2017 NBA Mock Draft: Predictions, Storylines Surrounding 1st-Round Prospects

Now the NBA Finals are over, the basketball world can shift its full attention toward the 2017 NBA draft. On Thursday, teams will select from a talented crop of draft prospects and potential future stars.

The top end of the draft appears to be heavy with potential playmakers. Guys like Washington's Markelle Fultz and UCLA's Lonzo Ball have enough offensive capability to influence a franchise early in their careers. A guy like Kansas' Josh Jackson has the potential to do the same on the defensive end of the court.

Once all is said and done, there will be talent peppered all over the first round of the draft. While late first-round might not be bona fide superstars, they can be solid role players who can help franchises in big ways.

We're here to examine this year's potential first-round prospects and some of the latest buzz surrounding them. We'll also mock the entire first round based on factors like prospect potential, team needs and team fits.

2017 NBA Mock Draft Round 1

1. Boston Celtics (via Brooklyn): Markelle Fultz, G, Washington

2. Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball, G, UCLA

3. Philadelphia 76ers: Josh Jackson, F, Kansas

4. Phoenix Suns: De'Aaron Fox, G, Kentucky

5. Sacramento Kings (via Philadelphia): Jayson Tatum, F, Duke

6. Orlando Magic: Malik Monk, G, Kentucky

7. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jonathan Isaac, F, Florida State

8. New York Knicks: Lauri Markkanen, F, Arizona

9. Dallas Mavericks: Dennis Smith Jr., G, NC State

10. Sacramento Kings (via New Orleans): Frank Ntilikina, G, France

11. Charlotte Hornets: Zach Collins, C, Gonzaga

12. Detroit Pistons: Harry Giles, C, Duke

13. Denver Nuggets: Ivan Rabb, F, California

14. Miami Heat: Justin Jackson, F, North Carolina

15. Portland Trail Blazers: John Collins, F, Wake Forest

16. Chicago Bulls: Luke Kennard, G, Duke

17. Milwaukee Bucks: Jarrett Allen, C, Texas

18. Indiana Pacers: Tony Bradley, C, North Carolina

19. Atlanta Hawks: TJ Leaf, F, UCLA

20. Portland Trail Blazers (via Memphis): Dwayne Bacon, F, Florida State

21. Oklahoma City Thunder: OG Anunoby, F, Indiana

22. Brooklyn Nets (via Washington): Isaiah Hartenstein, F, Germany

23. Toronto Raptors (via LA Clippers): Jordan Bell, F, Oregon

24. Utah Jazz: Justin Patton, C, Creighton

25. Orlando Magic (via Toronto): Caleb Swanigan, F, Purdue

26. Portland Trail Blazers: (via Cleveland): Josh Hart, G, Villanova

27. Brooklyn Nets (via Boston): Sindarius Thornwell, G, South Carolina

28. Los Angeles Lakers (via Houston): Donovan Mitchell, G, Louisville

29. San Antonio Spurs: Terrance Ferguson, G, Australia

30. Utah Jazz (via Golden State): Frank Jackson, G, Duke

76ers Could Trade Up to Grab Fultz

Fultz is widely regarded as the top prospect in this year's draft, and for good reason. He's a 6'4", 195-pound offensive force who averaged 23.2 and 5.9 assists per game last season. If the Boston Celtics, who own the No. 1 pick, were to grab Fultz, there wouldn't be a soul who would blame them.

However, it's looking like there are enough teams that view Fultz as a can't-miss prospect that Boston won't be able to stay in the top spot. The Celtics just made the Eastern Conference Championship, so trading for veteran talent may be a hard to pass on.

The biggest rumor involves the Celtics potentially swapping picks with the Philadelphia 76ers, who select third overall. According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, the trade would involve the third overall pick and two future selections for No. 1:

For the 76ers, this move would bring in an offensive centerpiece who can complement the pieces the team has recently drafted. As Reid Forgrave of CBSSports.com recently explained, the Celtics would end up with a defensive piece to complement their pieces.

"As for Boston? Great trade," Forgrave wrote. "They'd get the guy they supposedly wanted all along (Kansas' Josh Jackson) and pick up extra assets in the process. I never particularly liked the pairing of Fultz and Isaiah Thomas in that backcourt anyway."

This potential trade looks like a win-win for both teams involved. However, the 76ers might not be the only team gunning for Fultz.

Lakers Also Interested

The narrative throughout much of the draft process has made it seem as if Ball and the Los Angeles Lakers were destined to be together. Ball—or perhaps, more accurately, his family—brings the kinds of star power that would play in L.A. The Lakers, meanwhile, need an influx of talent to bring along their rebuild.

Now, however, we're learning that Ball might not be the talent the Lakers want. According to Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress, Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson is more enamored with Fultz. Givony also reported the Lakers may try to trade Julius Randle and the No. 2 overall selection to go up and get him.

Per Givony, the Lakers were impressed with Fultz's workout, which may be why the team is shifting away from Ball and toward him. Ball was brought in for a second workout in L.A. after he reportedly showed up out of shape for his first workout.

"Some observers of Ball's workout last Wednesday thought he came in out of shape," Mark Medina of the Orange County Register explained. "Ball acknowledged that the 'drills get you tired, so you got to stay focused.'"

Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders believes the Lakers are struggling with the idea of adding Ball:

If Ball isn't the guy the Lakers are comfortable with, then it makes sense they'd go after a prospect with whom they are. That guy appears to be Fultz, and it appears the Lakers will have to move up to grab him, especially if teams like the 76ers are looking to do the same.

It's looking like a pretty safe bet that Fultz is going to go No. 1 overall, though it remains to be seen to whom. My guess is that it isn't the Celtics.

Jackson Also Struggled With Lakers

So if Jackson is a guy the Celtics like, why wouldn't the Lakers be happy with him as a consolation prize at No. 2 overall? Well, it could be because the former Kansas standout also apparently struggled in his L.A. workout:

This, combined with possible character issues, could have the Lakers leaning away from Jackson as the draft approaches.

Jackson was charged with one misdemeanor count of criminal property damage back in December after allegedly kicking the car of a female Kansas University student. According to Jesse Newell of the Kansas City Star, Jackson has been placed in a diversionary program as a result:

"A diversion agreement for former Kansas men’s basketball player Josh Jackson includes stipulations that he attend anger management classes, refrain from alcohol and recreational drugs during the diversion period of 12 months and a write an apology letter, according to Douglas County court records."

My guess is Jackson still ends up being one of the top three or four picks in the first round of the draft. However, the Lakers don't seem comfortable with him, and this only makes it more likely the team does try to move up for Fultz.