With the draft lottery quickly approaching, it’s time to look at some of the best players in this year’s draft class.

The 2017 NBA Draft will take place on June 22nd. With the lottery taking place in a few days, I thought this would be a great day to unleash the first edition of my big board!

Markelle Fultz – Point Guard – Washington

Easily the number one player in the 2017 draft, Fultz has star written all-over him. He’s a true three-level scorer who combines his scoring punch with athleticism and solid passing. Standing at 6’4”, Markelle’s size and athleticism allowed him to showcase high defensive potential as well. There are some questions about his shooting due to his free throw percentage (64.9%), which contrasts with his high three-point percentage of 41.3%. People also question his ability to lead a team at the next level due to his Washington’s poor record (9-21), but it doesn’t seem like NBA scouts will be worried about that given the fact that last year’s number one pick, Ben Simmons, also failed to make March Madness last year. Fultz has a game similar to James Harden and looks like a sure-fire star at the next level.

Lonzo Ball – Point Guard – UCLA

The most notorious player in the draft, Lonzo Ball anchored a high-powered UCLA offense this year. He showcased what many consider to be generational playmaking ability, leading the Bruins to a 4th seed in the NCAA tournament. Lonzo has terrific size at the point, standing at 6’6”, and also hit 41% of his threes this year. Although he has tremendous gifts, Lonzo also comes with some red flags. Although he possesses great size at the point, Lonzo has what many consider to be subpar athleticism. Concerns about this were magnified when De’Aaron Fox torched him for 39 point in the Sweet Sixteen earlier this year. Lonzo’s shooting form also features funky mechanics that have raised doubts of his ability to get his shot off versus NBA level defenders. This combined with his family’s off-court antics, led by his father Lavar Ball, put him behind Markelle on this board. Despite his flags, Ball still has potential to be the next Jason Kidd and deserves to be ranked this high.

Josh Jackson – Small Forward – Kansas

The Kansas product flashed a vast array of skills during his time under the legendary Bill Self. The first thing that stands out about Jackson is his motor. His aggressive mentality mixed with his elite athleticism often resulted in glances at his great defensive potential, averaging over a steal and block per game. Jackson also showcased solid scoring ability as well as an ability to serve as a secondary playmaker. There are some questions about Jackson, as his shooting was inconsistent and he was involved in some issues off the court, however he still seems to have a high floor and looks like a great prospect at this level. His talent seems very worthy of a top 3 pick.

Jayson Tatum – Small Forward – Duke

Tatum’s stock definitely went through the roof after his late season performance. He took over as the Alpha Dog for the Blue Devils and established himself as the best player on Duke over other solid players like Luke Kennard and Grayson Allen. When talking about his game, there’s no way you can forget to mention his scoring. Jayson’s isolation ability and mid-range game showcased why he can definitely be a solid scorer right away at the next level. He also looks to be competent defensively in the NBA, averaging a steal and a block per game. There are some things holding him back from being a top three pick, such as not being an advanced athlete compared to his peers, having a questionable shot from three, and being known as a bit of a ball-stopper, but Tatum looks like a safe pick. He reminds me a lot of Harrison Barnes and most teams would be very happy to have him.

De’Aaron Fox – Point Guard – Kentucky

When watching fox, you can tell he’s an NBA athlete. The kid is easily one of, if not the fastest player in the class. Standing at 6’4”, he pairs his quickness with a terrific mentality and looks to be a force defensively. He also used his speed to push the tempo on offense for the Wildcats this year and showed some very good playmaking in college. Fox is also a great finisher at the rack. Although he could occasionally hit a mid-range jumper this season, Fox is clearly not an NBA-level shooter, shooting an abysmal 25% from deep. Fox is also rail-thin and could get pushed around at the next level by bigger guards.

Jonathan Isaac – Small Forward/Power Forward – Florida State

Jonathan Isaac screams potential. He combines his 6’11 standing height with incredibly long arms and above average speed. The Seminole was a great target on lobs and had a few putbacks most nights too. He also showcased solid shooting from deep and above average ball handling at his height. This combined with his physical tools makes him look like a very tough matchup for defenders. On defense Isaac does it all. He grabs boards, uses his quickness to guard smaller players, and showed the ability to be a damn good rim protector. Defensively he reminds me a lot of Kevin Durant. He is very thin and doesn’t look like a great scorer, but his versatility on offense as well as his defensive potential demonstrate why he could easily be a top three pick this year.

