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 /
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Mar 10, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) drives past Duke Blue Devils guard Grayson Allen (3) during the second half during the ACC Conference Tournament at Barclays Center. Duke Blue Devils won 93-83. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) drives past Duke Blue Devils guard Grayson Allen (3) during the second half during the ACC Conference Tournament at Barclays Center. Duke Blue Devils won 93-83. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

. Small Forward. UNC. Justin Jackson. 18. player. 100

Team Needs:

Remove Paul George from this squad and other than Myles Turner and possibly Jeff Teague what assets exist? Forget about examining last year’s numbers because George is as essential to the Pacers as LeBron James is to the Cavaliers.

Free Agents:

  • Lavoy Allen – UFA
  • Aaron Brooks  – UFA
  • C.J. Miles – UFA
  • Jeff Teague – UFA

Roster Gaps:

By publicly announcing he has no intention on returning to Indiana after this season George is trying to force the issue. If Larry Legend were still in charge I bet he’d force PG to play until the trade deadline in front of the notoriously demonstrative Fieldhouse fans.

Justin Jackson:

As for Justin Jackson in TI’s draft prospect preview  his skills were highlighted as:

"Jackson is an NBA ready scorer. His lengthy frame allows him to shoot over most defenders. He has a high basketball I.Q. and knows how to make great reads as a shooter, passer, and cutter. During his time at UNC, Jackson developed a great three-point game. His junior year, he hit 3.2 three pointers per 40 minutes at a 37 percent rate. Looking at film, you can see how deep some of his three pointers are. He will have no problem adjusting to the range of NBA three pointers. The 2017 ACC Player of the Year also has a decent mid-range game. According to Synergy Sports, Justin Jackson hit 41 percent of his floaters on 75 attempts. He also has a nice pull-up game and push shot. Jackson is also a decent passer. He knows how to read defenses and hit the open man. When he gets double-teamed, he knows how to get rid of the ball and find cutters. Jackson’s passing will be useful for NBA teams trying to incorporate more ball movement."

Overview:

The biggest questions entering the evening are will Paul George be part of a  trade tonight. And, will that trade send him to LA?  It’s not a given that would be his destination since there are teams who could risk a one-year try-out.  To that end, the sudden movements by the Spurs to clear salary to have many wondering who the team is clearing space to pursue.

And, if rumors of LaMarcus Aldridge being shopped prove to be true, could the Spurs be looking to pair Kawhi Leonard with George, Chris Paul (or Kyle Lowry), Jonathan Simmons, a veteran minimum Pau Gasol, Patty Mills, and the never-aging Manu Ginobili?

Or could some young squads with assets (Denver/Phoenix) take a flier on him just to get their youngsters some playoff experience?

One almost hopes Chicago and Indy swap the pair just as payback for their public declarations.

Inevitably, this pick is by far the most difficult given the circumstances. Therefore, the Pacers  must pick whichever is the best talent on the board.

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