Chad Ford NBA Mock Draft 2017: Notable Picks from ESPN Guru's 2nd Mock

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ESPN.com NBA draft guru Chad Ford released his second mock draft of the season on Tuesday despite the year being less than halfway completed. 

But it's never too early to start thinking ahead, as Ford's predictions can be seen below:

Notable Picks

Markelle Fultz, G, Washington

Ford's Prediction: No. 1

It's difficult to decipher a clear-cut No. 1 pick for the June 22 draft, but Ford believes that the Philadelphia 76ers will have the top selection and will go with Markelle Fultz.  

The 6'4" Maryland native is one of numerous highly touted freshmen who will likely head to the NBA next year, but he is one of the best. 

In 13 games this season, Fultz has averaged 22.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game as a versatile athlete who can play the 1, 2 or 3:

He can shoot from distance with a 45.5 three-point field-goal shooting percentage but isn't afraid to penetrate the defense and show his aggression near the basket. 

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That all-around style of play would be a welcomed addition alongside Ben Simmons and the 76ers' numerous young big men to help round out the roster and start the organization's ascent up the standings in the Eastern Conference. 

Lonzo Ball, G, UCLA

Ford's Prediction: No. 2

Another freshman in the Pac-12, UCLA's Lonzo Ball has been nothing short of electrifying so far this season. 

He is a 6'6" point guard who can run the floor and dish the rock, as evident by his 8.1 assists per night. But he can also jump out of the gym as a high-flyer near the rim, via the Pac-12 Network:

Thanks to the Brooklyn Nets' struggles, the Boston Celtics might have a chance to draft him at No. 2 overall. 

Even though Boston does have a crowded backcourt, especially at the point guard position with Isaiah Thomas, Marcus Smart, Terry Rozier and Demetrus Jackson, Ball's all-around excellence could be too much for the Celtics to pass up.

Miles Bridges, F, Michigan State

Ford's Prediction:  No. 11

An ankle injury has held Michigan State forward Miles Bridges out for the last seven games, but he is expected to return on Wednesday against Rutgers, per Matt Charboneau of the Detroit News. 

That gives him plenty of time to raise his draft stock considering that he is one of the most explosive talents expected to declare for the 2017 draft. 

The 6'7" freshman is unstoppable near the basket when he's at his best and can turn a game on its head thanks to his athleticism, via SportsCenter:

But he's also a decent facilitator, as he's averaged two assists per game alongside his 16.6 points and 8.8 rebounds. 

Those kinds of intangibles will be difficult to pass up, even if he does have some more maturing to do. 

Stats courtesy of ESPN.com.