NBA Mock Draft 2017 Predictions: Boston Celtics Poised to Pick Washington's Markelle Fultz
The anticipation for NBA's 2017 draft is building, and the latest predictions are in. ESPN's Chad Ford, who is a known NBA draft analyst, has revealed his fourth mock draft.
According to Bleacher Report, Ford predicts that the first draft pick will go to University of Washington's Markelle Fultz on June 22, with the Boston Celtics acquiring him. Following in close second is Lonzo Ball from UCLA for the Phoenix Suns. Finally, in third place is Josh Jackson from the University of Kansas, with the Los Angeles Lakers in pursuit.
Fultz has the honor of being first pick this season, if the prediction proves to be true. However, many are skeptical about this decision because of Fultz's team not quite living up to expectations last season. Regardless, Bleacher Report notes that Fultz's performance was beyond compare, averaging 23.2 points, 5.9 assists, 5.7 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks.
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On the other hand, Ball's capabilities were questioned during the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. However, the player's statistics still put him on top, with a per game average of 14.6 points, 7.6 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 1.8 steals.
One particular player who made the list at number 21, though, is Justin Jackson from the University of North Carolina. Oklahoma City Thunder is poised to pick Jackson even though some say his performance in the three-point area fell short in the NCAA finals. But with moderately impressive numbers, it seems that Jackson will find himself being drafted.
As SB Nation points out, the upcoming NBA draft could be the most important one in more than a decade and could very well affect all the teams, especially when it comes to their dynamics. These newcomers are young and open for improvement, which means they have a lot of years ahead of them to grow into the superstars they have the potential to be. Playing alongside experienced veterans of the game will also prove to be beneficial for both them and the team they will be playing for.
With the NBA draft still over two months away, though, things could change. Fans will just have to wait and see what happens next. Stay tuned for the latest news and updates.
