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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 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De’Aaron Fox (0) drives against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (left) in the first half during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De’Aaron Fox (0) drives against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (left) in the first half during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
Learn more about De’Aaron Fox at The Step Back.

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De'Aaron Fox

PG, Kentucky

Lottery odds: 5.3 percent

Draft Status: In with an agent

The New York Knicks are a mess and there’s no way around it. Phil Jackson is publicly shaming Carmelo Anthony in one of the pettiest feuds in the NBA while praising Derrick Rose, a point guard who is well past his prime. Given the number of point guards in this draft, it seems like a tough task for Jackson and the front office to mess this up, but we’ll see what happens on draft night. For now, New York lands Kentucky point guard De’Aaron Fox.

Fox has his questions marks, but also has the potential to be a good starter in the NBA. He’s lightning fast up and down the court, excels particularly in transition and can get to the rim at a really high rate. He averaged 22.6 points and 6.2 assists per 40 minutes this season, but struggled mightily as a shooter. Teams allowed Fox to take as many mid-range jumpers or 3-pointers as he wanted and the freshman simply couldn’t punish them for it. It’s a treatment he’ll continue to get in the NBA until he proves he can knock them down.

Fox will also bring some tenacity to the Knicks’ defense at the point of attack. He’s very good at generating steals and cutting off penetration, but isn’t very switchable because of his slight frame.

Now, we just need to figure out if he can run the triangle.

Learn more about De’Aaron Fox at The Step Back.