2017 NBA Mock Draft: Fultz to Celtics, Ball to Lakers after lottery
By Chris Stone
TJ Leaf
PF, UCLA
Figuring out what the appropriate NBA role for UCLA’s TJ Leaf will be should be an interesting endeavor. At 6-foot-10, Leaf is a ‘tweener’ between the power forward and center spot. Ideally, Leaf would be able to play the role of small ball center in the modern NBA and maximize his offensive output, but his lack of rim protection would likely turn out to be a real problem. That’s why Leaf may end up in his best role as a bench scorer who can come in and channel a second unit offense. It’s a role that would make sense for the Orlando Magic given that Aaron Gordon is already penciled in at the starting power forward spot for the foreseeable future.
Leaf is a three level shooter who can knock down 3-pointers, attack off the dribble in the mid-range and work in the post. He’ll be a versatile asset in pick-and-roll and can help space the floor for attacking guards. Leaf will probably never be a plus defender as he lacks elite length, doesn’t protect the rim and struggles to move laterally, but a team should be able to coax enough offensive value out of him to make him a serviceable rotation piece.