Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

2017 NBA Draft- Annual Editor’s Mock Draft

By Tamberlyn Richardson

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
14 of 31
Next
John Collins
Mar 14, 2017;  Wake Forest Demon Deacons head coach Danny Manning talks to forward John Collins (20). Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Wake Forest. John Collins. 13. player. 73. . Power Forward

Team Needs:

Defensive specialists (ranked 29th), grit and energy (28th and 27th on steals and blocks respectively.

Free Agents:

  • Danilo Gallinari – UFA
  • Roy Hibbert – UFA
  • Mason Plumlee – RFA

Roster Gaps:

Denver improved by leaps and bounds once Nikola Jokic became the key conductor of the offense. Teams will game plan for him this season so adding a point guard who can distribute the ball equally as well as a priority. Furthermore, the point has to initiate the defense in transition so this point guard needs to be a 2-way player.  The draft is unlikely to fill that void. Additionally, a bruising frontcourt player who compliments Jokic is also key to turning around the defense.

John Collins:

As for John Collins in TI’s draft prospect preview, his skills were highlighted as:

"John Collins must be impressing scouts as his stock is on a continual ascent up mock draft boards. His rapid growth at Wake Forest had him winning Most Improved NCAA player which points to his motor and work ethic. Much like Enes Kanter scouts seem him as having the potential to become a solid offensive weapon. Interestingly Collins stock seems to be climbing despite concerns over his lack of reach, wing span and defensive liabilities. Entering the combine he was among a few prospects scouts were keenly interested in given his offensive growth."

Overview:

There are several young squads in the Association poised on the precipice of moving up the ladder.  Last season the moves Utah made to add veterans pushed them into the competitive mix. The other squad who flirted with taking the next step were the Nuggets.  Their mixture of youthful depth, solid veterans, and the arrival of a talented big man combined with a great young coach in Mike Malone may have them best suited to take the next step forward.

Ultimately, the Nuggets are the best of the young teams loaded with tradeable assets. Depending on how the Nuggets navigate this offseason could well launch their re-entry into the West’s playoff mix.

Home/Thunder Draft