forward who has offensive versatility at the 3 or 4. The Duke transfer could be a fun matchup against Jayson Tatum in the Sweet 16.
54
Jaron Blossomgame
SF, Clemson
Blossomgame is a creative playmaker from the forward spot who has defensive potential. But he’s already 23, and his shooting limits his upside.
55
Dedric Lawson
SF, Memphis
A 6-foot-8 small forward with excellent athleticism and scoring ability, Lawson is averaging 19/10 per game. Will likely need some D-League seasoning before he’s ready for the NBA.
56
Andrew Jones
PG, Texas
An imposingly athletic guard putting up solid per-40 numbers. If he can improve as a playmaker, it’ll be hard to ignore him as a potential primary creator.
check out his full scouting report."
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57
Aleksandar Vezenkov
SF/PF, Barcelona
The 6-foot-9 Bulgarian is finally seeing major minutes at the Euroleague level. He’s an assassin from deep who’s developing the strength and defensive awareness to play small-ball four. For more on Vezenkov, check out his full scouting report.
58
P.J. Dozier
SG, South Carolina
19.2 points per 40 and a 3.4 percent steal rate are enough to have him on draft radars.
59
Mathias Lessort
C, Nanterre
A high energy offensive rebounder who could provide rim protection at power forward. Has been on NBA radars since he was discovered as Clint Capela’s teammate in 2014.
60
Marko Guduric
SF, Red Star
Best described as Europe’s answer to J.R. Smith. The Serbian is older at 21, but has an NBA body and unlimited range and a heat check mentality to boot.