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2017 NBA Mock Draft: Point Guards Dominate The Early Field

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 17, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) celebrates after the Wildcats defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels 103-100 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) celebrates after the Wildcats defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels 103-100 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 23, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack head coach Mark Gottfried talks with guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) on the sidelines in the first half of their game against the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack head coach Mark Gottfried talks with guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) on the sidelines in the first half of their game against the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Dennis Smith Jr., North Carolina State Wolfpack

Position: Point Guard
Age: 19 (11/25/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3″, 195 pounds, 6’3″
2016-17 Slash Line: .448/.369/.720
2016-17 Season Averages: 33.7 MPG, 19.0 PPG, 6.5 APG, 4.4 RPG, 2.2 SPG, 1.7 3PM

Dennis Smith Jr. has recovered from a torn ACL during his high school years to become one of the best players in college basketball. Standing at roughly 6’3″ with a strong frame and explosive athleticism, Smith’s game is a sight to behold.

There are still areas of Smith’s game in which he must improve, but he has the killer instinct and natural leadership ability to be a superstar in the NBA.

Smith’s bread and butter is getting out in transition and creating havoc for opposing defenses with his finishing ability and playmaking. He’s also a skilled pick and roll player who can come off of screens and either make runs at the rim, pull up for jump shots, or find the dive man.

Smith also has elite defensive potential with his lateral quickness, explosive athleticism, and active hands in the passing lanes.

On a team with limited depth, Smith has still managed to step up with massive performances in big games. Were he surrounded by a team with NBA-caliber talent, he could be the transcendent playmaker who elevates a team to postseason-caliber play.

Smith has the ceiling of a legitimate NBA superstar and the raw ability to be a starting-caliber role player, which makes him a surefire Top 5 prospect.