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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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2017 NBA Draft
Jan 23, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after making a three point shot against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the first half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
appears to have worked out for the team twice in the lead up to the draft. I would expect that Florida State’s Jonathan Isaac and Kentucky’s De’Aaron Fox will also be in play here.

Tatum is a bit of a less desirable fit than Jackson given his defense isn’t as strong and the Suns could use someone to provide more resistance on that end next to Devin Booker, but the Duke product is a fascinating offensive talent who won’t be a disaster defensively. Tatum can get plenty of buckets, especially out of isolations in the mid-post where his game is more refined than nearly any player his age. He can also do some work at the top of the key out of pick-and-roll and possesses passing vision that is better than what he showed with the Blue Devils.

Defensively, there are some concerns about his athleticism and willingness to fight through screens, but he adds some value as a weak side rim protector and by creating steals in passing lanes.

Having both Booker and Tatum in tow on the wing should give Phoenix fans plenty of fun to look forward to.

Learn more about Jayson Tatum at The Step Back.

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4

Jayson Tatum

SF/PF, Duke

With Josh Jackson off the board, Duke’s Jayson Tatum is the pick for the Phoenix Suns. He appears to have worked out for the team twice in the lead up to the draft. I would expect that Florida State’s Jonathan Isaac and Kentucky’s De’Aaron Fox will also be in play here.

Tatum is a bit of a less desirable fit than Jackson given his defense isn’t as strong and the Suns could use someone to provide more resistance on that end next to Devin Booker, but the Duke product is a fascinating offensive talent who won’t be a disaster defensively. Tatum can get plenty of buckets, especially out of isolations in the mid-post where his game is more refined than nearly any player his age. He can also do some work at the top of the key out of pick-and-roll and possesses passing vision that is better than what he showed with the Blue Devils.

Defensively, there are some concerns about his athleticism and willingness to fight through screens, but he adds some value as a weak side rim protector and by creating steals in passing lanes.

Having both Booker and Tatum in tow on the wing should give Phoenix fans plenty of fun to look forward to.

Learn more about Jayson Tatum at The Step Back.