NBA teams are like investors. They value assets. The goal is that those assets will translate into all-star players and wins. Of all the assets in the league, the 2017 NBA Draft is the most valuable.

It’s all because of the new CBA. It created something called the designated player exception (DPE), which lets teams offer a player they drafted a contract worth a lot more money than any other team. But it can only be used by the team that drafted the player or by a team that traded for a player who is still on his rookie deal.

Not every team will use their DPE. It’s reserved for the superstar talents like Paul George or Boogie Cousins. But it lets teams like the Kings and Pacers keep the star players they drafted. The difference in money is that significant. Drafting a star player might be the only way to get a star player. It’s much more difficult to sign a star free agent now because most star free agents will sign with their home teams as DPEs.

Which brings us back to the 2017 NBA Draft. It’s loaded with star-potential assets! Any team that drafts a star this year will likely retain them for 10+ years thanks to the DPE. That’s why there are not many GMs shopping 2017 first round picks on the trade market. If they do trade a 2017 pick, it will be a mid- to low-first-rounder for a Paul Millsap type player. If a team trade a pick in the top 5 it will be for a Boogie or a Butler type — nothing less.

Why? It’s possible that among the first 10 picks of the 2017 NBA Draft, there could be as many as five future NBA all-stars. Wait. I take that back. Future NBA all-star POINT GUARDS! I may be extremely optimistic and believing everything I read in the scouting reports. But just listen to scouts and NBA draft experts talk about the depth and star potential. It’s like they know this might be a historic draft — they just don’t want to be too hyperbolic about it.

Of course, it’s far too early to tell exactly how the draft will play out. There’s lots more college basketball season left. Mock drafts aren’t even close to final. That said, it’s hard to ignore that the 2017 NBA draft is starting to take shape. You’ll notice in the latest mock drafts, players are starting to establish their pick range. So, to make this I’ve organized MockOut’s first 2017 NBA mock draft in tiers.

Tier one prospects: Untradeable draft superstars who are all vying for the #1 spot

1. Boston Celtics (via Brooklyn Nets): Markelle Fultz, PG, Washington

This draft class has no Lebron or Anthony Davis. But it’s got a Fultz. He’s the next James Harden (but with defensive skill.) This is great news for the Celts because Brooklyn has been living in the basement of the standings like an unemployed English major. They aren’t moving out of the top-5 pick range. If the Celts do get the #1 pick, they are NOT trading Fultz for anything less than a Boogie, PG13, or Jimmy Butler. In fact, if they draft Fultz the Celtics might change their franchise timeline, and divorce their current win-now roster for a long-term strategy built around Fultz, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder, the Brooklyn Nets 2018 draft pick and whatever you get from an Isiah Thomas trade (Aaron Gordon? Myles Turner?). Or maybe a backcourt of Isaiah and Fultz could work too because Fultz can defend both guard positions.

2. Miami Heat: Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA

The Heat are so goddamn lucky. They’re tanking at exactly the right time. If Lonzo Ball is drafted by the Heat then Hassan Whiteside will be the first pick in every fantasy draft next year. Streamable videos of Justise Winslow’s alley-oop dunks will become a fixture in our culture. And it will feel strangely satisfying that Lonzo and Alonzo Mourning work for the same team. More importantly, Lonzo is a natural playmaker that will make everyone around him better — just like Jason Kidd. The best part about his game is his deceptive shooting stroke. He has an awkward release but the stats confirm that Lonzo’s shooting stroke works. He’s a candidate to take the top spot from Fultz. For now, he’s another reason for fans to hate the Heat.

3. Dallas Mavericks: Josh Jackson, SG/SF, Kansas

The Mavs really need a point guard. The only thing they need more than a PG: everything. It’s a total rebuild and the Mavs are in a must-draft-best-talent-available situation. Jackson came into this season with as much HYPE as any prospect and he’s delivered on the hype, so far. He’s an all-around athletic talent (prepare for the endless Tracy McGrady comparisons) and he’s already in the running for the 2020 defensive player of the year. The big question is whether he’ll ever develop a jump shot or if he’s destined to be an athletic slasher with a flawed jumper like Josh Smith.

