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

Rodions Kurucs is a 6-foot-8 wing prospect who currently plays for Barcelona II. He is averaging 9.6 points in 21.1 minutes per game largely in a starting role. Kurucs is most prized because of his potential as a wing scorer.

The 19-year old has shown the ability to get his own shot in youth international competitions, frequently beating defenders off the dribble and attacking the basket. He also has the potential to develop into a solid 3-point shooter over time, although he’s only converted 32.5 percent of his chances this season. Given the number of wings that are on the floor at any given time in an NBA game, the ability to initiate offense from that position is important and it’s why Kurucs is a projected first rounder.

Defensively, Kurucs has the size to be a multi-positional defender at the NBA level. His length is most aptly reflected by the rim protection that he provides on the weak side. Kurucs is averaging just half a block per game, but he has a 4.0 percent block rate for Barcelona II. He has also been able to generate a number of steals this season.

Because of his age and current level of competition, Kurucs may best be suited for a draft-and-stash situation that allows him to develop overseas before coming to the NBA.