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

The San Antonio Spurs are one of the few teams to still have their original late first round pick, which gives them an opportunity to take a swing at finding another gem late in the draft. Baylor’s Johnathan Motley just might be that gem. He is averaging 22.9 points and 12. 7 rebounds per 40 minutes this season.

The 6-foot-9 forward is a versatile offensive threat who has showcased an intriguing set of defensive skills for a league that continues to downsize in the frontcourt. Motley’s most effective offensive work comes in the post where he has a nice set of moves. He can also face up or occasionally knock down a jump shot from the mid-range. Most interestingly, Motley is a good passer with a 17.7 percent assist rate. In a league that increasingly emphasizes ball movement and passing from bigs, he’s a well-rounded talent.

On defense, Motley’s length and tenacity makes him an excellent rebounder. He’s posting a 22.7 percent defensive rebound rate this season, which should translate. Motley also blocks a few shot and is athletic enough to move along the perimeter, something you can see when he plays on the wing of the Bears’ frequently used zone defense.

Motley doesn’t have huge upside, but as a rotation player, he should be an excellent late first round pick up.