2017 NBA Mock Draft: Pre-Training Camp Edition

With all of the summer events complete and NBA training camp ready to commence for the 2016-17 season, it's a good time to unveil our first preseason 2017 mock draft board.

We used Las Vegas championship odds provided by Odds Shark to determine the order, with the biggest underdog (Brooklyn Nets, whose pick goes to the Boston Celtics) getting the first pick. Personal opinion was used as a tiebreaker for teams with the same odds. 

Unlike last year, when LSU product Ben Simmons started the season as the heavy No. 1 overall favorite, this season's top-prospect discussion is a fluid debate with a handful of candidates. 

Our first board features six one-and-done freshmen and three international players (three if you count one American playing overseas) in the lottery. With all the flashy new talent and some solid returning upperclassmen, this draft has the potential to be one of the better ones this decade. 

1. Boston Celtics (via Nets): Markelle Fultz (Washington, PG, Freshman)

Sam Forencich/Getty Images

It's not often a team has the chance to win the lottery and contend in the playoffs. Credit general manager Danny Ainge. He's built a competitive roster while putting the Boston Celtics in position to steal the 2017 first-overall selection—they have the right to swap picks with the lowly Brooklyn Nets, who look poised to challenge for the league's worst record.

Markelle Fultz will end up making the initial 2013 trade look like a robbery for the ages. Athletic with 6'4" size, crafty playmaking ability and takeover scoring potential, Fultz is a monster two-way prospect at the point guard position.

His MVP showing during July's FIBA Americas U18 Championship was a draft-projection game-changer. In a poll I conducted last week to identify the top name atop preseason draft boards, Fultz was the most popular answer among various NBA scouts, executives and media members.

Expect an enormous freshman season filled with volume, across-the-board production and flashes of NBA All-Star upside. Ainge will ignore team fit here and draft Fultz as the top prospect on the planet.

2. Phoenix Suns: Josh Jackson (Kansas, SF, Freshman)

Sam Forencich/Getty Images

The Phoenix Suns found a winner in Devin Booker, but even another giant step forward doesn't propel this team to many wins in 2016-17. General manager Ryan McDonough added projects (Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss) in last June's lottery, leaving the frontcourt with upside but not enough polish. 

Management should already have eyes on Josh Jackson, an obvious top-five candidate who'd fill a hole between Booker and the rookie bigs.

Jackson projects as an immediate impact player at Kansas, while tantalizing bounce and two-way versatility fuel exciting long-term upside. His skill set covers ground, with a threatening handle, passing instincts and a capable, improvable jumper. Meanwhile, transition play and defense come naturally, given his explosiveness, quickness and energy.

Look for Jackson to convert a high usage rate at Kansas into consistent production and flashes of No. 1 overall potential. 

3. Philadelphia 76ers: Dennis Smith Jr. (North Carolina State, PG, Freshman)

Playing Ben Simmons at point guard should work in stretches, but it's not an ideal full-time gig for the 6'10", 240-pounder who can't shoot or defend quicker guards or ball-handlers. The Philadelphia 76ers can't pass here on the chance to land a more traditional floor general with high-end starter potential.

Following last summer's torn ACL, all it should take is a setback-free freshman season for Dennis Smith Jr. to establish himself as a top-three overall talent. 

Smith packs explosive athleticism, which translates to eye-opening highlights and easy-bucket finishes point guards aren't typically capable of converting. 

He's just as dazzling off the dribble too. Shifty and quick, Smith uses mean change of speed and direction to slip through gaps and break down defenses. He's a playmaking tornado—the type of guard who can consistently find the paint and create shots for teammates. But with a sharp floater game and big-time burst around the key, Smith should do a ton of scoring in the lane. 

At this stage, Fultz has a more convincing perimeter game and extra size without any history of injury, but the 6'2" Smith isn't far behind.

4. Sacramento Kings: Frank Ntilikina (France, PG, 1998)

Frank Ntilikina has been on the radar for a few years now, and after a standout performancefor NBA scouts last February at Basketball Without Borders Global Camp, all signs point to the poised Frenchman declaring for the 2017 draft and drawing top-five looks.

