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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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January 21, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) dunks to score a basket against the Arizona Wildcats during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 21, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) dunks to score a basket against the Arizona Wildcats during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

23. TJ Leaf, UCLA Bruins

Position: Power Forward
Age: 19 (4/30/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10”, 220 pounds, 6’11”
2016-17 Slash Line: .626/.488/.619
2016-17 Season Averages: 30.6 MPG, 16.3 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2.3 ORPG, 2.6 APG, 1.2 BPG, 0.7 SPG, 1.0 3PM

T.J. Leaf has the potential to be a special player if he’s coached and developed in the right way. The best option for him would be to remain in college for at least one more season, as it would enable him to further polish his skill set before having his NBA role defined too early.

Leaf could be a franchise centerpiece if he were to develop his skill set and work his way into the role of a star, but it would be hard to fault him for coming out after his freshman season.

Leaf is a smooth shooter, strong rebounder, and intriguing post player who plays the ultimate team game on offense. His primary gift, however, is his uncanny ability to make passes at angles that most don’t even think of attempting.

Leaf has the chance to be a star-level talent if he takes the time to polish his game and develop, but even in his current state, he can be a high-level role player.

Leaf is the shining example of why many want players to spend more time with college coaches who will focus specifically on developing their game. In the NBA, Leaf would be thrust into the slot of a role player and would likely receive limited playing time due to his lackluster defense.

Leaf can help any team he’s drafted to, but I’d like to see him end up with a coaching staff that values his star potential, as well as his role player contributions.