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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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explode by defenders. If his jump shot is working, he’ll be tough to guard in those actions. Defensively, because of his size, he’ll likely never be a very versatile defender, but he’s proven productive in college on that end by averaging 2.3 steals per 40 minutes.

Learn more about Dennis Smith Jr. at The Step Back.

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Dennis Smith Jr.

PG, North Carolina St.

Dallas Mavericks’ point guard Deron Williams is 32-years old and there’s not another projectable starting point guard on the team’s roster. Seth Curry is a nice piece, but finding a potential star at the position in a draft class full of them is worthwhile for Dallas with a top five pick.

For my money, North Carolina State’s Dennis Smith Jr. is the second best point guard prospect in the 2017 class. Smith is a 6-foot-3 freshman who can jump out of the gym, is explosive in transition and appears to have a viable jump shot. His collegiate production hasn’t been the same as Fultz’s, which is understandable given that he missed his senior year of high school with an ACL injury. Still, Smith is averaging 22.6 points, 7.4 assists and 4.3 rebounds per 40 minutes. His jumper is rounding into form as he’s pushed his 3-point percentage up to 39.4 on 66 attempts and converted nearly 80 percent of his free throws.

Offensively, Smith is a potential pick-and-roll terror who can explode by defenders. If his jump shot is working, he’ll be tough to guard in those actions. Defensively, because of his size, he’ll likely never be a very versatile defender, but he’s proven productive in college on that end by averaging 2.3 steals per 40 minutes.

Learn more about Dennis Smith Jr. at The Step Back.