2017 NBA mock draft 5.0: Here’s how a flurry of trades will shape the night

We thought we knew how the top of the 2017 NBA Draft would go. One week ago, Boston was a lock to take Markelle Fultz with the No. 1 overall pick. The Celtics were ready to reap the benefits of trading Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to the Brooklyn Nets oh so many moons ago.

Instead, this week brought an important reminder that the Assocation can undergo a seismic shift overnight. Boston and the Philadelphia 76ers swapped the first and third selections in this year's draft, while the Lakers got rid of their young starting point guard to clear the way for a Big Baller.

With the 2017 NBA Draft just over 24 hours away, here's our final mock ahead of what should be an explosive Thursday night.

Per-game averages: 23.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 47.6 FG%, 41.3 3P%, 5.0 3PA, 64.9 FT%

Height: 6'4"; Weight: 185 lbs; Age: 19 (May 29, 1998)

The Sixers made a no-brainer trade for the first pick, and now they'll make the no-brainer choice with the selection.

Fultz might not become a full-fledged superstar, but he has the highest floor of any prospect in the draft. More importantly, he's a great addition to Philly's core of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Dario Saric. If everyone's healthy, the 76ers could contend for a playoff berth as soon as next year.

Per-game averages: 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 55.1 FG%, 41.2 3P%, 5.4 3PA, 67.3 FT%

Height: 6'6"; Weight: 190 lbs; Age: 19 (Oct. 27, 1997)

Well what do you know? According to multiple reports, the Lakers have zeroed in on Ball as their pick.

Los Angeles probably did like what it saw from guys like De'Aaron Fox and Josh Jackson. Those reports weren't exactly smokescreens. It's just that Ball has been the Lakers' man since they landed the No. 2 pick.

In my opinion, he'll be the best player in this draft. I can't wait to see how he looks next to Paul George.

Per-game averages: 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 45.2 FG%, 34.2 3P%, 4.0 3PA, 84.9 FT%

Height: 6'8"; Weight: 204 lbs; Age: 19 (Mar. 3, 1998)

The Celtics haven't seen Josh Jackson, and they haven't seen his medical records. Danny Ainge could still take Jackson here without that information, because the Boston GM does what he wants, but Tatum is a better match for the Celtics' current roster.

Taking the Duke forward with the first pick would have been a reach. Trading down to No. 3 allows Ainge to take the guy he wants without facing a ton of criticism (and while adding another asset down the line).

Per-game averages: 16.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 51.3 FG%, 37.8 3P%, 2.6 3PA, 56.6 FT%

Height: 6'8"; Weight: 203 lbs; Age: 20 (Feb. 10, 1997)

As a Suns fan since I was a child, the prospect of drafting the next Shawn Marion fills my heart with great joy. In fact, Boston trading back to No. 3 was the best thing that could have happened to Phoenix, assuming the Celtics take Tatum.

Jackson's not much of a scorer, and he might never fix his jumper, but the Suns have Devin Booker to carry the scoring load. It's fine.

Per-game averages: 16.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 47.8 FG%, 24.6 3P%, 1.9 3PA, 73.9 FT%

Height: 6'3"; Weight: 170 lbs; Age: 19 (Dec. 20, 1997)

Fox told our own Aaron Torres he'd enjoy heading to Sacramento to help the team build a winning culture, and it looks like he'll get his wish. The former Wildcat and the Kings are a perfect match for one another.

Per-game averages: 12.0 points,7.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 50.8 FG%, 34.8 3P%, 2.8 3PA, 78.0 FT%

Height: 6'11"; Weight: 205 lbs; Age 19 (Oct. 3, 1997)

Although I remain skeptical about how Isaac and Aaron Gordon might work out next to each other long-term, that really shouldn't stop Orlando from taking what could be the best wing player in the draft. I like Isaac more than Tatum, to be sure, and I won't be surprised if he ends up surpassing Jackson, too.

