With the NBA’s All-Star Game around the corner, the trade deadline nearing, and the home stretch of the 2016/17 season not far off, it may not be the time to focus on June’s draft. But don’t tell that to ESPN’s Chad Ford (Insider link), who has published his newest 2017 mock draft, based on the current projected draft order.
In Ford’s latest mock, Markelle Fultz (Celtics), Lonzo Ball (Lakers), Josh Jackson (Suns), Malik Monk (Sixers), and Dennis Smith (Magic) are the first five players off the board. As ESPN’s draft guru explains, teams like the Celtics and Lakers don’t necessarily need another point guard, as their rosters feature bigger holes elsewhere. However, Ford thinks it will be hard for any team in the top two to pass up Fultz or Ball, based on their potential.
Here are a few more odds and ends from across the NBA:
- Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype spoke to a handful of current and former NBA players, including Caron Butler, Garrett Temple, and Rashard Lewis, about what it’s like to have one’s name mentioned in trade rumors, and how NBA players deal with those reports. “A lot of times, guys just want to be told the truth – no matter what that is,” Temple said. “What upsets guys the most is when the GM or personnel people are saying one thing to their face and doing something totally different behind the scenes.”
- James Anderson, who has appeared in 247 NBA games, including 51 for the Kings last season, is believed to be drawing NBA interest, according to Emiliano Carchia of Sportando. The 6’6″ wing has spent the season with Turkish team Darussafaka Dogus, with whom he has a two-year deal. However, Carchia writes that the club may be willing to let him out of that pact in the event of an NBA offer.
- Former Mavericks center Bernard James has been cut by French club Limoges just two games into his contract with the team, a source tells international basketball reporter David Pick (Twitter link). It’s not exactly an ideal birthday gift for James, who turns 32 today.
Lakers will be like the Sixers but opposite. Overstack there team with gaurds and not have enough time to develop all of them. Then they won’t have enough minutes to spread to everyone lol
they have dlo to develop, who else? clarkson?
Exactly. Boston doesn’t need Ball or Fultz. They’re better off trading these picks for an established star that fills a real need.
^ my thoughts as well. Both teams have a lot of decent talent/potential pieces on there roster. They should package them with these top 3 picks and trade for an all-star they need. (Jimmy Butler, Carmelo Anthony, Demarcus Cousins, Blake Griffin, Eric Bledsoe, etc).
Carmelo? Really?
I would only trade it for top 5 talent. This class I so good that the number 1 pick carries that much value might as well get a fultz
This draft class is weak
If Ben Simmons were hurt or traded, would the Sixers want Malik Monk at 5? Would other teams want Malik Monk at 5?
If the Sixers use Ben Simmons as a point guard, it makes sense to have a point guard sized shooting guard next to him, especially one that can also catch alley-oops from Simmons.
However, drafting for need is how you get stuck with a bust. Monk has subpar handles, takes horrible shots even if he makes a good amount, and is suspect as a one on one defender, nor does he much court vision. Even when Briscoe and Fox are sitting, Calipari has Dominique Hawkins run the offense.
Again, if Ben Simmons is not there, can Malik Monk run the offense?
I’d rather the Sixers get a more complete player in the top 10, then get a shooter in the second round: Shake Milton.
What makes you think Simmons won’t be in Philly? The franchise views him as a cornerstone for the team and they want to build around him as the point forward and Embiid at the 5.
Celtics and Lakers will both try and pry Cousins from the Kings with their picks. Lakers will go after some other marquee names like… PG13, Butler, Klay.
Lakers cant trade their pick
I wouldn’t pass up best players either but if I already had great guards I would make sure the one I was drafting could really shoot it and one with more size to guard multiple positions. Shooting, athleticism to finish at the Rim and help rebound and defensive versatility is where it’s at. I don’t know anything about the college players but I do know Washington always has good players but never does anything, tomato can recruit but can’t coach!
Lakers are not getting any of those top 2 guards. They belong to Boston and the Suns. Don’t be surprise when the Sacramento Kings decide they cannot pass up a Franchise point guard and decide to make the trade with the Phoenix Suns.
Either way Suns will draft the best player on the board PERIOD!!
Lol….. keep dreaming Laker fans