Ntilikina, 6'5", blends size for the position with quickness and smooth athleticism. He isn't overly explosive, but he can play above the rim off momentum or compensate with body control and touch around the basket.

A natural facilitator with vision and passing instincts, Ntilikina's unselfishness, decision-making and playmaking suggest he's a distributor teammates will appreciate. Once his jumper starts to click—and there is no reason to think it can't—we should be looking at a complete point guard for the Sacramento Kings' weak backcourt.

5. Denver Nuggets: Harry Giles III (Duke, PF, Freshman)

Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images

Though an obvious talent, an explosive freshman year for Harry Giles III won't erase the two torn ACLs on his record. Injury history and a raw offensive game will keep teams from biting in the top three. And though things may change, at this stage the Philadelphia 76ers don't have room for another big man, particularly one who's already hurt each knee. 

But assuming Giles escapes his freshman year at Duke unscathed, he isn't slipping past the Denver Nuggets at No. 5. At some point, the potential reward becomes worth the risk, which may look minimal after a setback-free season.

Giles' ceiling is arguably the highest of any prospect's in the country, based on his spectacular physical profile, elite athleticism, live motor and room to improve. His bounce, length and energy alone should translate to routine double-doubles, both at Duke and the NBA level, regardless of how much skill he adds. 

Flashes of post moves and face-up drives suggest his offensive game will come around. If it does and Giles stays healthy, we could be talking about the top player to emerge from the 2017 class. 

6. Orlando Magic: Jayson Tatum (Duke, SF, Freshman)

Francois Nel/Getty Images

Consistent production and a polished scoring attack will earn Jayson Tatum top-five looks, but questionable shot selection and passing will push him to No. 6. 

Tatum could be a target for the Orlando Magic coming in, given the team's lack of shot creators at the forward spots. Unlike Aaron Gordon and Mario Hezonja, Tatum is the type of player coaches can isolate or go to for offense in the half court.

He's sharp one-on-one, with the ability to attack off the bounce or separate into balanced step-back and pull-up jumpers. Throw in capable three-point range and promising defensive tools. 

Even if inefficiency and limited playmaking instincts raise some concern, offensive upside and two-way potential (along with big numbers) keep Tatum locked into the top-10 discussion.

7. Charlotte Hornets: Ivan Rabb (California, PF, Sophomore)

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Ivan Rabb should return to California with a larger role following the departures of the team's top-three scorers: Jaylen Brown, Jordan Mathews and Tyrone Wallace. He's bound to convert the extra touches into more flashes of upside and consistent scoring production. 

Rabb stands 6'11" with bounce, motor and mid-range shooting potential, and one scout told me Rabb "has the chance to be like a LaMarcus Aldridge."

At the least, he gives the Charlotte Hornets a high-percentage finishing target, an active rebounder and a competitive interior presence. A best-case scenario envisions Rabb developing into a reliable post scorer (both face-up and back-to-the-basket) who can hit the mid-range jumper.

He has the chance to become the player Cody Zeller never did. 

8. Dallas Mavericks: De'Aaron Fox (Kentucky, PG, Freshman)

Sam Forencich/Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks have room for another guard, particularly one with De'Aaron Fox's playmaking and defensive potential. 

He'll gain quality experience running Kentucky's offense this season, which gives him weapons at every position; Fox is in a good spot to showcase his passing and setup ability from the point. And though Kentucky will value his passing more than his scoring, Fox's floater and pull-up jumper both work. He'll pick up his fair share of points in the mid-range and lane.

Fox should create buzz with signature quickness at both ends of the floor. He's going to rack up a ton of steals and forced turnovers with pressure, fast hands and his feet.

Questions over his shooting range and skinny frame (6'3, 160 lbs) keep Fox from cracking the top five, but after that, he's a good bet to emerge as the best available guard. 

9. Philadelphia 76ers (via Lakers): Jonathan Isaac (Florida State, SF, Freshman)

Assuming D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle each take a step forward while Brandon Ingram and Luol Deng bring some scoring and shooting in 2016-17, the Los Angeles Lakers should add to last year's 17-65 win total.

