NBA Mock Draft 2017: Small Forwards

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1. Philadelphia: Josh Jackson Small Forward / 6-8 / Kansas / Freshman 16.3 ppg, 7.4 rpg

Jackson is the best prospect available and could end up the best player in this draft. The Sixers could also opt to trade back a few spots to draft a shooter such as Jayson Tatum or Malik Monk. Drafting Tatum here at 3 is another possibility as there are ties between the Colangelos and Coach K, and Tatum is a safe pick. However, he seems to be a bit of a reach here. There are a number of teams that could move up to three to target De’Aaron Fox or Josh Jackson, so a trade with Sacramento for 5 and 10 or a deal with Phoenix or another team are possibilities.

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Comparison: Kawhi Leonard

Salary: $4,090,900*

2. Sacramento: Jayson Tatum Small Forward / 6-8 / Duke / Freshman 16.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg

Tatum would give the Kings a surefire high-level starter and a player with go-to scoring ability on the wing. While he may lack some of the upside of other prospects, like Jonathan Isaac, he’s one of the least risky prospects available. The Kings are said to be looking to address their PG position with this year’s draft so Fox or Smith are possibilities here, and if they opt for one of the wings, they could gamble that French PG Frank Ntilikina falls to their second pick at 10.

Twitter: @jaytatum0

Comparison: Allan Houston

Salary: $3,340,000*

3. Orlando: Jonathan Isaac Small Forward / 6-10 / Florida State / Freshman 12.0 ppg, 7.8 rpg

The Magic always seem to be one pick away from grabbing an elite player (see Porzingis). With the sixth pick this year, they should have the opportunity to grab a player with franchise-changing potential. It’s a great draft to have a mid lottery pick as there is a lot of talent available and a lot of prospects with similar value. Picks 5-8 could easily challenge the Top 4 in this year’s draft in the long run, which makes it a unique draft.

Twitter: @jisaac_01

Comparison: Rashard Lewis

Salary: $3,033,600*

	4. Chicago: Kyle Kuzma Small Forward / 6-9 / Utah / Junior 16.4 ppg, 9.3 rpg
No. 16 may seem high for Kyle Kuzma, who is all over the place on team’s boards following a stellar draft combine. The Bulls could use some help in their frontcourt and Kuzma could push the inconsistent Mirotic for minutes. Despite being nearly 22, Kuzma offers a nice mix of experience and upside as a potential face-up four.

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Comparison: Vladimir Radmanovic

Salary: $1,628,600*

	5. Atlanta: Justin Jackson Small Forward / 6-8 / North Carolina / Junior 18.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg
Jackson is likely to benefit more than anyone from UNC’s title and provides experience and shooting. The Hawks are a playoff team that could use another shooter and also a player ready to come in and produce, so JJ checks a number of boxes for them. Jackson is a cerebral small forward who showed that he’s not afraid of the limelight.

Agent: Travis King

Comparison: Rod Higgins

Salary: $1,403,600*

	6. Utah: DJ Wilson Small Forward / 6-10 / Michigan / Sophomore 11.0 ppg, 5.3 rpg
Utah has a solid core of young talent and is particularly strong at the center position with Gobert and wing position with Hayward (assuming they don’t part ways). Wilson could compete for minutes with Trey Lyles, and provide depth behind Derrick Favors at the four.

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Comparison: Jared Jeffries

Salary: $1,144,500*

	7. Brooklyn: Wesley Iwundu Small Forward / 6-7 / Kansas State / Senior 13.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg
Iwundu is a bit of a dark horse for the first round, but his fluidity and athleticism has given him a lot of intrigue among scouts. He can legitimately be a playmaker at the point position and defend 2s and 3s. The Nets need talent, and the fact the Iwundu is a senior should allow him to contribute sooner, plus he still has upside left to develop.

Twitter: @_Iwundu25

Comparison: Kent Bazemore

Salary: $1,031,600*

	8. San Antonio: Rodions Kurucs Small Forward / 6-9 / FC Barcelona B (Spain) / 1998 9.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg
The Spurs have gone domestic the past few seasons with a number of tremendous picks (Kyle Anderson, Dejounte Murray) in the late first. They seem due to go with an international stash pick, and if Kurucs opts to stay in the draft, he or Isaiah Hartenstein, are possibilities.

Twitter: @RODIONS1

Comparison: Sam Dekker

Salary: $1,017,800*

	9. Utah: Tyler Lydon Small Forward / 6-9 / Syracuse / Sophomore 13.1 ppg, 8.6 rpg
Lydon fits into more of a half-court system and the Jazz have a balanced team and can afford to go with a player they see as their best fit. If the team loses Gordon Hayward, they could be looking for more offensive firepower from the bench.

Twitter: @Tyler_Lydon14

Comparison: Nikola Mirotic

Salary: $1,010,500*

Key: (*) Standard salary for players selected with that pick in 2017-18.

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