The Sixer Sense
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2017 NBA lottery mock draft

By Matt Litzenberg

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NBA draft prospects pose for a group photo on stage before the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NBA draft prospects pose for a group photo on stage before the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 25, 2017; Coral Gables, FL, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) reacts during the second half against the Miami Hurricanes at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Coral Gables, FL, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) reacts during the second half against the Miami Hurricanes at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Pick Analysis. 11. player. 170. Scouting Report. SG. Duke. Luke Kennard

This pick makes perfect sense. With Belinelli now in Atlanta, the Hornets need to replace him with a shooter. Kennard makes perfect sense for the Hornets. With Kennard, Charlotte will improve a terrible bench unit and help open up the game for recently acquired center Dwight Howard.

Speaking of Dwight Howard, can we admit that the Hawks have no idea what they are doing. I understand the Hawks want to rebuild, but trading down in one of the best drafts and a good center in Howard in exchange for a worse 2nd rounder, Marco Belinelli, and Miles Plumlee’s worse unmovable contract

12. 38. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. SG/SF. Indiana. OG Anunoby. player

In a stunning announcement, the Detroit Pistons decide to go all out on their core, trading Marcus Morris and the 12th pick for Evan Fournier. Stan Van Gundy has stated that the team was open to trading the pick for an impact player and get one in Fournier. This trade makes KCP’s future in Detroit questionable and makes some wonder if Van Gundy has given up on Stanley Johnson.

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Meanwhile, in Orlando, John Hammond makes another upside pick, selecting OG Anunoby with the 12th pick. Anunoby is a nice potential 3 and D player who should benefit with the amount of playing time Frank Vogul will offer him. Anunoby could be the Paul George type player the Magic are searching for. The Magic shed a ton of salary and will continue to rebuild as evident to this move.

John Collins . player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 13. 73. PF/C. Wake Forrest

The Nuggets love the versatility and they accomplish this with John Collins. Collins can play the 4 and the 5, so he will be an extremely valuable asset in lineups with Nikola Jokic and bench lineups. Collins is a great rebounder and will help the Nuggets in this aspect if they ever choose to move on from Kenneth Faried. Collins was one of the most underrated players in the country, flying under the radar on a bad Wake Forrest team for the majority of the season.

Denver has been known to take players who are hardworking, humble and fly under the radar. For this reason, I believe Collins will be the pick and will be another nice young piece the Nuggets could use down the stretch during their future postseason runs.

player. 110. Pick Analysis. PF/C. UCLA. TJ Leaf. 14. Scouting Report

With Chris Bosh’s retirement, the Heat desperately need a power forward who can stretch the floor. TJ Leaf can be that guy for the Miami Heat. Leaf is a great offensive player and can play close to and away from the basket. He can block shots at a fairly consistent rate and should make a great defensive duo with Hassan Whiteside. Leaf also has a great work ethic which will be greatly appreciated under Coach Spolestra.  Leaf is a guy who will be ready to contribute from day one as a stretch four.

Next: What Markelle Fultz means for the 76ers

Leaf’s versatility will allow the Heat to play him from day one, which isn’t something you can say about a lot of prospects from day one. Leaf is the best pick for the Heat at 14 and will bring to the table what the Heat thought they were getting with Josh McRoberts.