2017 NBA Mock Draft: The worst picks every team can make

Duke’s Jayson Tatum is the most refined scoring wing in the 2017 draft class. He can create his own shout out of mid-post isolations whether going towards the basket or elevating for a tough shot over a defender. While that skill set is often viewed as inefficient, it can be necessary in late game situations when defenses lock in. Tatum, though, would be the wrong selection for Phoenix at No. 4 given the other talent available and potential issues with Tatum’s positional fit.

To the first point, there’s a better wing prospect on the board who would fit the Suns’ needs. Kansas forward Josh Jackson isn’t the same scorer that Tatum is, but he is better than him in nearly every other category. Jackson is a fierce defender, can create offenses for his teammates off the dribble and is a better athlete. If Phoenix wants a wing and both Jackson and Tatum are still on the board, they should take the former.

The other concern with Tatum is that his best fit may be as a small ball power forward and both Marquese Chriss and Dragan Bender fit that position as well. Tatum played most of the his college basketball at that position, which allowed him to beat bigger defenders off the dribble. It’s not clear he has the explosiveness to do similar things against NBA small forwards, so he may need to play up a spot for several minutes per game.

Learn more about Jayson Tatum at The Step Back.