2017 NBA Mock Draft 2.0

Player Profile:

“I was somewhat skeptical of Fultz coming into the season, but in hindsight, see no legitimate reason as to why. Any concerns about how he stands up athletically to the rest of the lottery are no more, and his skill level and comfortability on the court is uncanny, to say the least.

When you watch Fultz play the game, it’s nearly impossible not to marvel at how smooth everything seems for him. He weaves in and out of the defense with apparent ease, and drops passes that you don’t often see out of an 18-year-old’s hands.

He’s 6-5 with a 6-10 wingspan and the fluidity needed to outmanuever even the quickest of defenders. That, combined with an excellent sense of pace and the ability to change speeds on a dime, makes him incredibly difficult to defend.” — Markelle Fultz has the Makings of a Star.

Outside Opinion:

“Fultz is a capable shooter off the catch and does a tremendous job setting up his pull ups with hesitations, sudden dribble moves and solid footwork. Although more smooth than explosive, he’s crafty around the rim, often employing wrong foot floaters to keep the defense off balance. Futlz also showed impressive vision and timing as a passer, and made plays in the passing lanes with his length. He continued to prove why he’s considered one of the top guard prospects in the 2016 class.” — Mike Schmitz in DraftExpress’ 2016 Nike Hoop Summit Analysis.

Team Fit:

It’s obvious at this point that the Celtics don’t need another point guard. Isaiah Thomas has inserted himself into the Top 5 discussion in relation to the MVP race in some circles,  while both Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier have proven themselves to be fine prospects at the point.

But that doesn’t matter.

When generational talents come around, you don’t pass them up for fit — and Markelle Fultz is most certainly a generational talent. His calm nature and incredible body control is rarely seen from such an impressive athlete at such a young age, and his weaknesses seldom manifest over the course of one single game.

He can score at all levels and boasts the best play-making touch outside of Lonzo Ball in this year’s class. He gives the Celtics a potential superstar moving forward, and one that could carry them well beyond what Isaiah Thomas is capable of — and that’s far from a knock on what the 5-9 dynamo is dishing out this season.

Fultz is an incredible (really incredible) talent. The Celtics take him sans concern at number one.