2017 NBA Draft

Mock Draft 4.0: Changes creeping in after top 3 picks

Scott Howard-Cooper

The NBA.com mock draft for the selections Thursday night, based on conversations with executives and scouts. Affiliation is team or country last season.

1. Philadelphia 76ers

Markelle Fultz | Washington | PG | 6-4 | 195

The pick for the Celtics at No. 1 would have been Fultz … and the pick for the 76ers at No. 1 will be Fultz. Not only is he the top prospect in the Draft in a consensus of front offices, Fultz is practically an ideal fit for the 76ers because he can play off the ball with Ben Simmons or in place of Simmons if the 2016 first choice is resting or struggling in the transition to point guard. Fultz’s size at point guard, and barely 19 years old with the chance to still grow, the ability to create space to get to the rim or pull up from the perimeter, the versatility to play some shooting guard as well – it’s a match. Philly was 27th in field-goal percentage, and Fultz made 41.3 percent of his 3-pointers.

2. Los Angeles Lakers

Lonzo Ball | UCLA | PG | 6-6 | 190

While the Lakers are also looking hard at De’Aaron Fox and Josh Jackson, a majority of front offices think they will stick with Ball, and for more than the potential comedy value of watching the hype machine overheat. “He’s too good,” one rival executive said. “He’s too slick. He checks all the boxes.” Family issues are a non-factor because the Ball who will be drafted has shown himself to be grounded, relaxed and, more than anything, a team player with little interest in demanding the spotlight. He has great vision and is a pass-first point guard with the basketball IQ to deliver the ball at the right time and the right place.

3. Boston Celtics

Josh Jackson | Kansas | SF | 6-8 | 205

Boston faces an interesting, if welcome, dilemma. Go point guard with De’Aaron Fox or Lonzo Ball (probably depending on what the Los Angeles Lakers do at No. 2, despite the presence of All-Star Isaiah Thomas), or go with one-and-done small forward Jackson at No. 3 overall one year after taking one-and-done small forward Jaylen Brown (at No. 3 overall). Don’t rule out the other possibility: Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge deals this pick, either for a veteran or for another bag of first-rounders that gives the Celtics a very, very wide window.

4. Phoenix Suns

Jayson Tatum | Duke | SF | 6-8 | 205

The question is whether he can develop three-point range, and not just because it is important for a wing. It’s that if Tatum gets that part down as well, he will be close to a complete scorer, able to get points by constantly exploiting openings he finds in transition, with a mid-range game and from offensive rebounds. He has the size for the position, and Phoenix has a need at small forward.

5. Sacramento Kings

De’Aaron Fox | Kentucky | PG | 6-4 | 170

This could still work out very well for the Kings even after dropping from No. 3 to No. 5 when the 76ers exercised the option to flip picks. Fox had moments in the NCAA Tournament when he should have been in the conversation for No. 1. Front offices love the speed and nonstop energy that comes across on defense as well as when he pushes the ball on offense, and that he’s not out of control in the process — his assist-to-turnover ratio in the first week of February was 3-to-1 before finishing at 1.90-to-1. That’s a good look even if he is the envy of most every point guard with the typical glut of Kentucky talent on the receiving end of the passes. Don’t expect much yet on the jumper, though, especially anywhere close to the 3-point line.

6. Orlando Magic

Malik Monk | Kentucky | SG-PG | 6-4 | 185

There is no track record to indicate the thinking of Jeff Weltman in his first Draft as a head of basketball operations. There is, though, the fact that the Magic were 28th in shooting and 29th in 3-point percentage and now have Monk in front of them as an obvious response. A few things to counter concerns he is slightly undersized to become an impact shooting guard: That level of athleticism means he can play bigger than his 6-foot-4, he is 19 and could add an inch or two, and has promising 3-point range after shooting 39.7 percent from deep as a freshman.

