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2017 NBA Mock Draft: Post-Lottery edition

By Max Holm

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 27, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) in action during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the American Airlines Center. The Thunder defeat the Mavericks 92-91. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) in action during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the American Airlines Center. The Thunder defeat the Mavericks 92-91. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Frank Ntilikina. 9. player. 79. <p>The 2017 NBA Draft has a significant drop-off after the first 10-12 picks. Donovan Mitchell and Zach Collins are becoming draft sweethearts, but Dallas should really be deciding between Lauri Markkanen and Frank Ntilikina. Because of Markkanen’s inability to do much outside of shooting, Ntilikina should be Dallas’ pick here.</p> <p>Frank Ntilikina is one of my favorite prospects, who could be a top-five pick in a normal draft. At 6-foot-5 with an enormous wingspan, he can guard three positions at the next level and he’s one of the youngest players in the draft. Ntilikina is extremely mature for his age, very driven and managed to get playing time in the top division in France.</p> <p>He turned himself into a top-10 prospect by improving as a jump shooter. Strasbourg moved him to shooting guard, which allowed him to guard bigger players and improve his shooting. He won’t be ready to be a lead guard 1-2 years into the league, but he could turn into one as he matures and bulks up.</p> <p>For now, he’s a mean defender with a good eye for passing and an improving jumper. He doesn’t have the same burst of Fox and Smith Jr., but he’s a very solid athlete nonetheless. Between his intelligence and demeanor, Ntilikina’s potential could be unlocked by Rick Carlisle and Dirk Nowitzki. Alongside Wesley Matthews, Harrison Barnes and Nerlens Noel, the Mavericks would be in a prime position for gradual improvement.</p>. PG/SG. France

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