NBA Mock Draft 2017: Bold Predictions for 1st-Round Prospects

It doesn't get bolder than trading for the NBA draft's top selection.

The Philadelphia 76ers took the crown in this regard recently by swiping the No. 1 pick from the Boston Celtics via a monster of a deal that included a trio of first-round picks. TNT's David Aldridge reported the agreement, with the 76ers expected to select Washington's Markelle Fultz.

Good luck one-upping such a bold move.

Alas, let's attempt to do so below after an updated look at a mock draft. There are plenty of wild rumors flying around right now—such as the Cleveland Cavaliers wanting Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler, according to ESPN.com's Marc Stein.

But the draft shockers aren't over yet. Here's a look at a few more potential noteworthy developments to watch as the draft approaches.

2017 NBA Mock Draft

Team	Player
1. 76ers (via BOS*)	Markelle Fultz, G, Washington
2. Lakers	De'Aaron Fox, G, Kentucky
3. Celtics (via BKN, PHI*)	Josh Jackson, F, Kansas
4. Suns	Lonzo Ball, G, UCLA
5. Kings (via PHI)	Jayson Tatum, F, Duke
6. Magic	Jonathan Isaac, F, Florida State
7. Timberwolves	Zach Collins, C, Gonzaga
8. Knicks	Frank Ntilikina, G, France
9. Mavericks	Dennis Smith Jr., G, NC State
10. Kings (via NO)	Malik Monk, G, Kentucky
11. Hornets	Harry Giles, F, Duke
12. Pistons	Lauri Markkanen, F, Arizona
13. Nuggets	Terrance Ferguson, G, Australia
14. Heat	OG Anunoby, F, Indiana
15. Trail Blazers	Ivan Rabb, F, California
16. Bulls	John Collins, F, Wake Forest
17. Bucks	Tony Bradley, C, North Carolina
18. Pacers	Jarrett Allen, C, Texas
19. Hawks	Isaiah Hartenstein, F, Lithuania
20. Trail Blazers (via MEM)	Justin Jackson, F, North Carolina
21. Lakers (via OKC*)	TJ Leaf, F, UCLA
22. Nets (via WAS)	Donovan Mitchell, G, Louisville
23. Raptors (via LAC)	Rodions Kurucs, F, Spain
24. Jazz	Ike Anigbogu, C, UCLA
25. Magic (via TOR)	Jordan Bell, F, Oregon
26. Trail Blazers (via CLE)	Dwayne Bacon, F, Florida State
27. Nets (via BOS)	Sindarius Thornwell, G, South Carolina
28. Thunder (via HOU, LAL*)	Caleb Swanigan, F, Purdue
29. Spurs	Frank Jackson, PG, Duke
30. Jazz (via GSW)	Luke Kennard, G, Duke

Bold Predictions

Lakers Trade Up in 1st Round for TJ Leaf

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

It's fun to speculate about what the Los Angeles Lakers may or may not do when it comes to names like Paul George. 

But for now, it's best to think Magic Johnson and the front office have an eye on the draft alone. Clutching its second pick tends to force such a focus, though the Lakers don't want to stop there.

The Lakers hold two picks in the opening round, yet sound ready to wheel and deal while acquiring another based off a note from ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne: "The Lakers have engaged at least two teams in the lottery, sources said, as they search for players to improve their outside shooting and perimeter defense."

Granted, this talks about adding another pick. But that's easier said than done and the Lakers don't exactly have a ton of assets to float out there in exchange for a valuable asset. And the ones they do, the front office doesn't sound keen on moving yet, according to The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski:

The above mock doesn't reflect hypothetical trades, but look for the Lakers to at a bare minimum move up and get a guy they like.

UCLA's TJ Leaf certainly fits the bill.

A 6'10", 225-pound forward, Leaf averaged 16.3 points on 61.7 percent shooting from the floor and 46.6 percent shooting from three-point range as a freshman. His perimeter shooting will help space the floor for the draft's second pick, not to mention guys like D'Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram.

The Lakers trading up from No. 28 to get Leaf is a nice balance. It's less costly from an asset perspective and the 28th pick isn't a huge loss because a trio of first-round picks weren't all going to see the floor. Leaf will as a rookie at least on a rotational basis while sticking close to UCLA.

Dennis Smith Jr. Falls to Mavericks

Gerry Broome/Associated Press

The Dallas Mavericks feel like a team with one foot hanging off the side of a cliff more so than any other. 

One wrong move in the top 10 this year, the other foot swings over the gap and the franchise goes tumbling for years. One quality decision and the airborne foot swings back the other way to solid ground.

On paper, NC State's Dennis Smith Jr. is that solid ground.

Smith is a top-five or even top-three pick in most draft classes. He's not this year because of the incredible quality of point guards, but it's still a big shock to see him fall to the Mavericks above at No. 9.

After all, Smith is 6'2" and 190 pounds of freakish athleticism he puts to use by slashing to the basket at will. An ESPN.com scouting report from late March sums up his strengths quite well: "Smith's combination of elite athleticism and offensive firepower makes him a very attractive draft prospect. He's an explosive leaper who can finish high above the rim. He's quick off the bounce and excels at getting to the rim, and he showed an improved three by shooting 36 percent from beyond the arc this season."

So no, it's not too hard to see why the high-end comparison for Smith is Russell Westbrook. For the Mavericks, getting a Westbrook of their own is a best-case scenario.

The Mavericks only have so much time before handing things over from Dirk Nowitzki to Nerlens Noel. The backcourt is a mess, and the Harrison Barnes deal will keep drawing scrutiny until the rest of the roster improves.

Smith's arrival helps in all these areas, even if the results aren't obvious right away. In hindsight, this bold mock development might look like the best move of the draft.

Lonzo Ball Takes a Dive

Damian Dovarganes/Associated Press

Somebody has to do it. 

The Lakers drafting Lonzo Ball seems like the most obvious move of the 2017 draft and honestly has since before the collegiate season even began, because we knew Ball would shine and the Lakers...not so much.

But things change in a hurry when the draft nears.

Look, this is smokescreen season. But Wojnarowski reported the Lakers wanted to trade up to No. 1 but couldn't compete with Philadelphia's offer. Now a report from ESPN.com's Chad Ford suggests the Lakers would entertain a trade down to No. 4 if the Phoenix Suns offer a first-round pick.

Remember the above? Los Angeles would love another selection in the first round. These don't seem like mere smokescreens, either—a move up suggested targeting Fultz, a willingness to move down suggests they either think Ball will fall or they don't value him enough to stand pat in the face of a good offer.

And why would they? Ball is a great passer, but he's not an explosive athlete by any means. The way the league keeps developing, this could be a bigger issue than most realize. Feel free to sprinkle in the distraction factor, the LaVar Ball factor and Lonzo disappointing in his first workout with the team, per Ford.

According to the same writeup, the Lakers-Ball hype might mostly stem from past members of the organization: "I also think it reflects a genuine split within the organization about whom the best long-term candidate is. Ball was a clear favorite of the prior administration run by Mitch Kupchak and still has his fans within the organization."

Understand that Ball falling a bit won't hurt his career. Almost every note above makes it a point to stress how much Phoenix likes him. His playing next to Devin Booker would form perhaps one of the NBA's best young backcourts for a long time—and makes for an incredible revenge rivalry with the Lakers.

All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.