7. Minnesota Timberwolves

Jonathan Isaac | Florida State | PF-SF | 6-11 | 205

It’s easy to see Minnesota loving the possibilities of Lauri Markannen paired with Karl-Anthony Towns as double bigs with range to twist defenses into knots while Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine streak to the rim. But Isaac’s height plus a nine-foot reach could create a lot of havoc on both sides of the ball, along with rebounding even while obviously needing to put on weight. It’s his ability to handle the ball and create that makes small forward an option. Isaac has already shown the quickness to play there, making the potential versatility as a combo forward an obvious plus.

8. New York Knicks

Frank Ntilikina | France | PG | 6-5 |170

https://youtu.be/ok5a7zvG00g

If at age 18 the Frenchman is this poised, with great court vision and unselfish with the ball — plus he has the chance to keep getting taller — imagine the possibilities when he becomes an old man of 21 or 22 with NBA experience. Not merely the top international prospect, Ntilikina would have been one of the first five selections in a lot of other years. That he isn’t there already says everything about the point guard depth in 2017. Some teams like his perimeter game enough to think Ntilikina could also play off the ball.

9. Dallas Mavericks

Dennis Smith | NC State | PG | 6-3

Good NBA defenders may have trouble staying in front of Smith as a rookie. He has that much explosiveness, with speed and leaping ability while constantly playing in attack mode, all of which are assets that allow him to break down defenses, get inside and play above the rim at 6-foot-3. The lack of perimeter game, though, means the same defenders will be able to back off. Playing big minutes at a high level was an especially important accomplishment after missing 2015-16, what would have been his senior season in high school, with a knee injury.

10. Sacramento Kings

Lauri Markkanen | Arizona | PF | 7-0 | 225

The agile, fluid 7-footer is the latest European stretch four bound for the lottery, following Kristaps Porzingis and Dragan Bender. Markkanen, from Finland, will beat defenders down court on the break or pick them apart in half court with range that resulted in making 42.3 percent of his 3-pointers while attempting 4.4 per game. In a Draft heavy with point guards, he is a big man who stands out.

11. Charlotte Hornets

Donovan Mitchell | Louisville | SG | 6-3 | 210

The Hornets would love to see Ntilikina or Smith drop a few spots to find a backup for Kemba Walker, but Charlotte has depth problems in general. Mitchell’s projected ability to play both backcourt spots would be a boost for the Hornets’ second unit and give him a chance to break into the rotation. He has the physical tools, with very good athleticism and strength at 210 pounds, both of which help compensate for being undersized for a shooting guard. But his game is inconsistent and lacks 3-point range, two obvious concerns for front offices. He did have some of his better showings against quality opponents.

12. Detroit Pistons

Zach Collins | Gonzaga | PF | 7-0 | 230

Collins had a fast climb up Draft boards in the second half of his freshman season, even for someone prominent enough to be a major recruit for the Zags. Although front offices don’t want to over-emphasize one game, the 14 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks in the national semifinals of the Final Four showed he can already handle the pressure moments. Collins averaged just 17.2 minutes on a team loaded with veterans, but that was enough to impress the NBA.

13. Denver Nuggets

Justin Jackson | North Carolina | SF | 6-8 |195

He can impact a game on both sides of the ball with energy, mobility and long arms. He finds openings on the defense to score in a variety of ways while his role has increased each of the last three years, to where Jackson was the leading scorer on a national champion. That’s the other thing: Three years in an elite program with the added experience of back-to-back trips to the title game. He does not have 3-point range that will force an opponent to come out, but is improving.

14. Miami Heat

Harry Giles | Duke | PF | 6-11 | 220

On talent, Giles is in the conversation for at least the top five and possibly even No. 1. But he tore ligaments in both knees in high school and missed the first 11 games this season while recovering from a third procedure, arthroscopic surgery on the left knee, meaning a general manager is really, really going to have to trust his medical staff before spending a high pick on Giles. He averaged just 11.5 minutes in 26 games without the consistent standout play front offices want to see from a lottery pick, but also with the understanding 2016-17 was a double transition as a freshman and working back from injury.

