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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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Mar 19, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) shoots the ball against South Carolina Gamecocks guard Sindarius Thornwell (0) during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) shoots the ball against South Carolina Gamecocks guard Sindarius Thornwell (0) during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
16

Luke Kennard

SG, Duke

Draft status: In with an agent

After the Chicago Bulls’ first two playoff victories against the Boston Celtics, it doesn’t look like the roster needs much work, but in reality there’s still plenty of improvements to be made. Surrounding superstar Jimmy Butler with shooters and opening up the floor for him is a good way forward, so we’ll ship Duke’s Luke Kennard off to the Windy City.

Kennard scored 22.0 points per 40 minutes this season on a 63.0 true shooting percentage. The sophomore was a knock-down 3-point shooter, hitting 43.8 percent of his 201 attempts. Kennard shot at a high volume and stroked it well from the foul line, so he shouldn’t have much trouble moving out to the NBA 3-point line. Kennard can create a bit of his own offense as well, using shot fakes and counter moves to create space in the lane. At worst, the 20-year old should be a floor spacing two-guard who can occasionally attack inside the arc.

Defensively, Kennard will probably struggle a bit because he lacks length and isn’t a great athlete, but if he can develop into a smart defender, that should be sufficient. His offense will more than make up for his lack of defensive value.