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2017 NBA Mock Draft: An Early Look Ahead

By Maxwell Ogden

MAPLE GROVE, MN- MAY 23: Harry Giles #1 from Team CP3 and Wesleyan Christian Academy during Session Four of the Nike EYBL on May 23, 2015 at Maple Grove Community Gym in Maple Grove, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images)
MAPLE GROVE, MN- MAY 23: Harry Giles #1 from Team CP3 and Wesleyan Christian Academy during Session Four of the Nike EYBL on May 23, 2015 at Maple Grove Community Gym in Maple Grove, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 15: Jayson Tatum (R) (St. Louis, MO) in action for the East Team at the 2016 Jordan Brand Classi at Barclays Center on April 15, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Jordan Brand )
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 15: Jayson Tatum (R) (St. Louis, MO) in action for the East Team at the 2016 Jordan Brand Classi at Barclays Center on April 15, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Jordan Brand ) /

3. Jayson Tatum, Duke Blue Devils

Position: Small Forward
Age: 18 (3/3/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’8.25″, 204 pounds, 6’11”
Slash Line: N/A
Season Averages: N/A

Another Duke Blue Devils freshman surfaces early in the 2017 NBA Mock Draft. Though Harry Giles is the No. 1 prospect on the board, a very good case could be made that Jayson Tatum will usurp him by season’s end.

An intriguing scorer with the size and length of a prototypical small forward, Tatum has a lot of Carmelo Anthony in his game.

Tatum feasts from midrange, utilizing his footwork, size, and pull-up jump shot to take over games. He also has tight enough handles to create space against more athletic defenders, and can convert while defended.

Tatum tends to shy away from taking the 3-point shot, but you could say the same thing about Anthony during the early stages of his career.

Tatum has the tools to be a defensive stopper, but doesn’t always commit himself—sound familiar? He also has a tendency to overcomplicate things by dribbling himself into difficult situations—seriously, does it sound familiar?

Tatum’s upside is that of a superstar, and his game is quite comparable to Carmelo Anthony.

Next: The Next Wall?