NBA Mock Draft 2017 2.0 Lottery Edition: New risers changing up the draft boards

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NBA Draft
Zach Collins's strong tournament has moved him into the lottery in this NBA mock draft. (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review)

The College Basketball season has concluded so it’s only right for another NBA mock draft. 

College players have shown all they can at the college level to NBA scouts, but the preparation is only beginning. They still have the NBA combine and pre-draft workouts to showcase their game. Until then, an NBA mock draft is ever changing, moving players up and down depending on their workouts. This NBA mock draft is no exception, expect it to change A LOT up until the draft itself. 

NBA Mock Draft 1.0 can be found here

My NBA mock draft 2.0 includes some risers, new players proving worthy of a lottery pick. Which players are seeing their draft stock trending up? Trending down? Staying the same? 

Welcome to the NBA Mock Draft 2.0, Lottery Edition. 

1. Boston Celtics (via Brooklyn Nets): Markelle Fultz, G – Washington Huskies

2. Phoenix Suns: Josh Jackson, G/F – Kansas Jayhawks

3. Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball, G – UCLA Bruins

4. Philadelphia 76ers: Dennis Smith Jr., G – NC State WolfPack

5. Orlando Magic: Jayson Tatum, F – Duke Blue Devils 

6. New York Knicks: Jonathan Isaac, F – Florida State Seminoles

7. Minnesota Timberwolves: De’Aaron Fox, G – Kentucky Wildcats

8. Sacramento Kings: Lauri Markannen, F – Arizona Wildcats

9. Dallas Mavericks: Zach Collins, C – Gonzaga Bulldogs 

10. Sacramento Kings (via New Orleans Pelicans): Frank Ntilinka, G – International

11. Detroit Pistons: TJ Leaf, F – UCLA Bruins

12. Charlotte Hornets: Miles Bridges, F – Michigan State Spartans

13. Denver Nuggets: Harry Giles, F – Duke Blue Devils

14. Miami Heat: Isaiah Hartenstein, F – International

Mock Draft Analysis

2. Phoenix Suns: Josh Jackson, G/F – Kansas Jayhawks 

It may look crazy that Josh Jackson would be drafted ahead of a guard like Lonzo Ball, but Jackson is reportedly gaining traction as the #1 overall pick in the draft. Number one overall may seem like a reach because of the guards (Markelle and Lonzo), so number 2 overall seems a little more reasonable. His size and athleticism will translate very well to the next level, especially on the defensive end. He has ways to go in terms of having a consistent jumper but he’s definitely worthy of a very high pick. 

NBA Draft
Josh Jackson is gaining traction as the number one overall pick due to his versatility. However, he goes #2 in this NBA mock draft. (The Associated Press)

6. New York Knicks: Jonathan Isaac, F – Florida State Seminoles

Carmelo Anthony has been the subject of trade talks the entire season, and it is a possibility that he’s no longer in a Knick uniform next season. That would leave a hole at the forward position. Enter: Isaac. He’s a versatile forward capable of being effective on both ends of the floor. Isaac and Porzingis would be a great athletic and versatile duo for the New York Knicks.

NBA Draft
Jonathan Isaac’s versatility on both ends of the floor makes him an intriguing pick in the lottery. (Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)

9. Dallas Mavericks: Zach Collins, C – Gonzaga Bulldogs

Zach Collins definitely helped his draft stock a ton during the NCAA Tournament. The 7-foot Gonzaga big is a menace on the defensive end of the floor with a knack for swatting shots (had 6 blocks in the Final Four game). He’s tough in the interior but also has a reliable jump shot. Dallas could use a big, and what better way to fill that need with a tough-nosed center like Collins? 

Video courtesy of NCAA March Madness 

13. Denver Nuggets: Harry Giles, F – Duke Blue Devils

Harry Giles was the #1 recruit in the 2016 class so he definitely has the talent. He wasn’t able to get much rhythm during his freshman season at Duke because of multiple knee injuries. As a result, he only averaged around 4 points and 4 rebounds a game so it would definitely be a risk to take him in the lottery. Giles, however, has the explosiveness and athleticism that wows teams. Hopefully, he has strong showings in the combine and draft workouts to prove once again how he is an NBA talent. 

Video courtesy of Ballislife 

*Featured photo credits go to Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review*

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