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NBA Mock Draft 2017, Week 20: The Sweet Sixteen edition

By Chris Stone

Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) and forward Landen Lucas (33) react during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) and forward Landen Lucas (33) react during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 19, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) shoots the basketball against Cincinnati Bearcats forward Kyle Washington (24, left) during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) shoots the basketball against Cincinnati Bearcats forward Kyle Washington (24, left) during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
Learn more about Lonzo Ball at The Step Back.

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Lonzo Ball

PG, UCLA

If you’ve been listening to Lonzo Ball’s father, Lavar, then you’re probably already aware that Lonzo is awfully good. It’s obviously a stretch to compare him to Steph Curry as Lavar did, but Lonzo has completely changed the culture of a UCLA team that went 15-17 last season and returned many of the same players. This season, he’s averaging 16.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 7.0 assists per 40 minutes for the Bruins.

Lonzo’s offensive game centers primarily around his passing. He has elite court vision and a high basketball IQ that allows him to whip around creative passes and set up his teammates. He’ll be among the best passers in the league upon his arrival. Lonzo is also a threat from behind the arc where he’s made 42.0 percent of his 3s this season despite his highly publicized awkward shooting motion. He’s got deep range, too.

Defensively, Lonzo’s IQ allows him to jump passing lanes, but as an individual defender there’s something to desire. He’s not a super athlete and only moves alright laterally.

UCLA will play Kentucky in the Sweet Sixteen on Friday night. In the December meeting between the two teams, Ball finished with 14 points, seven assists and six rebounds. He also added six turnovers, though, as he struggled with the aggressive defense of De’Aaron Fox. That’ll be the individual battle to watch in the rematch.

Learn more about Lonzo Ball at The Step Back.