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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Mar 24, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Sean Marks general manager of the Brooklyn Nets talks at a press conference announcing the Long Island Nets D League team before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Sean Marks general manager of the Brooklyn Nets talks at a press conference announcing the Long Island Nets D League team before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
22

Hamidou Diallo

SG, Kentucky

Draft status: In without an agent

Kentucky guard Hamidou Diallo did the thing that everyone knew he would do at the NBA Combine last week: He tested out of this world athletically. Diallo’s max vertical leap of 44.5 inches topped the next highest leap by 2.5 inches. He had the 10th highest lane agility time, did the second fastest shuttle run and was third in the three quarter court sprint. That’s a nice canvas to build a basketball player from and that’s exactly what will have to happen with Diallo as he’s one of the rawest prospects in the draft.

While Diallo’s athleticism translates on the court into transition possessions, straight line drives and occasional defensive dominance, he lacks some of the more fundamental skills that he’ll need to succeed in the NBA. The 19-year old’s ball-handling is far from advanced with his ability to change direction being pretty limited. He’s also a poor shooter beyond the 3-point line, although he’s flashed some signs of a competent mid-range game.

The Brooklyn Nets need to take some risks after losing out on the No. 1 pick because of a silly trade made in 2013 and Diallo is a risk worth taking at No. 22. The Queens product has a natural tie to the city that can be a selling point for the fan base and if he’s able to build out his game, he could be an intriguing shooting guard at the NBA level.