The 2016 NBA Draft just wrapped up and while we haven’t even seen this year’s class of rookies on an NBA floor just yet we are already looking ahead to what is next for 2017. Unlike this year’s field, next year’s NBA Draft is loaded with potential star power at the top with three or four prospects that could end up being first-overall picks. Here is a look at the way too early top-five picks for the 2017 NBA Draft.
SF: Josh Jackson, Kansas Jayhawks
Freshman
There likely won’t be a more dominant athlete in college basketball than Jackson this season as he looks to dominate in his freshman season. At 6’8’’, Jackson has the elite combination of size, speed, quickness and finishing ability at the rim and he is virtually impossible to stop in transition. Jackson is also an excellent facilitator and his ability to shoot the three-ball makes him that much more dangerous in space. Jackson’s defensive game is also impressive as he is one of the best two-way prospects on the board. A lot can happen between now and the 2017 NBA Draft but based on the talent and intangibles Jackson is our projected No. 1 pick right now.
PF: Harry Giles, Duke Blue Devils
Freshman
A second ACL tear means Giles might not be the first-overall pick in next year’s NBA Draft. However, there is no doubt that if he is healthy he will be in the conversation just based on his ridiculous attributes. The 6’10’’, 222-pound power forward has a 7’3’’ wingspan and is pretty much automatic under the rim. A strong freshman season could be enough to convince scouts that he is worth the No. 1 pick even despite his injury history.
PG/SG: Markelle Fultz, Washington Huskies
Freshman
Fultz is our projected No. 3 pick for the 2017 NBA Draft but it wouldn’t shock anybody if he climbed even higher based on his skill set and a potential need at the position at the next level. The 6’5’’ combo guard is an absolutely lethal scorer and a crafty playmaker that can do some serious damage on offense. Remember that Washington has produced some scintillating offensive weapons recently. One of the reasons for that is that they’re an explosive offensive playing in the Pac-12, which doesn’t always have rugged defensive teams. Fultz will get every opportunity to showcase his skill set with Dejounte Murray, Marquese Chriss and Andrew Andrews out of the picture at Washington next season.
PG: Dennis Smith, North Carolina State Wolfpack
Freshman
Smith is another potential top-five pick with an injury concern after he suffered a torn ACL. However, the expectation is that he will be ready for the start of the season and as long as he is healthy he should be one of the top point guards in the entire country. Smith has drawn comparisons to Derrick Rose with his attacking style and ability to pull up and hit the jumper with the type of elite athleticism and playmaking ability that can make him a star. The knee injury could take away from his stock but Smith should still be a top-five pick in 2017.
SF: Jayson Tatum, Duke Blue Devils
Freshman
Tatum’s 6’8’’ size and elite athleticism will translate well as a freshman at Duke this season and there are some that feel he is already capable of stepping in to an NBA lineup. We will pump the brakes on that notion right away but the reality is that he should be more than ready following a full season at Duke. Tatum has drawn comparisons to Carmelo Anthony, Paul Pierce and Jabari Parker and he will have a full year in college to develop his overall game. It will help that he’s playing for Coach K on a team that is expected to be a contender; he won’t be a lone wolf trying to do too much like Ben Simmons was last year.
Tatum will need to focus on improving his shooting from beyond the arc but the elite size and athleticism will help put him over the top as a top-five pick as long as he stays healthy this season.
