2017 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Pre-Draft

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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February 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) reacts after scoring a basket against the Southern California Trojans during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
February 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) reacts after scoring a basket against the Southern California Trojans during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Since the Portland Trail Blazers went primarily defence with their first two picks they should select an offensive player here. Who better than one of the best perimeter shooters in this draft? With the help of freshman phenom, Lonzo Ball, TJ Leaf was able to show his great shooting talents, he shot 46.6 percent from behind the arc for the Bruins this season.

As I previously said, I don’t think the Trail Blazers will keep all three first round picks, they want to compete in the playoffs, adding three rookies would only be a detriment rather than a positive. If no trades come up, the Trail Blazers may look towards an international prospect that they can stash overseas for a few years, there are plenty of directions the Trail Blazers can go in.

Looking at the Trail Blazers’ front court, there is next to no shooting, this limits floor spacing for Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum tremendously. Even if Leaf doesn’t score much, rebound much or play great defence, his floor spacing will be of great value to the Trail Blazers, it may even see him get some minutes with the starting unit.

Previous Mock Draft Ranking: 28