15. Portland Trail Blazers

John Collins | Wake Forest | PF | 6-10 | 225

He went from 7.3 points and 54.7 percent shooting as a freshman in 2015-16 to 19.2 and 62.2, respectively, this season while playing against the very good competition of the ACC. The offense, beyond scoring inside and capitalizing on offensive rebounds, is very much a work in progress. But defensively, although hurt by foul trouble, he is active and could develop into a rebounder and shot blocker in the NBA.

16. Chicago Bulls

Luke Kennard | Duke | SG | 6-5 | 190

Kennard — not Tatum, nor Harry Giles nor Grayson Allen — was Duke’s most dependable scoring threat and also one of the biggest 3-point threats in the country. While that range is the obvious selling point, Kennard has a nice offensive game and is a good passer as part of his big improvements from last season as a freshman. The NBA does not see star potential, but can project a solid career at least as a contributor in the rotation.

17. Milwaukee Bucks

Bam Adebayo | Kentucky | C | 6-10 | 250

He can play with some power inside or use mobility to score in transition, complete with the leaping ability that could lead to finishing a lot of lobs. Beyond potential as a rebounder and the ability to play in open court, though, Adebayo needs to show he can expand his game on offense. He would ideally be paired with a big who can hit a shot or score from the post … or as part of a team with a dynamic set of scoring guards.

18. Indiana Pacers

T.J. Leaf | UCLA | PF | 6-10 | 225

The appeal is that Leaf does a lot of things well, with moves around the basket, range out to the 3-point line and passing ability, all the more impressive that it’s as a freshman. He was an important recruit a year ago but not compared to some of the elite high school seniors at the top of 2017 Draft boards, and he is not close to the No. 1 prospect from his own school, yet Leaf has jumped out. He benefited from all the NBA eyes on Ball.

19. Atlanta Hawks

Terrance Ferguson | Australia | SG | 6-7 | 185

He gambled big by turning pro in Adelaide, Australia, rather than spending a freshman season at the University of Arizona with much better competition and playing for a coach, Sean Miller, with a record of developing NBA prospects. Ferguson counters that a season against adults and living on his own made him more ready for the leap to the NBA. He is essentially a spot-up shooter without much ability to handle or create an opening, but the Hawks need 3-point threats and, generally, anyone who can make baskets. “That kid is going to be the surprise of the Draft,” one executive said. “He’s an outstanding shooter.”

20. Portland Trail Blazers

Jarrett Allen | Texas | C | 6-10 | 235

The size, the big hands, the long reach and wingspan — he will be ready physically. It’s just that Allen does not play physical, doing most of his damage running the court hard and finishing, and following offensive rebounds. Beyond that, his offense needs a lot of work. His level of agility and reach equals the potential to become a good shot blocker and rebounder, and the Trail Blazers need front-court help.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder

OG Anunoby | Indiana | SF-PF | 6-8 | 235

It wouldn’t be the first time Thunder GM Sam Presti went for a long-term investment in the first round. Anunoby would have been an easy call as one of the top defenders available and potential lottery pick until needing season-ending surgery on his right knee from an injury suffered Jan. 18 at Penn State. The health concern will obviously weigh heavily on the minds of front offices. But if the reports from team doctors are good, a front office in the late-teens or early-20s could consider Anunoby a steal, even with the uncertainty of when he will be back on the court.

22. Brooklyn Nets

Isaiah Hartenstein | Lithuania | PF | 7-0 | 240

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v

The versatile offensive threat was born in Eugene, Ore., in 1998, moved to Germany in 2008 and joined Lithuanian team Zalgiris in 2016. He can score from different areas, inside and out and also on the run, a sign of his mobility at that size while still growing at 19 years old. He wants to come to the NBA now and has a buyout that will be easy to handle, but the age means he is also a Draft-and-stash candidate.

23. Toronto Raptors

Justin Patton | Creighton | C | 7-0 | 230

The redshirt freshman, originally not part of the discussion of the heralded first-year players, has surged with athleticism to go with the size. The 18 points on nine-of-12 shooting plus eight rebounds and two blocks in 28 minutes when Creighton played then-No. 1 Villanova on Dec. 31 was part of getting noticed, but not everything. The rest of the season offered encouraging hints of Patton’s future.

