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Finally, the 2017 NBA Draft is almost here.
Tonight, 60 players from around the globe will see their NBA dreams become a reality. Among them will be at least three Kentucky Wildcats, all of whom should hear their names called fairly early.
That includes Bam Adebayo, who is now up to No. 17 overall in Chad Ford’s final mock draft:
17. Milwaukee Bucks - Edrice Adebayo
Other potential draftees: Harry Giles, Justin Patton, Jarrett Allen
A shake-up in the Bucks' front office has everyone guessing about what new GM Jon Horst is going to do at No. 17. There was a growing consensus before he got the job that if Adebayo was on the board, they'd bite. He was a bit disappointing at Kentucky, but his athleticism, lateral quickness and NBA body are all major selling points.
Ford did give a list of potential alternative picks for each draft spot. For Bam, Ford listed him as an alternative pick for the Blazers (15) and Pacers (18).
De’Aaron Fox is actually the first Cat to be drafted, and he joins several other Cats in Phoenix:
4. Phoenix Suns - De'Aaron Fox
Other potential draftees: Jayson Tatum, Josh Jackson, Jonathan Isaac
The Suns have been trying to trade up to land Ball, but it looks as if they're not going to be successful. They've also discussed trading for veterans such as Paul George, Jimmy Butler and Kevin Love (and they swatted down an offer for DeAndre Jordan), but for now it appears the most likely scenario is that they'll keep their pick.
If Tatum is off the board, this pick will come down to Jackson, Fox or Jonathan Isaac. The Suns like all three.
Fox gives them a high-character, super-quick point guard who could open the door to Phoenix moving Eric Bledsoe over the summer. However, he canceled his workout with the Suns and didn't reschedule. Still, owner Robert Sarver, according to a source, is very high on Fox.
If Fox were to be passed on by Phoenix, Sacramento will almost certainly take him at No. 5.
As for Malik Monk, he somehow falls all the way to the No. 11 pick by way of Charlotte.
11. Charlotte Hornets - Malik Monk
Other potential draftees: Donovan Mitchell, Luke Kennard
The Hornets traded for Dwight Howard on Tuesday, shoring up their frontcourt. Look for them to try to address their backcourt in the draft.
Monk's elite shooting ability and athleticism give him a leg up over the other two 2-guards who could go ahead of him. Mitchell's elite length and defensive abilities are his biggest strengths.
While it’s hard to see Monk falling that far, seeing him get to team up with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist would be nice. As for Monk’s alternate spots, Ford thinks he’s also in the running for the Magic (6), Timberwolves (7), Knicks (8) and Kings (10).
Here’s how Ford’s entire mock played out:
1. Philadelphia 76ers - Markelle Fultz
2. L.A. Lakers - Lonzo Ball
3. Boston Celtics - Jayson Tatum
4. Phoenix Suns - De'Aaron Fox
5. Sacramento Kings - Josh Jackson
6. Orlando Magic - Jonathan Isaac
7. Minnesota Timberwolves - Lauri Markkanen
8. New York Knicks - Frank Ntilikina
9. Dallas Mavericks - Dennis Smith
10. Sacramento Kings (via Pelicans) - Zach Collins
11. Charlotte Hornets - Malik Monk
12. Detroit Pistons - Luke Kennard
13. Denver Nuggets - OG Anunoby
14. Miami Heat - Donovan Mitchell
15. Portland Trail Blazers - Harry Giles
16. Chicago Bulls - John Collins
17. Milwaukee Bucks - Edrice Adebayo
18. Indiana Pacers - Ike Anigbogu
19. Atlanta Hawks - Justin Patton
20. Portland Trail Blazers - TJ Leaf
21. Oklahoma City Thunder - Justin Jackson
22. Brooklyn Nets - D.J. Wilson
23. Toronto Raptors - Jonah Bolden
24. Utah Jazz - Frank Jackson
25. Orlando Magic - Andzejs Pasecniks
26. Portland Trail Blazers - Jarrett Allen
27. Brooklyn Nets - Tyler Lydon
28. Los Angeles Lakers - Kyle Kuzma
29. San Antonio Spurs - Derrick White
30. Utah Jazz - Tony Bradley
Round 2
31. Charlotte Hornets - Terrance Ferguson
32. Phoenix Suns - Semi Ojeleye
33. Orlando Magic - Jawun Evans
34. Sacramento Kings - Ivan Rabb
35. Orlando Magic - Isaiah Hartenstein
36. Philadelphia 76ers - Josh Hart
37. Boston Celtics - Jordan Bell
38. Chicago Bulls - Monte Morris
39. Philadelphia 76ers - Tyler Dorsey,
40. New Orleans Pelicans - Caleb Swanigan
41. Atlanta Hawks - Alec Peters
42. Utah Jazz - Mathias Lessort
43. Houston Rockets - Sterling Brown
44. New York Knicks - Davon Reed
45. Houston Rockets - Frank Mason
46. Philadelphia 76ers - Devin Robinson
47. Indiana Pacers - Johnathan Motley
48. Milwaukee Bucks - Thomas Bryant
49. Denver Nuggets - Jonathan Jeanne
50. Philadelphia 76ers - Aleksandar Vezenkov
51. Denver Nuggets - Alpha Kaba
52. New Orleans Pelicans - Edmond Sumner
53. Boston Celtics - Jeremy Morgan
54. Phoenix Suns - Simon Birgander
55. Utah Jazz - Nedim Buza
56. Boston Celtics - Ognjen Jaramaz
57. Brooklyn Nets - Dillon Brooks
58. New York Knicks - Cameron Oliver
59. San Antonio Spurs - Kobi Simmons
60. Atlanta Hawks - Kenan Sipahi