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

By Chris Stone

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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Mar 22, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward D.J. Wilson (5) during practice the day before the Midwest Regional semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward D.J. Wilson (5) during practice the day before the Midwest Regional semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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D.J. Wilson

PF/C, Michigan

The Los Angeles Lakers have a second first round pick here at No. 28 as a result of the Lou Williams trade with the Houston Rockets and it goes towards solidifying their frontcourt rotation. Michigan’s D.J. Wilson exploded onto the scene during his junior season and his end of year performances in the Big Ten conference tournament and the NCAA Tournament helped propel his draft stock even higher.

Wilson averaged 14.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per 40 minutes this season. Those numbers are far from outstanding, but NBA teams will be looking to buy high on his unique combination of 3-point shooting and rim protection. Wilson made 37.3 percent of his 110 3-point attempts this season and is a career 81.7 percent shooter from the free throw line. If he can shoot it better than average from deep — something his free throw shooting would help suggest — then the 6-foot-9 forward should be able to find a place in an NBA rotation.

Defensively, Wilson competes hard and does a nice job of challenging shots around the rim. His 2.0 blocks per 40 minutes number isn’t elite, but it is on par with some of the other centers available in this range. Wilson 3-point shooting, though, pushes him over the top.