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NBA Mock Draft 2017, Week 17: Portland uses three first round picks

By Chris Stone

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 22, 2017; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Texas A&M Aggies forward Robert Williams (44) reacts after a play in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas defeated Texas A&M 86-77. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2017; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Texas A&M Aggies forward Robert Williams (44) reacts after a play in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas defeated Texas A&M 86-77. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Robert Williams

PF/C, Texas A&M

The Denver Nuggets shipped out Jusuf Nurkic ahead of the trade deadline and have made their plans to build around Nikola Jokic more clear. Jokic and his 2.3 percent block rate, though, will need some help in the frontcourt if Denver intends to build a solid defense. That’s where Texas A&M’s Robert Williams can fill in.

Williams is the draft’s best shot blocking prospect. As a freshman, he is averaging 4.0 blocks per 40 minutes on an 11.0 percent block rate. He has good timing and is an excellent athlete who gets off the floor quickly. The one downside is that Williams loves chasing blocks and it can affect his team defensively and on the boards. Williams is also athletic enough to get out and guard on the perimeter, something he’s shown while frequently playing small forward for the Aggies.

On offense, Williams is a bit more of a project. Right now, most of his baskets come on cuts or offensive rebounds, but he’s shown some promising touch on his jump shot. Williams is also a very good passer for a big man and has a 12.3 percent assist rate. Having two good passing bigs would make for an exciting offense in Denver.

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