2017 NBA Mock Draft: Picks 31-45

2017 NBA Mock Draft: Picks 31-45

Picks 31-45 of the 2017 Hashtag Basketball NBA Mock Draft.

Picks 31-45 of the 2017 Hashtag Basketball NBA Mock Draft.

Picks 31-45 of the 2017 Hashtag Basketball NBA Mock Draft.

Picks 1-14 Picks 15-30 Picks 31-45 Picks 46-60

Isaiah Hartenstein (Zalgiris, PF/C)

Pick 31 - Atlanta (From Brooklyn)

Selection made by Dean Vasic

Why did you select Isaiah Hartenstein?

I was happy for him to fall to 31. More than likely a European stash for the upcoming season. His game translates well to the modern NBA game. A great passer for a big guy who attacks the glass on the defensive end. His shot needs work and if he improves that, he'll be a very good value pick at 31.

Ivan Rabb (CAL, PF/C)

Pick 32 - Phoenix

Selection made by Devon Haripal

Why did you select Ivan Rabb?

If the Suns can somehow snag sophomore Ivan Rabb in the 2017 NBA Draft with the No. 32 pick, despite not working him out, pull the trigger on the guy who was a lottery pick last season. Rabb, 20, is a throwback big man with the mobility of the evolving power forwards seen in the Association today. Measuring in at 6’10” with a 7’2” wingspan, Rabb has a combination of length, athleticism, and inside touch that the Suns can pound the paint with — something that Alex Len has failed to give the franchise. Out of pick and rolls, Rabb has the agility to roll and finish at the rim. He also fits into the fast-paced offense that the Suns currently employ, as he can get up and down the court, despite the slow offensive system ran at Cal. Rabb’s greatest strength is undoubtedly his rebounding prowess, finishing 12th in the nation with 10.5 rebounds per game. He has a knack for cleaning the boards and does not shy away from contact, despite weighing 220 pounds. Although his offensive game is still developing, Rabb needs to consistently hit on face up jumpers and extend his range, as he only hit nine threes in his collegiate career. He will need to add some size to his frame as he will match up against NBA-level centers. Rabb finished the season averaging 14 points, 10.5 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks on 48 percent from the field for the Golden Bears — leading to a First-Team All-Pac-12 selection.

Sterling Brown (SMU, SG)

Pick 33 - Orlando (From Los Angeles Lakers)

Selection made by Josh Lloyd

Why did you select Sterling Brown?

The Magic need talent everywhere and if there is one position that there is a lack of talent in the NBA, it’s on the wings. So with pick 33, Sterling Brown. Brown is a four-year player from SMU, who improved each season and shot over 44 percent from three in his last three seasons, registering a true shooting of 62 percent across his collegiate career. He can handle the ball a little bit, but his real value is going to be as a 3-and-D player. That term gets bandied around a lot, but Brown has a legitimate chance to be able to execute both parts of that moniker.

Semi Ojeleye (SMU, SF/PF)

Pick 34 - Sacramento (From Philadelphia via New Orleans)

Selection made by Nick Agar-Johnson

Why did you select Semi Ojeleye?

The Kings are in desperate need of defensive help. With that in mind, they would be ecstatic if Semi Ojeleye fell to them with the #34 pick on draft night. Ojeleye is a solid offensive player (who shot 41.5% from 3-point range on a healthy number of attempts) with elite athletic tools and tremendous defensive upside. He already has an NBA-ready body--at 6'7" and 235 lbs., he can capably defend almost anyone in the league barring waterbug point guards and post-up centers. Ojeleye's floor is probably as a solid defensive role player, but he has the potential to be a potential starter and a coveted 3-and-D wing.

Dwayne Bacon (Florida St, SF)

Pick 35 - Orlando

Selection made by Josh Lloyd

Why did you select Dwayne Bacon?

