The Sixer Sense
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2017 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Pre-Draft

By Owen Nelson

Jan 25, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles the ball against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half at Wells-Fargo Arena. The Sun Devils won 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles the ball against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half at Wells-Fargo Arena. The Sun Devils won 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 15, 2017; Newark, NJ, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton (23) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Seton Hall Pirates at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2017; Newark, NJ, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton (23) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Seton Hall Pirates at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

C. Creighton. Justin Patton. 19. player. 125.

Justin Patton may just be one of the biggest boom-or-bust prospects in this draft. One games he looks like a potential all-star, other games he looks like he has bust written all over him. This shows how inconsistent Patton was over the course of his redshirt freshman season with the Creighton Bluejays. If everything pans out the way it should, Patton would be a very good replacement for Dwight Howard.

Coming into the season Patton was on nobody’s radar, not even as a second round prospect, many thought Patton would be a multi year college player. His flashes of potential was enough to warrant a first round grade, he has managed to maintain that grade throughout the whole season.

With Paul Millsap testing free agency after declining his player option and Dwight Howard being shipped to the Charlotte Hornets, I think selecting a big man is what the Hawks need to do with this pick. Around this area we should see a run of big men being selected, meaning there won’t be as good of options if they leave selecting a big man to the second round.

Previous Mock Draft Ranking: 22