The Sixer Sense
Fansided

2017 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: Volume 2

By Owen Nelson

2017 NBA Draft prospects Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
2017 NBA Draft prospects Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 26, 2017; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) looks on form the bench during a game against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Friel Court at Beasley Coliseum. The Cougars won 79-71. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2017; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) looks on form the bench during a game against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Friel Court at Beasley Coliseum. The Cougars won 79-71. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

1. player. 18. . PG. Washington. Markelle Fultz

To me, this is a no brainer pick. Despite being overloaded at the guard spots and having one of the best point guards in Isaiah Thomas, Fultz must be the pick. In addition, the Celtics are in a win-now mode, they shouldn’t care about fit, they should only care about drafting the best player available.

If Fultz is the choice, it will be interesting to see if Isaiah Thomas sticks around after his contract expires in the summer of 2018. I’m sure Fultz would start the season backing up Thomas as he learns Brad Steven’s offense but given his great size of 6-4 and a 6-10 wingspan, Fultz could eventually play alongside Thomas at the shooting guard spot. This would obviously demote elite defender, Avery Bradley to the bench.

Fultz’s game is so polished, offensively speaking, he is more than prepared for the NBA. His mid-range pull ups are lethal, his length helps him tremendously when getting the shot off. He glides past defenders as if they are not there. Fultz has also shown elite range, one a few occasions Fultz decided to pull up from five feet beyond the arc.

In addition to his offense capabilities, Futz has shown great potential on the defensive end. His “LeBron-esque chase down” blocks are what draws the attention. Fultz’s length helps him in picking off passes and locking his man up.