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NBA lottery mock draft: Teams get crazy with trades, Heat land the perfect fit

By Wes Goldberg

Mar 23, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) looks to pass as Purdue Boilermakers guard Ryan Cline (14) defends during the first half in the semifinals of the midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) looks to pass as Purdue Boilermakers guard Ryan Cline (14) defends during the first half in the semifinals of the midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 4, 2017; College Station, TX, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) celebrates with guard De’Aaron Fox (0) after a play during the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; College Station, TX, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) celebrates with guard De’Aaron Fox (0) after a play during the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Sacramento: De’Aaron Fox, Point Guard, Kentucky

If you’re the Kings, I’m not sure how you pass up on a guy who has openly said he wants to play for you. Also, the fit is perfect.

Fox could be the most athletic of all the top point guards. He’s fast, can get to the rim, and is long as hell. He locked up Lonzo Ball in the NCAA tournament, so his defense (and competitive streak) should translate.

Pair him up with the sharp-shooting Buddy Hield in Sacramento and they have a drive-and-kick formula that should work. Fox will also have a pick-and-pop partner in Skal Labissiere and a pick-and-roll partner in Willie Cauley-Stein. It’s actually a pretty good situation for him.

6. Orlando: Malik Monk, Shooting Guard, Kentucky

One pick after his teammate goes, Malik Monk is headed to Orlando. The Magic have a history of flashy perimeter players (see: Penny Hardaway, Tracy McGrady) and if the organization wants to get back to its winning ways, they should go with what’s worked in central Florida.

The Magic need scoring, something that isn’t coming from Elfrid Payton or Aaron Gordon. Monk provides that in spades. Not only is he likely the best 3-point shooter in the draft with NBA range, he’s awesome off the dribble.

Monk is a one-man offense, who will make the guys around him better just by the spacing he creates. He’ll also be a secondary ball handler, and should develop in that area after (not unlike Devin Booker) not doing much of it at Kentucky.

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