We Re-Drafted the 2017 NBA Draft and Lonzo Ball Is Actually a Knick

NBA fans love looking back at the drafts. Some have already wondered whether the 76ers made a mistake selecting Markelle Fultz No. 1. What if Philly had another shot? What if every team had another shot? Check out how we gave everyone a do-over for the 2017 NBA Draft.

Brad Penner
USA Today Sports

Image via USA Today Sports

Brad Penner

Basketball fans love looking back at the drafts of yesteryear, laughing at teams’ mistakes, and posturing about how they knew better. You’ve probably heard someone in a barbershop confidently proclaim, “I knew that guy was going to be great” or, “I knew that guy was trash.”

It’s easy to be an armchair quarterback with hindsight.

Fans’ criticism is sometimes justified, though—teams have made some glaring mistakes over the years. In 1984, two guys went ahead of Michael Jordan. In 1996, 12 players went ahead of Kobe Bryant.

Stephen Curry fell to No. 7—behind two other point guards, Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn—in 2009. And, most recently, 14 teams passed on Giannis Antetokounmpo, opting instead to select players such as Michael Carter-Williams and Shabazz Muhammad.

The No. 1 pick inevitably comes under the most scrutiny. That 2013 draft is a perfect example—Anthony Bennett, seriously?

Some hoops fans have already (and understandably) wondered whether the Philadelphia 76ers made a huge mistake selecting Markelle Fultz No. 1 in last year’s draft.

Fultz has barely seen the court and drama has plagued his time in Philly; in the meantime, a bunch of less-heralded rooks have lit it up. Imagine if the Sixers had Donovan Mitchell or Jayson Tatum right now. Their future and present would be better.

But what if Philly had another shot at it? What if every team had another shot at the 2017 draft?

Which rookies would go at the top? Who would fall out of the lottery or the first round altogether?

Who would soar up the charts? Where would Fultz and Lonzo Ball—the enigmatic two top picks—go in a redraft that took place today?

These are the questions we’re here to answer—with eight months of hindsight.

Complex presents: the 2017 NBA Re-Draft.

For the sake of clarity, we’ll assume all pre-draft and draft-night pick swaps happened exactly the same way. As each team goes on the clock, they find out everything we know now. Start the countdown for Philadelphia…

Brad Penner

1. Philadelphia 76ers – Donovan Mitchell, G, Louisville

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 13
Change: +12
Stats: 19.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 3.4 APG, 17.0 PER​
Actual Pick: Markelle Fultz

The Sixers debate taking Tatum because they already have a creator in Ben Simmons. Simmons, Embiid, and Tatum would form a balanced 1-2-3 punch. Mitchell, however, is simply too gifted to pass up. The philosophy: get good guys on the floor and figure out how it works later. With Hayward leaving Utah, Mitchell has been easily the Jazz’s best offensive weapon; he has the second-highest usage rate among rookies. It’s tough to find fault in his game at this point. He’s seventh in the league in fourth-quarter scoring, behind a bunch of established superstars and ahead of a bunch of others.

Brad Penner

2. Los Angeles Lakers – Jayson Tatum, F, Duke

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 3
Change: +1
Stats: 13.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 43% 3FG, 15.2 PER
Actual Pick: Lonzo Ball

Magic Johnson, lover of versatile guards, was hoping Mitchell would fall to No. 2, but they’re happy to snag a young wing who looks like Paul George 2.0. Tatum’s shot and two-way play have far exceeded expectations. He’s only 19, but his game is polished; it looks effortless. With Hayward out, Tatum has received significant minutes for one of the NBA’s top teams, and he’s handled the workload like a seasoned vet. He’ll play a big role in the Celtics’ attempted Finals run in May. In an alternate reality L.A. fans would already be crowning Tatum the next great Laker.

Brad Penner

3. Boston Celtics – Lauri Markkanen, F, Arizona

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 7
Change: +4
Stats: 15.2 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 36% 3FG, 15.3 PER
Actual Pick: Jayson Tatum

The Celtics are looking for athletic players who could guard any position, as they strive to be “Warriors East.” Having missed out on Tatum, they consider Kuzma, but instead take the best offensive weapon available: the Finnish big. The 20-year-old has filled it up for the Bulls, becoming the fastest rookie ever to knock down 100 3-pointers. He can get to the bucket and get up, too—just ask Enes Kanter, whom Markkanen recently posterized. Markkanen and the defensive savant Jaylen Brown combine to give the Celtics a yin-and-yang of functional young forwards. Boston’s 25th-ranked offense has needed a boost—Markkanen provides that.

