2017 NBA Mock Draft 2.0

Player Profile:

“Fox is aptly named given his speed.

The first thing you notice when watching Fox play is how easily he’s able to carve up the opposing defense. His end-to-end speed when handling the ball is outright unmatched in this year’s draft class and his ability to change speeds and direction on a dime allows him to simply outclass virtually any college athlete.

While it clearly won’t be as easy at the next level, Fox’s ability to get penetration and create open looks for others will still translate. In a league increasingly driven by high-octane athletes on the perimeter, Fox has a very real chance to be among the fastest and most gifted of said athletes — he just has to polish off the rest of his game.” — 2017 NBA Draft Big Board 5.0.

Outside Opinion:

“Fox is an explosive athlete who can drive the lane and finish with both power and creativity. He’s also a tremendous facilitator who sees the floor well, identifies options quickly, and makes crisp passes to his teammates.

With a 38.5″ max vertical leap and the size and length to make plays in the passing lanes, Fox is evolving into a legitimate two-way player.

Enticing as this all may be, Fox needs to improve his jump shot if he’s going to realize his potential. The fact that it’s a correctable skill, however, is reason to be less discouraged and more focused on what he does well.” — Maxwell Ogden in Daily Knicks’ 2017 NBA Draft PGs To Keep and Eye On.

Team Fit:

The Kings continue to roll with Kentucky blood here, jumping on De’Aaron Fox as their point guard of the future in a move that genuinely makes sense for the team — a rarity, to say the least. While he’s a terrible shooter in a league that thrives on spacing, Fox’s upside is supported by several other facets of his game.

He’s the quickest player end-to-end in this year’s draft, allowing him the push the pace with impressive success in transition, while also wielding a quick first step in the halfcourt offense. He drives the lane with ease, and is a capable distributor when operating from the teeth of the defense.

He’s also a strong defender,  as his quick bursts allow him to play the opposition’s passing lanes with consistent results. He’s a gritty, energy-filled player on that side of the ball, and should be able to defend both guard positions as his frame fills out. A strong two-way guard who, if his jumper improves, has star potential is a worthwhile investment for a Sacramento squad in need of something outside of DeMarcus Cousins.