2017 NBA Lottery Mock Draft

With the Lottery set, and the draft less than a week away, it's time to look at what each team should do Thursday night to avoid an uproar from their fan base (unless, of course, you're the Knicks drafting Kristaps Porzingis, then do you, New York).

Last season's draft pool featured a number of players poised to have long careers, but seemed to lack the potential All Stars that this year's draft holds (to be determined, of course). This brings more intrigue to this year's draft, especially after last year's top 2 picks didn't exactly impress during their first year in the league, Ben Simmons sitting out the entire season due to injury (and/or The Process), and Brandon Ingram posting one of the worst rookie seasons in league history.

Also unlike last year, this year's player pool features a number of guards with sky-high ceilings, in what has become a very guard dominant league. While the Markelle Fultz Lonzo Ball debate seems to be all but decided at this point, Ball appears to be dropping to the next tier of guards in the draft, and may not even be the second point guard off the board.

1. Philadelphia 76ers

In an apparent attempt to speed up "The Process", the Sixers agreed to terms with the Celtics to swap the third and first picks this year, along with either the Lakers' pick next year (2-5), or the Kings pick the following year. We can only assume that this means Philly is set on taking Markelle Fultz, and rounding out one of the most intriguing young cores in the NBA.

2. Los Angeles Lakers

In part due to Lavar Ball's comments that his son would "only play for the Lakers", and the result that Lonzo did in fact only work out for the Lakers, it seemed inevitable that the Lakers would take the Chino Hills and UCLA standout. Until recently, that is, rumors and reports have been circling that the eldest Ball brother has less than impressed the Lakers in his workouts, and that there is a legitimate possibility that the Lakers could look elsewhere. All of the media stuff aside (it is Hollywood, after all), with D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson showing promise in the back court, the Lakers may be wise to take Josh Jackson, a can't miss athlete, with superstar potential, and at the very least, can be insurance in case Brandon Ingram can't turn it around in year two.

3. Boston Celtics

As always, there's still a chance that Danny Ainge has another move up his sleeve and that this will not be where the Celtics make their first selection Thursday night, but for now, we'll assume that Mr. Ainge will stand pat. If the Lakers do go with Jackson, the Celtics will be left in an interesting position, likely deciding between De'Aaron Fox and Lonzo Ball, the latter of which did not work out for the team. Despite less media attention (due to a certain individual, ironic posting this on Father's Day), Fox has had less hype built up about him, however Fox outplayed Ball in both meetings in college, despite a 1-1 record, averaging 29.5 ppg and 6.5 apg, on 51.5% shooting. If the Celtics retain this pick, De'Aaron Fox seems like the smart pick.

4. Phoenix Suns

The Suns do a great job of leaving NBA fans scratching their heads on draft night pretty much every year, but admittedly, Devin Booker has proven himself, and in more regular minutes Marquese Chriss showed promise at the end of last year. Moving one of Eric Bledsoe or Brandon Knight wouldn't be a surprise, but to justify drafting a point guard with either of them still on the roster would be, well, a Suns move. None the less, Jayson Tatum would be a great fit in Phoenix, and could form a fantastic one-two punch on the wings with Booker in years to come.

5. Sacramento Kings

Now how great would Lonzo Ball to the Kings be? Ball and Boogie would have been the best League Pass duo in the entire league, and probably would have been the best reality show on TV. Who knows if Lavar will even let Lonzo play in Sacramento, but we all want to see it, plus, if he really is the franchise player his dad says he is, maybe he can put out the dumpster fire that is the Kings right now.

6. Orlando Magic

From one confusing franchise to another, perhaps the Magic's biggest problem is not knowing whether or not any of their current players are any good, or just good numbers on a bad team (looking at you, Elfrid Payton and Evan Fournier). It's really anyone's guess what the Magic do here, but fit wise Jonathan Isaac seems like the right move.

7. Minnesota Timberwolves

Malik Monk. It just has to be. The Wolves would thrive with a knock down shooter to add to their young core, and that's just Monk's floor. The Sixers "Process" might get more publicity, but the chance to run out Zach Lavine, Malik Monk, Andrew Wiggins, Gorgui Dieng, and Karl-Anthony Towns is an opportunity far too good to pass up for Minnesota.

8. New York Knicks

The Knicks roster next year is in question to say the least, with the ever-swirling trade rumors around Carmelo Anthony, Derrrick Rose's free agency, and the more recent question of whether or not Porzingis still wants to remain in the Big Apple. Banking on the fact that both Melo and Porzingis stick around, Dennis Smith would be a nice experiment for New York. Smith had his ups and downs at N.C. State a year ago, but can really put on a show at times, and what better place to get the chance to wow the crowd than MSG?

9. Dallas Mavericks

7 foot tall European who lets it fly from beyond the arc but doesn't neglect his rebounding responsibilities? There might be someone in Dallas who knows a thing or two about that type of skill set. Will Lauri Markkanen turn into Dirk Nowitzki? Doubtful, but Dirk is one of the best of all time, and would be a fantastic mentor to the Finnish prospect during his final season in Dallas. Heck, the Mavs could even play them together and create some ridiculous floor spacing if Markkanen proves ready right away.

10. Sacramento Kings

This is weird, the Kings ended up making a good move? Thanks New Orleans...With tons of roster flexibility and no clear direction, the Kings just need talent, or a diamond in the rough. Whether or not the Kings do get Ball as mentioned above is yet to be seen, but taking a chance on Frank Ntilikina out of France seems like a good opportunity for Sacramento either way.

11. Charlotte Hornets

If Michael Jordan had an aversion to Duke players, he wouldn't have signed Miles Plumlee to a 4-year $50 million contract (yes, you read that right). With that being cleared up, Luke Kennard would be a great fit for the Hornets, bringing shooting and play-making to a team that lacks spacing at times and can rely a bit too much on Kemba Walker.

12. Detroit Pistons

Most Detroit fans are probably hoping Kennard will fall to them at 12, and that they won't have to match whatever absurd offer Kentavious Caldwell-Pope receives as a restricted free agent, but with Kennard and Monk off the board, the Pistons will have to look elsewhere. It's no secret that Detroit has been looking to move Andre Drummond, and whether or not that happens, Zach Collins would be a good insurance pick up, either as Drummond's backup, or as a potential replacement.

13. Denver Nuggets

The Nuggest find themselves in no-man's land here, with a lack of help for budding star Nikola Jokic on roster if Danilo Gallinari departs in free agency, and no sure thing prospect left at this point of the draft. Taking Bam Adebayo here would allow the Nuggets to potentially shop Kenneth Faried for more perimeter help.

14. Miami Heat

Somehow, Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra almost turned last year's Miami Heat roster into a playoff team (honorable mention to Dion Waiters and his efforts), but now similar to the Nuggets the Heat find themselves in an awkward position. It may seem a bit high according to a lot of other Mocks, but T.J. Leaf's ability to score from all areas would be a nice compliment to Hassan Whiteside (if he sticks around).