Dennis Smith Jr – Point Guard – North Carolina State

Smith showed elite athleticism and a terrific ability to get to the rack, getting to the line a little over six times a game. He looks like a very good player offensively, putting up over 18 points a game while dishing over 6 assists. He had some issues turning the ball over, but the main drawback of his game is definitely his defense, as he didn’t look very good on that end, although this could be explained by him having to use most of his energy carrying the team offensively. Smith also had some injury issues prior to college that scouts will look into. Smith reminds me a lot of Damian Lillard (with worse shooting) and looks like a solid prospect.

Malik Monk – Shooting Guard – Kentucky

The Wildcat product is a human highlight reel. Monk was an explosive scorer at Kentucky, averaging nearly 20 points while hitting about 40% from three. Combine this with his athleticism (reportedly has a 42-inch vertical), he’ll be a terror for opposing teams right away. There are a few drawbacks on Monk, as he wasn’t much of a creator on offense and has underwhelming size at the 2, standing at only 6’3. If Monk could be drafted somewhere where he could play off-ball point guard, cough* Philadelphia cough*, Monk would be incredibly valuable.

Frank Ntilikina – Point Guard – France

Rounding out the top five of a stacked point guard crop, Ntilikina is another prospect who looks to have scary potential. He has elite physical tools at 6’5” and a reportedly near 7-foot wingspan. Ntilikina looks to have terrific defensive potential at the next level. He also seems to be able to control an offense and adds good shooting from three. There are some questions about him due to his limited minutes overseas, but he looks like a super exciting prospect.

Lauri Markkanen – Power Forward – Arizona

Markkanen is not your prototypical stretch four. The young Fin has an advanced offensive game, showcasing the ability to hit shots off the dribble, utilize his food work, and even hit stepbacks while shooting over 40% from deep. Markkanen also possesses some unexpected quickness, and can be a matchup nightmare for defenses. You’d like to see him be a little more aggressive at times, and he’s not a special athlete or much of a plus defender, however Markkanen looks to be a terrific player at the next level.

Zach Collins – Power Forward/Center – Gonzaga

Collins showed he could do it all his freshman year at Gonzaga. The Bulldog showed a versatile skillset on offense, he competes physically and throws down dunks off of putbacks, has a solid post game, and even flashed shooting from three. Defensively he was a solid and blocked a little under two shots a game. He needs to add strength and is pretty raw right now, but in a few years, he could be a great starting center.

John Collins – Power Forward – Wake Forest

The second best Collins in the draft was ridiculously efficient this year for the Demon Deacons. Had the number one PER in college ball while basically putting up a double double. Terrific finisher on offense and is very athletic, making him a perfect target for lobs and great at putbacks. Flashed a mid-range game and shot a solid free throw percentage. The main drawbacks of Collins is that he lacks three point range, has an underwhelming wingspan (6’11” at a height of 6’10”).

O.G. Anunoby – Small Forward/Power Forward – Indiana

Anunoby has a monster 7’3” wingspan at 6’8”. He was also an incredible defender in college and was a great rebounder. His shooting needs work but he should develop into a solid player offensively too. Unfortunately Anunoby was injured and lost most of his season last year, so we didn’t get to see what he was fully capable of.

Donovan Mitchell – Shooting Guard – Louisville

Mitchell’s stock should be blowing up after his combine measurements, and rightfully so. Despite standing at only 6’3”, the former Cardinal possesses a 6’10” wingspan and a 40 inch vertical. Combined with his physical tools is his is a mindset to compete on defense. He’s also a decent shooter (albeit inconsistent), and a solid off-ball threat. He’s not the best creator offensively, but other then that Mitchell is a very well rounded player. He reminds me of Norman Powell.

Justin Patton – Center – Creighton

Patton exploded onto the scene this year. He is a terrific athlete standing at 6’11 with a 7’3” wingspan. Offensively, he’s a great target on lobs and showed some ability with the ball in his hands. He flashed some shooting ability, although it clearly needs work. He’s also gotten more comfortable in the post as the year went on. Was a decent rim protector when he was locked in. He still needs to become aggressive and improve defensively, as well as add significantly more strength, but he has some serious potential.

Jarrett Allen – Center – Texas

Crazy athlete at 6’10” and a 7’5” wingspan. Also possesses a 35-inch vertical. Great rebounder on both sides of the ball. Should develop into a good rim protector. Solid lob target. Gets a lot of putbacks and has decent touch around the rim. Not very advanced offensively.

Jonathan Jeanne – Center – France

Tremendous size and length, measuring at 7’2” with a near 7’7” wingspan. Possesses good quickness for his size. He’s a great shot blocker and rim protector. Defense will be his calling card in the NBA. Also a great rebounder. He should be able to generate plenty of points off dunks and putbacks. He has flashed perimeter skills, but his shooting percentages are poor. Jeanne can struggle physically against bigger players, he really needs to add strength and weight to his frame.

