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

Lottery odds: 0.7 percent

Draft status: In with an agent

The other center in the 2017 draft class who could be worth a lottery selection is Texas freshman Jarrett Allen. At 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-6 wingspan, he’s got good size to play the center spot in the NBA, even though he needs to add some additional strength to his frame.

Allen didn’t do a ton offensively in terms of creating his own shot at Texas. He mostly relied on pick-and-roll and offensive rebounds to get on the score sheet, but in Big 12 play, that was worth 18.7 points per 40 minutes. In order to become a more diversified threat, Allen needs to develop his post game or work on a jump shot. He’s a long ways from becoming a functional 3-point shooter, but it would do wonders for his game if he could develop even the threat of popping out behind the arc.

Much of Allen’s value will hopefully manifest itself on the defensive end. While he only averaged 2.0 blocks per 40 minutes in Big 12 play, his lengthy wingspan suggests that should eventually be higher. Allen played with a second big man at Texas, but could thrive as the lone frontcourt player positioned at the rim.

The Detroit Pistons obviously need plenty of help after failing to make the playoffs this season. There will be searching to do in the backcourt, but grabbing a center like Allen to help shore up the bench behind Andre Drummond is also useful.