Duke's Jayson Tatum is looming as the favorite top pick for the 2017 NBA Draft where he coudl end up with the Philadelphia 76ers. (Photo : Getty Images for Jordan Brand/Dave Kotinsky)
Jayson Tatum may be a freshman over at Duke but all that may not matter come the 2017 NBA Draft. Considering there is a big bunch of college prospects teams will likely weigh in, they 18-year-old small forward is a favorite to be picked up early.
The 6-foot-8 Tatum has become one of the heavy favorites for the 2017 NBA Draft because he seems to have everything a coach and team would want. Tatum is young and a proven scorer, something that may even place him as a possible top pick, CBS Sports reported.
Seeing however that he is joined by an elite cast of college stars, a place in the top 10 would be modest to look forward to. Among the big names for the 2017 NBA Draft include the likes of Markelle Fultz (Washington), Josh Jackson (Kansas), and Dennis Smith (NC State).
Tatum is one of five Blue Devils expected to be selected in the 2017 NBA Draft. Aside from him, there is also Luke Kennard and Harry Giles who are expected to go early.
With some of the top prospects mentioned, teams lining up to select them is the next thing coming to mind. If the draft were to be held today, teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves and the Brooklyn Nets could get the first crack.
However, Philly may have the inside track once again seeing that they have as much as four picks and two lottery selections, The Sixers Sense reported. So does this mean that Brett Brown is getting another forward to further cramp his loaded front line?
Philly may eventually deal off Nerlens Noel or even Jahlil Okafor for this season to make room. With Joel Embiid and rookie Ben Simmons, the Sixers could pull off a deal before the Feb. 23, 2017, trade deadline. Between Noel and Okafor, the former is expected to be the first one to be dealt.
The Mavs and Nets could also put Tatum to good use while the T-Wolves don’t seem like a realistic destination, seeing they are also loaded with big men. Check out the scouting report on Jayson Tatum via the video below.
