2017 NBA Mock Draft: Final Look Before Season Begins

Bleacher Report's most recent NBA mock draft, which was established before training camp began, has received some final touching up before the 2016-17 season officially tips off. 

Exciting new freshmen should give the 2017 class a little more flash than last year. 

Throw in California's Ivan Rabb and a handful of other breakout candidates, and this projected group offers both star power and depth. 

We used Las Vegas championship odds provided by Odds Shark to determine the draft 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. 

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

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After swapping picks with the Brooklyn Nets, Danny Ainge will do what he's consistently done as Boston Celtics general manager—ignore fit, NBA-readiness and position to draft the No. 1 talent on his board. 

The early favorite: Markelle Fultz, who's strengthened his case with every game and event over the past year.

A scoring ball-handler and willing playmaker, his game is built for the lead guard role in today's NBA. Fultz, who's 6'4" and can bounce above the rim, combines advanced skills, terrific passing instincts and a good head on his shoulders.

He's the total package who'll back up all the potential with volume production at Washington. Bank on D'Angelo Russell comparisons and similar stats to his one season at Ohio State.

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

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North Carolina State's Dennis Smith Jr. and Duke's Harry Giles III could earn consideration, but the Phoenix Suns opt for Josh Jackson, whose textbook fit tips the scales. 

A 6'7", high-flying wing, Jackson slides seamlessly between Devin Booker and the new rookie bigs (Marquese Chriss, Dragan Bender).

Flashes of explosive transition play, ball-handling, passing and shot-making portend offensive versatility. But Jackson's defense and competitive streak should earn just as much praise from scouts and coaches. 

As long as his jumper doesn't set off any alarms, Jackson's well-rounded game and off-the-floor reputation should win him fans in every NBA organization. 

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

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The Philadelphia 76ers have been patient with their point guard search, passing on Emmanuel Mudiay, Kris Dunn, Dante Exum and Marcus Smart in recent drafts.

They'll pull the trigger in 2017; Dennis Smith Jr. will be an exciting consolation prize if the Celtics or Suns take Fultz. 

Between the two, we could be looking at the top one-and-done lead guards since Kyrie Irving.

Assuming the bounce returns in Smith's knee following last summer's ACL tear, world-class quickness and explosiveness—along with developing skills and disruptive defense—should carry him toward the top of NBA draft boards. 

The Sixers will have two lottery picks, but they won't be able to land a star point guard with their second, so they'll prioritize and target one first. 

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

With Fultz and Smith off the board, the Sacramento Kings will look at Frank Ntilikina to eventually take over the offense from Darren Collison. 

More fundamentally sound than flashy, Ntilikina would not only bring poise to an organization that lacks discipline but, more importantly, an athletic, 6'5" point guard and two-way player.

He's been efficient early on, playing 15.7 minutes for Strasbourg and averaging 6.8 points on 13-of-21 shooting and 4-of-10 from three.

Ntilikina's size, defense and unselfishness remind me of Dante Exum. As long as the Frenchman continues to look more comfortable shooting with range, he'll finish the year behind Fultz and Smith as the next-best option at guard. 

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

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A third knee surgery before 19 years old takes Harry Giles III out of the top-three discussion at this juncture. But unless doctors discover damage that could have long-term effects, the Denver Nuggets won't pass on elite talent. 

His superstar athleticism, 6'11" size and 7'3" wingspan form a scary big-man foundation. He impacts games without significant offensive polish by tapping into explosive bounce, monster tools and a high motor.  

It's scary to think what he'll look like if the skills catch up to everything else. 

At No. 5, the potential reward is worth the risk for the Nuggets, who could be looking for a new power forward by 2017-18, anyway. 

6. Charlotte Hornets: Jayson Tatum (Duke, SF, Freshman)

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Behind Fultz, Jayson Tatum is a good bet to finish second among one-and-done standouts in scoring, which will be his forte through college and the pros.

