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

The Indiana Pacers seem to have their building blocks in forward Paul George and big man Myles Turner. There are other pieces on the team, but those are the two best players for the Pacers to build their roster around moving forward. At this point in the draft, Indiana may not find a future starter to fill in with George and Turner, but a high floor backup for Turner seems like a good option.

California’s Ivan Rabb has expanded his game this season as he’s become the Golden Bears’ offensive focal point, bumping his usage rate from 20.0 as a freshman to 24.0 percent as a sophomore. Rabb is averaging an impressive 18.4 points and 13.1 rebounds per game with a 53.0 true shooting percentage. On offense, he’s got a smooth post game to go with a developing face up skill set. Rabb has also improved as a passer this season now that he’s getting the ball more often in the post.

Defensively, Rabb’s best value comes on the defensive boards. He has a tremendous 26.1 percent defensive rebounding rate despite not being the most athletic or longest player on the floor. Rabb is smart and understands angles that help end opponents’ possessions.

The California sophomore doesn’t strike me as a player with a super high ceiling, but his collection of skills makes it hard to see him as a talent who will airball entirely at the next level. That should be good enough to snag him a selection in the late teens.

Learn more about Ivan Rabb at The Step Back.