4. Philadelphia 76ers, Dennis Smith, PG, NC State

Fans will argue that the 76ers should go for the international mystery PG (Ntilikina) in order to exorcise their past mistake on passing on Giannis and Porzingis. Forget that! The Sixers don’t need to take chances. They need Smith, the safest pick in the draft. He’s dynamic with the ball, a great finisher at the rim, and a skilled shooter, on and off the ball. He’s the perfect point guard compliment to point forward Ben Simmons, who will run a lot of the 76ers offense.

5. Phoenix Suns: Frank Ntilikina, PG, France

The Phoenix Suns’ young core has a lot of upside. But they still need to go for the rebuild jugular, which means drafting the player with the most superstar upside. Ntilikina is a work in progress — and there is a chance he’s this draft’s Dante Exum. Nobody has seen him play against anything resembling NBA talent. But the footage we have seen is like the teaser trailer for the NBA’s next global superstar. His defensive skills and 7-foot wingspan would compensate for Devin Booker’s limitations, and his superb shooting skills would open up shots for the entire Suns’ roster. He won’t push the Suns into the playoffs next year. In fact, he’ll help keep them down in the 2017/18 standings and up in the 2018 draft order. But give him a few years to develop with the core of Devin Booker, TJ Warren, Dragan Bender, and Marquese Chriss. He’ll finally be the superstar polish to make the Suns finally shine.

Tier 2: The blue chip prospects could have been #1 picks in most years. But not in the 2017 NBA Draft.

6. Philadelphia 76ers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Malik Monk, SG, University of Kentucky

For all us non-Sixers the future is terrifying. Just imagine what the 76ers future roster might look like in a few years. PG: Dennis Smith, SG: Malik Monk, SF: Dario Saric, PF: Ben Simmons, C: Joel Embiid. Malik is an offensive machine who will open up so much friggin space for the whole team. I have nightmares about it. The only thing that keeps me optimistic is a late-season Lakers run and that Joel Embiid is just too damn good to lose games. Sorry Sixer fans but we are rooting for you and Lakers to win so that you’re picking in the teens.

7. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jayson Tatum, SF, Duke

The Timberwolves rebuild continues for one more year. Tatum will be the much needed third-star player to complete the 2020s T-Wolves dynasty. He’s like Paul Pierce. He’s a versatile and productive offensive player who will open up space for Wiggins and LaVine and give K.A.T. an outlet to go to when the superstar center is double-teamed. The Wolves will still need a lot more help on defense but all this offensive talent will push the Wolves to challenge the 1981-82 Denver Nuggets’ record of 126.48 points per game.

8. New Orleans Pelicans: Jonathan Isaac, F, Florida State University

Jonathan Isaac is everything you’d want in a modern forward. He’s long, capable of hitting the three, and a defensive monster. He can even handle the ball and slash it to the rim. And even more importantly, he’s got a really, really, really intense motor – always fighting for the ball. He’s perfect partner for Anthony Davis, who is desperate need of help. Isaac’s stats have slipped since he sprained his ankle, which may cause him to slip down draft boards. But the talent is there and the Pels would be a perfect team to land Isaac.

9. Denver Nuggets: De’Aaron Fox, PG, University of Kentucky

Don’t bury Emmanuel Mudiay, yet. He’s only 20-years-old and salvageable. But he’s more valuable coming off the bench behind a starting tandem of Fox and Jamal Murray. That would be a lethal – albeit, undersized – backcourt. Fox is fast enough to get anywhere he wants on the floor and a skilled passer. The Nuggets would have a potential all-star big 3, of Murray, Jokic, and Fox, with a deep supporting cast.

Tier 3: The players with flaws. Some will be busts but some could be real BOOMs. Also, this is the area of the draft with a surplus of power forwards and center.

