USA TODAY Sports’ NBA mock draft,
Going into Tuesday’s NBA lottery announcement, here’s a mock draft based on percent chances teams have of getting spots at the top:
1. Boston Celtics (via Brooklyn Nets): PG Markelle Fultz, Washington
Find any team that doesn’t have Fultz atop its big board. He has every skill NBA teams are looking for in a point guard, including the ability to play off the ball as needed. The biggest worry is about his motor, but it’s difficult to parse whether that was the result of a focusing issue or playing for such a mediocre college team.
2. Phoenix Suns: PG Lonzo Ball, UCLA
The Suns are in a tricky spot in their rebuilding process, still trying to figure out exactly what they have in just about all of their prospects. But Devin Booker and whomever they draft now seem to be the centerpieces. Ball and Booker might not defend well together, but they could offer a tantalizing answer to the Warriors’ Splash Brothers on offense if everything clicks.
3. Los Angeles Lakers: SF Josh Jackson, Kansas
The Lakers-Ball pairing has seemed preordained for months, but they probably would be better off with Jackson, who is second on several NBA teams’ boards, executives told USA TODAY Sports. His insane athleticism and high-end defensive potential make him a nice partner to skilled Brandon Ingram.
4. Philadelphia 76ers: PG De’Aaron Fox, Kentucky
The 76ers need a new backcourt, and they more than anyone would love to land Fultz. But Fox, who measured 6-3, 170 pounds, is a freakish athlete who played smart in a system that has been incredibly successful with point guards. “I feel like I’m the best (point guard in the draft),” he said at the combine. “If they drafted above me, I’d be fine with it, I’d be cool with it. You still have to play basketball at the end of the day.”
5. Orlando Magic: F Jayson Tatum, Duke
Tatum has the upside to go as high as No. 2, as he’s the most polished scorer in this class. His perimeter skills often place him as a small forward, but he should fit comfortably in the mold of a modern stretch power forward with a little added bulk.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves: F Jonathan Isaac, Florida State
No player in this class has as much defensive potential as Isaac. That plus his positional versatility make him a nice fit with Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins, as the Timberwolves are one of the few teams in the lottery with two established building blocks.
7. New York Knicks: G Malik Monk, Kentucky
If Phil Jackson wants to remain committed to the triangle offense, Monk makes more sense than any of the traditional point guards who might be available. He’s a natural scorer with dynamic athleticism who could play on or off ball in a triangle setting. He’s also one of the least-efficient players being discussed in this range.
8. Sacramento Kings: PG Dennis Smith, North Carolina State 9. Dallas Mavericks: PF Lauri Markkanen, Arizona
10. Kings (via New Orleans Pelicans): PG Frank Ntilikina, France
11. Charlotte Hornets: SG Luke Kennard, Duke
12. Detroit Pistons: G Donovan Mitchell, Louisville
13. Denver Nuggets: C Zach Collins, Gonzaga
14. Miami Heat: F OG Anunoby, Indiana
15. Portland Trail Blazers: C Jarrett Allen, Texas
16. Chicago Bulls: SF Justin Jackson, North Carolina
17. Milwaukee Bucks: C Harry Giles, Duke
18. Indiana Pacers: PF John Collins, Wake Forest 19. Atlanta Hawks: C Justin Patton, Creighton
20. Trail Blazers (via Memphis Grizzlies): PF T.J. Leaf, UCLA
21. Oklahoma City Thunder: SF Terrance Ferguson, Australia
22. Nets (via Washington Wizards): PF Jordan Bell, Oregon
23. Toronto Raptors (via Los Angeles Clippers): C Ike Anigbogu, UCLA 24. Utah Jazz: SF Rodions Kurucs, Latvia 25. Orlando Magic (via Rap- tors): C Bam Adebayo, Kentucky
26. Trail Blazers (via Cleveland Cavaliers): C Isaiah Hartenstein, Germany
27. Nets (via Celtics): C Jonathan Jeanne, France
28. Lakers (via Houston Rockets): SG Hamidou Diallo, Kentucky
29. San Antonio Spurs: C Anzejs Pasecniks, Latvia
30. Jazz (via Golden State Warriors): PG Jawun Evans, Oklahoma State