Matthew A. Harris

2017 NBA Mock Draft

April 22, 2017 Matthew A. Harris

1.) Boston Celtics: Josh Jackson (Kansas, SF, Freshman)

The Celtics will take the best player off the board at number one. Even though they drafted SF Jaylen Brown last year the C’s will take Josh Jackson and slot him at the power forward spot. Jackson has a high basketball IQ and can score from all spots around the perimeter which will free up big man Al Horford. Jackson also excels in the transition game just like Brown and is an above average defender giving the Celtics a physical yet speedy frontcourt to pair with Star point guard Isaiah Thomas.

2.) Phoenix Suns: Markelle Fultz (Washington, PG, Freshman)

It’s a new era in Phoenix. Things just haven’t worked out with the pairing of Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight. With the rise of guard Devin Booker the Suns find themselves changing things up. This is why I believe that they will take point guard Markelle Fultz to pair with Booker in the backcourt. Giving Phoenix a one-two punch of youth and scoring.

3.) LA Lakers: Lonzo Ball (UCLA, PG, Freshman)

(Mark Cornelison/Lexington Herald-Leader/TNS)

It’s Showtime! The Lakers get their point guard of the future in UCLA standout Lonzo Ball. The elusive passer who can also knock down three pointers will fit right into Luke Walton’s system and will bring Hollywood back to its glory days. With Ball in the mix, he will give the Lakers the security at the point guard position for years to come.

4.) Philadelphia 76ers: De’Aaron Fox (Kentucky, PG, Freshman)

Philadelphia gets their new point guard at number 4 in De’Aaron Fox. with Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid coming back from injury Fox gives the 76ers another dynamic basketball player to pair with their two franchise centerpieces. A potential starting five would include: Fox, Tj McConnell, Ben Simmons, Jahlil Okafor, and Joel Embiid. With this pick it will propel Philadelphia from a team working on the process to a playoff contender.

5.) Orlando Magic: Jayson Tatum (Duke, SF, Freshman)

Jayson Tatum falls to number 5 and goes to the Orlando Magic. The Magic take the best player available and is paired with athletic forward Aaron Gordon, G/F Terrence Ross and point guard Elfrid Payton. The Orlando Magic continue to add talent to an already deep roster.

6.) Minnesota Timberwolves: Malik Monk (Kentucky, SG, Freshman)

Tom Thibodeau and company select the high flying-scoring machine guard out of Kentucky with the six pick to pair with point guard Kris Dunn, guard Zach Lavine, and the Timberwolves superstars Andrew Wiggins and Karl Anthony-Towns. The Timberwolves continue to build through the draft, and are one step closer to reaching the playoffs.

7.) New York Knicks: Dennis Smith (NC State, PG, Freshman)

With the Derrick Rose trade and the Brandon Jennings signing not panning out the Knicks are starving for a young point guard with intangibles to get them over the hump. Dennis Smith will give the Knicks a scoring trio with Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis while also being the floor general they so desperately need.

8.) Sacramento Kings: Jonathan Isaac (Florida State, PF/SF, Freshman)

The player with the most upside in the draft goes to Sacramento and is immediately slotted in the starting lineup at the forward spot to pair with center Skal Labissiere forward Rudy Gay and guard Buddy Hield. Isaac who is 6-10 is able to stretch the floor and has a nice inside-out game that will pair nicely with the pieces the Kings have right now.

9.) Dallas Mavericks: Lauri Markkanen (Arizona, PF, Freshman)

With Dirk Nowitzki being at the end of his career the Mavericks will need to find his replacement. The Mavericks get their replacement with the 9th pick. Markkanen has been compared to Dirk throughout his freshman season at Arizona. The 6-10 forward can space the floor and has a nice mid range game that will pair well with Nerlens Noel.

10.) Sacramento Kings: Frank Ntilikina (France, PG, 18)

The Kings need to solidify the point guard position and that is why they take the 18 year old from France.
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11.) Charlotte Hornets: Zach Collins (Gonzaga, PF, Freshman)

The Freshman big from Gonzaga has risen up the draft boards ever since he broke out during the NCAA Tournament. The 7 footer is explosive on both ends of the floor, has great footwork for being 7 feet tall. Has a knack for timing as a shot-blocker, plays with intensity from his first minutes of playing time to the end of the game, and has a high skill-level.

12.) Detroit Pistons: Justin Jackson (North Carolina, SF, Junior)

The Pistons reach for Justin Jackson at pick 12. The 6-8 wing has drove his stock up due to his play in the NCAA Tournament. Jackson posses tremendous size, length, and has a much and improved shooting stroke while having an outstanding basketball IQ. Jackson has the entangles that NBA teams are looking for.