Do you sense a theme with Orlando’s picks? Just two picks ago, they selected wing Sterling Brown, and now they go back to the well with FSU’s Dwayne Bacon. Bacon is a 6-foot-5 wing who has his issues with his jumper, but his scoring ability and size will get him a look in a league where you can never have enough wings. He has a way to go, to transition from a ball-dominant player to an NBA role player, but the tools are there to be a rotation guy in the NBA.

Cameron Oliver (Nevada, PF)

Pick 36 - Philadelphia (From New York via Utah and Toronto)

Selection made by Jordan Christmas

Why did you select Cameron Oliver?

It's doubtful the Sixers will keep all their picks but for the sake of the Mock draft, let's say that they do keep them all. I'm of the belief that you should swing for the highest upside you can find in the 2nd round, especially when you factor in Brett Brown's background in Player development with the Spurs. Oliver is 6-8, athletic, an above-average rebounder, and shot 38.4% from three on a good amount of attempts. There are questions about his motor on defense, but if he commits he could be a versatile rotation player in an NBA that has moved towards versatility and position-less basketball.

Caleb Swanigan (Purdue, PF/C)

Pick 37 - Boston (From Minnesota via Phoenix)

Selection made by Dustin Lewis

Why did you select Caleb Swanigan?

Swanigan has the potential to contribute to the Celtics as a big man. He'll provide an efficient option on offense but his upside could be limited by his athleticism.

Tyler Dorsey (Oregon, SG)

Pick 38 - Chicago (From Sacramento via Cleveland)

Selection made by Mike Catron

Why did you select Tyler Dorsey?

As was painfully obvious when Rajon Rondo went down after Game 2 against Boston, the Bulls needed anyone who could run the point, spread the floor, and score at the rim. Tyler Dorsey can do all of those things. Shooting usually translates well into the NBA, and Dorsey shot 42.4% from behind the arch. He will have to improve his court vision and work extra hard defensively against NBA talent, but Dorsey has the ability to develop into a rotation player in Chicago's system.

Devin Robinson (Florida, SF/PF)

Pick 39 - Philadelphia (From Dallas)

Selection made by Jordan Christmas

Why did you select Devin Robinson?

The first thing that jumps out watching Devin Robinson is his explosiveness, and if you combine that with a 7'1 wingspan and a 6'8 frame, it makes him an intriguing pick in the 2nd round already. Robinson improved his three-point percentage in every year during his 3 seasons at Florida, shooting 39.1% from 3 on 3.1 attempts, but needs to get more comfortable at the NBA three-point line. He commits to defense, which makes his physical features more enticing as a prospect. The CBA will allow two-way roster spots between the D-league and the NBA and Oliver and Robinson could really benefit with some time in the D-league. Excuse me, G-League.

Tyler Lydon (Syracuse, SF/PF)

Pick 40 - New Orleans

Selection made by David Nash

Why did you select Tyler Lydon?

Thanks to the Boogie trade, the Pelicans only had 1 selection in the draft at Pick 40. Also thanks to the Boogie trade and his impending Free Agency, the Pelicans desperately need to add pieces that are ready to help right away. A mid second round pick isn't a great asset to have when you need immediate help at multiple positions but luckily for the Pelicans, they at least picked a strong draft to be in that position. We went into the draft with a rough big board of Lydon/Bell/Bolden/Iwundu/Hart/Bacon, with a strong emphasis on guys who could fill holes at the forward spots or much-needed shooting. And play right away. The late first round tore the big board apart but we were happy to select Lydon when he was available at #40. Iwundu was very tempting but we stuck to our original board and added a guy who should be able to play either forward spot, with or without the AD/Boogie duo and adds a serious shooting threat on the perimeter.

Frank Jackson (Duke, SG)

Pick 41 - Charlotte

Selection made by Quinn Pilkey

Why did you select Frank Jackson?

