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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 forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts during the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks 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 forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts during the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
Learn more about Jayson Tatum at The Step Back.

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Jayson Tatum

SF/PF, Duke

Lottery odds: 8.8 percent

Draft status: In with an agent

Like the Philadelphia 76ers, the Orlando Magic slide back a spot here with the Minnesota Timberwolves’ rise into the top three. The Magic are seemingly worlds away from being competitive, but landing a wing like Duke’s Jayson Tatum could help speed up the rebuilding process.

Tatum’s high end outcome as a wing creator who can generate offense both for himself and his teammates is incredibly attractive. The big question is how he’ll be able to operate on the move at the next level. Tatum has shown some level of vision operating out of the pick-and-roll at Duke, but needs to be a more willing passer in order to fulfill his potential.

The thing that will always be there for Tatum is his scoring. The 6-foot-8 wing averaged 20.2 points per game on a 56.6 true shooting percentage this season. His footwork in the mid-rage is great for a player his age as he’s able to create space to get his shot away in an incredibly fluid way. He’ll need to improve from behind the arc in the NBA, but his high free throw percentage suggests that should come in time.

Learn more about Jayson Tatum at The Step Back.