2017 NBA Mock Draft: Who will the Indiana Pacers select at No. 18?
player. 81. . SF/PF. Syracuse. Tyler Lydon. 23
The Raptors will need 3-point shooting if Kyle Lowry heads to the States, and that’s exactly what Tyler Lydon brings. Lydon has a quick release for 6-foot-10 guy and can score from all over the court. He’s got elite instincts playing off the ball and could become one of the premier cutters in the league if he reaches his ceiling.
Lydon is a bad defender and that will realistically never change. He’s kind of slow, and he’s caught in limbo, lacking the strength to guard bigs and the quickness to guard wings. Still, his offensive upside is enough to give him a chance, and a 6-foot-10 offensive spark off the bench is a pretty great return on the No. 23 pick.
player. 118. . PF. UCLA. T.J. Leaf. 24
T.J. Leaf is an impressive scorer who could add precious youth the the Utah Jazz core. Leaf has a high basketball IQ and excellent floor vision. His offensive game would be a welcome addition for the Jazz at power forward after Joe Johnson and Boris Diaw age out of usefulness. He projects to be a passable defender as well, so Utah doesn’t have to worry about him ruining their top five defense.
Leaf won’t be protecting the rim anytime soon, and a lineup with him at the four likely won’t set any rebounding records. His wingspan leaves something to be desired, and he’ll need to speed up his release against NBA defenders.
Overall, Leaf’s offensive game is pleasantly well-rounded, and glaring weaknesses are hard to find. He’s as safe a bet as you’ll find in the late first round.