2017 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Pre-Draft
By Owen Nelson
Washington. Markelle Fultz. 1. player. 93. . PG/SG
As I said in my previous mock draft, this pick won’t be changing at all. Even with the Celtics trading the pick to the Philadelphia 76ers, the 6-4 guard is the choice. Fultz was rerouted to Philadelphia following the reports of a deal between the division rivals, he worked out for the 76ers. He only shot 4-18 in three point drills but I’m sure the Sixers hierarchy was more concerned with Fultz’s medical report.
The reported deal is that the Sixers give the Celtics their third overall pick this year, and the 2018 Lakers pick. That pick will only convey if it lands between two and five. If not, the Celtics will get the 2019 Sacramento Kings pick. Only giving up one future first round pick to land Fultz is an absolute steal in my eyes. I think Colangelo channeled his inner Sam Hinkie.
The players have already taken in Fultz, Fultz was seen talking with Ben Simmons, Robert Covington and Joel Embiid after his workout. Additionally, prior to Fultz’s workout, Embiid and Saric took a photo of Fultz’s locker with the famous, beloved quote “Trust The Process”.
Trust The Process pic.twitter.com/LLNzDiBWpc
— Joel “Troel” Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) June 17, 2017
The weaknesses surrounding Fultz is his lackadaisical attitude. This is shown on both offence and defence. He made everything on offence look so simple it looks like is wasn’t trying. However, on defence he could improve a fair bit, maybe he rested whilst on defence because he had to carry the Huskies offence. The failure of the Washington Huskie’s season cannot be put solely on Fultz’s back, an 18 year old can’t carry a team.
The Process may be over. As sad or happy as that may sound, this represents a new era in Philadelphia basketball. And kudos to Bryan Colangelo, I didn’t think he’d pull it off but he did, some may say he fleeced the fleece master.