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2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 23: The NBA Playoffs are upon us

By Chris Stone

Feb 9, 2017; Boulder, CO, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) before the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at the Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Boulder, CO, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) before the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at the Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 7, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers guard Avry Holmes (12) defends North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) during the first half during the ACC Conference Tournament at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
Learn more about Dennis Smith Jr. at The Step Back.

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Dennis Smith Jr.

PG, North Carolina State

Lottery odds: 2.8 percent

Draft status: In with an agent

Although both Buddy Hield and Skal Labissiere have shown some improvement near the end of the season, the Sacramento Kings are still in need of plenty of help to develop into a Western Conference playoff contender. Finding some consistent point guard play wouldn’t hurt and North Carolina’s Dennis Smith Jr. is the best available option. Smith has excellent upside because of his explosiveness and athleticism, which should get Kings fans excited.

The 19-year old averaged 20.8 points, 7.1 assists and 5.2 rebounds per 40 minutes this season while posting a 56.3 true shooting percentage. He has a quick first step and enough dribble moves to attack off the bounce in isolation, can play well in pick and roll and was even a solid 3-point shooter this season, hitting 35.9 percent of his attempts. Smith’s offensive potential is excellent, though, because of his ability to attack one-on-one.

Smith will likely only be tasked with defending the point of attack in the NBA, but he did snag 2.2 steals per 40 minutes this season and that will come in handy. Otherwise, he lacks focus outside of big moments, which will frustrate his coach.

Learn more about Dennis Smith Jr. at The Step Back.