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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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Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) works around Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Silas Melson (0) during the second half in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) works around Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Silas Melson (0) during the second half in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

100. <p>The Indiana Pacers are in a tough position overall <em>and</em> in the draft. All signs point to Paul George leaving by next summer and they don’t really have much going for them other than Myles Turner. They’re better off getting a bunch of picks and young players to start their next rebuild. That makes this pick so tough. Does Indiana go for upside here, banking on a future without PG-13, or do they get a guy who can contribute now?</p> <p>At this point in the draft, the major upside guys are the international players, Justin Patton and Harry Giles. Given their core guy is Turner and most upside plays here are bigs, they should opt for a guy who could blend in with any roster the Pacers put together.</p> <p>Justin Jackson was the poster boy for pulling out of the NBA Draft process in 2016. He went back to school, became a lethal three-point shooter, and improved his defense and passing. Jackson won’t be the defender in the NBA he was at UNC, but that would be less of a factor off the bench. A bench role, possibly backing up Paul George, could be his role next season.</p> <p>Once Indiana figures out its long-term plan, Jackson can be a fifth starter on the wing who spreads the floor and plays the right way. If not, he could potentially grow into a sixth man role or a killer bench guy. It’s not a sexy pick, but sometimes safer picks can be the right move for teams in flux.</p>. SF. UNC. Justin Jackson. 18. player

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