The only problem: L.A. gives its pick to the Philadelphia 76ers if it lands outside the top three.

Jonathan Isaac's preseason draft-range projection is wide. At No. 9, he sells the Philadelphia 76ers with upside created by 6'10" size, athleticism, face-up ball skills and a good-looking jumper. He's a future mismatch on the wing if he eventually ties everything together.

For Isaac, it's all about the future, three to five years down the road. Convincing scouts his elevator can rise to the roof could lead to legitimate top-five interest. 

But Isaac doesn't appear close. He'll enter the draft as a project and, at this stage, he's capable in all areas without specializing in any. His talent will show, though an uneven freshman year wouldn't be surprising.

Still, he's worth the price of a mid-first-round pick based on long-term potential alone—even if inconsistency clouds his 2016-17 body of work.

10. New Orleans Pelicans: Terrance Ferguson (Adelaide 36ers, SF, 1998)

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Terrance Ferguson's decision to play in Australia (over Arizona) shouldn't hurt his draft stock. That NBA-friendly mix of shooting and athleticism will still show—Ferguson, 6'7", blends size, quickness and bounce with a three-point stroke.

Scouts saw his jumper catch fire last April in Portland, Oregon, where he knocked down 7-of-11 triples at the Nike Hoop Summit. And though he's not the sharpest one-on-one scorer or off-the-dribble creator, convincing three-and-D potential buys him time. 

While Ferguson's offensive game develops, the New Orleans Pelicans will still value his ability to defend multiple positions and make outside shots.

11. Washington Wizards: Lauri Markkanen (Arizona, PF/C, Freshman)

Though Lauri Markkanen's not known for defense or rim protection, offensive versatility and athleticism give him the coveted stretch-4 label.

At 7'0", 230 pounds, he possesses the size of a 5 and the mobility to play power forward. But Markkanen's major selling point is that sweet shooting stroke out to the arc. He's knocked down 40.6 percent of his 138 three-point attempts through 33 FIBA games dating back to 2013.

Between his jumper and his quick first step, Markkanen projects as a mismatch for bigs uncomfortable defending the perimeter. 

After leading this summer's U20 European Championship in scoring, he looks ready to emerge as an immediate-impact player and a one-and-done lottery prospect. 

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Lonzo Ball (UCLA, PG, Freshman)

Kelly Kline/Getty Images

It's tough to argue against Giannis Antetokounmpo at point guard, but it wouldn't hurt for the Milwaukee Bucks to target a passer in the draft.  

Lonzo Ball's vision is as good as it gets—he sees every teammate on the floor and has this natural ability to sling darts with an effortless flick of the wrist. He's going to light up box scores and YouTube with spectacular assists all year. 

But a thin frame (6'5", 195 lbs), funky jumper and lack of explosiveness knock him into a separate tier from Fultz, Smith Jr., Ntilikina and Fox—the first four ball-handlers off the board. I anticipate Ball shooting a weak percentage and struggling to finish around the trees.

But despite some concerns over how his body and his game will translate, the Bucks will buy into his playmaking and one-of-a-kind set of eyes. Ball won't find a better mentor than head coach Jason Kidd in Milwaukee.

13. Utah Jazz: Kostja Mushidi (Germany, SG, 1998)

The Utah Jazz will go abroad with Kostja Mushidi. He'll play this year in Serbia for Mega Leks, the same team Timothe Luwawu—a 2016 first-round pick of the Philadelphia 76ers—broke out for in 2015-16. An athletic scorer and a high-energy wing, Mushidi intrigues with two-way versatility and motor.

He's flashed shooting range, floaters and tough-to-stop driving/slashing ability. Mushidi also defends both 2s and 3s. He's raw and a few years away, making him a draft-and-stash candidate for a Jazz team looking to take a big step in 2016-17. 

14. Portland Trail Blazers: Isaiah Hartenstein (Germany, PF, 1998)

Isaiah Hartenstein had a quiet summer recovering from back issues, but he hasn't faded from NBA radars. One general manager told Bleacher Report he thought the German could soar into the top five by draft night. 

