NBA Mock Draft 2017, Week 14: Markelle Fultz is still no. 1

Yes, the Dallas Mavericks signed former Indiana star Yogi Ferrell to a mult-year contract and yes, he may or may not be the next JJ Barea (seriously, go read that link if you want a laugh), but Ferrell is already 23-years old with only so much more upside left. The Mavericks have an opportunity here to draft a young point guard with excellent potential who could likely even play alongside Yogi in some lineups.

Strasbourg’s Frank Ntilikina won’t turn 19-years old until the end of July making him one of the youngest players in the 2017 draft class. At 6-foot-5 with a near 7-foot wingspan, he is an intriguing defensive talent who should be able to guard multiple spots once he adds a bit more strength to his frame. He does a nice job getting into passing lanes and can pressure opposing point guards at the point of attack to limit penetration.

On offense, there are some questions about how well Ntilikina will translate as a primary ball-handler because of his distribution ability. If that develops, teams will be more comfortable putting the ball in his hands on a regular basis. What is exciting is that Ntilikina is showing himself to be an improved outside shooter having made 38.2 percent of his 3-pointers this season. That’s what could allow him to play off the ball more often than some of the other point guards in this class.

Learn more about Frank Ntilikina at The Step Back.