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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 21, 2016; Greensboro, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after a turnover in the second half against the Elon Phoenix at Greensboro Coliseum. Duke defeated Elon 72-61. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2016; Greensboro, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after a turnover in the second half against the Elon Phoenix at Greensboro Coliseum. Duke defeated Elon 72-61. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
is a bit old school, focusing on isolation plays in the mid-range, but he’s good at making tough shots and it’s difficult to find prospects who can go get your team a bucket when they need one. Tatum is not necessarily the best fit on a team intent of moving the ball and playing beautiful offense like the Golden State Warriors. His isolation ability, though, is rare and he’s got a projectable 3-point shot, which makes him an incredible useful offensive piece.

As a defender, Tatum has been more impressive than advertised. He’s done pretty well in the Blue Devils’ switch heavy scheme where he often plays as the team’s power forward. His 6-foot-11 wingspan has also proven useful on the defensive glass where he has compiled a 21.0 percent rebound rate in six games this season.

Learn more about Jayson Tatum and Duke’s other draft prospects at The Step Back.

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Jayson Tatum

SG/SF, Duke

The Miami Heat have fallen far from their back-to-back NBA championships earlier this decade. The team recently made significant investments in its point guard spot and in center Hassan Whiteside. Second-year pro Justise Winslow projects to be a valuable wing defender, although he likely won’t be a big time scorer. So far, that hasn’t been enough to make Miami a playoff contender.

That’s where Duke’s Jayson Tatum fits in. Tatum is ranked as the third best prospect on my board. As a silky smooth 6-foot-8 scorer, the 18-year old can bring a nice offensive punch to whatever franchise drafts him in June. Tatum’s offensive game is a bit old school, focusing on isolation plays in the mid-range, but he’s good at making tough shots and it’s difficult to find prospects who can go get your team a bucket when they need one. Tatum is not necessarily the best fit on a team intent of moving the ball and playing beautiful offense like the Golden State Warriors. His isolation ability, though, is rare and he’s got a projectable 3-point shot, which makes him an incredible useful offensive piece.

As a defender, Tatum has been more impressive than advertised. He’s done pretty well in the Blue Devils’ switch heavy scheme where he often plays as the team’s power forward. His 6-foot-11 wingspan has also proven useful on the defensive glass where he has compiled a 21.0 percent rebound rate in six games this season.

Learn more about Jayson Tatum and Duke’s other draft prospects at The Step Back.