He'll have some questions to answer for that to happen, though none pertain to his level of talent. At 6'11", he's athletic, strong and highly skilled with three-point range, face-up scoring ability and post moves. 

A dominant rebounder as well, Hartenstein's presence down low and his offensive range highlight inside-out mismatch potential.  

Concerns over his shot selection, defense and awareness are real, but they aren't problematic enough for the Portland Trail Blazers at No. 14. They'll chase the upside here with Hartenstein, who'd fill a hole up front.  

15. Detroit Pistons: Malik Monk (Kentucky, SG, Freshman)

Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images

Arguably the most explosive 2017 draft prospect, Malik Monk has athleticism and backcourt versatility that will entice the Detroit Pistons at No. 15.

A high-flyer with sound shooting mechanics and some wiggle off the dribble, he's the type of guard who can push the break, create off screens or slide into a spot-up role off the ball. 

He'll fall outside of the lottery because of questionable size, limited length and tough shot selection. Monk, who's measured 6'3 ½" or under with shoes since 2014, could have trouble separating into clean looks one-on-one against bigger, longer NBA 2s. 

Still, his elite athleticism, promising jumper and playmaking potential should draw top-20 interest.

16. Denver Nuggets (via Grizzlies): Marques Bolden (Duke, C, Freshman)

Sam Forencich/Getty Images

Marques Bolden will be low in Duke's offensive pecking order, but that won't mask his NBA potential.

A 6'11", 250-pound size, a 7'6" wingspan, 9'4 ½" standing reach, flawless physical tools and impressive mobility create an excellent foundation to build from for a center. However, he's more of a simple-play finisher at this stage, and chances are he struggles to score in volume alongside so many weapons at Duke. 

Still, he should flash enough glimpses of rim runs, spin moves, jump hooks and easy buckets. By the end of the season, scouts should feel good about Bolden's skills and their odds to improve. 

17. Houston Rockets: Jarrett Allen (Texas, C, Freshman)

Sam Forencich/Getty Images

There doesn't appear to be many centers for teams to target. While Jarrett Allen isn't the most exciting option, a clear NBA role will be waiting for him, whether in Houston or elsewhere. 

A rim-runner, finishing target, rebounding presence and shot-blocker, Allen can make an impact without needing touches, dribbles or skills. He's active around the basket, where he picks up buckets off dump-downs, lobs and putbacks. And he'll rack up his fair share of uncontested dunks by beating the opposing center down the floor.

Allen lacks polish and explosiveness, but assuming he sells himself with hustle, high-percentage offense and rim protection, his limited scoring ability and upside won't hurt his stock too much.

18. Atlanta Hawks: Tyler Lydon (Syracuse, PF, Sophomore)

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Having knocked down 49 threes at a 40.5 percent clip last season, Tyler Lydon should look like an answer for teams hoping to add a 4 who can stretch the floor. 

A convincing shooter, he's also a bouncy athlete with noteworthy hand-eye coordination. He picks up easy finishes off cuts, lobs and putbacks, and though he's not an advanced ball-handler, Lydon is a threat to attack closeouts with the dribble drives. 

His 2.4 blocks per 40 minutes were more a reflection of his leaping ability and timing than defensive potential. He lacks great size, both in terms of height (6'8") and strength (205 lbs). 

Still, the Atlanta Hawks will end up coveting Lydon's three-ball, his activity around the rim and strong basketball IQ.  

19. Miami Heat: Edrice Adebayo (Kentucky, PF/C, Freshman)

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The fourth Kentucky prospect to go in the top 20, Edrice "Bam" Adebayo will entice the Miami Heat with power, explosiveness and motor. 

He isn't a skilled big man, though he's flashed some mid-range touch; Adebayo's game is all about interior activity. An animal around the basket, he gives his guards a glowing target at the hoop, as well as a cleanup machine on the offensive glass. 

He blows by bigs in the open floor (without the ball), bounces above them at the rim and plays through contact below it. 

