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2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 25: Lakers at No. 1, Knicks at No. 2

By Chris Stone

Jan 18, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dunks against Colorado Buffaloes forward Tory Miller (14) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Colorado Buffaloes guard Dominique Collier (15) watches the play at left. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dunks against Colorado Buffaloes forward Tory Miller (14) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Colorado Buffaloes guard Dominique Collier (15) watches the play at left. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) dunks to score a basket against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) dunks to score a basket against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
Learn more about Lonzo Ball at The Step Back.

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Lonzo Ball

PG, UCLA

Lottery odds: 5.3 percent

Draft status: In with an agent

The New York Knicks could go several ways with this pick, but the two most likely outcomes are Kansas wing Josh Jackson and UCLA guard Lonzo Ball. Given the struggles of Derrick Rose last season and the need for a sea change on the court, Ball is the choice here as he can come in and run the show (assuming Phil Jackson is willing to let loose his grip on the triangle just a bit). Ball fully changed the culture for the Bruins this season, leading them to a Sweet Sixteen appearance and one of the most powerful offenses in the country.

The 19-year old is an elite passer with the vision to attack defenses both in transition and in the halfcourt. His 7.6 assists per game led college basketball this season and he often sees the pass before the pass, which really opens up the floor. Ball was also a terrific 3-point shooter this season. He has deep range on his jumper despite awkward mechanics. His poor free throw percentage will open up some questions about how well that shooting will translate, but I’m a believer.

Defensively, Ball won’t be elite because he doesn’t have the quick feet necessary to be, but he’s long enough that he can be switchable and smart enough that he can help create turnovers by jumping into passing lanes.

Learn more about Lonzo Ball at The Step Back.