Doubling down on the same position in the draft isn't always the wisest move, but it makes sense here. Charlotte's backcourt was largely inconsistent and unimpressive outside of Kemba Walker, and there are plenty of big men taking up room in the rotation. Jackson might've left Duke a year too early, but he's still a talented scorer that could slot in as a backup for each backcourt position. If Jackson dons the purple and teal next season, he likely won't see the court very much. But he could definitely turn into a capable sixth man combo guard, especially if Mitchell ends up as the starter next to Walker.

Edmond Sumner (Xavier, PG)

Pick 42 - Utah (From Detroit)

Selection made by Robby Lewis

Why did you select Edmond Sumner?

Edmond Sumner is currently rehabbing from a torn ACL and shoulder injury. He possesses excellent size for a point guard at 6'5 tall and a 6'9 wingspan. Freakish athleticism but lacks a jump shot. The Jazz can bring Sumner along very slowly with Exum already in the fold as the future point guard. But at pick 42, Summer may be a still as he offers first round talent if he wasn't rehabbing from an injury.

Tony Bradley (UNC, C)

Pick 43 - Houston (From Denver)

Selection made by Andrew Buchanan

Why did you select Tony Bradley?

Incredible value at number 43 as he was often mocked in the mid 20's to early 30's. As Nene continues to age it's important for the Rockets to not lose anything if he or Capela get injured, as we saw in the playoffs. Will fit into a nice limited role of the Rockets running the pick and roll with James Harden.

Dillon Brooks (Oregon, SF)

Pick 44 - New York (From Chicago)

Selection made by Jourdan Canil

Why did you select Dillon Brooks?

Another bench scoring option that offers something different from Lance Thomas and Mindaugas Kuzminskas. He's limited defensively, but if he can shoot well from behind the arc and provide some secondary playmaking, he's valuable.

Frank Mason (Kansas, PG)

Pick 45 - Houston (From Portland)

Selection made by Andrew Buchanan

Why did you select Frank Mason?

Outstanding college player who is able to do it all on the offensive end, something that Daryl Morey highly values. Might be able to play in a limited role down the line (15 MPG or so). Short at 5'11" and will be exposed on defense, but at 45 a swing for the fences here is alright.

Picks 31-45 of the 2017 Hashtag Basketball NBA Mock Draft.

Picks 1-14 Picks 15-30 Picks 31-45 Picks 46-60

Isaiah Hartenstein (Zalgiris, PF/C)

Pick 31 - Atlanta (From Brooklyn)

Selection made by Dean Vasic

Why did you select Isaiah Hartenstein?

I was happy for him to fall to 31. More than likely a European stash for the upcoming season. His game translates well to the modern NBA game. A great passer for a big guy who attacks the glass on the defensive end. His shot needs work and if he improves that, he'll be a very good value pick at 31.

Ivan Rabb (CAL, PF/C)

Pick 32 - Phoenix

Selection made by Devon Haripal

Why did you select Ivan Rabb?

If the Suns can somehow snag sophomore Ivan Rabb in the 2017 NBA Draft with the No. 32 pick, despite not working him out, pull the trigger on the guy who was a lottery pick last season. Rabb, 20, is a throwback big man with the mobility of the evolving power forwards seen in the Association today. Measuring in at 6’10” with a 7’2” wingspan, Rabb has a combination of length, athleticism, and inside touch that the Suns can pound the paint with — something that Alex Len has failed to give the franchise. Out of pick and rolls, Rabb has the agility to roll and finish at the rim. He also fits into the fast-paced offense that the Suns currently employ, as he can get up and down the court, despite the slow offensive system ran at Cal. Rabb’s greatest strength is undoubtedly his rebounding prowess, finishing 12th in the nation with 10.5 rebounds per game. He has a knack for cleaning the boards and does not shy away from contact, despite weighing 220 pounds. Although his offensive game is still developing, Rabb needs to consistently hit on face up jumpers and extend his range, as he only hit nine threes in his collegiate career. He will need to add some size to his frame as he will match up against NBA-level centers. Rabb finished the season averaging 14 points, 10.5 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks on 48 percent from the field for the Golden Bears — leading to a First-Team All-Pac-12 selection.