10. Orlando Magic: Robert Williams 6-9 235 PF Texas A&M Fr.

The unlucky Magic just miss out on the top-tier point guards but get a chance at the dark horse prospect with the 7’4” wingspan and a nasty competitive attitude. If the Magic don’t resign Serge Ibaka, Williams will give them a chance to continue the never ending Orlando rebuild. When Aaron Gordon and Robert Williams get on an NBA floor together they’ll be blocking shots like cats on a ping pong table, nobody is going to get one past the net.

11. Chicago Bulls (via Sacramento Kings): Harry Giles, PF, Duke

Stop me if you’ve heard this: the Kings made a huge mistake during last year’s draft. They passed on the most talented prospect available (Marquese Chriss) for reasons unknown. Now they are passing on a star talent for a first round sweep against the Warriors. The Bulls have a chance to grab a player that might be the most talented prospect in the draft. He’d be a top 3 pick if it weren’t for those surgically repaired knees. If he has a HUGE tournament performance then he’ll move up to tier 2.

12. Detroit Pistons: OG Anunoby, F, Indiana

Stanley Johnson is starting to give me a Wesley Johnson vibe. A high draft pick that is starting to feel like a huge disappointment. But he’s only 20-years-old. It’s WAY too early to count him out. But the Pistons can’t count on him. Anunoby is this year’s Thon Maker. The super-hyped athletic freak. Scouts have hinted Anunoby may be a transformative defensive player, unlike anything we’ve ever seen. OG and Drummond could do for defense what Steph and Klay did for offense. (If you stretched your imagination as far as possible.) The risk for Detroit is that OG has only been OK this season. At least, before he got injured. He’s got a lot of potential but there’s a good chance he rides the bench for his entire career.

13. New York Knicks: Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona

The Knicks get a talented stretch power forward and come out as the big winner in this tier. Markkanen can stretch the floor with Porzingis. Having both on the floor allow Coach Hornacek double the offensive schemes in his playbook. I’m not sure how defenses will be able to guard the duo of Markkanen and Porzingis.

14. Chicago Bulls: Ivan Rabb, PF, CAL

The Chicago Bulls aren’t looking to fill positional needs. They just need talent. They need more of it. Ivan Rabb duplicates a lot of what Bobby Portis and Harry Giles brings, but if Rabb adds more muscle he could play center. And he has way more upside than Portis. He’s got all-star potential but there’s an even better chance he’s the next Brandan Wright. A talented and long big man that plays 10+ years on a few NBA teams.

15. Portland Trail Blazers: Miles Bridges, F, Michigan State University

Who knows what will get the Trail Blazers out of the franchise flunk. The draft won’t solve the issues. However, it can give them the glue to fit the pieces together. Bridges is a smart, athletic basketball player who can hit 3-pters. The big problem with his game: he’s undersized with a short wingspan. That’s a dealbreaker for some GMs but not for a team like the Blazers that need better players to fit around their stars.

16. Charlotte Hornets: Bam Adebayo, PF/C, University of Kentucky

Bam lives up to his name. He’s a beast in the paint. What’s most intriguing about Bam is his footwork. He moves naturally with the ball and could develop a very strong offensive game to go with his grit and toughness. He’s exactly what the Hornets need.

17. Indiana Pacers: Isaiah Hartenstein, C, Germany

Scouts have been talking about Hartenstien’s skills and absurd length for years. There’s not much video evidence about his game, however. Any team that drafts him has to be concerned about his injury issues. The Pacers are smart drafters and won’t be afraid to take a chance at another draft prize.

18. Washington Wizards: TJ Leaf, PF, UCLA

This is an easy choice for the Wiz. In time, Leaf will start at power forward giving the Wiz a well-rounded starting roster of Wall, Beal, Porter, Leaf, and TBD at center. Leaf is very young. When he plays next season he’ll look like a tall eighth grader wandered onto the court. But give him time, Wiz. In three years, he’ll be opening up a lot of space and shots for Wall and company.

Tier 5: This is where the talent starts drying up. Lots of talented players who could be long-term fixtures on NBA rosters but don’t expect much more than good bench players.

19. Milwaukee Bucks: Terrance Ferguson, SG, International

Oh, great. Another athletic wing for the Bucks! Ferguson needs time to develop but in time he’ll add depth to the Bucks bench. And he’ll give them long-term insurance in case Middleton doesn’t come back the same player after his season-ending injury.

