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NBA Draft 2017: Predicting the first ten selections

By Keith Rivas

Jan 29, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) walks up court during the second half against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center. Arizona won 77-66. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) walks up court during the second half against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center. Arizona won 77-66. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) reacts during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Kansas defeated Michigan State 90-70. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) reacts during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Kansas defeated Michigan State 90-70. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

. SF. Kansas. Josh Jackson. 2. player. 66

Phoenix edged out Los Angeles for the second-worst record in the league this season. As a result, at least for now and for the sake of this mock draft, they’ll pick second.

With that privilege comes a chance to draft pretty much anyone. One of the clear needs moving forward comes at small forward — a position that can be filled by former Kansas star Josh Jackson.

Depending on where Jackson actually lands is what will gauge his impact in the league. Should he end up with the Suns, there’s no question that they’ll throw him right away into the starting lineup.

Right now, the two small forwards that the Suns have are TJ Warren and Derrick Jones Jr. While not completely terrible, it’s not the depth that will get your team into playoff mode or contention.

Josh Jackson changes all of that. His ability to take over games is something the Suns should like right away. Alongside Devin Booker, Jackson can be that go-to scorer when Booker can’t get it to fall.

He’s a good enough prospect to the point where the Lakers should pick him if they get the second overall pick. But since, in this mock draft, they’re third overall, he goes to Phoenix.

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