Final 2017 NBA Mock Draft

Here is my final mock draft ahead of tonight's festivities. Trades have and will continue to shape where your favorite prospects are headed as they are factored in my analysis:

1) Philadelphia 76ers (via Boston Celtics) : Markelle Fultz G Washington

It will be no surprise that the 76ers will select Fultz 1st overall. They shipped the 3rd overall pick and a future 1st round selection to Boston so Philly fans can trust the process.

2) Los Angeles Lakers : Lonzo Ball G UCLA

After trading De'Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov to Brooklyn for Brook Lopez and the 27th selection, the Lakers have nearly solidified the fact that they will take Ball. While we as Kentucky fans see him as the guard De'Aaron Fox walked all over in the Sweet 16 game, the Lakers see him as their future.

3) Boston Celtics (via Philadelphia 76ers) : Jayson Tatum F Duke

There has been some speculation on what the Celtics will do with the pick. I believe there is a very good chance they trade this pick in a package to acquire Jimmy Butler, but if they decide to keep it I'm leaning towards Tatum. They like Tatum and Josh Jackson almost equally, but recent reports of Jackson's physical could drive them towards Tatum.

4) Phoenix Suns : Josh Jackson F Kansas

The Suns need an athletic two-way wing who can slow down the likes of Kawhi Leonard out west and can attack the basket alongside Devin Booker & co. If Boston passes on Jackson or no other team trades up to take him, Phoenix will be thrilled.

5) Sacramento Kings (via Philadelphia 76ers) : De'Aaron Fox G Kentucky

I will follow suit with many other experts as I believe Fox will head out to California. Fox will be a cornerstone for the Kings in the post-Boogie era as he will provide the energy and confidence needed to encourage the rebuild. His lightning speed and athleticism draws comparisons to former Kentucky star and now All-Star John Wall, so the Kings should be ecstatic with the selection moving forward.

6) Orlando Magic : Johnathan Isaac F Florida State

The Magic are a mystery team in this spot as with new members taking over in the front office, many different names have been linked to the team. I believe Isaac is one of the most raw players in the draft as he had a lot of ups and downs during his lone season playing for the Seminoles, but the Magic are looking long term and for someone to become the face of the franchise.

7) Minnesota Timberwolves : Lauri Markkanen F Arizona

The T-Wolves need another young talent to bolster the plethora they already have on the current roster. Markkanen is an interesting prospect as he has similarities to Kristaps Porzingis and would give more versatility to their lineup while playing alongside KAT. Imagine at times Minnesota can play 4 out and allow Towns to operate more efficiently in the post.

8) New York Knicks : Malik Monk G Kentucky

Monk is a prospect viewed as a guy who can be selected anywhere in the lottery. The Knicks need a lot of things, but a scorer should be at the top of the list as Melo may be out the door. Monk is an electric scorer and with Porzingis they could create an exciting duo for the future, which could entice big name free agents long term.

9) Dallas Mavericks : Dennis Smith Jr. G North Carolina State

Dallas tried tanking towards the end of the year, and it only resulted in the 9th pick. I think the Mavs need more than just a Guard, but Dennis Smith would give them a tough-minded prospect who reminds some of Kyle Lowry. Frank Ntilikina and Luke Kennard will also be considered.

10) Sacramento Kings (via New Orleans Pelicans) : Zach Collins F Gonzaga

After taking Fox at five, I think the Kings will try to add more length to their backcourt. Collins will provide another low post presence in Sacramento and will drive Willie Cauley-Stein and Skal Labissiere to develop more quickly. Kennard and Donovan Mitchell would make some sense, but the Kings have faith Buddy Hield is their future star moving forward.

11) Charlotte Hornets : Luke Kennard G Duke

After getting Dwight Howard via trade, Charlotte will look to add shooting on the wing to accompany Kemba Walker and Nicolas Batum. Kennard was arguably the most improved sophomore in the country last season and would potentially get the Hornets into the postseason.

12) Detroit Pistons : Frank Ntilikina G France

The Pistons may like Reggie Jackson, but Ntilikina would give Detroit a more complete PG that has more length and is more defensive minded. We know Kentavious Caldwell-Pope isn't afraid to shoot and Andre Drummond will get touches in the post, but adding Frank will facilitate the offense more fluidly.

13) Denver Nuggets : OG Anunoby F Indiana

Denver looks like a team on the rise with Nikola Jokic & co. developing faster than expected. Anunoby did get injured last year at Indiana, but some teams like the Nuggets can wait on his potential.

14) Miami Heat : Donovan Mitchell G Louisville

Mitchell emerged on the scene during his sophomore campaign and I believe the Heat want to add more depth to their backcourt. He will attack the cup on the wing and provide tenacity on defense.

15) Portland Trailblazers : Harry Giles F Duke

Giles performed well in his Blazer workouts and I believe that they will select him with one of their three first round selections. Injury concerns are the only thing stopping the former # 1 recruit out of Oak Hill Academy from being a top 10 pick.

16) Chicago Bulls : Bam Adebayo F Kentucky

The Bulls have their identity next season in the backcourt for now in Jimmy Butler and Dwayne Wade. Bam would be an ideal fit in Fred Holberg's scheme as his would provide a raw lost post scorer with a high motor and great rebounding instincts. If the Bulls were to deal Butler, potentially John Collins or Terrance Ferguson could replace Bam in this slot.

17) Milwaukee Bucks : Ike Anigbogu C UCLA

Milwaukee loves to draft young, raw prospect to develop and I believe Anigbogu fits the mold. He is an excellent shot-blocker who is still developing his post play and would provide an interesting future alongside Thon Maker for the Bucks. Terrance Ferguson is also a name linked to this pick.