24. Utah Jazz

Anzejs Pasecniks | Spain | C | 7-2 | 230

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v

The Latvian, a former teammate of Porzingis on the under-18 national squad, had a very good season in the quality competition of Liga ACB. The Porzingis connection carries through to style of play — a big who can shoot with range, smart — only without the same skill level. Pasecniks moves well for his size and should only get stronger while adding bulk to the 7-foot-2 frame. That could help him develop an inside game.

25. Orlando Magic

Ike Anigbogu | UCLA | C | 6-10 | 250

The numbers — 4.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 13.0 minutes in a reserve role — don’t demand attention, and neither does playing on a team with Ball and Leaf both possibly heading to the top half of the first round. But Anigbogu has good size, agility, is a good rebounder in a limited role and is still just 18 years old. He has a long way to go, but also has a very good starting point.

26. Portland Trail Blazers

Ivan Rabb | California | PF | 6-10 | 215

Rabb is an old man compared to much of the rest of the projected Draft class – a sophomore – who was a lottery candidate a year ago while playing with eventual No. 3 pick Jaylen Brown and second-rounder Tyrone Wallace before returning to school. Rabb remains a candidate for the teens, with the ability to score inside, either from the post with a nice touch or on the run with good mobility, and rebounds. But he will need to improve to make an impact when he moves away from the paint.

27. Brooklyn Nets

Semi Ojeleye | SMU | SF | 6-7 | 235

The pick appears headed to the Lakers, once the Brook Lopez-D’Angelo Russell trade is finalized. Ojeleye makes sense for either team, though. He went almost two years between games after transferring from Duke and redshirting at SMU. Once Ojeleye got on the court, though, he quickly returned to prominence in a versatile way, with scoring, rebounding and defense en route to being named American Athletic Conference Player of the Year. He has good size for the position, shot 42.4 percent behind the arc and brings maturity at 22 years old.

28. Los Angeles Lakers

Jordan Bell | Oregon | PF | 6-9 | 230

The Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year went from some very good moments in the tournament (eight blocks and 13 rebounds in the Elite Eight victory over Kansas) to the additional credibility boost of a nice showing at the Chicago pre-Draft combine. Following that with more good days at individual workouts would solidify Bell’s spot in the first round. Teams already know his energy and athleticism means the defense should translate to the NBA. He could also contribute on the boards.

29. San Antonio Spurs

Tyler Lydon | Syracuse | PF | 6-10 | 205

Shooting 42.7 percent behind the arc the first 25 games and 39.5 for the season makes him an ideal stretch-four candidate and also means he could handle some small forward on offense while getting stronger. Being able to defend both positions may be another matter. Lydon rebounded well against ranked Atlantic Coast Conference opponents and overall averaged 8.6 boards in 36.1 minutes, a sign he will be able to handle himself inside at the next level after adding weight.

30. Utah Jazz

Derrick White | Colorado | PG-SG | 6-5 | 200

Few may be enjoying the ride into the NBA more than White, because it was never supposed to happen. Playing in the Pac-12, let alone making first-team all-conference, was never supposed to happen. White was barely recruited, signed at Division II Colorado-Colorado Springs, played three seasons, transferred to Boulder, then turned into a possible first-round pick. Being 22 years old will hurt him with front offices who want as much time as possible to develop a prospect

Second Round

31. Charlotte Hornets

Jawun Evans | Oklahoma State | PG | 6-1 | 185

He should not be overlooked in a class with many other point guards rated higher and was not lost in Oklahoma State’s bad start to conference play as part of a 20-13 season. Evans has the speed to compensate for any concerns, handles the ball well, and would be coming out with two years of experience at a major program against tough competition. Teams could see a backup point guard of the future available late in the first round or early in the second.

