Chad Ford 2017 Mock Draft: Notable Picks from ESPN Guru's Latest Predictions
The NBA isn't making it easy on experts ahead of the draft.
Normal years at least make it somewhat easy to predict the first pick and slot some of the interesting names in noteworthy places.
It isn't so simple this year. Yes, Washington's Markelle Fultz should come off the board first, though experts took a wild ride to get there and most didn't have the team selecting him until the Philadelphia 76ers moved up to the No. 1 spot in a trade with the Boston Celtics, according to the Celtics website.
Experts don't have an easier task from there, with Lonzo Ball not even a certified lock to go to the Los Angeles Lakers, another team perhaps looking to move down, according to ESPN.com's Chad Ford.
Speaking of Ford, one of the globe's premier experts has quite the interesting take on the upcoming draft in his latest mock, where he uses conversations with sources to help form opinions.
Here's a look at the notable picks.
Notable Picks
4. Phoenix Suns: De'Aaron Fox
This pick is interesting and fun because here the Phoenix Suns go again—it's time for another Kentucky guard.
De'Aaron Fox, of course, isn't the typical Kentucky guard. He's reminiscent of John Wall given his up-and-down shooting alongside his elite athleticism and ability to cut to the rim. He's a tad light at 6'3" and 169 pounds, but the framework for one of this year's better points in the class seems there, which is saying a lot considering the quality of the class.
All this aside, Fox is a noteworthy pick here because of other factors. In the rumor suggesting the Lakers might want to move down, it's the Suns looking to do the moving up. And in the mock, Ford points out the Suns hope Ball takes a fall to them because of system fit.
Alas, Fox is one outstanding consolation prize. He'll help former Wildcat Devin Booker get great looks and brings an element to the defensive end of the court the Phoenix backcourt has lacked for years.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves: Lauri Markkanen
It's no secret the Minnesota Timberwolves want to add shooting from the forward spot to better space the floor.
How the front office goes about it isn't so easy to discern, though.
For Ford, Arizona freshman sensation Lauri Markkanen is the obvious fix, especially with Florida State's Jonathan Isaac off the board at No. 6 to the Orlando Magic: "Both are excellent fits for the Wolves, who are looking for a stretch 4. Isaac would offer more upside. Markkanen is more ready now and a more proven shooter."
Markkanen hasn't received a big spotlight ahead of the draft, yet his lack of household-name status shouldn't frustrate Timberwolves fans. He's a gaudy 7'0" and 230 pounds and coming off a season in which he averaged 15.6 points and 7.2 rebounds on 49.2 percent shooting from the floor and 42.3 percent from three-point range.
Minnesota has quite a bit of growing to do despite having one of the league's more compelling young cores. Markkanen spacing the floor for Kris Dunn, Andrew Wiggins and especially Karl-Anthony Towns underneath the basket only helps the situation.
8. New York Knicks: Malik Monk
From respected, historic franchise to punch line as of late, the New York Knicks might have a hard time winning over anyone with the eighth pick this year.
The hype around the Knicks already seems quaint at best thanks to what seems sure to be a wild summer headlined by Phil Jackson and what he decides to do with Carmelo Anthony while Kristaps Porzingis watches on in frustration.
It doesn't help that France's Frank Ntilikina seems like the obvious pick based on how the Knicks have followed him around the world (literally), according to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News.
For Ford, though, Kentucky's Malik Monk is the best option: "Monk may be the highest upside player and best fit of the group. If he lands here, Knicks fans will love him when he heats up."
Versatility is where the 6'3", 185-pound guard looks like a big win for the Knicks. Monk is the definition of an elite combo guard who can score well via shooting or at the rim, yet he can also run the 1 and get others involved. Defense? Monk has it in the on-ball variety as well, though he'll need to bulk up the same way most in this class need to upon arrival.
Monk isn't an overnight fix for the Knicks. But the versatility means he can run either backcourt spot, wiping the Derrick Rose mishap from the mind or bumping an admittedly efficient Courtney Lee out of the way at the 2.
9. Dallas Mavericks: Dennis Smith Jr.
Rounding out the notable picks is Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks sitting still and getting quite the steal at No. 9.
One of the most common comparisons for NC State's Dennis Smith Jr. is Russell Westbrook. For good reason—Smith is arguably the best athlete in the draft, weighing in at 6'2" and 190 pounds with the ability to beat most defenders in a variety of ways, whether he's getting around them or flying by them in transition.
"Ntilikina has great size for his position, plays with strength and displays a great feel. He's also an improving shooter. He reminds me a bit of George Hill. Smith has more athleticism, shoots it better and is more NBA-ready but does not quite possess the same feel for the game," Ford wrote.
Smith has sheer upside, provided teams can look past knee issues he's had over the course of his career. As Ford even comments at the end of the write-up, he'd probably come off the board in the top five of a "normal" draft.
This year is anything but normal, which is exactly why a team like Dallas needs to get a steal at the most premium position in the league. That's Smith in this scenario.
All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.
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