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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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Dec 31, 2016; Coral Gables, FL, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) shoots over Miami Hurricanes guard Bruce Brown (11) during the first half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Coral Gables, FL, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) shoots over Miami Hurricanes guard Bruce Brown (11) during the first half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
Learn more about Dennis Smith Jr. at The Step Back.

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Dennis Smith Jr.

PG, North Carolina State

Lottery odds: 8.8 percent

Draft status: In with an agent

With Elfrid Payton coming off the best season of his career, having the Orlando Magic draft a point guard might seem a bit odd. However, consider that building around non-shooting lead guards is a difficult take and that the remaining guards in this class have tremendous upside and the move makes more sense.

North Carolina State’s Dennis Smith Jr. will rely on his elite athleticism to fulfill that upside. His quick first step and ability to attack the hoop makes him a scoring threat in the halfcourt capable of throwing down vicious dunks on his defenders. That penetration ability is buttressed by an outside shooting stroke that seems to be finding some consistency. Smith made 35.9 percent of his attempts this season and if he can knock those shots down consistently it will open up more driving lanes.

Defensively, there are some concerns about Smith’s attention to detail and willingness to lock down in key situations. He often gets caught watching when he’s off the ball, for example. However, Smith can embrace the challenge and did create a solid number of steals this season.

Learn more about Dennis Smith Jr. at The Step Back.