2017 NBA Mock Draft: The 76ers lock up a point guard

Jan 17, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Pitt Panthers at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Pitt Panthers at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 11, 2017; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jawun Evans (1) drives to the basket defended by Iowa State Cyclones forward Darrell Bowie (10) during the second half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Cyclones won 96-84. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2017; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jawun Evans (1) drives to the basket defended by Iowa State Cyclones forward Darrell Bowie (10) during the second half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Cyclones won 96-84. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports /
Learn more about Jawun Evans at The Step Back.

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16

Jawun Evans

PG, Oklahoma State

Falling in love with any of the Chicago Bulls’ current point guard options is hard to do as none of them really fit the mold needed to succeed in the modern NBA. With Oklahoma State’s Jawun Evans on the board here at No. 16, the Bulls could look to fill that hole and snag a point guard of the future.

Evans ceiling could land him in a starting lineup because of his ability to break down defenses. He excels running the pick-and-roll with a spread floor in a way that few other guards in this class can do. Evans led the top offense in the country this season almost entirely because of his ability to attack the paint off of ball screens. He was a high usage creator who has a low to the ground dribble that allows him to frequently win against defenders off the bounce.

As with any prospect coming to Chicago, the key question will be how Evans fits with superstar Jimmy Butler. One key will be how much the Bulls can trust the 6-foot guards 3-point shot. While Evans shot a high percentage in college, his volume was lacking. There are signs — namely his good free throw shooting and college marksmanship — that bode well for his jumper translating, but it’s still a slight question mark. Evans and Butler would form a formidable pick-and-roll duo that would punish opposing switches if the jump shot comes along.

At worst, Evans profiles as a backup point guard, giving Chicago depth at the position for the future.

Learn more about Jawun Evans at The Step Back.