13.) Denver Nuggets: Rodions Kurucs (Latvia, SF, 19)

With Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler likely leaving the Nuggets for free agency, Denver needs to add depth to the small forward position to stay relevant, this is why they take the 19 year old out of Latvia.

14.) Miami Heat: TJ Leaf (UCLA, PF, Freshman)

The Heat get power forward TJ Leaf to pair with Hassan Whiteside in the frontcourt. TJ leaf does all the little things well and can rebound and score the ball. He reminds me of a hybrid between David Lee and Tyler Hansbrough and at pick 14 this is a great value pick for Miami. The Heat do not have a power forward and by taking Leaf it will solidify that position.

15.) Chicago Bulls: Terrance Ferguson (Australia, SG, 18)

The Bulls take the athletic-defensive wing from Australia. Ferguson is a player who does everything well. Coming in at 6’ 7” the wing excels in the transition game and is also a good perimeter and on ball defender. Ferguson has the size and length to recover and contest on the defensive end.

16.) Portland Trail Blazers: Justin Patton (Creighton, C, Freshman)

The Blazers take the rising prospect from Creighton as an insurance policy due to Festus Ezeli’s troubles with injuries. Patton who has climbed up draft boards is an intriguing prospect for every team, with the blazers current roster construction they gamble on the young big at pick 16.

17.) Indiana Pacers: Jarrett Allen (Texas, C, Freshman)

Allen is a force on the offensive glass and shows flashes of being an effective shot blocker-protecting the rim. Allen is most effective when finishing inside the paint,. At 6’ 11”, Allen has a soft touch around the basket and has a high skill-level for a player of his size. Putting him at the center spot and moving Myles Turner to the four will open things up for Indiana and give them a dominating big man.

18.) Milwaukee Bucks: Tyler Lydon (Syracuse, PF/SF, Sophomore)

With Jabari Parker having his second ACL tear the Bucks lack the combo forward that Parker is. Milwaukee takes the forward out of Syracuse to fill in for the absence of their star. Lydon provides length and versatility to an already versatile bucks roster. Lydon will help space the floor for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.

19.) Atlanta Hawks: Luke Kennard (Duke, SG, Sophomore)

Luke Kennard will give the Hawks the three point scoring that they have been lacking since trading Kyle Korver to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

20.) Portland Trail Blazers: John Collins (Wake Forest, PF, Sophomore)

Portland goes big yet again and takes the athletic forward out of Wake Forest to provide depth in the frontcourt on a guard heavy Trail Blazers roster.

21.) Oklahoma City Thunder: Donovan Mitchell (Louisville, SG, Sophomore)

OKC beefs up on the defensive end and selects the Defensive specialist out of Louisville. Mitchell will back up the offense heavy guards that the Thunder have. Mitchell will provide depth and youth to an already deep bench.

22.) Brooklyn Nets: Ivan Rabb (California, PF, Sophomore)

The Nets take the sophomore big from California. I believe that Rabb is the most underrated prospect in the draft. Rabb who went back to school for his sophomore season was considered a top 10 pick if he declared for the draft last year (2016).At pick 22 the Nets get a good prospect at great value with the chance of getting the biggest steal in the draft.

23.) Utah Jazz: Isaiah Hartenstein (Germany, PF, 18)

The PF/C can knock down the occasional spot three pointer. Hartenstein is physical and competitive, he plays with toughness. He is not afraid to throw his 250-pound frame around.

24.) Toronto Raptors: Dwayne Bacon (Florida State, G/F, Sophomore)

Outside of Demar Derozan the Raptors lack wing depth. Dwayne Bacon can fill a need that the Raptors so desperately need.

25.) Orlando Magic: Harry Giles (Duke, PF, Freshman)
Giles has the physical tools of an NBA power forward. Listed at 6’ 11” Giles has the rebounding ability to get boards at the highest level and has shown flashes of stardom on the offensive end. Giles has been inconsistent and has been injured most of his basketball career.

If he were to stay healthy this is a great pick for the Magic at 25.

26.) Portland Trail Blazers: OG Anunoby (Indiana, SF, Sophomore)

The Blazers take a gamble on OG Anunoby who is recovering from a horrific injury. This isn’t the first time we seen the Blazers take someone who is or will be injury prone.

27.) Brooklyn Nets: Caleb Swanigan (Purdue, PF/C, Sophomore)

Swanigan excels when he is able to play with his back to the basket. He is also a tenacious rebounder with a great work ethic, which will help him progress at the next level.

