Fansided

2017 FanSided NBA Network Mock Draft: Let the experts decide

By Staff

March 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 23, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins guard T.J. Leaf (22) reacts against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Wells-Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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T.J. Leaf

Power Forward, UCLA

In the post-Kevin Durant world, the Oklahoma City Thunder remained relevant behind the super-human efforts of Russell Westbrook. In spite of Westbrook, the squad needs to make considerable strides to rejoin the upper echelon of the West. Topping the list of areas to improve is 3-point shooting, where the Thunder ranked 30th in efficiency and 26th in makes. Punctuating this fact is that only two players on the roster shot over 35 percent (more than 50 attempts) from the perimeter. Playmaking, floor spacing, and rebounding are the other key areas to address.

Although the natural assumption is the Thunder will draft a backup point guard, reaching for a prospect won’t address the needs which can be filled by a veteran or via summer league. The cap-strapped Thunder also enter the offseason needing to address free agents Taj Gibson (UFA) and Andre Roberson (RFA).

Enter UCLA freshman T.J. Leaf, who checks off every box for Sam Presti. The 6-foot-10 power forward shot 64.4 percent from the field and a robust 46.6 percent from the perimeter. Leaf’s pure shot isn’t his only appealing quality. He’s a solid rebounder (8.2 per game) and his percentages (offensive: 8.5 percent, defensive:19.7 percent, total:14.5 percent) would rank top 3 in each category for the Thunder. Additionally, Leaf is an underrated playmaker (2.4 assists per game). The 20-year-old boasts a versatile offensive tool kit beyond his shot which includes the ability to drive, a 34.5-inch vertical to finish at the rim and speed in transition.

With the NBA movement toward small ball and position-less rosters, Leaf fits the new big man mold perfectly. His high basketball I.Q. and skill set offers options for the Thunder not currently available among their bigs. Specifically, he has the ability to rebound, lead the break and orchestrate the offense. He’ll need to gain size and strength and also expand his defensive chops, but his fluid style, high motor and adept foot work suggest these are attainable goals.

With the uncertainty of Gibson’s future and Enes Kanter being arguably the only high end tradeable asset, perhaps the greatest benefit Leaf affords Presti is options in constructing a more competitive roster for 2017-18.

— Tamberlyn Richardson, Thunderous Intentions, @ThunderousInt