2017 NBA Mock Draft: Josh Jackson to the Lakers

73. Last year, some NBA general managers fell in love with Syracuse freshman Malachi Richardson because of his potential as a scoring wing. Richardson, though, wasn’t even the best NBA prospect on the Orange’s roster. That honor belonged to power forward Tyler Lydon, the Nuggets selection with the last pick in the lottery (a pick that comes via Memphis). <p>What makes Lydon an enticing prospect is his fit at the power forward spot in a league that is increasingly focused on space and pace. Last season, the 6-foot-11 forward averaged 13.4 points while knocking down 40.5 percent of his over four three-point attempts per 40 minutes. As a shooter, his height gives him the ability to release his jumper above most defenders outstretched arms. Lydon needs to improve with the ball in his hands as a sophomore, developing more of a face-up game to attack slower opponents.</p> <p>Defensively, he has shown the ability to move his feet along the perimeter, using his athleticism to keep up with smaller players. He can also provide weak side rim protection, having averaged 2.4 blocks per 40 minutes on a 7.0 percent block rate as a freshman. Those defensive skills combined with his shooting ability on offense are what make Lydon a lottery bound prospect for me in 2017.</p>. PF. Syracuse. Tyler Lydon. 14. player