28.) LA Lakers: Johnathan Motley (Baylor, PF, Junior)

(Rod Aydelotte/Waco Tribune-Herald via AP)

Motley is a high motor guy, with the potential of being a tenacious rebounder. He has tremendous length and a wingspan reaching 7’ 4”. He has the physical tools and body of an NBA power forward. He has a good transition game and is above-average in the pick and roll and can finish around the rim. Motley would compliment what the Lakers currently have on the roster.

29.) San Antonio Spurs: Jaron Blossomgame (Clemson, SF, Senior)

The Spurs stick to their philosophy, draft older players who fit into their system. Jaron Blossomgame a senior out of Clemson will give San Antonio another mature rookie who will be an asset down the road.

30.) Utah Jazz: Bam Adebayo (Kentucky, C/PF, Freshman)

The Jazz take rebounding specialist Adebayo with the last pick in the first round to back up rising star Rudy Gobert. Adebayo gives Utah the front court depth that they need.

Joe Johnson is the veteran the Utah Jazz always needed

April 17, 2017 Matthew A. Harris

The Utah Jazz opened up the 2017 NBA Playoffs with a win over the Los Angeles Clippers on a Joe Johnson buzzer beater. The Jazz brought in Johnson in the offseason on a 2 year $22 million deal. Johnson known for his ability to hit big shots when on the national stage did it yet again. The jazz are the underdogs in this series according to most and with the loss of star center Rudy Gobert the Jazz have some things to figure out. It’s the youth of the Jazz versus the experience of Lob City. Yes, the Jazz are young but remember that this is Joe Johnson’s 15th nba season. When Johnson is on the floor, the Jazz have their fourth highest offensive rating.

Johnson’s durability has been a problem however his leadership off the court mentoring young guys like Rodney Hood, Dante Exum among others has paid its dividends. Head Coach Quin Snyder uses Johnson in multiple offensive sets and has the veteran spot start when injuries have occurred throughout the regular season. The Jazz have an incredibly deep bench as well which gives them an advantage over the clippers in that regard. With “Iso Joe” looking like the player he was when he was with the Atlanta Hawks, the Utah Jazz may be able to upset Chris Paul and company to give the Jazz their first playoff series win since the 2009-2010 season when they beat the Denver Nuggets in the first round.

New England Patriots won’t trade Jimmy Garoppolo

April 11, 2017 Matthew A. Harris

It’s been almost 4 months now since New England Patriots backup Quarterback was first rumored to be on the trade block. The backup was linked to several teams such as The San Francisco 49ers, The Houston Texans, The New York Jets, and The Cleveland Browns. There seemed to be a lot of teams willing to take a chance on the 2017 NFL Champions Backup QB, but still, Garoppolo remains a Patriot.

New England wanted a first round draft pick and then some in order for them to part ways with their future starter behind center, however Bill Belichick and Co. remained patient and still have not pulled the trigger on any offers that they have received. With the 2017 NFL Draft only two weeks away a Jimmy Garoppolo trade seems unlikely.

Since the start of free agency The San Francisco 49ers went out and signed Quarterbacks Brian Hoyer, and USC standout Matt Barkley. The New York Jets brought in veteran Josh McCown to replace Geno Smith. Cleveland traded with Houston in order to get Brock Osweiler. The Houston Texans have not signed a quarterback in 2017 and it doesn’t seem like they will due to how things turned out after paying Brock Osweiler. It doesn’t seem like they want to go down that road again and pay for a quarterback, so it doesn’t look like we will see Jimmy G in Texas.

This may turn out to be another blessing in disguise for the New England Patriots. Tom Brady has potentially three years left, and then this will be Garoppolo’s team for many years to come. Bill Belichick sees it, let Garoppolo age like a fine wine under Brady for the next couple of seasons and then let him go to work. This may turn out to be a Patriots dynasty when it’s all said and done.

2017 NBA Championship will consist of the Boston Celtics and the Houston Rockets

April 9, 2017 Matthew A. Harris

With the NBA season coming to a close, there’s consensus around the league that the championship game is a lock to feature the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Two “super team” squads with arguably the top 3 players in the world (Lebron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant) being featured in one series.

However I have a different take on how the playoffs will unfold and the outcome of what the 2017 championship game will look like. Here me out, Kevin Durant is coming back from an injury and the Celtics have beaten the Cavs when Lebron was at his best. These two factors got me thinking in a different light when discussing playoff outcomes. Here’s my take.