Sterling Brown (SMU, SG)

Pick 33 - Orlando (From Los Angeles Lakers)

Selection made by Josh Lloyd

Why did you select Sterling Brown?

The Magic need talent everywhere and if there is one position that there is a lack of talent in the NBA, it’s on the wings. So with pick 33, Sterling Brown. Brown is a four-year player from SMU, who improved each season and shot over 44 percent from three in his last three seasons, registering a true shooting of 62 percent across his collegiate career. He can handle the ball a little bit, but his real value is going to be as a 3-and-D player. That term gets bandied around a lot, but Brown has a legitimate chance to be able to execute both parts of that moniker.

Semi Ojeleye (SMU, SF/PF)

Pick 34 - Sacramento (From Philadelphia via New Orleans)

Selection made by Nick Agar-Johnson

Why did you select Semi Ojeleye?

The Kings are in desperate need of defensive help. With that in mind, they would be ecstatic if Semi Ojeleye fell to them with the #34 pick on draft night. Ojeleye is a solid offensive player (who shot 41.5% from 3-point range on a healthy number of attempts) with elite athletic tools and tremendous defensive upside. He already has an NBA-ready body--at 6'7" and 235 lbs., he can capably defend almost anyone in the league barring waterbug point guards and post-up centers. Ojeleye's floor is probably as a solid defensive role player, but he has the potential to be a potential starter and a coveted 3-and-D wing.

Dwayne Bacon (Florida St, SF)

Pick 35 - Orlando

Selection made by Josh Lloyd

Why did you select Dwayne Bacon?

Do you sense a theme with Orlando’s picks? Just two picks ago, they selected wing Sterling Brown, and now they go back to the well with FSU’s Dwayne Bacon. Bacon is a 6-foot-5 wing who has his issues with his jumper, but his scoring ability and size will get him a look in a league where you can never have enough wings. He has a way to go, to transition from a ball-dominant player to an NBA role player, but the tools are there to be a rotation guy in the NBA.

Cameron Oliver (Nevada, PF)

Pick 36 - Philadelphia (From New York via Utah and Toronto)

Selection made by Jordan Christmas

Why did you select Cameron Oliver?

It's doubtful the Sixers will keep all their picks but for the sake of the Mock draft, let's say that they do keep them all. I'm of the belief that you should swing for the highest upside you can find in the 2nd round, especially when you factor in Brett Brown's background in Player development with the Spurs. Oliver is 6-8, athletic, an above-average rebounder, and shot 38.4% from three on a good amount of attempts. There are questions about his motor on defense, but if he commits he could be a versatile rotation player in an NBA that has moved towards versatility and position-less basketball.

Caleb Swanigan (Purdue, PF/C)

Pick 37 - Boston (From Minnesota via Phoenix)

Selection made by Dustin Lewis

Why did you select Caleb Swanigan?

Swanigan has the potential to contribute to the Celtics as a big man. He'll provide an efficient option on offense but his upside could be limited by his athleticism.

Tyler Dorsey (Oregon, SG)

Pick 38 - Chicago (From Sacramento via Cleveland)

Selection made by Mike Catron

Why did you select Tyler Dorsey?

As was painfully obvious when Rajon Rondo went down after Game 2 against Boston, the Bulls needed anyone who could run the point, spread the floor, and score at the rim. Tyler Dorsey can do all of those things. Shooting usually translates well into the NBA, and Dorsey shot 42.4% from behind the arch. He will have to improve his court vision and work extra hard defensively against NBA talent, but Dorsey has the ability to develop into a rotation player in Chicago's system.

Devin Robinson (Florida, SF/PF)

Pick 39 - Philadelphia (From Dallas)

Selection made by Jordan Christmas

Why did you select Devin Robinson?

