Fansided

NBA Mock Draft 2017, Week 16: Lonzo Ball to the Lakers

By Chris Stone

Feb 1, 2017; Pullman, WA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) attempts a free throw against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Friel Court at Beasley Coliseum. The Bruins won 95-79. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2017; Pullman, WA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) attempts a free throw against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Friel Court at Beasley Coliseum. The Bruins won 95-79. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 30
Next
Feb 18, 2017; Athens, GA, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) defended by Georgia Bulldogs guard J.J. Frazier (30) in the first half at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2017; Athens, GA, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De’Aaron Fox (0) defended by Georgia Bulldogs guard J.J. Frazier (30) in the first half at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
Learn more about De’Aaron Fox at The Step Back.

" >
7

De'Aaron Fox

PG, Kentucky

This is the pick that the Sacramento Kings acquired as part of their “haul” for trading superstar Demarcus Cousins. Despite the team’s reported belief in Buddy Hield as the next Steph Curry, there are going to need to be plenty of improvements needed before the Kings are playoff contenders again.

Kentucky’s De’Aaron Fox would be a nice start as a high upside point guard who could become a very good NBA player if he cleans up his weaknesses. Fox is a solid facilatator despite some recent slippages in his decision-making. He’s averaging 7.2 assists to 3.1 turnovers per 40 minutes this season. Fox is also a lightning bug in transition where he is explosive end-to-end. Defensively, Fox will be great handling the point of attack. He plays with great effort, can cut off penetration and generate turnovers.

What’s holding the 19-year old back is his shooting ability, a deficiency that will be even more pronounced in the NBA where teams simply won’t guard him beyond the elbow. Fox is shooting 17.3 percent on 3-pointers this season and struggles to make much of anything in the mid-range. His free throw percentage (72.8), floater game and shooting form offer some hope that he’ll improve here, though. If he does, Fox has an excellent ceiling.

Learn more about De’Aaron Fox at The Step Back.

Home/NBA Draft