Per-game averages: 15.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 49.2 FG%, 42.3 3P%, 4.4 3PA, 83.5 FT%

Height: 7'0"; Weight: 225 lbs; Age: 19 (May 22, 1997)

There's a distinct possibility the Wolves trade this pick, likely for a point guard. If they do keep it, I like Markkanen's floor-spacing next to Karl-Anthony Towns' outstanding offensive game and promising defensive potential. As long as Towns reaches his ceiling on that end, he should cover any flaws in Markkanen's game.

Per-game averages: 5.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 48.4 FG%, 42.9 3P%, 1.6 3PA, 62.1 FT%

Height: 6'5"; Weight: 170 lbs; Age: 18 (Dec. 29, 1998)

The closer we get to the draft, the more "Frank the Tank" makes sense for the Knicks. His size, length and defense make him an ideal point guard for Phil Jackson's triangle offense.

Now, when New York parts ways with the Zen Master in two years, transition to a modern offense might prove difficult, as his ball-handling leaves something to be desired. Then again, he's 18 freaking years old, and the Knicks desperately need a point guard.

Per-game averages: 18.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 45.5 FG%, 35.9 3P%, 4.8 3PA, 71.5 FT%

Height: 6'3"; Weight: 195 lbs; Age: 19 (Nov. 25, 1997)

Smith's explosiveness and ability to create his own shot are probably too good for the Mavs to pass up, even with Malik Monk still on the board. Dallas will have to hope that his lackluster season at NC State was due to coaching and not any glaring deficiency in Smith's game — and that passing on the best player available to fit a need doesn't become another Giannis Antetokounmpo-sized mistake.

Per-game averages: 19.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 45.0 FG%, 39.7 3P%, 6.9 3PA, 82.2 FT%

Height: 6'4"; Weight: 197 lbs; Age: 19 (Feb. 4, 1998)

Monk is one of the most talented players in the draft, and he could easily go in the top five.

He doesn't do a whole lot other than score at this point, though, which could caused a tumble down our draft board. Since they already grabbed a point guard at No. 5, the Kings will take Monk in a heartbeat.

He and Buddy Hield might be redundant, but we wouldn't put it past Vivek Ranadive to encourage his front office and coaching staff to put together a three-guard system just to see how it works.

Per-game averages: 15.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 40.8 FG%, 35.4 3P%, 6.6 3PA, 80.6 FT%

Height: 6'3"; Weight: 211 lbs; Age: 20 (Sept. 7, 1996)

The Hornets shored up any existing weakness at center by trading for Dwight Howard on Tuesday, which leaves a scoring wing as a likely area of need for Charlotte at No. 11. Although Mitchell's undersized, he and Kemba Walker could form a deadly backcourt in a couple years.

Per-game averages: 10.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 65.2 FG%, 47.6 3P%, 0.5 3PA, 74.3 FT%

Height: 7'0"; Weight: 232 lbs; Age: 19 (Nov. 19, 1997)

Stan Van Gundy is in the market for an Andre Drummond replacement, and the former Gonzaga big man is as good a choice as any in this year's draft class. The Pistons might want to send the Hornets a thank you card for trading for Howard and letting Collins fall to No. 12.

Per-game averages: 19.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 1.6 blocks, 3.0 fouls, 62.2 FG%, 74.5 FT%

Height: 6'10"; Weight: 225 lbs; Age: 19 (Sept. 23, 1997)

Collins probably won't light the NBA on fire right away. He is extraordinarily skilled offensively, but he's kind of short to play center and not particularly long.

Fortunately for Collins, the Nuggets already have a star center of the future in Nikola Jokic, and he rates well on a number of advanced, one-number metrics because of his rebounding. 

Denver would need Collins to go get buckets at power forward and learn how to operate within a team system on defense. Next to Jokic, he can check both those boxes while developing a better feel for the game.

Per-game averages: 11.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 55.7 FG%; 31.1 3P%, 2.8 3PA, 56.3 FT%

Height: 6'8"; Weight: 215 lbs; Age: 19 (July 17, 1997)

Anunoby could fall out of the lottery because of his torn ACL, which will almost certainly cost him the entirety of the 2017-18 season, but he's too talented for that. I'm counting on the Heat to put their training staff to work preparing Anunoby to bolster the defense starting next season.

