Fansided

2017 NBA Mock Draft: Fultz to Celtics, Ball to Lakers after lottery

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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Feb 26, 2017; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) dunks against Syracuse Orange forward Taurean Thompson (12) during the second half at KFC Yum! Center. Louisville defeated Syracuse 88-68. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2017; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) dunks against Syracuse Orange forward Taurean Thompson (12) during the second half at KFC Yum! Center. Louisville defeated Syracuse 88-68. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Donovan Mitchell

SG, Louisville

Draft status: In with an agent

Louisville guard Donovan Mitchell seemed to climb up draft boards after the Combine simply because he confirmed via measurements the athleticism that pretty much everybody knew was already there. At 6-foot-3 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, Mitchell profiles as a shooting guard who can play bigger than his height suggests.

After adding a 3-point shot this season, the sophomore has the potential to be an impactful player on both ends of the floor. He made 35.4 percent of his 3-point attempts this season and improved his volume as well. Mitchell’s 3-pointer opens up the floor for his off the dribble game and allows him to get to the rack where he can use his athleticism to finish at the rim.

Mitchell’s length and willingness to defend also makes him valuable on that end. He should definitely be able to defend either guard spot at the next level and even some of the league’s smaller threes. As a sophomore, Mitchell also created an impressive 2.6 steals per 40 minutes, helping his team get out in transition for easy buckets.

Adding another two-way wing to the roster will be valuable for the Detroit Pistons who are looking to find their way back into the NBA Playoffs after missing out the out in two of the first three seasons under Stan Van Gundy.