NBA Mock Draft 2017, Week 19: March Madness edition
By Chris Stone
Learn more about De’Aaron Fox at The Step Back."
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De'Aaron Fox
PG, Kentucky
The Kentucky Wildcats won’t get much of a challenge in their opening round game against the Northern Kentucky Norse, but the Wildcats and point guard De’Aaron Fox will get a test in their second round contest no matter who they face. Both the Dayton Flyers and the Wichita State Shockers are well-coached with top 50 defenses according to adjusted efficiency. Either team will likely attempt to exploit Fox’s biggest weakness — his struggles shooting off the dribble — by forcing him into shooting positions in pick-and-roll or in isolation.
The freshman is averaging just 0.55 points per possession (17th percentile) on off the dribble jumpers this season, per Synergy Sports. In recent weeks, though, Fox has seemingly improved his shooting, so big performances against quality defenses in the NCAA Tournament could help validate his recent success.
Otherwise, Fox is already known as a transition monster who is lightning quick up the court and a pesky defender at the point of attack. How he fares against a well-coached defense could help give us a better idea of where he stands ahead of June.
The Sacramento Kings received this pick from the New Orleans Pelicans as part of the Demarcus Cousins trade earlier this season.