Per-game averages: 12.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists 1.4 blocks, 2.7 fouls, 67.6 FG%, 51.7 FT%

Height: 6'11"; Weight: 226 lbs; Age: 19 (June 14, 1997)

Patton is an excellent pick-and-roll player and rim-protector — basically a younger version of Dwight Howard who doesn't insist on getting touches with his back to the basket. He would bring a different element at center for Portland as Jusuf Nurkic's backup.

The Blazers don't really need another big man, but Neil Olshey isn't one to pass on talent because of a little thing like fit. He'll figure out the rest later.

Per-game averages: 19.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 49.0 FG%, 43.8 3P%, 5.4 3PA, 85.6 FT%

Height: 6'5"; Weight: 196 lbs; Age: 20 (June 24, 1996)

Kennard's decision to come back for a second season at Duke worked out well, as he focused on improving his footwork and overall skill set. Now he's ready to step in and make an immediate impact for an NBA team (although probably off the bench). The Bulls will snatch him up at No. 16 without a second thought.

Per-game averages: 3.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 0.7 blocks, 2.2 fouls, 11.5 minutes, 57.7 FG%, 50.0 FT%

Height: 6'11"; Weight: 222 lbs; Age: 19 (April 22, 1998)

With a new general manager and questions about whether they made too hasty a decision now that David Griffin is on the market, the Bucks could look to make a big splash on draft day. Adding Giles, who once projected as a No. 1 overall pick before a knee injury at Duke, would fit the bill.

Giles received a relatively clean bill of health this week, and he's an outstanding prospect on both ends of the court if he's truly injury-free.

Per-game averages: 4.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 0.2 assists, 1.2 blocks, 2.5 fouls, 56.4 FG%, 54.5 FT%

Height: 6'10"; Weight: 252 lbs; Age: 18 (Oct. 22, 1998)

Anigbogu could top out as a backup to Myles Turner in Indiana, or the two bigs could end up as solid complements to one another for a team on the brink of a rebuild.

In all honesty, it's tough to get a pulse on this pick with so much still up in the air in Indiana — especially since there's a decent probability the Pacers end up with a couple more selections in the first round, courtesy of the Lakers.

Per-game averages: 13.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, 2.1 fouls, 56.6 FG%, 56.4 FT%

Height: 6'10"; Weight: 234 lbs; Age: 19 (April 21, 1998)

The Hawks suddenly need a Dwight Howard replacement, and Allen's the best big man left on the board at No. 19.

And as an added bonus, Allen will happily operate as a hard-hitting screener and rim-runner in Atlanta's pick-and-roll, unlike a certain former superstar headed to Charlotte who preferred playing with his back to the basket.

Per-game averages: 18.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 44.3 FG%, 37.0 3P%, 7.1 3PA, 74.8 FT%

Height: 6'8"; Weight: 201 lbs; Age: 22 (March 25, 1995)

Portland has an elite point guard in Damian Lillard, a dynamite shooting guard in C.J. McCollum, and an emerging big man in Jusuf Nurkic. 

What the Blazers need is a rangy wing who can fill it up from all areas of the court, and the 22-year-old Jackson is certainly that kind of player. He also has fairly significant "bust potential," which is why the former Tar Heel could fall outside the late lottery.

Per-game averages: 16.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 61.7 FG%, 46.6 3P%, 1.7 3PA, 67.9 FT%

Height: 6'10"; Weight: 220 lbs; Age: 20 (April 30, 1997)

At the very minimum, Leaf will be a solid offensive player whose unique skills present problems for the opposition. He can create off the dribble, he has solid court vision and he can score from all over. 

Basically, he's the kind of player the Thunder absolutely need to start putting around Russell Westbrook if Oklahoma City wants to prevent the presumptive MVP from considering leaving for the Lakers next offseason.

Per-game averages: 13.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 1.5 blocks, 59.9 FG%, 65.3 FT%

Height: 6'10"; Weight: 243 lbs; Age: 19 (July 18, 1997)

Adebayo is about the furthest thing from a modern center. He doesn't shoot threes, and he doesn't really look to make plays for others — yet.

