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2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 26: The Timberwolves’ young core improves

By Chris Stone

Jan 14, 2017; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) gets the rebound against the Stanford Cardinal in the first half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) gets the rebound against the Stanford Cardinal in the first half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 9, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) reacts to a score against the Temple Owls during the second half at Liacouras Center. Southern Methodist Mustangs won 66-50. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) reacts to a score against the Temple Owls during the second half at Liacouras Center. Southern Methodist Mustangs won 66-50. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Semi Ojeleye

SF/PF, SMU

Draft status: In without an agent

This is the third and final first round pick for the Portland Trail Blazers and it goes in the direction of a versatile defender and combo forward who could help them down the line. SMU’s Semi Ojeleye is physically built at 6-foot-8 and 230 pounds to play down a spot as a power forward. He can handle himself in the post and is athletic enough to defend in space. Although he didn’t pile up the stats at SMU on the defensive end, he did averaged 2.0 steals and 2.0 blocks per 40 minutes at Duke during his freshman campaign.

The value that Ojeleye could provide over current power forwards on the Trail Blazers’ roster is his 3-point shooting. As a junior, he made 42.4 percent attempts. Although he struggled in his first two seasons, Ojeleye seemed to use his time away during his transfer season to improve as a shooter as he drastically increased his 3-point volume and shot better than 80 percent from the free throw line. Having a floor spacing power forward could do wonders in terms of opening up the game for Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. That would make a high powered attack even better.