The Lonzo Ball stuff is just endless these days, isn’t it? The latest is that on Thursday, he said that he’d rather end up going to the Los Angeles Lakers than being drafted first overall. On many levels, this makes sense. He’s from there, he has family there and he played at UCLA. At the same time, being drafted first overall is an honor. With his dad constantly cutting all sorts of checks that Lonzo will have to cash, coming across as a diva in any way, shape or form won’t help his cause. Of course, he’s just answering the questions that come but Lonzo is already starting to sound like he’s going to be a bit of a handful. Will he hold out if the Lakers don’t draft him? Will his dad chastise coaches and the general manager of the team he winds up with? All of this chatter got us to thinking what is the best landing spot for the top players in the 2017 NBA Draft. Let’s do a little bit of matchmaking.
PG/SG Markelle Fultz, Washington
There is no doubt about Fultz’s elite potential. However, in order to take that next step he needs to be in a winning environment. That makes the Celtics the perfect fit as a true contender in the Eastern Conference. Isaiah Thomas could take some of the immediate pressure off of Fultz. Meanwhile, with so much talent around him he would have every opportunity to improve his overall skill set. Factor in a smart head coach in Brad Stevens and it’s clear that Boston would be the perfect fit for Fultz.
Ideal Landing Spot: Boston Celtics
PG: Lonzo Ball, UCLA
Ball is ready for the spotlight in the NBA. Los Angeles will be the perfect fit for his skill set and presence. The Lakers have already started to experiment with D’Angelo Russell playing at the shooting guard position. That means Lonzo would be able to slide in at his natural point guard position without missing a beat. The Lakers have some intriguing young talent with Russell, Brandon Ingram and Julius Randle already in the mix. Ball would be the perfect addition with a chance for him to play big minutes from the outset in Los Angeles.
Ideal Landing Spot: Los Angeles Lakers
SG/SF: Josh Jackson, Kansas
There is no doubt that Jackson will be the top target for Phoenix regardless of where they pick. That is a good thing for Jackson, who will be the perfect fit. Jackson could be the best two-way player in this year’s NBA draft. He also plays at small forward, which will fit a need for Phoenix. The Suns rank 28th in the NBA in defensive efficiency and 29th in assists. Jackson will provide an immediate boost in both areas while sliding in to a starting lineup that is loaded with young talent including Devin Booker and Marquese Chriss.
Ideal Landing Spot: Phoenix Suns
SF: Jayson Tatum, Duke
Tatum boosts immense potential as a scorer in the NBA. The Magic should strongly consider taking him with their top-five pick. Orlando ranks 29th in the NBA in offensive efficiency and are desperate for a scoring boost. Tatum is the best one-on-one scoring wing in the draft and he would become a much-needed go-to option for the Magic. Orlando hasn’t reached the playoffs since 2012. Selecting Tatum would accelerate their process of getting back to the postseason.
Ideal Landing Spot: Orlando Magic
SF/PF: Jonathan Isaac, Florida State
The Timberwolves already have franchise cornerstones in Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns. Adding a power forward to play in between those two will be the best choice for Minnesota. The Timberwolves need a talented two-way forward that can play defense at a high level and take some of the pressure off of Towns and Wiggins at the defensive end of the floor. Isaac would fit that need as an athletic big man that is also quick enough to switch and guard the perimeter if need be. Isaac isn’t a liability on offense by any means either. However, with Minnesota he could take a little more time to develop that aspect of his game without needing to be a go-to scorer right away. Isaac has serious potential and the Timberwolves might be his ideal landing spot.
Ideal Landing Spot: Minnesota Timberwolves
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