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

In my mind, this is the most awkward spot in the draft for the Los Angeles Lakers assuming both Markelle Fultz and Josh Jackson are off the board. The next best prospects are are a pair of point guards who would put D’Angelo Russell into a weird place and a potentially higher upside version of Brandon Ingram. Assuming the Lakers don’t have their star of the future on their roster — and I don’t think they do — then the pick should be the prospect with the highest upside, North Carolina State’s Dennis Smith Jr.

The 6-foot-3 point guard is averaging 19.2 points, 7.0 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game on a 57.6 true shooting percentage this season. He is another freshman who would likely be more successful in a different situation given what the Wolfpack have put around him. Smith is a top-tier athlete who is explosive off the dribble and has shown he can play above the rim. Most importantly, his 3-point shot has seemingly come around. Smith is making 38.5 percent of his total attempts and 2.2 3s per 40 minutes as a freshman.

Defensively, Smith has his lapses, but he’s been engaged in some big moments. His instincts and quickness make him a threat to pick off passes or swipe the ball away from opposing guards. He’s averaging 2.2 steals per game this season.

So, how does Smith fit with Russell? It’s an interesting situation that might ultimately move the latter off the ball, allowing Smith to create more offense while taking advantage of Russell’s potential as a shooter and his passing ability against a moving defense. The fit isn’t ideal, but Los Angeles is going to need to find a star through the draft if it wants to get back to national prominence. This is the best chance.

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