With the 2017 NBA Draft order decided, we can now take a more realistic look at where prospects are likely to end up this June.
Half the waiting is now over. The 2017 NBA Draft order is set. The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers hold the top two picks, and Sacramento’s third overall pick swapped with the Philadelphia 76ers at No. 5.
Half the angst of the NBA Draft is where teams end up. Now that that part is over, the real fun begins. No longer do we have to bask in as many endless possibilities. We’ve officially entered peak mock draft season.
While the order is determined, there’s still plenty we don’t know. Boston and Los Angeles are both potentially in the market to trade for a star. The Sixers likely won’t get to draft Markelle Fultz or Lonzo Ball, the two bets fits for the team. Where do they go if those guys are gone? How does Sacramento handle having two top-10 picks?
After the lottery, this draft class dips a bit. However, the late-first rounders into the second round are very deep and interesting. We’ve seen year after year that there is value hiding in that 25-60 range, and we’re not talking just Draymond Green. With still plenty of suspense to be had, here’s a first jab at the 2017 NBA Draft following the finalized order. The Boston Celtics are on the clock.