He projects as an option coaches can go to against set half-court defenses, given his strong one-on-one game. Step-backs, pull-ups, jab steps, drives—Tatum has developed both advanced shot-creating and shot-making ability.

As appealing as Michael Kidd-Gilchrist's defense and energy have become, the Charlotte Hornets could use another offensive weapon in the middle of the lineup. 

Ideally, Tatum develops into a small-ball 4 with enough size and too much quickness/skill for traditional power forwards to defend. He still must improve his three-point range to fit alongside Kidd-Gilchrist, however.

Either way, Charlotte takes Tatum at No. 6 as the top available talent after what should be a productive freshman season at Duke.

7. Orlando Magic: Ivan Rabb (California, PF/C, Sophomore)

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Between Ivan Rabb's physical tools/athleticism and productivity through two years at California, teams should wind up viewing him as one of the draft's safer options. 

The question concerns Rabb's ceiling and how much his scoring ability can develop. Even if he never evolves into a consistent go-to option and high-level shot-creator, his finishing prowess, rebounding instincts and motor should still hold value as a small-ball center. 

But Rabb's mid-range jumper has shown signs, as has his footwork in the post. 

The Orlando Magic could look at Kentucky's De'Aaron Fox to replace Elfrid Payton, but similar scoring and shooting limitations could turn them off. They'll add even more frontcourt depth with Rabb, an attractive low-risk prospect once all the high-upside names are taken.

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

The Los Angeles Lakers give their pick to the Philadelphia 76ers if it lands outside the top three, which is what we're assuming in this scenario.

It wouldn't be crazy to think Philadelphia may look to trade its second lottery selection, given its abundance of youngsters and the proven value it could likely receive in return. Otherwise, the team will continue to stockpile high-upside prospects.

Jonathan Isaac will turn heads early with 6'10" size and the skill set of a 2-guard or wing. He's unpolished and likely to remind scouts often with bad misses and turnovers, but his face-up ball skills are unusually advanced for a player his height. 

An impressive ball-handler with three-point range, versatile shot-making ability and defensive potential, Isaac offers top-five-caliber upside to a Sixers lineup that lists Robert Covington and Hollis Thompson at small forward.

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

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The Dallas Mavericks will take the best available player, and assuming De'Aaron Fox falls in that tier, the fact he's a point guard could be the tie-breaker. 

He offers the speed and quickness Dallas starter Deron Williams couldn't match even in his prime. Between Fox's lightning feet and hands, his defense will create the most buzz. But he's just as dangerous in a setup role, with the ability to change speeds, penetrate and find the open man. 

Flashes of pull-up shooting, floaters and crafty drives highlight scoring potential as well, but playmaking at both ends of the floor will represent Fox's bread and butter. 

With Williams entering the final year of his deal, look for the Mavericks to have eyes on this Texas native who's expected to run Kentucky's offense. 

10. New Orleans Pelicans: OG Anunoby (Indiana, SF, Sophomore)

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A popular breakout candidate after turning heads during last year's NCAA tournament, OG Anunoby looks poised to rise with athleticism, motor and coveted three-and-D potential. 

Defensive versatility/upside should lead the scouting report. At 6'8", he's big and long enough to cover small-ball 4s, and laterally quick enough to contain wings or guards. Throw in relentless energy, and Anunoby has the chance to become a unique defensive weapon.

He doesn't project as a creator or scorer, but flashes of shooting, driving and transition aptitude suggest there is still offensive value to unlock. 

The New Orleans Pelicans could chase the upside with Anunoby, whose workload will skyrocket in 2016-17. 

11. Washington Wizards: Marques Bolden (Duke, C, Freshman)

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The Washington Wizards add youth and upside with Marques Bolden to their uninspiring frontcourt. 

More physical tools than skill at this stage, Bolden won't score a ton at Duke, but there isn't any teaching his 6'11", 245-pound frame and 7'6" wingspan. He uses his size, length and mobility well, consistently picking up easy buckets inside off putbacks, catch-and-finishes and timely cuts. 