The former Kentucky big man is an excellent offensive player in the post, though, and he could become one of the best rim protectors in this draft class. With the Nets sacrificing one of their late first-rounders in the D'Angelo Russel deal, they need to take a chance on a player with upside who could develop into a star in the right situation.

Per-game averages: 13.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.4 blocks, 47.2 FG%, 39.2 3P%, 83.6 FT%

Height: 6'10"; Weight: 225 lbs; Age: 21 (April 9, 1996)

Barring a complete teardown in Toronto, the slightly older Lydon seems like the kind of player Masai Ujiri would love. Lydon can score, shoot from deep and give Toronto a little defensive help as well, preferably sooner than later.

Per-game averages: 14.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.0 blocks, 48.4 FG%, 40.0 3P%, 0.6 3PA, 66.3 FT%

Height: 6'10"; Weight: 215 lbs; Age: 20 (Feb. 4, 1997)

Rabb's second season at Cal was a disaster. Despite increasing his per-game scoring output, his field goal percentage fell off a cliff.

The Jazz are in prime position to try to take advantage of Rabb's subsequent fall in the draft. They can be patient with the former Cal big man, as Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors remain in town to anchor the middle, and if Rabb bounces back, he and Gobert could form a devastating big-man duo sooner than later.

Per-game averages: 7.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.7 blocks, 65.7 FG%, 44.4 3P%, 0.4 3PA, 55.8 FT%

Height: 7'2"; Weight: 229 lbs; Age: 21 (Dec. 20, 1995)

Pasecniks boasts an intriguing mix of potential as a rim protector, scoring touch around the rim and an outside shot that's somewhat streaky yet getting better all the time, and the Magic could use a big with upside to try to take Nikola Vucevic's place as starting center.

Per-game averages: 11.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.5 blocks, 53.8 FG%, 37.3 3P%, 2.9 3PA, 83.3 FT%

Height: 6'11"; Weight: 234 lbs; Age: 21 (Feb. 19, 1996)

After taking a project big man and an older scoring wing, the Blazers can complete a productive 2017 Draft with a stretch-four Wolverine who slots in well next to Nurkic, Lillard and McCollum.

Per-game averages: 4.6 points, 1.1 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 15.2 minutes, 38.1 FG%, 31.3 3P%, 2.2 3PA, 60.0 FT%

Height: 6'7"; Weight: 184 lbs; Age: 19 (May 17, 1998)

There's a really good chance the Lakers send this pick and the No. 28 overall selection to the Pacers for Paul George, if Indiana doesn't receive any better trade offers.

If not, Ferguson could be the next starting shooting guard for Los Angeles — down the road a little bit, at least.

Per-game averages: 18.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 0.8 blocks, 52.7 FG%, 44.7 3P%, 2.4 3PA, 78.1 FT%

Height: 6'9"; Weight: 247 lbs; Age: 20 (April 18, 1997)

Again, the Lakers probably won't make this pick. If they do, though, they could take a potential Julius Randle replacement if they're still looking to trade the young big man.

Oregon's Jordan Bell would be another fine option for Los Angeles here.

Per-game averages: 1.0 points, 0.8 rebounds, 0.4 fouls, 3.2 minutes, 40 FG%

Height: 7'1"; Weight: 250 lbs; Age: 19 (May 5, 1998)

The more video I watch of Hartenstein — and he's currently the one prospect who most intrigues me — the more I think we need to stop labeling him a potential stretch-five. He's a big man who loves to dunk on people and just happens to be able to shoot the occasional 3-pointer for good measure.

Yet if any team can fix Hartenstein's shooting motion, it's the Spurs with their fabled shooting coach, Chip Engelland.

Per-game averages: 18.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.4 blocks, 50.7 FG%, 39.6 3P%, 4.2 3PA, 81.3 FT%

Height: 6'5"; Weight: 200 lbs; Age: 22 (July 4, 1994)

White is very nearly 23 years old — which cuts both directions. On the one hand, he could contribute to the Jazz right away. On the other, his advanced age means he doesn't have much upside.

Either way, White has been climbing draft boards since the NBA season ended. By June 22, he'll likely end up as a first-round pick, and Utah needs a potential point guard of the future who can play sooner than later.