Soaring Down South
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Soaring Down South’s Mock 2017 NBA Draft

By Justin Hodges

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. UCLA won 107-66. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. UCLA won 107-66. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 23, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason III (0) reacts during the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers in the semifinals of the midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason III (0) reacts during the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers in the semifinals of the midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

21.Oklahoma City Thunder

Pick: Rodions Kurucs, SF, Barcelona

The Thunder need to continually add talent alongside Russell Westbrook in order for this team to go anywhere further in the future. Rodions Kurucs is an international prospect with potential offensive capabilities. He can create off the dribble, hit pull-up jumpers that range to beyond the arc and attack the rim. Any type of scoring on the wings will really benefit Oklahoma City going forward.

22.Brooklyn Nets

Pick: Isaiah Hartenstein, PF/C, Germany

The Nets will take anything they can at this point. International big Isaiah Hartenstein brings a lot to the table and can be developed into a solid contributor at the four spot. Potentially fits the “new age NBA big” label as his skill set variably ranges.

23.Toronto Raptors

Pick: Bam Adebayo, PF/C, Kentucky

The Raptors are a mystery in terms of their future after building up their roster resulted in getting swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers. If they retain their free agents and continue to contend in the Eastern Conference they could use another big prescience down low. Bam Adebayo potentially fits the bill. Much more skilled than some give him credit for, Adebayo can surely be developed into a quality big in the NBA.

24.Utah Jazz

Pick: Ivan Rabb, PF, California

With Joe Ingles set to be a free agent the Jazz can use another talented big down low. Rabb has skill and tons of potential. Several parts of his game keep him from being a lottery pick, but great developmental personal in Utah could help Rabb prosper in the NBA.

25.Orlando Magic

Pick: John Collins, PF, Wake Forest

John Collins made tremendous improvement from his freshman to sophomore seasons, a jump which made him one of the best players in the ACC last season. Collins lacks much offensive versatility but is one of the best low-post players in the 2017 NBA Draft. For Orlando, it’s about continually adding talent to their roster, and Collins can be a decent player for them.

26.Portland Trail Blazers

Pick: Frank Mason, PG, Kansas

With two first round picks already off the Trail Blazers can afford to reach with this pick. While Shanazz Napier played well at times last season Portland could take another backup point guard for good measure. Frank Mason, college basketball’s player of the year last season, is a tremendous talent that’s going to be able to produce if given an opportunity.

27.Brooklyn Nets

Pick: Kyle Kuzma, PF, Utah

Kyle Kuzma brings great versatility as a scorer. At 6’9″ 230 lbs he can attack and finish down low, while also has nice touch on his outside shot. Brooklyn, again, needs talent on their roster. Kuzma isn’t a sure fire bet to be a quality NBA player, but the potential is there. Kenny Atkinson is a solid developmental coach, and could take a player like Kuzma to new heights.

28.Los Angeles Lakers

Pick: Ike Anigbogu, C, UCLA

Anigbogu didn’t get many minutes while at UCLA, but made them a better team when he was out there. An exceptional shot blocker with great size, a 7’6″ wingspan, Anigbogu could be the missing piece the Lakers are looking for down low. Doesn’t hurt that this is Lonzo Ball’s former teammate as well.

29.San Antonio Spurs

Pick: Jordan Bell, PF, Oregon

The Spurs need more athletic big men down low, and Jordan Bell has shown off tremendous physical capability throughout the 2017 NBA Draft Process. A great rebounder and rim protector as well as a fantastic athlete, Bell could be a great fit with the Spurs as a defensive oriented big, something they are certainly lacking.

Next: Charles Lee to coach Hawks Summer League

30.Utah Jazz

Pick: Derrick White, G, Colorado

Derrick White had a fantastic season at Colorado last season, proving he has the potential of a first round pick. The Utah Jazz could use more depth at the two guard spot with Rodney Hood being the only main contributor there. Any added scoring from the backcourt can only propel the Jazz further as they look to contend in the Western Conference for the next few years.