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

By Chris Stone | May 18, 2017

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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Jan 28, 2017; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Derrick White (21) reacts after a play in the second half against the Oregon Ducks at Coors Events Center. The Buffaloes defeated the Ducks 74-65. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Derrick White

PG/SG, Colorado

Draft status: Automatically eligible

Colorado guard Derrick White has a tremendous story. From Division II recruit to stand out at the NBA Draft Combine, White has traveled a unique path to get to the league and capping it off would a first round selection would help cap off the type of Cinderella stories that usually only happen in March.

White was incredibly productive for the Buffaloes this season, averaging 22.0 points, 5.3 assists and 5.0 rebounds per 40 minutes. He made 39.6 percent of his 3-point attempts and shot an incredibly impressive 56.9 percent inside the arc. At 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-8 wingspan, he should have the size to play either guard position in the NBA, although he primarily dominated the ball as a lead guard at Colorado. White simply brings a level of production to the table that most late first round candidates can’t match.

For Utah, White would represent some additional backcourt depth who could theoretically step in sooner rather than later given his age. With George Hill about to hit the free agent market, building out that area of the team could become important in the near future. White may not be the sexiest choice, but he fills a potential need and has plenty of NBA skills.