DRAFT 2017

1 PHILADELPHIA: Markelle Fultz (G, Washington, freshman) – The fit here is near-perfect for the Sixers, with perfect to be determined later. Brett Brown still plans to use 6-foot-11 Ben Simmons as his point guard, and needs a corresponding scorer in the backcourt. The Celtics, who liked Fultz' fit with Isaiah Thomas, had a similar plan at one point. But The Process is just about to land its future lead scorer.

2 LA LAKERS: Lonzo Ball

(PG, UCLA, freshman) – The Johnson/Perlinka management team cleared space for Ball by trading De'Angelo Russell to the Nets this week, also clearing cap space for a future trade or free agent splash. Ball will be a lucky young point guard, playing under the wing of the greatest ever at the position.

3 CELTICS: Jayson Tatum

(F, Duke, freshman) – Brad Stevens told Tatum this week that he finds it very easy to give time to players who defend four positions and can shoot. Tatum's great length will help him on the next level with the former. As for the latter, Mike Krzyzewski has told confidantes that Tatum has the most “moves” of any player he has ever coached. In Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown, Stevens already has enough shooting projects on his hands. Short of Al Horford, Tatum may instantly become the best shooter the C's have in the frontcourt. Jonathan Isaac is an interesting long shot in this spot.

4 PHOENIX: Josh Jackson

(F, Kansas, freshman) – The Suns were said to be contemplating a point guard now and an Eric Bledsoe trade later, but the presence of Jackson changes all of that. He has major, team-changing talent defensively, with an offense that simply needs time.

5 SACRAMENTO: De’Aaron Fox (PG, Kentucky, freshman)

– They've traded away Isaiah Thomas and allowed Rajon Rondo to walk, and through all of the dysfunction the Kings still haven't been able to settle on a quarterback. At this stage in the draft, it doesn't get better than Fox.

6 ORLANDO: Jonathan Isaac (PF, Florida State, freshman)

– The Celtics like Isaac, whose combination of rim protection and offensive range has probably caused a few second thoughts. But Orlando has no choice but to go with the best player left.

7 MINNESOTA: Lauri Markkanen

(PF, Arizona, freshman) - It's probably too early to give up on Kris Dunn as the Timberwolves' future point guard, though Tom Thibodeau would jump on Fox if he drifted down this far. Instead Minnesota attempts to fill another need here with a big floor stretcher who is one of the best pure shooters in the draft.

8 NEW YORK: Malik Monk (PG, Kentucky, freshman) – Phil Jackson's stubborn belief in the Triangle limits his draft options, but the perfect Triangle weapon is ready for him here. Monk, after Fultz, is the best shooting guard in this draft.

9 DALLAS: Frank Ntilikina

(PG, France) – The Mavs have needs in a number of spots, including center. But the weak big man field considered, and a corresponding surplus of point guard talent, Dallas goes for a young playmaker.

10 SACRAMENTO: Zach Collins (C, Gonzaga, freshman) - Though the Kings have young promise at big forward (Willie Cauley-Stein, Skal Labissierre), they can use a strong two-way big man. Collins does well at both ends, with his defense ahead of his offense at this point.

11 CHARLOTTE: Dennis Smith (PG, North Carolina State,

freshman) – There's a good chance Smith doesn't last this long, with Dallas a possible landing spot. But Smith is clearly the best player left on the board. Now that Dwight Howard is a Hornet, drastically changing the looks of the Hornets up front, it's a good opportunity to bring in a young point guard.

12 DETROIT: Luke Kennard

(SG, Duke, sophomore) – Losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to restricted free agency is a real possibility for the Pistons, who need more shooting. Kennard lacks much in terms of athleticism, but when open, is one of the best shooters in this draft.

13 DENVER: Justin Jackson (SF, North Carolina, junior)

- Though the Nuggets have a good chance of re-signing Danilo Gallinari, their multiskilled big forward will receive wide-spread interest. The 6-foot-8 Jackson may be a tad old by lottery standards, but his skill and experience should make him an early contributor.

14 MIAMI: John Collins (PF, Wake Forest, sophomore)

– Collins is a beast at the rim, and quite possibly the best rebounder in the field. The Heat could build quite a front line wall with Collins planted next to Hassaan Whiteside.

15 PORTLAND: Terrance Ferguson

(SF, Australia) – The man of mystery in this draft, Ferguson passed up college for a season abroad. He's long, wiry, and probably the most unheralded shooter in this draft. His spot-up ability would match well with the Blazers' fabled backcourt.

16 CHICAGO: Donovan Mitchell (SG, Louisville, sophomore) – Never mind that Dwyane Wade is around for another year, and that Rajon Rondo would like to return. Chicago is suffering through other guard disappointments (Cameron Payne), and needs to address its backcourt age.

17 MILWAUKEE: Bam Adebayo (PF, Kentucky, freshman) – The Bucks have done such a good job building their perimeter, and finding a promising young center in Thon Maker, it's time to add some muscle to the mix. Adebayo may have a low offensive ceiling, but he will have time to develop behind Greg Monroe.

18 INDIANA: D.J .Wilson (F, Michigan, sophomore)

– Wilson projects as a skilled player who can play both forward positions. The Pacers can afford to add skill everywhere, especially with Paul George's tenure iffy.

19 ATLANTA: Harry Giles

(PF, Duke, freshman) – Admittedly, this is high for Giles. But he was once considered a future star, prior to knee surgery, and could thrive in a situation where the team is starting from scratch, which appears to be true of the Hawks.

20 PORTLAND: Kyle Kuzma

(F, Utah, junior) – Kuzma checks off most of the boxes for the modern day swing forward, with a strong rebounding presence and playmaking ability. Will have to improve his 3-point shooting.

21 OKLAHOMA CITY: OG Anunoby

(F, Indiana, sophomore) – He's one of the better defending forwards in the draft, and the perfect player to build on a team's defensive culture. Another forward who will be able to defend both positions.

22 BROOKLYN: Justin Patton

(C, Creighton, freshman) After Zach Collins probably the most promising all-around center in the draft. The Nets, looking well beyond the just-arrived Timofey Mozgov and his big contract as part of the Brook Lopez deal, will be much more in the mood for a young paint presence.

23 TORONTO: Ivan Rabb (PF, California, sophomore) – Last year's Jared Sullinger experiment didn't work (for either the player or team), and Serge Ibaka is running on aging legs. Rabb will provide bulk to the defensive interior, though his traditional offensive skills could be a tough fit for many teams.

24 UTAH: T.J. Leaf

(PF, UCLA, freshman) – The potential loss of Gordon Hayward hangs heavily over this team, and adding skill will be paramount, as difficult as that is to find at this stage of the draft.

25 ORLANDO: Derrick White

(G, Colorado, senior) – If the Magic are fortunate enough to land Isaac with the sixth pick, then it's time to seek some backcourt support for Elfrid Payton, who may or may not be a long-term point guard answer.

26 PORTLAND: Jarrett Allen

(C, Texas, freshman) – Best player left? Probably this lateblooming big man.

27 LA LAKERS: Jordan Allen (PF, Oregon, sophomore) – Potential fan favorite because of his love of defending and doing the little things.

28 LA LAKERS: Tony Bradley (C, North Carolina, freshman) – A bruising type who needs all sorts of offensive development.

29 SAN ANTONIO: Isaiah Hartenstein

(PF, Lithuania,) – When in doubt, hand the stash player to the Spurs.

30 UTAH: Frank Jackson

(PG, Duke, freshman) – Backcourt insurance and a player who grew up locally. Jazz fans love to celebrate their own.