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2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 24: Time to randomize the lottery!

By Chris Stone

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) takes a shot during warm-ups before the start of a game against the UCLA Bruins at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) takes a shot during warm-ups before the start of a game against the UCLA Bruins at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) shoots as South Carolina Gamecocks forward Maik Kotsar (21) defends during the first half in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) shoots as South Carolina Gamecocks forward Maik Kotsar (21) defends during the first half in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
11

Zach Collins

C, Gonzaga

Lottery odds: 0.8 percent

Draft status: In with an agent

The 2018 NBA Draft will be stacked at the top with centers like the 2017 one is with point guards. However, there are a still a few frontcourt gems that could develop out of the 2017 class. Gonzaga’s Zach Collins is one of those and he would give the Charlotte Hornets a potential long-term solution at the five.

Collins didn’t play often for the Bulldogs — about 17.3 minutes per game — but that wasn’t due to a lack of production. Gonzaga had one of the deepest frontcourts in the country and head coach Mark Few was still willing to go with Collins down the stretch of big games in some situations over senior Przemek Karnowski. Collins averaged a ridiculous 23.2 points, 13.6 rebounds and 4.1 blocks per 40 minutes on a 70.3 true shooting percentage this season.

He is an excellent pick-and-roll big man with soft hands who can finish above the rim. He also is developing a more functional 3-point shot. He attempted just 21 3s this season, but knocked down 10 of them. A dual pick-and-roll/pick-and-pop threat is a useful offensive piece in the modern NBA. Collins is also likely this group’s best rim protector. He understands verticality and is a willing shot blocker in the painted area.