2017 NBA Draft: Lottery Point Guards the Lakers can Draft Instead of Lonzo Ball
By Jason Reed
Markelle Fultz – Washington
Markelle Fultz is rated as the number one overall prospect heading into the 2017 NBA Draft on the CBS Sports prospect rankings. Chances are that Fultz may be selected ahead of Ball either by the Celtics or the Suns, but, if either team decides to go with Ball we would naturally see Fultz slip to the third overall selection for the Lakers.
The Celtics don’t really need a point guard, they already have Isaiah Thomas and Marcus Smart running the point, and likely would look for a guy like Josh Jackson to back up Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder. Heck, I wouldn’t be surpised to see the Celtics deal their pick, but that is an entire different discussion.
As for the Suns, the choice could come down between Fultz and Ball, and if they do choose the UCLA freshman, that would leave Markelle Fultz for the Lakers choosing. If Fultz is to fall to the Lakers, and Ball is already selected, the Lakers should undoubtedly pull the trigger.
The Freshman out of Washington has the same playmaking ability of Ball, however, Fultz is more of a score-first point guard. Averaging 23.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.9 assists Fultz has shown the ability to do it all on the court.
While he may not be the as keen of a playmaker or as good of a rebounder as Ball, Fultz definitely does have that “it” factor and would play nicely alongside D’Angelo Russell in the back court. Although chances are Fultz will be selected ahead of Ball, if he does fall to the Lakers, there should be no question.