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
4 of 31
Next
Mar 17, 2017; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives to the basket against Troy Trojans forward Juan Davis Jr. (4) and guard Wesley Person (3). Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives to the basket against Troy Trojans forward Juan Davis Jr. (4) and guard Wesley Person (3). Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

3. player. 18. . Small Forward. Duke. Jayson Tatum

Team Needs:

Rebounding (27th rank), rim protection (ranked 23rd in blocks), more scoring (ranked 21st on made field goals).

Free Agents:

  • Gerald Green – UFA
  • Amir Johnson – UFA
  • Jonas Jerebko – UFA
  • Kelly Olynyk – RFA
  • James Young – UFA

Roster Gaps:

Wings and versatile big men who do more than one thing.

Jayson Tatum:

As for Jayson Tatum, the draft prospect preview outlined his skills:

"Not only was Tatum a beast for the Blue Devils in the ACC tournament semi-finals, he looked this way since his first start. He has enormous amounts of potential between his length and athleticism and he is not scared to use it. Tatum can create separation and is long enough to shoot over most defenders, while his athleticism also gives him enough speed to jump right into the NBA atmosphere. The small forward has a nice jump-shot and a big enough frame to run to the rack. He has the finesse to make a smooth layup, and he has the strength to hammer down dunks with contact. His offensive game gives teams the best of both worlds, making him a coach’s dream. As a great fit for any team that needs someone who can create their own shot with consistency, don’t expect Tatum to slip out of the lottery."

Overview and Tatum Fit:

I vacillated back and forth on this pick.  Either way, unless Danny Ainge was prepared to ship out several guards (the heaviest portion of Celt’s roster depth) it was going to be a small forward the Celtics selected.  Then the question became – will it be silky smooth Jayson Tatum or uber athlete Josh Jackson?  Factor in Jackson’s camp said he was guaranteed a top 3 selection and perhaps you lean heavier toward him.

As for the off-court issues I can point you to Gerald Green who hasn’t exactly been the model of innocence over his career. But, ultimately the Celtics is an organization with a long history of winning and quality character leadership. That flipped me over to Tatum.

Either way, there is some slight redundancy with Jaylen Brown.  However, the strides Brown made specifically in the postseason bode well for a starting role this season.

Ironically, the pick may not ever step on the Garden court except in an opposing jersey as the trade Ainge made with Philly conceivably came with a view of packing draft picks for a star(s). In this scenario, it’s also possible Ainge already has a partner lined up who may want a proven entity like Brown included with the picks.

Tatum’s offensive versatility will dovetail nicely into coaching savant Brad Stevens’ player and ball movement heavy system. Moreover, Tatum’s rebounding, playmaking, high motor, and energy are all tangible assets. But, his shot versatility and quality of character seal the deal for this pundit.

Home/Thunder Draft