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Orlando Magic Daily NBA Draft Big Board: Post NCAA Tournament Edition

By Bill Johnson

Mar 19, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after a three point basket during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after a three point basket during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Lonzo Ball, UCLA Bruins, DeAaron Fox, Kentucky Wildcats
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) drives to the basket past Kentucky Wildcats guard De’Aaron Fox (0) in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Lonzo Ball, PG UCLA

Lonzo Ball has proven why he is a potential top pick on the court this year.

Ball showed excellent floor vision and high basketball IQ. He looks for the pass before he dribbles, which keeps everyone involved in the offense.

His struggles against De’Aaron Fox were somewhat concerning, considering that is the kind of defense he will see in the NBA. His defense is a work in progress.

But the fact he was able to still perform in spite of his father’s outlandish claims shows his focus and mental fortitude.

2. Josh Jackson, SF Kansas

Josh Jackson’s game is not flashy like some of the lead guards expected to be picked at the top of the NBA Draft. But he has the complete game.

Coming into the season, Jackson was thought to be the number one pick. Jackson’s status was based largely on his intangibles like competitiveness and effort. Those are characteristics that will always translate.

Jackson plays defense, he has a nice mid-range game, he passes and he can get to the basket. He was inside player out of necessity at Kansas, so he was not able to show all his skills. But he just does what it takes to win.

3. Markelle Fultz, PG Washington

Markell Fultz is the consensus number 1 pick in the draft. He has all the physical attributes the NBA loves. He is long, he can shoot and he is a good athlete. The NBA projects him as a point guard, but he is big enough to be a shooting guard.

Despite all that, Washington’s record was 9-22. He did not make varsity in high school until his junior year in high school. Fultz has made a quick rise up the draft boards, but there is no skepticism in his ability. He probably is the best player overall with room to grow.

4. Jayson Tatum, SF Duke

Jayson Tatum is taken for granted because the Duke Blue Devils were not as good as advertise. But that was not Tatum’s fault. He was sensational.

Duke’s other highly touted freshmen never panned out, so he had to be one of the leaders of the team.  He is not a finished product, but he is ready to contribute in the NBA right now.  He has the body to withstand the NBA physicality, and he is a complete player that can make contributions on both ends of the court.

5. Dennis Smith, PG NC State

Dennis Smith is a scoring point guard.  He is still explosive after suffering a knee injury his senior year of high school. Smith can finish around the rim. And he is an underrated passer.

Smith’s stock has dropped due to NC State’s disappointing season. But coming into college, there was talk he was the next Russell Westbrook. Seeing what Westbrook has done this season shows there is only one Westbrook.  The expectations were unreal, so it is not surprising he has disappointed.

But Smith proved himself a very capable scorer throughout the season, even as the Wolfpack’s season imploded.