The first thing that jumps out watching Devin Robinson is his explosiveness, and if you combine that with a 7'1 wingspan and a 6'8 frame, it makes him an intriguing pick in the 2nd round already. Robinson improved his three-point percentage in every year during his 3 seasons at Florida, shooting 39.1% from 3 on 3.1 attempts, but needs to get more comfortable at the NBA three-point line. He commits to defense, which makes his physical features more enticing as a prospect. The CBA will allow two-way roster spots between the D-league and the NBA and Oliver and Robinson could really benefit with some time in the D-league. Excuse me, G-League.

Tyler Lydon (Syracuse, SF/PF)

Pick 40 - New Orleans

Selection made by David Nash

Why did you select Tyler Lydon?

Thanks to the Boogie trade, the Pelicans only had 1 selection in the draft at Pick 40. Also thanks to the Boogie trade and his impending Free Agency, the Pelicans desperately need to add pieces that are ready to help right away. A mid second round pick isn't a great asset to have when you need immediate help at multiple positions but luckily for the Pelicans, they at least picked a strong draft to be in that position. We went into the draft with a rough big board of Lydon/Bell/Bolden/Iwundu/Hart/Bacon, with a strong emphasis on guys who could fill holes at the forward spots or much-needed shooting. And play right away. The late first round tore the big board apart but we were happy to select Lydon when he was available at #40. Iwundu was very tempting but we stuck to our original board and added a guy who should be able to play either forward spot, with or without the AD/Boogie duo and adds a serious shooting threat on the perimeter.

Frank Jackson (Duke, SG)

Pick 41 - Charlotte

Selection made by Quinn Pilkey

Why did you select Frank Jackson?

Doubling down on the same position in the draft isn't always the wisest move, but it makes sense here. Charlotte's backcourt was largely inconsistent and unimpressive outside of Kemba Walker, and there are plenty of big men taking up room in the rotation. Jackson might've left Duke a year too early, but he's still a talented scorer that could slot in as a backup for each backcourt position. If Jackson dons the purple and teal next season, he likely won't see the court very much. But he could definitely turn into a capable sixth man combo guard, especially if Mitchell ends up as the starter next to Walker.

Edmond Sumner (Xavier, PG)

Pick 42 - Utah (From Detroit)

Selection made by Robby Lewis

Why did you select Edmond Sumner?

Edmond Sumner is currently rehabbing from a torn ACL and shoulder injury. He possesses excellent size for a point guard at 6'5 tall and a 6'9 wingspan. Freakish athleticism but lacks a jump shot. The Jazz can bring Sumner along very slowly with Exum already in the fold as the future point guard. But at pick 42, Summer may be a still as he offers first round talent if he wasn't rehabbing from an injury.

Tony Bradley (UNC, C)

Pick 43 - Houston (From Denver)

Selection made by Andrew Buchanan

Why did you select Tony Bradley?

Incredible value at number 43 as he was often mocked in the mid 20's to early 30's. As Nene continues to age it's important for the Rockets to not lose anything if he or Capela get injured, as we saw in the playoffs. Will fit into a nice limited role of the Rockets running the pick and roll with James Harden.

Dillon Brooks (Oregon, SF)

Pick 44 - New York (From Chicago)

Selection made by Jourdan Canil

Why did you select Dillon Brooks?

Another bench scoring option that offers something different from Lance Thomas and Mindaugas Kuzminskas. He's limited defensively, but if he can shoot well from behind the arc and provide some secondary playmaking, he's valuable.

Frank Mason (Kansas, PG)

Pick 45 - Houston (From Portland)

Selection made by Andrew Buchanan

Why did you select Frank Mason?

Outstanding college player who is able to do it all on the offensive end, something that Daryl Morey highly values. Might be able to play in a limited role down the line (15 MPG or so). Short at 5'11" and will be exposed on defense, but at 45 a swing for the fences here is alright.

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