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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April 16, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts instructs against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
April 16, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts instructs against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
Learn more about Rodions Kurucs at The Step Back.

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Rodions Kurucs

SF, Barcelona II

Draft status: In, but undecided

This is the second of three first round picks for the Portland Trail Blazers and it goes towards a wing prospect with some interesting offensive upside because finding scoring wings who can defend a bit is one of the more difficult things to do in the NBA. Barcelona II’s Rodions Kurucs is a 6-foot-8 wing with a nice off the bounce game. He’s good at using his size to get into the lane and finish at the basket or dish out a pass to a teammate. His shake isn’t tremendous, but he should at least be able to drive in a straight line and attack close outs in the NBA.

Kurucs is still trying to short out his 3-point shot, although we only have a small sample of attempts to work with. Becoming consistent from behind the arc would open up the floor for his teammates and make it easier for him to find driving lanes.

The 19-year old also has good defensive potential. He posted a 3.5 percent block rate and a 2.0 steal rate this season in the LEB Gold league. Kurucs should have the size to defend multiple positions if he’s willing to engage that challenge.

Learn more about Rodions Kurucs at The Step Back.