The West has a lot of great teams led by the warriors then followed by the Spurs, Thunder, Rockets, Clippers and Jazz. The Spurs have the best odds of making it to the championship game if the Warriors don’t. San Antonio has the best two way player in the league in Kawhi Leonard and a great supporting cast around him in Pau Gasol, Lamarcus Aldridge, and an aging Tony Parker. However I just don’t see the spurs pulling it off.

The Utah jazz are just too young and lack the playoff experience the other teams have. They are one piece away from being a force to be reckon with. Give them a year and we will see them blossom.

The Clippers will be a let down once again. Chris Paul can’t do it all and down the stretch you cannot rely on Deandre Jordan to take those free throws late in the game. Blake Griffin is an injury risk and you don’t know what you will get out of him. If J.J. Redick doesn’t have his shot the Clippers are out.

The team I have going to the championship game is the Rockets, yes, small ball- three point- city. Houston doesn’t have a problem. The have a great starting five and a quality bench, a bench that the Warriors lack. James Harden has elevated his game into a playmaker, He’s not just a scorer anymore. With Lou WIlliams and Eric Gordon coming off the bench, the two players in the running for 6th man of the year, pairing them with Harden and CO. thats scary. The Rockets can beat you outside and inside giving them a unique mix that no other team has. This is why the Rockets will be representing the West come finals time.

Now onto the East. The East has some sneaky contenders outside of the Cavaliers. You got Boston, Atlanta, Toronto, among others. There’s only one team in my opinion that has what it takes to take down the reigning champions.

Toronto has a great core with Kyle Lowry, Demar Derozan, Serge Ibaka and Jonas Valanciunas, however I cannot see come crunch time Derozan and Lowry coexisting in the backcourt. Remember that Derozan is a streaky shooter in the past when it’s playoff time. Lowry wants the ball in his hands and that can be a big problem. Valanciunas and Ibaka have only been sharing the front court since January so inexperience may show in pivotal moments. The Raptors look good on paper but it may be a different outcome on the court.

I do not think Atlanta has enough to dethrone the cavs in any situation in the playoffs. Dwight Howard and Paul Millsap isn’t the dynamic duo we thought they’d be going into the season. I just don’t see the Hawks making a dent.

Which brings me to the Boston Celtics. This is the team. They will dethrone Lebron and the Cavs. Why?, Click Here.

Kevin Durant will be the Golden State Warriors kryptonite come NBA playoff time.

April 5, 2017 Matthew A. Harris

Kevin Durant is coming back from being on the 15 day disabled list and within that timeframe the Golden State Warriors went on to a record of 11-4 without arguably one of the best players in the world. Now holding a 3.5 game lead over the San-Antonio Spurs, the Warriors do not need unfortunate luck of blowing another lead (yes i went there). I feel as tho KD’s return may cause this fear to present as a reality in the near future. Let me break it down.

Remember when Durant was linked to the Warriors last summer? And how everyone around basketball was against the Dubs forming what could be “the greatest team” of all time? Or how Durant would be viewed as a traitor for teaming up with a team better suited for a championship than his own Oklahoma City Thunder? We all know how the cards ended up being dealt, Durant chose Golden State.

The Warriors lost most of their key contributors from previous seasons just to get Durant on the roster. Players like Festus Ezeli, Andrew Bogut, Justin Holiday, and Harrison Barnes all left town. The only remaining players outside of the former big 3 of Curry-Daymond-Thompson on the roster are Shaun Livingston, and Andre Iguodala. With durant plugged in the bench is now thin.

No Depth and 4 budding superstars on one roster doesn’t seem like the perfect recipe for a championship if you ask me. Even having 3 superstars on one team can be difficult, everyone wants to get their shots. Steph Curry was the number 1 option last year, followed by Daymond Green, then Klay Thompson being the third. Now with Durant everyone bumps down a spot, this means less shots from Curry, Green, and Thompson. That doesn’t seem like a winning formula, does it?

If the season ended today, the 1st seed warriors would be playing the 8th seed Portland Trailblazers in the first round. The BLazers have a deep bench with players like G/F Evan Turner, G/F Allen Crabbe, F Maurice Harkless, and F/C Meyers Leonard. The BLazers also have two of their own superstars in Point Guard Damian Lillard and combo guard C.J. McCollum.

The Warriors have been on a good run without Durant and with him coming back it could rock the boat. Remember that rotation depth could be more valuable than a super team consisting of 4 superstars with one coming back from injury. Lets wait and see how the rest of the season plays out with a week to go.