But flashes of spin moves and high-percentage jump hooks hint at scoring potential to develop. 

In terms of value, selling himself as a rim protector would help compensate for his limited shooting range and lack of versatility. 

12. Atlanta Hawks: Isaiah Hartenstein (Germany, PF, 1998)

Back on the floor after taking it easy over the summer with a back injury, Isaiah Hartenstein should emerge as one of the more sought-after 2017 overseas prospects. 

He's looked comfortable through three games for Zalgiris in Lithuania. Big, mobile and skilled, Hartenstein's physical tools and offensive versatility stand out under the NBA scouting lens. 

He's flashed three-point range and post moves, as well as the ability to face up and attack slower bigs. Keeping the ball moving will be a point of emphasis from coaches, but Hartenstein can actually deliver advanced passes.

Though diminishing concerns over his defense and awareness will be priorities, talent alone should be enough to draw late-lottery interest.

13. Miami Heat: Edrice "Bam" Adebayo (Kentucky, PF/C, Freshman)

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Unmatched explosiveness, nonstop energy and a powerful body separate Edrice Adebayo. Wherever he goes, from Kentucky to the NBA, coaches will value his ability to convert catches around the basket into easy, unguardable finishes. 

He'll run the floor and crash the glass, making plays without needing any run for him.

Unfortunately, Adebayo isn't particularly skilled and doesn't project as a shot-creator or a shot-maker. Unless he suddenly develops post moves or shooting touch, his moneymakers will be bounce and motor that translate to high-percentage offense and activity at the rim. 

Other than Hassan Whiteside, Miami Heat's big men include Derrick Williams, Josh McRoberts and Udonis Haslem. Adebayo will add some life and depth to one of the league's shallower frontcourts. 

14. Utah Jazz: Lauri Markkanen (Arizona, PF/C, Freshman)

Coming from Finland, Lauri Markkanen doesn't get the same recognition as other projected one-and-done freshmen. But his potential has been brewing, with Markkanen making more and more noise each summer at the European Championships, which he led this summer in scoring. 

The obvious attraction stems from his shooting stroke for an athletic 7-footer. He can't be left open from behind the arc, and he's also flashed the versatility to free himself up and knock down jumpers off movement. 

With the ability to attack closeouts via drives, as well as convert playing back to the basket, Markkanen's offensive game looks tailor-made for today's NBA.

But he doesn't offer much rim protection, and his rebounding has been underwhelming—weaknesses that drop his value from early to late lottery. 

15. Houston Rockets: Tyler Lydon (Syracuse, PF, Sophomore)

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Tyler Lydon wasn't on NBA radars out of high school, but his athleticism, three-point shooting and role-player potential caught scouts' attention in 2015-16.

Though not a creator, he finds ways to pick up buckets within the offense off cuts, line drives, putbacks and spot-up opportunities. Defensively, his 2.4 blocks per 40 minutes were more a reflection of his leaping ability and timing than defensive potential.

Don't count on volume scoring, he'll still draw interest based on his particular skill set and fit in today's league, which values frontcourt players who stretch the floor. 

16. Milwaukee Bucks: Terrance Ferguson (Adelaide 36ers, SG/SF, 1998)

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It's been an encouraging start in Australia for Terrance Ferguson, who's finished with double figures in scoring during two of four games.

He looks like be belongs, despite playing against grown men overseas. The unique setting won't mask Ferguson's 6'7" size, athleticism and shooting stroke—a promising three-and-D combination. Though not a big shot-creator or playmaker, he does a nice job of scoring within the offense (off spot-ups and line drives) and capitalizing on transition opportunities. 

With Giannis Antetokounmpo playing some guard in Milwaukee, the Bucks grab Ferguson in the mid-first round for depth at the wing positions. 

17. Detroit Pistons: Jarrett Allen (Texas, C, Freshman)

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Jarrett Allen won't win any style awards, but NBA teams will covet his 7'0" size, 7'5 ½" wingspan, mobility and motor. 