32. Phoenix Suns

Caleb Swanigan | Purdue | PF | 6-9 | 250

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v

This is not the same Caleb Swanigan who declared for the 2016 draft, had a bad showing at the Chicago pre-Draft camp, and wisely decided to return to school. The 2017 version, a sophomore, is much improved almost every way, from conditioning to approach to on-court execution. He suddenly has the look of a potential reserve big man, at power forward and possibly some small-ball center.

33. Orlando Magic

Frank Jackson | Duke | SG | 6-4 | 210

Others may have gotten lost in the Blue Devils backcourt with possible lottery pick Kennard and Grayson Allen, a potential first-rounder before returning to school, but others don’t have Jackson’s varied skill set. The explosiveness, whether in getting to the rim or with a first step to create separation, combined with shooting range made him impossible to overlook. He also has signs of becoming a secondary ball handler.

34. Sacramento Kings

Kyle Kuzma | Utah | PF | 6-9 | 220

Kuzma had big jumps each of the last two seasons, then helped his stock again with a good showing at the Chicago combine in May. Hoping to address a primary concern, he showed range on his shot, an important step for someone who can play in transition and has a nice touch around the basket but wants to prove he can also be a stretch four. The first-team All-Pac 12 selection is hoping to follow Delon Wright and Jakob Poeltl as the third Utah player drafted in as many years.

35. Orlando Magic

Thomas Bryant | Indiana | C | 6-10 | 240

The decision to return to school to build on a good freshman season rather than coming out as a possible first-round pick does not appear to be paying off. Bryant is now hoping to follow Cody Zeller (2013) and Noah Vonleh (2014) from Bloomington to the first round. The appeal is a big who won’t need to grow into his body much more, plays hard and has a standing reach of 9-4, assets that add up to the possibility of rebounds and blocks as a pro.

36. Philadelphia 76ers

Jonah Bolden | Serbia | PF | 6-10 | 230

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v

Have passport will travel. Bolden is an Australian who played a season at UCLA, plus a redshirt year, and then Serbia as an intriguing prospect trying to make it back to North America as a pro. The son of Bruce Bolden, who went from Boise State to a long career in Australia, can shoot, is active and plays inside and out.

37. Boston Celtics

D.J. Wilson | Michigan | PF | 6-10 | 240

Wilson is 21, but has only one real season of college experience as a third-year sophomore, after being limited by a knee injury to four games in 2014-15 followed by just 6.1 minutes in 2015-16. What a one season it was, though. The Wilson of 2016-17 showed the range of an NBA stretch four with agility and ball-handling skills for a big. He is heading in a good direction.

38. Chicago Bulls

Tony Bradley | North Carolina | C | 6-10 | 250

From 14.6 minutes, 7.1 points and 5.1 rebounds as a freshman to first-round possibility. Put that size with that level of energy and the NBA gets very intrigued. A lack of athleticism means Bradley will struggle in an up-tempo system and possibly on defense as well, but he can score around the basket. First round or second, he’s probably going to become very familiar with the NBA G League next season.

39. Philadelphia 76ers

Jonathan Motley | Baylor | PF | 6-9 | 240

The power forward is versatile enough, especially on offense, to likely be able to play some small-ball center in the NBA. His intensity level of the concern. “He looks the part,” one GM said, noting Motley fits the physical profile and has an intriguing game. “But his lack of energy at times worries me.” Motley won the Karl Malone Award, given to the best college power forward, last season.

40. New Orleans Pelicans

Josh Hart | Villanova | SG | 6-6 | 205

One of the stars of the college game — first-team All-America, Big East Player of the Year, standout on the 2016 national champions — has a chance to make the NBA as a second-rounder because he is smart, competitive and hits 3-pointers. Just as encouraging, he seems to always add something to his game. Hart may not have the high ceiling of other prospects, but there is a lot to like, especially this late.

41. Atlanta Hawks

Alec Peters | Valparaiso | PF | 6-9 | 225

This is no mid-major prospect generating attention. Peters is established on NBA fronts after considering entering the draft a year ago, before returning for his senior season. The primary appeal is the potential to become a dependable three-point shooter and a future stretch-four. Just in case anyone was concerned about being able to handle bigger stages, 24 points at Oregon on Nov. 17 and the 25 at Kentucky on Dec. 7 were nice reminders.