18) Indiana Pacers : Justin Jackson F North Carolina

Paul George has voiced his opinion on his future in Indy. Jackson could replace George on the wing for the Pacers if a deal is made. Jackson is an experienced forward who can score on all parts of the floor.

19) Atlanta Hawks : Justin Patton C Creighton

Dealing Dwight Howard and Paul Millsap exploring free agency will cause the Hawks to select a young big man for the future. Patton had a great year for the Bluejays and seems to fit the mold of a prototypical Atlanta Hawk big man. T.J Leaf is another option for this pick.

20) Portland Trailblazers (via Memphis Grizzlies) : John Collins F Wake Forest

I don't think that Portland keeps all three selections, but for the sake of this mock draft they would take Collins with this pick. After taking Giles at 15, Portland wants to add depth in their frontcourt as they have Lillard and McCollum to score in the backcourt.

21) Oklahoma City Thunder : T.J Leaf F UCLA

OKC needs more help for Westbrook and after taking Sabonis last year, Leaf is a similar player with more athleticism. Another former Bruin, Jonah Bolden, could also be considered.

22) Brooklyn Nets (via Washington Wizards) : Jonah Bolden C Australia

The Nets sent Brook Lopez to LA, so Bolden would make sense with the pick. Young big man who showed potential overseas and might give a bit of hope to Nets fans.

23) Toronto Raptors ( via Los Angeles Clippers): Anzejs Pasecniks C Latvia

Hot name over the last month or so. Raptors may try to find someone to replace Serge Ibaka who is set to be a free agent.

24) Utah Jazz : Jarrett Allen F Texas

Utah has a lot of assets in the frontcourt, but Allen would give them quality minutes behind Gobert and could develop into a tower next to Rudy in the starting lineup over time.

25) Orlando Magic (via Toronto Raptors) : Terrance Ferguson G Australia

He opted to play overseas after high school instead of attending Arizona after an academic scandal emerged. Adds young shooter to Magic's backcourt which lacks perimeter shooting.

26) Portland Trailblazers (via Cleveland Cavaliers) : Tony Bradley C North Carolina

Won a national championship in his lone season with the Tarheels. Adds young player to Portland at center who can develop slower behind Nurkic.

27) Los Angeles Lakers (via Brooklyn Nets) : D.J Wilson F Michigan

Wilson has been connected to the Lakers for quite some time now and some feel they are the reason he left Michigan.

28) Los Angeles Lakers (via Houston Rockets) : Isaiah Hartenstein F Germany

Most hype of German player since Dirk, Hartenstein would give the Lakers a player to stash overseas and allow to continue develop before bringing him over to the states.

29) San Antonio Spurs : Frank Jackson G Duke

Jackson could take the keys from Tony Parker if the Spurs don't land Chris Paul in free agency. Pop develops players better than anyone in the NBA today, and he would be a great mentor for Jackson's game.

30) Utah Jazz ( via Golden State Warriors) : Tyler Lydon F Syracuse

Lydon has current Jazz and former Kentucky Wildcat Trey Lyles likeness, but the Jazz are looking for upside and development which Lydon can provide.

31) Charlotte Hornets (via Atlanta Hawks) : Jawun Evans G Oklahoma State

32) Phoenix Suns : Josh Hart G Villanova

33) Orlando Magic (via Los Angeles Lakers) : Derrick White G Colorado

34) Sacramento Kings (via Philadelphia 76ers) : Tyler Dorsey G Oregon

35) Orlando Magic : Alex Peters F Valparaiso

36) Philadelphia 76ers (via New York Knicks) : Ivan Rabb F California

37) Boston Celtics (via Minnesota Timberwolves) : Jordan Bell F Oregon

38) Chicago Bulls (via Sacramento Kings) : Mathias Lessort F France

39) Philadelphia 76ers (via Dallas Mavericks) : Edmund Summers G Xavier

40) New Orleans Pelicans : Semi Ojeleye F SMU

41) Atlanta Hawks (via Charlotte Hornets) : Caleb Swanigan F Purdue

42) Utah Jazz (via Detroit Pistons) : Aleksander Vezenkov F Cyprus

43) Houston Rockets (via Denver Nuggets) : Monte Morris G Iowa State

44) New York Knicks (via Chicago Bulls) : Frank Mason G Kansas

45) Houston Rockets (via Portland Trailblazers) : Sterling Brown G SMU

46) Philadelphia 76ers (via Miami Heat) : Alpha Kaba F France

47) Indiana Pacers : Dillon Brooks F Oregon

48) Milwaukee Bucks : Jonathan Jeanne C France

49) Denver Nuggets (via Memphis Grizzlies) : Johnathan Motley F Baylor

50) Philadelphia 76ers (via Atlanta Hawks) : Kyle Kuzma F Utah

51) Denver Nuggets (via Oklahoma City Thunder) : Devin Robinson F Florida

52) Washington Wizards : Cameron Oliver F Nevada

53) Boston Celtics (via Cleveland Cavaliers) : Simon Birgander F Sweden

54) Phoenix Suns (via Toronto Raptors) : Kobi Simmons G Arizona

55) Utah Jazz : Nedim Buza F Bosnia

56) Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers) : James Birsen F Turkey

57) Brooklyn Nets (via Boston Celtics) : Thomas Bryant F Indiana

58) New York Knicks (via Houston Rockets) : Isaiah Briscoe G Kentucky

59) San Antonio Spurs : Kenan Sipahi G Turkey

60) Atlanta Hawks (via Golden State Warriors) : Davon Reed G Miami

Derek Willis, Dom Hawkins, Mychal Mulder, and Isaac Humphries are expected to go undrafted.