Semi Ojeleye – Small Forward/Power Forward – SMU

Maybe my favorite player in the draft (not saying he’s the best, just my favorite to watch). Terrific athlete. Jacked and super strong at 6’7” and 240 lbs with a 40.5 inch vertical. Great finisher through contact. Plenty of dunks. Great shooter, shot 40& from 3. Not a good defender, although he could be given his physical tools. Played power forward in college and there are questions about his ability to play the 3, which is his ideal position in the NBA given his height.

Luke Kennard – Shooting Guard – Duke

Terrific scorer. Shot well over 40% from 3 and is super efficient overall. Should be able to serve as a scorer right away for NBA teams. Not an athlete, underwhelming measurements.

Isaiah Hartenstein – Power Forward – Germany

Great size, listed at 7’1”. Very agile/quick. Very active rebounder on both ends of the floor. Shows he’s quick enough to switch on the pick & roll and guard the perimeter. Decent rim protector. Has flashed potential to stretch the floor. Shows the ability to hande the ball and be a playmaker. Hartenstein has been very inconsistent with his shooting and he definitely needs work in that area. Poor decision maker, turns it over a lot. Also can show poor effort at times.

Jonah bolden – Small Forward/Power Forward – Australia

Great size for a wing at 6’10” with a 7’3” wingspan. Great shooter, hit over 40% from deep. Solid rebounder. Shows ball handling ability and playmaking skills. Is quick and can switch on defense. Has a low free throw percentage which raises questions about his shooting. Very skinny and will need to add strength.

Rodions Kurucs – Small Forward – Latvia

Kurucs possesses good size at 6’8”. He’s a great slasher and gets to the rim at will. Good finisher and solid lob target. Seems to have a bit of craftiness in him as a scorer. Not super physical and will need to add weight to his frame. Although he’s shown he’s capeable of hitting jumpers, Kurucs has poor percentages.

T.J. Leaf – Power Forward – UCLA

Leaf has a bit of an unorthodox game. He’s very skilled perimeter player for his size. Solid shooter and has shown the ability to handle the ball. Solid rebounder, especially on the offensive end. Gets a lot of putbacks and can score inside. Leaf struggles on defense and lacks athleticism. He’s not very aggressive either.

Justin Jackson – Small Forward – North Carolina

Good scorer who showed could hit shots from deep. Showed playmaking ability. Decent athlete, although not advanced. Should be able to contribute right away to an NBA team as a bench scorer.

Harry Giles – Power Forward – Duke

Giles is probably the biggest boom or bust prospect in the draft. He’s possesses freakish physical tools at 6’11” with a 7’3” wingspan and plenty of bounce. Unfortunately, he’s had horrible injury luck that has limited what we’ve seen from him at the college level. He still seems like a great rebounder, but was limited on offense to just basic plays. If NBA teams think he’s perfectly healthy, he could easily go top 10.

Jawun Evans – Point Guard – Oklahoma State

Evans is a terrific floor general. He controlled one of the best offenses in college with the Cowboys. One of the quickest players in the draft. Evans is known for his impressive leadership skills and work ethic. Good not great shooter. Measured at just under 6’0” and lacks elite athleticism to make up for his size. Poor finisher at the rim, although he does a solid job getting there. He competes defensively but is size limits him a lot. Reminds me of Ish Smith.

Ike Anigbogu – Center – UCLA

Might be the most athletic center in the draft. Has a massive 7’6 wingspan at the height of 6’10”. Has a lot of potential as a rim protector, averaged 3.7 blocks per 40 minutes. Seemed to be a solid rebounder. Very raw, didn’t play a lot of minutes for the Bruins this year. Didn’t have much of an offensive game.

Terrance Ferguson – Shooting Guard/Small Forward – Australia

Great athlete with lots of bounce. Showed potential as a shooter. Was extremely inconsistent in Australia, struggled to gain playing time due to coming straight out of high school.

Hamidou Diallo – Shooting Guard – Kentucky

When it comes to Diallo, you have to mention his athleticism. He recorded the second highest vertical in combine history, and had a measured wingspan of 6’11.5” despite only standing at 6’5”. His physical tools allowed him to generate a lot of plays defensively in high school, and he had tons of dunks every night. However, we’ve only seen him at the high school level so far. He’s clearly not an NBA-level shooter, ball handler, or just about anything offensively. His potential, however, is off the charts.

Anzejs Pasecniks – Center – Latvia

Pasecniks is listed at 7’2” an runs the floor really well despite his size. Great finisher and good lob target. He’s also a solid roll man. Has shown the ability to space the floor and hit jumpers, yet has a poor free throw percentage. Pasecniks struggles defensively. He’s not very physical and he’s not a good rim protector either