42. Utah Jazz

Sterling Brown | SMU | SG | 6-6 | 230

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v

The brother of former NBA guard Shannon Brown made 44.4 percent of his 3-pointers as a sophomore, 53.6 as a junior and 44.9 as a senior, on 3.9 attempts per game. Ticket. Punched. If Sterling comes close to that in the NBA, he’ll have a career as a role player at least and maybe more.

43. Houston Rockets

Wesley Iwundu | Kansas State | SG | 6-7 | 205

Iwandu has a long-shot chance to make a roster because he does a lot of things well, although without doing anything at a particularly high level, and with the maturity that comes with four seasons of competition in a major conference and being 22 years old. Plus, good size for an athletic wing who is coming off a season of commendable improvements.

44. New York Knicks

Frank Mason III | Kansas | PG | 6-0 | 185

He checks all the boxes for intangibles — leader, the experience of starting at the point in three of his four seasons while the Jayhawks went 90-19 under a constant spotlight, uncommon maturity for a rookie. But standing 6 feet in shoes is a problem, especially on defense. Not a deal breaker, but an obstacle. One other important selling point: Mason went from 38.1 percent behind the arc as a junior to 47.1 as a senior, while his overall percentage jumped from 43.4 to 49.

45. Houston Rockets

Mathias Lessort | France | PF-C | 6-9 | 250

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v

Lessort is a tweener even in the days of positionless basketball, without an offensive game outside the paint for power forward or the height to regularly get good matchups at center. That’s the problem. But he is nonstop energy, every opponent, whether in a game or practice, leaves knowing they have been in combat, and will scrap for baskets on put-backs and in transition. That’s the selling point. Maybe he develops into a dependable bench contributor.

46. Philadelphia 76ers

Kobi Simmons | Arizona | SG | 6-4 | 170

The slide from starter in Tucson to out of the rotation at the end of the regular season and into the conference and NCAA Tournaments could carry into Thursday night amid the possibility Simmons will not get drafted. Six weeks ago, some front offices were talking about him as a possibility for the top half of the second round. That also means enough executives see the potential in his athleticism to play in the open court and above the rim.

47. Indiana Pacers

Devin Robinson | Florida | SF | 6-8 | 200

The athleticism and height at small forward jumps out even if 11.1 points and 6.1 rebounds last season as a junior do now. Gaining weight will obviously be a priority. But Robinson’s shooting improved three years in a row, overall and behind the arc, in Gainesville.

48. Milwaukee Bucks

Cameron Oliver | Nevada | PF | 6-8 | 225

Averaging 8.7 rebounds in just 31.9 minutes last season as a sophomore, a skill that usually translates to the pros, is a testament to his athleticism and work ethic. (Not to mention 16 points and 2.6 blocks per game, along with 38.4 percent behind the arc, a sign he can impact beyond the paint.) It doesn’t hurt that Oliver played for long-time NBA coach Eric Musselman in 2016-17 at Nevada.

49. Denver Nuggets

Sindarius Thornwell | South Carolina | SG | 6-5 | 215

The SEC player of the year and a driving force behind the first Final Four appearance in school history is physically ready to play in the NBA now. That’s the benefit of leaving as a senior who will turn 23 early in the regular season. Thornwell has been a versatile and aggressive defender who also averaged 7.1 rebounds in 34.3 minutes last season while making 39.2 percent of his 3-pointers.

50. Philadelphia 76ers

Monte’ Morris | Iowa State | PG | 6-3 | 175

Good luck finding many point guards, or prospects at any position, more reliable and more experienced. The list is Morris and Frank Mason III of Kansas, with Villanova’s Josh Hart at shooting guard. Morris led the NCAA in assist-to-turnover ratio three of his four seasons, with tournament appearances in all four and Iowa State routinely among the most efficient offenses. He may not have the high ceiling of other picks, but that dependability is appealing.

51. Denver Nuggets

Jaron Blossomgame | Clemson | SF | 6-7 | 215

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v

He is the rarity of a four-year player, from a prominent conference at that, but with mixed results. At a time front offices like the idea of power forwards and centers with shooting range, small forward Blossomgame went from 44.6 percent behind the arc last season to 25.5. His free-throw accuracy also declined. The good news is that he plays physical, rebounds for his position and has shown range in the past.

52. New Orleans Pelicans

Edmond Sumner | Xavier | PG | 6-5 | 170

He would be higher, and possibly much higher, if not for health concerns. Sumner missed the final 17 games last season, as a redshirt sophomore, after tearing a ligament in his left knee, and that was after just six appearances in 2014-15 mostly because of tendinitis in both knees. The medical issues are especially concerning for a player who relies so much on speed and bursts for success.

53. Boston Celtics

P.J. Dozier | South Carolina | SG | 6-6 | 200

He has the chance to make an impact with the versatility to defend multiple positions, but will need it to be a big impact to cover up deficiencies with the ball. Dozier is a shooting guard who made 28.5 percent of his 3-pointers last season while also grinding at 59.7 percent from the line.

54. Phoenix Suns

Tyler Dorsey | Oregon | SG | 6-4 | 180

He helped his stock with an impressive tournament run followed by a good showing at the Chicago combine, a stretch that included breaking 20 points in eight consecutive games as a Duck. The scorer’s mentality comes with shooting 42.4 percent behind the arc last season. The question is whether he can handle physical play at 180 pounds while also 21 years old.

55. Utah Jazz

Dwayne Bacon | Florida State | SF | 6-6 | 220

Bacon scores in transition and by slashing to the time, and has good strength for a wing, but needs to make another big jump in three-point accuracy after going from 28.8 percent in 2015-16 to 33 percent last season. Developing a perimeter game, even if not all the way to the arc, is critical. Bacon was the leading scorer on the Florida State team that also included Isaac heading to the top 10 and possibly the first half of the lottery.

56. Boston Celtics

Nigel Williams-Goss | Gonzaga | PG | 6-4 | 180

A smart, solid distributor with three seasons of experience against major competition, at Washington and Gonzaga as part of the Zags’ run to the national-title game in 2017. Like Morris from Iowa State, Mason from Kansas and Hart from Villanova, Williams-Goss can stick at point guard from back in the pack because he finds a way to contribute and is mature.

57. Brooklyn Nets

Dillon Brooks | Oregon | SF | 6-7 | 215

Brooks does not hide his emotions, sometimes to his detriment. But the energy is what also helped him win Pacific 12 Conference Player of the Year and become the latest in a long line of Canadians into the NBA. He is strong enough 6-7, even while needing to add some weight, to be a candidate for small-ball power forward.

58. New York Knicks

Vlatko Cancar | Slovenia | SF | 6-8 | 210

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v

While he is entering the draft after an underwhelming season, not the soundest of logic, Cancar entered 2016-17 as one of the better European prospects. Front offices still like his future as someone who, although limited athletically, can get his shots and make plays for others as a good team player.

59. San Antonio Spurs

Wesley Alves da Silva | Brazil | SG | 6-6 | 190

The ultimate in investments picks will need a lot of time in the minors and would be facing a big transition, but the upside is there. He is a very athletic shooting guard who can handle well enough to potentially become a combo guard with the additional versatility of being able to defend multiple positions. The background includes a good showing at the 2016 Hoop Summit.

60. Atlanta Hawks

Luke Kornet | Vanderbilt | C | 7-0 | 240

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v

While he reverted in 3-point percentage, from 40 percent as a junior to a woeful 23.6 as a senior, Kornet’s game advanced enough in other areas to show an upward trajectory worth a long look in the minors. Plus, the results behind the arc in 2015-16 showed he has the potential to become a threat at center or power forward. Plus, he’s 7-feet tall, 240 pounds.

Scott Howard-Cooper has covered the NBA since 1988. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.

The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.

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