A limited offensive game, both inside and out, will cause lottery teams to hesitate. Mid-to-late first-round value seems more reasonable for an energizer like Adebayo.

20. Indiana Pacers: Jaron Blossomgame (Clemson, SF/PF, Senior)

Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

Jaron Blossomgame could return as one of the top producers in college basketball. And with 6'7", 220-pound size and explosive athleticism, the NBA door remains open to him, even after he'd failed to receive first-round love during the 2016 pre-draft process. 

He just averaged 18.7 points as a junior and appears one step away from securing a guaranteed rookie contract.

Blossomgame isn't a playmaker and despite his 44.6 percent mark from three last season, questionable mechanics and a small sample size raise doubt over those numbers. He'll need his scoring and defensive versatility to carry him, so sharpening his perimeter game as a shot creator and shot-maker will be priorities. 

I expect he'll make enough strides to sell scouts on his Wilson Chandler-like potential.  

21. New York Knicks: Wenyen Gabriel (Kentucky, PF, Freshman)

Sam Forencich/Getty Images

New York Knicks president Phil Jackson crushed a homer with the No. 4 pick in 2015. Despite the franchise being in constant win-now mode, he showed a willingness to gamble on Kristaps Porzingis' long-term upside over settling for a perceived safer, more NBA-ready option. It worked.

Projects won't scare off Jackson, who isn't likely to find an immediate impact player at No. 18, anyway. Thus, the Knicks will buy into Wenyen Gabriel's athleticism, motor and potential versatility.

He's going to win a ton of fans at Kentucky with high-energy hustle and exciting plays above the rim. He'll also draw praise for his ability to defend both bigs and wings around the perimeter, thanks to his quick feet and a 7'1" wingspan. On top of all of the off-ball activity, flashes of mid-range shooting, driving and defense help propel Gabriel into the first-round conversation.

However, lack of strength will be a popular discussion when projecting his NBA chances. Between Gabriel's skinny frame (6'9", 197 lbs) and lower skill level, there are some concerns.

22. Minnesota Timberwolves: Grayson Allen (Duke, SG, Junior)

Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Having already watched Grayson Allen drop 21.6 points a game, shoot a respectable 46.6 percent and a terrific 41.7 percent from three in 2015-16, we aren't likely to learn much more about his offensive capability. 

The question is, can it translate to NBA success? 

It's worth finding out in the 20s. Allen's athleticism and jumper should keep him afloat in the pros, even if his limited size (6'5") and length make life difficult in the half court. 

His transition offense, shot-making and ability to capitalize on open driving lanes look like good bets to carry over. In a worst-case scenario, it's still easy to envision Allen carving out a career as a bench spark. He'd be a fit in a Minnesota Timberwolves lineup that lacks 2-guard depth and shooting.

23. Chicago Bulls: OG Anunoby (Indiana, SG/SF, Sophomore)

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

A breakout postseason catapulted OG Anunoby into the 2017 first-round discussion. 

He'll continue to create buzz with flashy athleticism and feet that don't stop moving. It's easy to see Anunoby's defensive upside, based on his energy and lateral quickness for a 6'8" wing—he forces turnovers and guards three to four positions.

Anunoby must make strides offensively as a sophomore, especially given the fact he'll have a significantly larger role. In just 13.7 minutes per game, he relied on easy buckets off transition, cuts, putbacks and open jumpers.

If he proves he can create a little more off the dribble and shoot the three with comfort drives, his stock will be in lottery territory.

24. Oklahoma City Thunder: V.J. Beachem (Notre Dame, SG, Senior)

Elsa/Getty Images

V.J. Beachem needs to strengthen his defense, but his athleticism, sharpshooting and efficiency could help draw NBA interest. 

He drilled 44.4 percent of his threes last season (second consecutive year over 41 percent) and looked convincing with clean mechanics and rhythm. We've seen flashes of pull-up jumpers and dunks off line drives, but this year with Demetrius Jackson and Zach Auguste gone, his scoring output should dramatically jump from last year's 12 points per game.

