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NBA Mock Draft 2017, Week 10: Markelle Fultz lands in Boston

By Chris Stone

Dec 11, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) calls a play against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Nevada defeated Washington, 87-85. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) calls a play against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Nevada defeated Washington, 87-85. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 17, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Kobi Simmons (2) shoots the ball as Texas A&M Aggies forward Robert Williams (44) defends during the second half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Kobi Simmons (2) shoots the ball as Texas A&M Aggies forward Robert Williams (44) defends during the second half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Robert Williams

PF, Texas A&M

The Indiana Pacers summer transformation didn’t turn them into the Eastern Conference competitors that the front office had hoped for. Indiana, though, still has the potential to build around a core of Paul George and Myles Turner going forward. Plopping in an athletic, high energy big man next to Turner in the frontcourt could be the way forward for the Pacers.

Texas A&M’s Robert Williams has flown up draft boards this season after delivering impressive performances for the Aggies. The former four-star recruit is averaging an excellent line of 20.5 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.8 blocks per 40 minutes while playing in 20.2 minutes per game. Despite being only 6-foot-9, Williams has shown that he has the length and athleticism to be an effective rim protector in the middle. Add in that he can stay on the floor because he’s averaging just 3.0 fouls per 40 minutes and you’ve got one of the top shot blockers in the class. The freshman has also flashed some ability to move along the perimeter when tasked with it. That should improve with more training and coaching.

Williams’ athleticism also gives him nice upside on the offensive end where he’s at his best rim running right now. He has also made 22-of-27 free throw attempts this season, suggesting that he has good enough touch to eventually develop a serviceable jumper. It’s just not there yet. Williams may ultimately be a work in progress, but he’s got the talent to be something special.