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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 15, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer during the Hawks 99-84 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer during the Hawks 99-84 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rodions Kurucs

SF, Barcelona II

The Atlanta Hawks made it clear last season that they place a high value on wings by drafting Taurean Prince and DeAndre Bembry in the first round. Here, they pick up another wing, but one that offers a different skill set to Prince and Bembry.

Rodions Kurucs is a 6-foot-8 wing who is prized for his potential as a scorer. In 20.4 minutes, Kurucs is averaging 9.4 points per game this season for Barcelona’s second team. He has shown that he’s capable of creating his own shot off the dribble in youth international competitions and is an improving 3-point shooter. Right now, though, Kurucs 3-point makes are more about volume than accuracy as he’s shooting just 32.4 percent from behind the arc.

Defensively, Kurucs length on the wing will always be valuable. He’s posting a 4.6 percent block rate this season by providing weak side rim protection and should be able to defend both the shooting guard and small forward position in the NBA.

Kurucs is still a developmental project. He’s only 19-years old and could spend more time overseas in a draft-and-stash situation before coming over to the NBA. For Atlanta, Kurucs is a chance to grab a scoring option on the wing who can hopefully develop into a complimentary piece with Prince and Bembry.

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