He'll routinely approach double-doubles at Texas without any advanced skills. The low post is Allen's office, where he goes to work as an offensive rebounder, finisher and over-the-shoulder scorer. Along with high-percentage offense, he provides rim protection via his energy and length. 

Allen isn't explosive and lacks both touch and the ability to create his own shot. He'll be viewed more as a safer rotation big than a high-upside prospect. 

18. Portland Trail Blazers: Jonathan Jeanne (France, C, 1997)

The NBA draft has been waiting for Jonathan Jeanne's 7'2" size, mobility and ball skills, which scouts have seen over the years during FIBA play and his time as a member of the developmental team for Le Mans Sarthe Basket.

Though not as tough inside as Rudy Gobert, he offers similar size and length, along with an intriguing shooting stroke. 

Jeanne could fall into the boom-or-bust category, but some general manager should be willing to gamble in hopes of landing a unique, unmatchable weapon. 

19. Denver Nuggets (via Grizzlies): Lonzo Ball (UCLA, PG, Freshman)

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Lonzo Ball's passing should carry him into the 2017 first round. His vision is second to none, and at 6'6", he has the size to operate over the defense. 

He's not the sharpest scorer or shooter, with a thin frame that could struggle with contact at the rim and a jumper unlikely to produce consistent results. Teams may ultimately wind up viewing Ball more as a backup than a high-upside starter. 

Even if Emmanuel Mudiay takes a step forward during his sophomore year in Denver, the Nuggets' bench could use another playmaker, considering none of their 2-guards project as big assist men.

20. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jaron Blossomgame (Clemson, SF/PF, Senior)

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Jaron Blossomgame will be the first senior taken in June after what should be another highly productive season. 

He managed to slide under the radar last year despite averaging 18.7 points and sporting a can't-miss NBA body (6'7", 220 pounds). Blossomgame even hit 44.6 percent of his threes and had moments that highlighted encouraging defensive potential. 

But he's already 23 years old, which raises questions about how much room he has to improve. Despite the explosive athleticism, physical tools and big numbers, there wasn't substantial NBA interest last May.

Tom Thibodeau likes finished products though, so the Minnesota Timberwolves could be an intriguing fit.

21. Indiana Pacers: Malik Monk (Kentucky, SG, Freshman)

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Malik Monk's elite athleticism and perimeter scoring will create buzz all season long at Kentucky.

NBA evaluators will have to decide how much stock to put into his lack of size (6'3") for a 2-guard. But Monk's ability to explode above the rim and knock down spot-up threes and pull-ups should look convincing. He's the best bet to lead the Wildcats in scoring, and though not a point guard, he'll likely flash some playmaking potential as well.

At No. 21, the Indiana Pacers could view Monk as both the top available player and a long-term upgrade at the 2 spot.

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

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We'll be talking about Wenyen Gabriel's energy more than anything else; He lacks strength but not motor. Gabriel runs the floor, crashes the glass and cleans up inside with a nose for the ball.

Coaches will value his knack for making these hustle plays. 

His final year in high school, we even started to see him comfortably knock down jumpers and put the ball on the floor. He's a first-round talent as long as he doesn't consistently get exposed physically. 

Chicago Bulls: Kostja Mushidi (Germany, SG/SF, 1998)

Already playing significant minutes with Mega Leks, Kostja Mushidi should draw NBA attention, even if the efficiency isn't there.

He's a project, but Mushidi passes the eye test with terrific physical tools, athleticism, energy and developing offense. He's flashed glimpses of three-point shooting, mid-range shot-creating and crafty drives and finishes. A strong frame, long arms and motor also highlight intriguing defensive potential and versatility. 

Mushidi is clearly a few years away, but that won't stop a team from drafting-and-stashing or chasing the upside.

24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Grayson Allen (Duke, SG, Junior)

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A strong National Player of the Year candidate, Grayson Allen appears on track for another productive season. 

