Bobby Marks is doing a mock draft for the Vertical -
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/the-verticals-mock-draft-1-0-160149903.html
1. Boston (from Brooklyn): PG Markelle Fultz
Freshman
Age: 18
Ht./Wt.: 6-4/195
Washington
The Celtics cash in once again with a top-three pick and land the player most teams consider to be the most talented prospect in the draft. Fultz will have the luxury of being able to ease his way into the NBA alongside some talented guards.
2. Phoenix: PG Lonzo Ball
Freshman
Age: 19
Ht./Wt.: 6-6/190
UCLA
While the Suns have a very talented point guard on a very friendly contract in Eric Bledsoe, it remains to be seen how he fits into their long-term outlook with such a young roster. Ball’s size, creativity and unselfishness will fit in well on a roster that ranks dead last in most passing metrics.
3. L.A. Lakers: SF Josh Jackson
Freshman
Age: 19
Ht./Wt.: 6-8/203
Kansas
The Lakers will be on pins and needles once again on the night of the lottery because this pick will be conveyed to Philadelphia if it falls outside of the top three. A big-time wing prospect would be a great addition to their talented roster, and Jackson’s defense, passing ability and versatility are very attractive.
4. Philadelphia: PG Dennis Smith
Freshman
Age: 19
Ht./Wt.: 6-3/195
North Carolina State
The 76ers are still trying to figure out their point-guard situation, where Ben Simmons may end up spending quite a bit of time offensively. Nevertheless, in a draft that is absolutely stacked at this position, they will have to look at Smith, Malik Monk (whose skill set perhaps fits the roster best), De’Aaron Fox and Frank Ntilikina because the 76ers aren’t in position to pass on talent in order to fill a specific need. A trade could also be something they look at to speed up the rebuilding process.
5. Minnesota: SF/PF Jonathan Isaac
Freshman
Age: 19
Ht./Wt.: 6-11/205
Florida State
The Timberwolves are one of the youngest teams in the NBA and might not be all that interested in adding another teenager to their roster. Barring a trade, someone like Isaac could be a good fit with Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns. He can guard multiple positions and stretch the floor, and plays an unselfish brand of basketball.
6. Orlando: PF Lauri Markkanen
Freshman
Age: 19
Ht./Wt.: 7-0/225
Arizona
The Magic are one of the worst offensive teams in the NBA, in no small part due to their lack of shooting. A power forward who can space the floor is a major need, and Markkanen looks like a great fit.
7. Sacramento: SF Jayson Tatum
Freshman
Age: 18
Ht./Wt.: 6-8/204
Duke
The Kings will lose this pick if it falls outside of the top 10. They have a gaping hole at small forward, and Tatum could be hard to pass. He has impressive scoring instincts and self-confidence, and will remind some of Rudy Gay.
8. New Orleans: PG De’Aaron Fox
Freshman
Age: 19
Ht./Wt.: 6-4/171
Kentucky
With Jrue Holiday entering free agency this summer, the Pelicans could look to address their future at point guard in a draft that is filled with playmakers. Fox’s length, athleticism and upside would fit well long term.
9. Dallas: PG Frank Ntilikina
International
Age: 18
Ht./Wt.: 6-5/170
Strasbourg (Turkish Airlines Euroleague)
Deron Williams is in his mid-30s and entering free agency, meaning the Mavs could start to think about long-term guard prospects. Ntilikina plays the brand of unselfish, intelligent basketball coach Rick Carlisle likes and projects as a multi-positional defender.
10. New York: PG/SG Malik Monk
Freshman
Age: 19
Ht./Wt.: 6-4/185
Kentucky
Regardless of whether Derrick Rose stays in New York, the Knicks could absolutely benefit from Monk’s offensive firepower. The sharp-shooting combo guard won’t have any qualms playing under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden.
11. Miami: SF/PF Miles Bridges
Freshman
Age: 18
Ht./Wt.: 6-6/226
Michigan State
Miami’s recent winning streak has taken it out of contention for the impressive crop of potential star guard prospects. Instead, the ultra-athletic Bridges could be an interesting combo forward to pair with fellow combo forward Justise Winslow.
12. Portland: PF/C Robert Williams
Freshman
Age: 19
Ht./Wt.: 6-9/237
Texas A&M
Portland will likely be in the market for a big man this summer because it doesn’t have much size inside other than soon-to-be free agent Mason Plumlee. While Williams is unlikely to solve the Blazers’ defensive issues anytime soon, he represents a nice gamble at this stage in the draft. He’s a young, ultra-athletic big man with a huge wingspan and plenty of room to improve.
13. Milwaukee: SG Terrance Ferguson
Age: 18
Ht./Wt.: 6-7/186
Adelaide, South Australia (National Basketball League)
The Bucks could definitely use a point guard, but would have to reach for one at this point. Wing is another position of need, and the three-and-D potential of Ferguson, who went to high school in Dallas, could be a good fit.
2/8/2017 10:36 AM