The 2016-17 NBA season tipped off on Tuesday and while the actual action is finally underway there is nothing wrong with looking far in advance at the potential top players that will be available in 2017. After all, the college basketball season is right around the corner so it won’t be long before the evaluation process gets underway for next year’s draft. Here is a look at the projected top five picks for the 2017 NBA Draft as the regular season gets underway.
1. PG: Markelle Fultz, Washington – Boston Celtics (Brooklyn Nets)
The fact that the Celtics could challenge for the best record in the Eastern Conference this season and still end up with the first-overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft is absolutely ridiculous but it also shows how shortsighted the Brooklyn Nets were when they dealt for Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Jason Terry back in 2013. Boston could decide to trade this pick as part of a deal for a superstar player or it could hold on to it and select the top player available. The early favorite to go first overall is the freshman point guard out of Washington in Fultz. A 6’4’’ point guard who has ridiculous basketball skills, terrific instincts and excellent vision will look to make the Pac-12 his playground this season and all eyes will be on the Huskies to see if he lives up to the hype.
2. SF: Josh Jackson, Kansas – Phoenix Suns
The Suns might already have one of the deeper backcourts in the Western Conference with Devin Booker, Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight and they addressed their frontcourt in the 2016 NBA Draft with the additions of Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss. That means the small forward position will likely be a point of emphasis by the time next year’s NBA Draft rolls around and Jackson could be the perfect fit. The 6’7’’ Jackson oozes with athleticism and has the type of ridiculous wingspan and explosive ability to excel at both ends of the floor. Jackson needs to work on his jumper at Kansas this season. As long as he improves that aspect of his game he should be a lock as a top-five pick.
3. PG: Dennis Smith Jr., North Carolina State – Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers are absolutely loaded with young talent at the forward and center positions. Addressing their lack of depth at the guard positions will be the key heading in to their 2017 NBA Draft. Smith could be the perfect fit as an explosive point guard that has the type of world-class quickness and explosiveness that should make him a top-five pick. Smith will have to prove he hasn’t lost a step after suffering an ACL tear last summer but the early indications are that he will be just fine.
4. PG: Frank Ntilikina, France – Sacramento Kings
Sacramento would love to grab Fultz or Smith but with both of those two off the board they will turn to Ntilikina with the hope that he can eventually guide their offense as their starting point guard. Ntilikina is very fundamentally sound with excellent size at 6’5’’ and a solid two-way game. Ntilikina’s size, strength and shooting range should have him in the conversation as a top-five pick and the Kings’ need for guard help will help force their hand as they pick him up in this spot.
5. PF: Harry Giles III, Duke – Denver Nuggets
The fact that the Nuggets don’t need any more guard help should help them when it comes to selecting the best talent available on the board at No. 5. Giles should be the perfect fit provided there isn’t any long-term damage following a third knee surgery. Giles has superstar athleticism and a massive 6’11’’ frame that includes a 7’3’’ wingspan and he has the type of high motor that never seems to slow down. Giles could very well put himself in the conversation for the top two picks with a strong season in which he proves that his knee is fine but if he falls to No. 5 then Denver will be happy to scoop him up with this pick just ahead of his teammate Jayson Tatum and California forward Ivan Rabb.
