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

Guard Frank Ntilikina is the best non-college prospect in the 2017 draft class. The 6-foot-5 18-year old has extremely nice potential as a defensive stopper who can guard multiple spots (provided he adds additional strength). Ntilikina has great length, moves well and is willing to fight through screens. His versatility — because of his size — should be valued as it is not something that is consistently found in point guard prospects.

Offensively, Ntilikina is developing into a reasonable 3-point shooter. This season he’s canned 36.2 percent of his triples. As a ball-handler, his best work is done in the pick-and-roll because he’s not quick enough or shifty enough to handle match-ups one-on-one yet. For much of this season, Ntilikina has been played off the ball, but he has lead guard potential and even if he fails, he should still be a viable off guard option.

The Dallas Mavericks need to find a long-term solution at point guard even after bringing in 23-year old Yogi Ferrell on a multi-year deal. Ntilikina seems like a developmental project who can turn into a starter in time. He is also one of the youngest prospects in the draft class.

Learn more about Frank Ntilikina at The Step Back.