Regardless, a team like the Oklahoma City Thunder will grab Beachem for his ability to knock down outside shots off kickouts, spot-ups, screens and curls. His ceiling isn't high, but Beachem's 6'8" size and natural stroke could have general managers viewing him as a shot-making specialist. 

25. Toronto Raptors: Jonathan Jeanne (France, PF/C, 1997)

Scouts get to watch Jonathan Jeanne play his first season in LNB Pro A (France's top division) this year. 

In the past (mostly during FIBA play), he's opened eyes with a unique blend of 7'2" size, mobility, outside touch and some ball-handling ability. NBA teams will be asking themselves whether he's physically built for the pro interior, and if not, they'll wonder if can he survive as a stretch big around the perimeter. 

Either way, assuming we continue to see flashes of up-and-down running, shooting potential and soft hands around the basket, Jeanne is a boom-or-bust option worth gambling on with a late first-round pick.

26. Toronto Raptors (via Clippers): Edmond Sumner (Xavier, PG, Sophomore)

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Edmond Sumner stands out under the NBA lens, but he'll need a more complete year to make the big jump up draft boards. 

Showing he's a better shooter than his 30.1 three-point mark suggests will be a priority. And he could stand to do a better job finishing at the rim, where he only converted at a 49.6 percent clip, per Hoop-Math.com. 

But athleticism and 6'5" size for a ball-handler drive his ceiling higher than most late first-rounders. With unteachable strengths (height, leaping ability, quickness) and correctable weaknesses, the hope is that his ball skills and shooting catch up to his tools, speed and bounce.

The amount of progress he makes in 2016-17 will determine whether we're looking at a lottery pick or a late one in the 20s.  

27. Brooklyn Nets (via Celtics): Rawle Alkins (Arizona, SG, Freshman)

Roberto Serra/Iguana Press/Getty Images

Even in a crowded Arizona backcourt, Rawle Alkins will be tough to sit.

Powerful and quick, he'll put pressure on defenses with aggressive drives and outside shooting. We'll also see him guard three positions and establish a two-way identity. He might not turn out to be the most disciplined defender, but he'll compete.

Depending on his role, Alkins could end up choosing to return as a sophomore, when he'd likely be more heavily featured. 

28. San Antonio Spurs: Devonte' Graham (Kansas, PG, Junior)

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

The San Antonio Spurs should appreciate Devonte' Graham's toughness and defense. He isn't the flashiest playmaker, but he's a disciplined ball-handler who makes the right reads, and he'll enter the NBA with a proven jumper. 

Graham hit at least 42 percent of his threes in each of his first two seasons. A terrific shooter who can create, pass and defend, the only thing holding him back is size (6'2") and explosiveness. 

He'll be 22 years old by draft night and won't offer starter upside, but Graham's role-player potential is appealing. It's become easier to picture him as a two-way backup off an NBA bench.

29. Clevland Cavaliers: Thomas Bryant (Indiana, PF/C, Sophomore)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Thomas Bryant already has the NBA body (6'10", 245 lbs), tools and a wingspan that last measured 7'5 ½" in 2014. 

He even managed to shoot 68.3 percent as a freshman, doing most of his work as a finisher off dump-downs, cuts and offensive rebounds. He'll want to show a more refined post game and threatening jumper in 2016-17, but most importantly he has to prove he won't be a defensive liability. Bryant's awareness looked poor last season, particularly in pick-and-roll coverage. 

It's not Bryant's talent that's in question—it's whether he can apply it at both ends of the floor. 

30. Utah Jazz (via Warriors): Dwayne Bacon (Florida State, SG/SF, Sophomore)

Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports

Dwayne Bacon was productive his freshman year but still has obvious wrinkles to iron out. 

Improving his defense and shooting percentages are top priorities. Bacon, who projects as a perimeter scorer, hit just 28.1 percent of his threes and 35.9 percent of his two-point jumpers, per Hoop-Math.com. 

But he's smooth in transition and a threatening driver who can separate into mid-range jumpers and knock down open threes. He'll just have to make more of those outside opportunities in 2016-17. 

Wingspan measurables courtesy of DraftExpress.