2017 NBA Mock Draft: Three prospects who will surprise everyone

Mar 10, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) shoots against the defense of UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) during the Pac-12 Conference Tournament at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) shoots against the defense of UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) during the Pac-12 Conference Tournament at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 23, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins guard T.J. Leaf (22) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Wells-Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins guard T.J. Leaf (22) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Wells-Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

T.J. Leaf

For my next surprise player to go number one overall we will keep it in the UCLA Bruins family.

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No I don’t mean family literally, I mean basketball family. Realistically Boston needs a big man to sustain the front court. Everyone knows Kelly Olynyk will be testing the free agency market.

T.J. Leaf is the big man who I can see the Celtics drafting number one overall.

He is the guy they can look trust to maintain the front court whether he starts or comes off the bench. There is no doubt he would be in the game rotation.

Leaf would be great of the bench behind Horford. Since he is able to do so many things he would even be good for a possible 6th man of the year award.

He is able to attack the rim, pass the ball from all areas of the floor, shoot a nice jumper, and make plays from the center position. Additionally, he is a playmaker with his passing ability and good defense.

Leaf would allow Horford to rest with those two battling Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson in the future playoffs. Both are strong, yet need rest to compete.

Fresh legs and rest are what front court players need to compete when playing physical opponents. Lastly, Horford would help Leaf transform into a skilled physical player.