NBA Mock Draft 2017: Jeff Goodman gives Grade A picks for every team

The NBA Draft is almost here.

For now, we’re left with some final projections on where the Kentucky Wildcats will end up beginning their professional careers. Now getting into the mock draft game is ESPN’s Jeff Goodman, who just released his projection for how the first 30 picks will shape out.

Goodman has De’Aaron Fox as the first Wildcat to go off the board as the Kings land him at No. 5.

5. Sacramento Kings (via 76ers) - De'Aaron Fox

The Kings are desperate for talent and character. Fox would provide both. He's a pure point guard who has blazing speed and thrives in the open court, and he plays extremely unselfishly and loves to defend.

Fox will need to improve his outside shot, but he can be a cornerstone for a franchise that desperately needs someone to build around.

It’s looking more like Fox won’t hear his name called within the first three picks, and it’s hard to see the guard-heavy Suns taking him at No. 4 either. You’d like to see Fox end up with a better franchise than the Kings, but at least they have former Cats Willie Cauley-Stein and Skal Labissiere already there.

Malik Monk is the next Cat to go off the board. He joins Karl-Anthony Towns in Minnesota.

7. Minnesota Timberwolves - Malik Monk

Tom Thibodeau is a defensive-minded coach who would love someone who can help on that end of the court. If he didn't already have Ricky Rubio and hadn't drafted Kris Dunn last year, maybe Dennis Smith Jr. would be the pick here.

Instead, it'll be a tough call between Monk and Isaac. Monk would give Thibs another guy who can play in the pick-and-roll and be a big-time scoring option in the backcourt.

Monk hasn’t been mocked to the Timberwolves much, but it would be great to see him team up with Towns and a promising Timberwolves squad.

The next Cat to go off the board doesn’t come until pick No. 30, where the Jazz grab Bam Adebayo.

30. Utah Jazz (via Warriors) - Edrice Adebayo

Some pegged Adebayo as a lottery pick before the start of the season. He had difficulty adjusting to the speed of the college game, but he still has a chance to become a contributor if a team can be patient with him.

The Jazz can afford to take their time, with Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors in the fold.

Some mock drafts have have Bam going 24th to the Jazz with their first of two first-round picks. Either way, it will be good to see Bam drafted in Round 1 after many experts thought he could slip into Round 2.

Here is how the entire first round played out:

1. Boston Celtics (via Nets) - Markelle Fultz

2. L.A. Lakers - Lonzo Ball

3. Philadelphia 76ers - Jayson Tatum

4. Phoenix Suns - Josh Jackson

5. Sacramento Kings - De'Aaron Fox

6. Orlando Magic - Lauri Markkanen

7. Minnesota Timberwolves - Malik Monk

8. New York Knicks - Dennis Smith

9. Dallas Mavericks - Jonathan Isaac

10. Sacramento Kings (via Pelicans) - Zach Collins

11. Charlotte Hornets - Justin Jackson

12. Detroit Pistons - Frank Ntilikina

13. Denver Nuggets - TJ Leaf

14. Miami Heat - Luke Kennard

15. Portland Trail Blazers - Ike Anigbogu

16. Chicago Bulls - Terrance Ferguson

17. Milwaukee Bucks - Donovan Mitchell

18. Indiana Pacers - John Collins

19. Atlanta Hawks - Caleb Swanigan

20. Portland Trail Blazers - Harry Giles

21. Oklahoma City Thunder - Frank Jackson

22. Brooklyn Nets - Justin Patton

23. Toronto Raptors - Sindarius Thornwell

24. Utah Jazz - OG Anunoby

25. Orlando Magic - Juwan Evans

26. Portland Trail Blazers - Andzejs Pasecniks

27. Brooklyn Nets - D.J. Wilson

28. Los Angeles Lakers - Jarrett Allen

29. San Antonio Spurs - Tony Bradley

30. Utah Jazz - Edrice Adebayo