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2017 NBA Mock Draft: The final predictions

By Chris Stone

Dec 11, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) calls a play against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Nevada defeated Washington, 87-85. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) calls a play against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Nevada defeated Washington, 87-85. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) goes up for a shot during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Kansas defeated Michigan State 90-70. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) goes up for a shot during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Kansas defeated Michigan State 90-70. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
reportedly aren’t concerned with Jackson’s off the court incidents that drew plenty of media attention early this season. One source told the Boston Herald that the incident “doesn’t rise to the level of alarm.”

The big potential factor working against Jackson here is that he has yet to work out with the team while Tatum has. However, I wouldn’t put too much stock in that. Boston will have done their due diligence on Jackson and be comfortable with what they’re getting if they select him on Thursday.

Learn more about Josh Jackson at The Step Back.

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Josh Jackson

SF, Kansas

The Boston Celtics’ choice at No. 3 seems likely to come down to one of the draft’s top two wings, Josh Jackson or Jayson Tatum. We’ll slot Jackson in here for a couple of reasons.

First, the 6-foot-8 Kansas product fits the team culture well. Jackson is one of the most competitive defenders in the 2017 draft class and he could help form a strong pairing with either Avery Bradley or Marcus Smart on the wing whichever direction Boston goes when determining which player to keep in the future. Having strong wing defenders will be a priority for the franchise assuming they bring back point guard Isaiah Thomas since he was attacked relentlessly in the playoffs last season.

Second, the Celtics reportedly aren’t concerned with Jackson’s off the court incidents that drew plenty of media attention early this season. One source told the Boston Herald that the incident “doesn’t rise to the level of alarm.”

The big potential factor working against Jackson here is that he has yet to work out with the team while Tatum has. However, I wouldn’t put too much stock in that. Boston will have done their due diligence on Jackson and be comfortable with what they’re getting if they select him on Thursday.

Learn more about Josh Jackson at The Step Back.