But NBA teams won't be worrying about his scoring average. As a role player in the pros, he'll be asked to knock down open jumpers, attack in the open floor and move the ball—not create.

It's important for Allen to prove last year's 41.7 percent mark from downtown wasn't a fluke. And it wouldn't hurt to duplicate his 3.5 assists per game. 

Average size, no mid-range game and poor defense hold Allen's ceiling in check, but his explosive athleticism and shooting should work nicely in an energizer role.

25. Toronto Raptors: Edmond Sumner (Xavier, PG, Sophomore)

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Expectations are high for Edmond Sumner. Scouts will want to see him convert the freshman flashes into consistent, every-game occurrences. 

Regardless, it's still easy to see why a team could fall in love with Sumner's long-term potential. At 6'5", he's quick, explosive and shows a decent feel for facilitating for teammates off the dribble. 

But he'll have to do something about his jumper and last year's 30.1 percent three-point mark; Shaky shooting mechanics suggest improvement won't happen overnight. 

Sumner's upside screams lottery, but being labeled a project at the NBA's most competitive position makes him a safer gamble in the 20s. 

26. Toronto Raptors (via Clippers): Rawle Alkins (Arizona, SG, Freshman)

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Rawle Alkins combines power and quickness with dangerous scoring ability. He'll make an impact right away by knocking down jumpers and putting pressure on both the defense and rim. 

The flashy stats aren't likely to be there in year No. 1, when Arizona will be loaded in the backcourt. Returning as a go-to sophomore may be the move, but it wouldn't be surprising if he drew some interest after one season.

With a grown-man's body, shot-creating skills and plenty of shooting range, Alkins should find the radar and rise once the season gets going.

27. Brooklyn Nets (via Celtics): Carlton Bragg Jr. (Kansas, PF, Sophomore)

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A much bigger role at Kansas should help Carlton Bragg Jr. earn some NBA looks.

He passes the eye test with a strong power forward body and athleticism, but it's the mid-range jumper that gives Bragg an edge. He has soft touch and solid mechanics out to 20 feet.

Between his finishing ability, rebounding and shooting potential, he looks the part of a pick-and-pop, role-playing big man. 

He'll have to improve defensively—Bragg isn't a shot-blocker and struggled to avoid fouling as a freshman. Otherwise, he'll want to expand his post game to become a tougher one-on-one scorer.

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

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Devonte' Graham isn't flashy, but he possesses enough size (6'2"), quickness, toughness and skill to come off looking like an NBA-caliber reserve. 

An excellent shooter, Graham made at least 41 percent of his three-pointers in both seasons and looks proficient with the pull-up jumper—a shot that helps compensate for limited explosiveness at the rim, and one that makes him a difficult ball-screen to cover.

He'll be 22 years old by draft night, but late-first-round teams won't be worrying about upside. 

29. Cleveland Cavaliers: Dwayne Bacon (Florida State, SG/SF, Sophomore)

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Dwayne Bacon averaged 15.8 points as a freshman, but his game still has holes to fill. 

His defense and shooting were inconsistent—bad signs for a projected NBA role player. Bacon made just 28.1 percent of his threes and 35.9 percent of his two-point jumpers, per Hoop-Math.com. 

But you can't teach 6'7", 221-pound size or athleticism. His physical tools and offensive game mirror Arron Afflalo's.

Bacon is a scorer, strong around the basket and skilled facing up. He can create and make shots from all over the floor. 

30. Golden State Warriors: V.J. Beachem (Notre Dame, SG/SF, Senior)

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The appeal to V.J. Beachem isn't a mystery. He's hit at least 41 percent of his three-pointers in back-to-back seasons. A shooting specialist with a pure stroke, this a 6'8" 2-guard (or wing) knocks down jumpers by pulling up, spotting up and running off screens. 

Teams could view Beachem as a role-playing shot-maker with competitive size and athleticism.

Considering he isn't a shot-creator or playmaker, he'd be in better shape stock-wise if he played better defense his junior year.