Los Angeles Lakers land their dream prospect in 2017 NBA Mock Draft

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After seeing the Boston Celtics win the NBA Lottery, the Brooklyn Nets have to be extremely upset. The trade that brought in Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett is still haunting the Nets, and it will continue to after seeing the Celtics land a great prospect with that pick. While the Nets do have the Celtics’ pick in the first round, they were able to acquire another first round pick from the Washington Wizards. During the season, the Nets traded Bojan Bogdanovic to the Wizards for their first round pick this season. The Wizards hoped that Bogdanovic would help them get over the hump in the NBA Playoffs, however, they were eliminated by the Celtics in seven games. With the 22nd pick, the Nets will be selecting center Harry Giles from Duke. Despite only playing 11.6 minutes per game last season, Giles declared for the NBA Draft. At 6’10”, 240 lbs, Giles has excellent size. However, he is still raw after his freshman season at Duke. Do to playing behind Amile Jefferson, big minutes weren’t there for Giles. Selecting Giles could be an eventual replacement for Brook Lopez in Brooklyn. Even though Lopez has been very good for the Nets and is by far their best player, trading him could help recoup some draft picks that they need.

Mar 23, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) shoots during practice the day before the South Regional semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

149. . Small Forward. North Carolina. Justin Jackson. 21. player

Watching Russell Westbrook post triple-doubles is fun for fans to witness. The Thunder gave the Houston Rockets everything they could handle in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, but one thing was clear; Westbrook needs help scoring the ball. Justin Jackson could help in that department.

The Thunder attempted to add more shooting to their roster at the NBA Trade deadline. They acquired Doug McDermott along with Taj Gibson from the Chicago Bulls. The Thunder will try retaining Gibson, who fit in well as the starting power forward. McDermott was injured and didn’t help much, but his ability to shoot three-pointers should help him find a role next season. Jackson can also help stretch the court.

His diversity offensively would fit in well with the Thunder. Someone needs to help space the floor, and Jackson can do that. He can score in a multitude of ways, as he also excels in the mid-range game. His high basketball IQ helps him overcome his lack of athleticism, as he knows how to get his shot.

The Thunder will welcome the shot in the arm offensively even if it is at the expense of some defense. Defense will also be the question mark for Jackson. If he can convince teams he is capable of being at least adequate on that end of the court his stock could rise.

Jackson would fit in well for the Thunder who are desperate for someone who can take some pressure off Westbrook in the scoring column. He would fit into their schemes and fill a need right away.

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