Good Luck Picking out 2017 NBA Draft’s Best Point Guard This Soon

The NBA appears one season away from receiving a new injection of exciting point guard talent.

That’s right, we may potentially witness a point guard go No. 1 and No. 2 overall in the 2017 draft. We could see three of them go top four or five. How about six in the lottery? It doesn’t look out of the question. 

Fultz vs. Smith

Washington’s Markelle Fultz and North Carolina State’s Dennis Smith Jr. both look like viable No. 1 overall contenders. According to a recent poll I conducted among various scouts, executives and media members, Fultz may be viewed as the preseason favorite to go first in the draft. 

But Smith received votes as well. Had he not suffered a torn ACL last summer, he could have easily entered this season as the No. 1 point guard and overall prospect.

At 6’3″, 195 pounds, Smith’s strength and explosive burst remind of Derrick Rose’s. You couldn’t miss Rose’s upside coming out of Memphis—Smith’s is similarly obvious. He’s going to open eyes with electric change of direction, playmaking and powerful finishes you don’t typically see from point guards. 

While it’s tremendous athletic ability that fuels monster potential, his skill level is what suggests he’ll reach it. He’s a nightmare cover off the dribble with the quickness and handle to break down defenses and create high-percentage shots. Dangerous in the lane, thanks to a sound floater and the springs to launch himself above the rim, he’s also a capable pull-up shooter, though improving his jumper will likely be priority No. 1 out of college.

Yet, while Fultz probably loses an athletic competition to Smith, he checks in as the more complete player with extra length (6’9 ¾” wingspan, per DraftExpress) and no injury history. The Huskies’ new lead guard isn’t exactly a stiff, either. At 6’4″, he’s still a strong athlete with plenty of size, bounce and wiggle.

Recently named MVP of the FIBA Americas Championship, Fultz flashed the entire package of scoring, passing, defense and command. He’s developed a feel for what buttons to press and when to press them. Between his dribble creativity, setup instincts and shot-making, Fultz appears proficient operating and executing out of all situations (pick-and-rolls, isolation, transition, off-the-ball work). 

Streak shooting and some occasional sloppy play will make it onto the scouting report, but assuming those are the only notable weaknesses that hold true, they won’t cause much hesitation from general managers.

International Wild Card

Neither will the fact that Frank Ntilikina plays for Strasbourg IG overseas. With two FIBA tournaments, a Jordan Brand Classic and Basketball Without Borders Global Camp under his belt, scouts have been able to see the Frenchman develop since …

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