20. Atlanta Hawks: Luke Kennard, SG, Duke

Luke is bringing the Korver back to Atlanta’s offense. This kid is a superb shooter from anywhere on the court. He’s can finish in transition and around the basket too. Atlanta’s offensive schemes will provide Kennard with a lot of opportunities. He’ll have a lot of big scoring outbursts.

21. Oklahoma Thunder: Dwayne Bacon, SF, Florida State

The Thunder need wings that can score and defend. Right now, they have a lot that can just defend. Bacon is a physical force on defense and in transition. He’ll only get better playing with Westbrook.

22. Denver Nuggets (via Memphis Grizzlies): Jonathan Jeanne, C, International

I have a history of overrating wingspan. After Noah Vonleh I vowed to never judge a player by the length of his arms. But Jeanne, though…he’s got a 7’ 7” wingspan. AND HE CAN SHOOT 3s!!! That’s enough evidence for me and the Nuggets to take a chance on him with a late-round pick.

23. Utah Jazz: Marques Bolden, C, Duke

A mobile 250-pound, 18-year-old with a 7’6” wingspan. Great! Now, I’m on a wingspan bender. Bolden is a raw player who is a boom or bust type which is perfect for a team like the Jazz that is loaded at every position.

Tier 5: This is the murky territory where the draft boards are most volatile. No draft pick is safe from falling to the second round

24. Brooklyn Nets (via Boston Celtics): Jawun Evans, PG, Oklahoma State

In any other year, Jawun would be at the top of the PG positional rankings. He’s a gifted scorer who will shine on a depleted Nets roster and can run the offense with Jeremy Lin. However, the Nets really need the Celtics to lose more games so that they can draft a player in one of the higher tiers. For now, they’re lucky to get Jawun.

25. Toronto Raptors (via LA Clippers): Tyler Lydon, SF, Syracuse

Lydon is nearly 7 foot but he’ll never be strong enough to play against NBA bigs. His future is to be a tall SF who creates mismatches whenever he’s on the floor. The Raptors will happily add Lydon to their collection of talented and raw players.

26. Toronto Raptors: Josh Hart, SG, Villanova

You know what you’re getting from this senior prospect. He’s an efficient scorer who will play with Hart every night. There is no major upside here and lots of teams are going to regret passing on Hart. He’ll likely fall somewhere at the top of the second round but he’s proven that he belongs in the NBA.

27. Houston Rockets: Edmond Sumner, G, Xavier

It’s rare to get a prospect with lottery potential all the way down in the 20s. He’s a quick and tall guard and an excellent passer. But he’s been living off his potential for the last two seasons. This season he has started to fulfill it. If he continues consistent scorer and passer then he’s a safe low 1st round pick.

28. Portland Trail Blazers (via Cleveland Cavaliers): Justin Patton, C, Creighton

I love surprise prospects like Patton. Three weeks ago, he wasn’t even projected to go in the second round. Yet, suddenly he’s rising up the boards and could soon be a lottery pick. (A lot needs to happen before that happens, of course.) He’s a late-blooming athletic 7-footer who needs to put on a lot more muscle before he attempts to play against NBA guys like Draymond Green or DeAndre Jordan. But if he continues playing this well he’ll soon move up a tier.

29. San Antonio Spurs: Johnathan Motley, PF, Baylor

Maybe this should be called the “late bloomer tier”? Motley has always had the length, wingspan, speed, and hops. Now he’s showing flashes during his junior year that he can be a consistent scorer and rebounder. Now if he can only develop a consistent 3-point shot, he’ll be a lock for the first round.

30. Utah Jazz (via Golden State Warriors): Justin Jackson, SF, UNC

He’s not a super athlete. and needs to add a lot of weight. But, man, can he score. Even with a defender completely covering him. He won’t start many NBA games but Jackson will play in a lot of them. He’ll be a contributor off an NBA bench from day one.

You can track changes to my mock draft, as well as other mock drafts from around the web at these NBA Mock Draft Databases: