ESPN’s Chad Ford has updated his mock draft, publishing the sixth version of 2017’s mock on ESPN.com today (Insider link). According to Ford, Markelle Fultz is the top player on the Celtics‘ board, as expected, but he’s not the only player the team is considering. Sources tell Ford that Lonzo Ball, De’Aaron Fox, Josh Jackson, and Jayson Tatum are also on Boston’s radar, though a strong workout and interview with the C’s will likely seal the deal for Fultz.
Here are several more tidbits of note from Ford’s mock:
- The Lakers are “going out of their way” to downplay the idea that they’ve landed on Lonzo Ball. While that’s partly about controlling the narrative, the team’s front office is also somewhat split on the pick, according to Ford, who says L.A. hasn’t ruled out De’Aaron Fox or Josh Jackson.
- There’s an ongoing debate between the Sixers front office and coaching staff about which player they should take at No. 3, says Ford. If the team opts for the best player available, that probably means selecting Jackson or Fox, despite the fact that Malik Monk or Dennis Smith Jr. would be a better fit.
- The Suns are hoping Ball falls to them at No. 4, but will likely end up picking between Josh Jackson, De’Aaron Fox, and Jayson Tatum, per Ford.
- There’s some talk within the Kings‘ organization about packaging the 5th and 10th overall picks to move up and land Fox, who is viewed as a strong complement to Buddy Hield. However, that would be a steep price to pay, as Ford notes.
- Although the Mavericks have scouted French point guard Frank Ntilikina more than any other team in the NBA, Ford believes it would be hard for Dallas to pass up Dennis Smith Jr. if he’s available at No. 9.
- Former Duke sharpshooter Luke Kennard is drawing interest from teams picking as high as No. 8 (Knicks), and is a strong candidate for Detroit at No. 12, since the Pistons will likely target a shooter if they keep the pick.
It wouldn’t make a lick of sense. The Kings still don’t get free agents so in that, they need assets to develop or acquire better players. Best player available at 5 and 10. Unless they are trading up to 1 or 2, which neither of those team would do, they should stick with gaining as many assets as possible.
You forget that the owner “had to have” Buddy Heild. Like he was the cornerstone of that trade. So if he’s fixated on Fox. He’ll trade the #5 & #10 picks in a heartbeat.
With Fultz & Ball gone… I’d rank guys I’d want for the Sixers based on ceiling nba comps:
Jackson – Kawai Leonard
Isaac – KD
Fox – John Wall
Tatum – Melo
Monk – McCollum
Smith Jr. – Eric Bledsoe
Kenard – JJ Reddick
Issac – KD?!? Lmao please man.
I like Issac. Hoping my T-Wolves draft him. But that’s absurdity.
Isaac reminds me of aaron gordon when he came out
Isaac is bigger and longer. Basically same measurable as KD. And shooting guard skills. His maxed out ceiling would be KD. Or he could between KD and Rishard Lewis.
No.
5 and 10 for #3 is steep, but Sixers throw in Okafor to that deal and it looks like a beauty for both
Kennard at 8 or 12 is WAY too high.
He’s more like a 17-19 guy.
JJ Redick is a special shooter. Luke Kennard is not. Kennard has a better all-around game but not good enough to be picked as high as 8 or 12.
I would love the Lakers to deal the #2 for the Kings #5 and #10. Plus throw in one of those stupid contracts from Deng or Mozgov..