The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Re-drafting the 2017 NBA Draft lottery

By Christopher Kline

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Potential top draftees Lonzo Ball (L), Markelle Fultz (C) and De'Aaron Fox (R) look on before the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Potential top draftees Lonzo Ball (L), Markelle Fultz (C) and De'Aaron Fox (R) look on before the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Pick Analysis. PF/C. Wake Forest. John Collins. 11. Scouting Report. player. 170

The Hornets can use just about any long term help at this point. I’m not sure how much longer Kemba Walker is suiting up in teal and purple, while Dwight Howard and Marvin Williams aren’t exactly sustainable frontcourt options. They’re painfully short on young talent and Collins is the best player left on the board.

For many of the same reasons he thrived at Wake Forest, Collins is thriving off the bench with Atlanta. His efficiency around the rim is among the best in the league while his rebounding has always been a calling card. Add his improved defensive presence — he’s averaging over a block per game — and you have a starting caliber forward with room to grow.

Collins is shooting just 16.7 percent from deep and hasn’t done much to extend his range, but that’s something that can always improve. He wasn’t much of a shooter with the Deacs, so any progression is a positive sign.