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2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 27: The final randomized lottery

By Chris Stone

Jan 12, 2017; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears guard Charlie Moore (13) attempts to defend against Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) during the first half of the game at Haas Pavilion. California Golden Bears defeated the Washington Huskies 69-59. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2017; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears guard Charlie Moore (13) attempts to defend against Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) during the first half of the game at Haas Pavilion. California Golden Bears defeated the Washington Huskies 69-59. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 12, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) gestures to the Arkansas Razorbacks bench after a three pointer during the second half of their SEC Conference Tournament game at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) gestures to the Arkansas Razorbacks bench after a three pointer during the second half of their SEC Conference Tournament game at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
Learn more about Malik Monk at The Step Back.

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7

Malik Monk

SG, Kentucky

Lottery odds: 5.3 percent

Draft status: In with an agent

If the Minnesota Timberwolves need one thing, it’s shooting and Kentucky’s Malik Monk is probably the best shooting guard prospect in the 2017 class. Monk made 39.7 percent of his 3-pointers last season, fired up 3s at a high volume and shot it well from the foul line. His ability to open up space on the floor would be ideal for both Ricky Rubio and Andrew Wiggins.

Sorting out what else Monk can add is a bit difficult. He has more creation ability as a passer than he got to show at Kentucky, but his defense is lackluster and he’s undersized for the shooting guard spot.

There’s an argument that this pick should be either Lauri Markkanen or a point guard, but I don’t love either option. Markkanen would make a nice frontcourt pairing with Karl-Anthony Towns given his 3-point shooting. Unfortunately, defensively playing two bigs — especially with one that has question marks like Markkanen — can be difficult. A point guard could also make sense here, but I doubt Tom Thibodeau is ready to give up on Kris Dunn after just one season despite his poor performance.

Learn more about Malik Monk at The Step Back.