The NBA Draft is upon us now that the season has concluded.
With just over a week remaining until the draft, ’tis the season for rumors of trades and surprise picks, many of which can be smokescreens.
This year’s draft is considered one of the most talented and deepest in years, highlighted by point guards that many experts believe can turn into valuable contributors or even franchise stars.
To get an idea of how the first round may shake out, we surveyed mock drafts from seven experts and compiled a consensus.
1. Boston Celtics — Markelle Fultz, G
Experts: 7 of 7
School: Washington
Other possibilities: none
Key expert quote: From Howard-Cooper: “The height at point guard, and 18 years old with the chance to still grow, the ability to create space to get to the rim or pull up from the perimeter, the versatility to play some shooting guard as well – he has been the consensus top pick most of 2016-17.”
2. Los Angeles Lakers — Lonzo Ball, PG
Experts: 6 of 7
School: UCLA
Other possibilities: Josh Jackson (G/F, Kansas)
Key expert quote: From The Ringer: “Has the potential to be the best passer in the NBA; a transcendent playmaker who makes his teammates better.”
3. Philadelphia 76ers — Josh Jackson, G/F
Experts: 5 of 7
School: Kansas
Other possibilities: Jayson Tatum (F, Duke)
Key expert quote: From Parrish: “The 6-8 wing was tremendous in one season at KU while averaging 16.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists. He projects as a high-level contributor on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court. In fact, he’s probably the best defensive wing available.”
4. Phoenix Suns — Jayson Tatum, F
Experts: 3 of 7
School: Duke
Other possibilities: Josh Jackson (F, Kansas), De’Aaron Fox (PG, Kentucky), Lonzo Ball (PG, UCLA)
Key expert quote: From The Ringer: “Combo forward with classic go-to scoring potential, though he must improve in secondary areas to become truly elite.”
5. Sacramento Kings — De’Aaron Fox, PG
Experts: 6 of 7
School: Kentucky
Other possibilities: Jayson Tatum (F, Duke)
Key expert quote: From Sharp: “He’d fit well next to Buddy Hield, and he’s got the sort of energy on the court and personality off the court that can help change the culture of a team that hasn’t mattered in a decade.”
6. Orlando Magic — Dennis Smith, PG
Experts: 3 of 7
School: North Carolina State
Other possibilities: Jonathan Isaac (F, Florida State), Malik Monk (G, Kentucky)
Key expert quote: From Howard-Cooper: “Good NBA defenders may have trouble staying in front of Smith as a rookie. He has that much explosiveness, with speed and leaping ability while constantly in attack mode, assets that allow him to break down defenses, get inside and play above the rim at 6-3.”
7. Minnesota Timberwolves — Jonathan Isaac, F
Experts: 3 of 7
School: Florida State
Other possibilities: Lauri Markkanen (PF, Arizona), Malik Monk (G, Kentucky), Dennis Smith Jr. (North Carolina State)
Key expert quote: From Sharp: “He’s got the height and length to project as a stretch-five in certain lineups, and he’d be equally effective as a stretch four. As the NBA game gets smaller, faster, and generally stranger, Isaac is the kind of Swiss–Army Knife role player who should be really valuable on a good team.”
8. New York Knicks — Malik Monk, G
Experts: 5 of 7
School: Kentucky
Other possibilities: Dennis Smith Jr. (PG, North Carolina State), Jonathan Isaac (F, Florida State)
Key expert quote: From Ford: “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.”
9. Dallas Mavericks — Frank Ntilikina, G
Experts: 4 of 7
School: France
Other possibilities: Dennis Smith Jr. (PG, North Carolina State)
Key expert quote: From The Ringer: “A defensive stopper at the point guard spot with excellent feel, but his rawness leaves his upside a complete mystery.”
10. Sacramento Kings (via New Orleans Pelicans) — Lauri Markkanen, PF
Experts: 3 of 7
School: Arizona
Other possibilities: Zach Collins (PF/C, Gonzaga), Frank Ntilikina (G, France), Justin Jackson (F, UNC)
Key expert quote: From Howard-Cooper: “Markkanen, from Finland, will beat defenders down court on the break or pick them apart in half court with range that resulted in making 42.3 percent of his threes while attempting 4.4 per game.”
11. Charlotte Hornets — Zach Collins, PF/C or Donovan Mitchell, G
Experts: 2 of 7 each
School: Gonzaga (Collins), Louisville (Mitchell)
Other possibilities: Lauri Markkanen (PF/C, Arizona), Luke Kennard (G, Duke)
Key expert quote: The Ringer on Collins: “A skilled two-way center who easily projects as a good role player and could reach much higher levels as a scorer.”
12. Detroit Pistons — Donovan Mitchell, G; Luke Kennard, G; or Zach Collins, F/C
Experts: 2 of 7 each
School: Louisville (Mitchell), Duke (Kennard), Gonzaga (Collins)
Other possibilities: Justin Jackson (F, UNC)
Key expert quote: The Ringer on Mitchell: “Supreme athlete with NBA strength who is still developing his point guard skills.”
13. Denver Nuggets — OG Anunoby, F
Experts: 4 of 7
School: Indiana
Other possibilities: Jarrett Allen (C, Texas), Justin Patton (C, Creighton), Zach Collins (F/C, Gonzaga)
Key expert quote: Ford: “Even with the possibility he’ll miss next season, I’m not sure the Nuggets will be scared off. They could use a long, athletic player like Anunoby, who can guard five positions on the floor.”
14. Miami Heat — no consensus
Possibilities: Harry Giles (PF/C, Duke), T.J. Leaf (PF, UCLA), OG Anunoby (F, Indiana), John Collins (PF, Wake Forest), Zach Collins (F/C, Gonzaga), Donovan Mitchell (G, Louisville)
Key expert quote: DraftExpress on John Collins: “Collins was one of the most prolific per-minute scorers and rebounders in college basketball last season and is also one of the youngest players in the draft, giving him plenty of upside.”
15. Portland Trail Blazers — no consensus
Possibilities: Harry Giles (F, Duke), OG Anunoby (F, Indiana), Luke Kennard (G, Duke), John Collins (PF, Wake Forest), Justin Jackson (F, UNC), T.J. Leaf (F, UCLA), Justin Patton (C, Creighton)
Key expert quote: The Ringer on Kennard: “A sharpshooting combo guard with elite feel and fundamentals, but has questionable defensive upside.”
16. Chicago Bulls — John Collins, PF or Justin Jackson, F
Experts: 2 of 7 each
School: Wake Forest (Collins) and UNC (Jackson)
Other possibilities: T.J. Leaf (F, UCLA), Terrance Ferguson (G/F, Australia), Luke Kennard (G, Duke)
Key expert quote: The Ringer on Jackson: “A jack-of-all-trades wing who can easily fill a complementary role for any team, though he must prove that his shooting progression is