Kelley L Cox

4. Phoenix Suns – Kyle Kuzma, F, Utah

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 27
Change: +23
Stats: 15.7 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 14.6 PER
Actual Pick: Josh Jackson

The Suns somehow need a PG, so they consider going in that direction. This team, however, is flat-out bad, so they take the best available asset: the smooth, 6-foot-9 Kuzma. Kuzma’s game early this season was so good that it earned a cosign from Kobe Bryant. Kuzma can make things happen with the ball in his hands. He flourishes in iso situations. His ability to space the floor gives Devin Booker some sorely needed room to cook.

Brad Penner

5. Sacramento Kings – Dennis Smith Jr., G, NC State

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 9
Change: +4
Stats: 14.8 PPG, 4.8 APG, 3.9 RPG, 12.6 PER
Actual Pick: De’Aaron Fox

The Kings consider sticking with Fox, but decide instead to snag Smith Jr. The Fayetteville native has had ups and downs but has shown as much offensive upside as any rookie—and the bottom-feeding Kings need offense badly. This pick is an investment in hopes that Smith can cut down on turnovers and become a more consistent shooter. He can shoulder a heavy offensive load; his usage rate of 28.1 is No. 1 among rookies. No. 5 is the right spot for Smith, who will likely land somewhere between Eric Bledsoe and Damian Lillard.

Brad Penner

6. Orlando Magic – John Collins, F, Wake Forest

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 19
Change: +13
Stats: 10.3 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 59% FG, 20.1 PER
Actual Pick: Jonathan Isaac

Orlando is ready to push the reset button. Instead of taking a risk on Isaac, the Magic go for a surer thing. You may have seen Collins on your highlight reel—he’s got bunnies—but he’s more than a dunker. He has pieced together an incredibly efficient rookie year (his PER is the best among first-year players, and he’s third in Value Added). An outstanding rim-runner and pick-and-roll big, the 6-foot-10 20-year-old gives a depressed Orlando fan base a little bit of hope.

Brad Penner

7. Chicago Bulls – De’Aaron Fox, G, Kentucky

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 5
Change: -2
Stats: 11.3 PPG, 4.3 APG, 2.6 RPG, 11.3 PER
Actual Pick: Lauri Markkanen

Gar Forman is about to hand the card to Adam Silver, but at the last moment John Paxson chases Forman down. Pick change! The Bulls war room decides last minute that taking Lonzo isn’t worth the headache of LaVar. Fox is lightning-quick, bouncy, and a lockdown defender. Despite his struggles shooting the ball, he’s shown flashes of brilliance—including two game-winners—and the ability to score off the drive. The Bulls bolster their young, athletic backcourt with the best two-way PG in this class.

Brad Penner

8. New York Knicks – Lonzo Ball, G, UCLA

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 2
Change: -6
Stats: 10.2 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 7.1 APG, 12.2 PER
Actual Pick: Frank Ntilikina

The N.Y. media salivates and Knicks rejoice. Lonzo is not a bust, and he’s also not the second coming of Magic. He’s 20 and still developing, but the criticism of his shot is warranted—his three-point percentage has flirted with dipping into the 20s. He’s not a natural scorer, but he racks up rebounds and assists, his court vision and basketball IQ are dazzling, and his teammates seem to like him. He could be a better Rondo. The Knicks suddenly have an interesting little/big combo with Ball and Porzingis.

Brad Penner

9. Dallas Mavericks – Josh Jackson, F, Kansas

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 4
Change: -5
Stats: 11.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 10.2 PER
Actual Pick: Dennis Smith Jr.

The Mavs aren’t contending for a title anytime soon, so they have time to nurture a project like Jackson. The 6-foot-8 former No. 1 recruit has had plenty of opportunity with the Suns. He’s been aggressive but inefficient. Going into June’s draft, people hailed Jackson as the most “NBA-ready prospect”—that hasn’t been true. But he still has athleticism to spare and should, at worst, develop into a very good role player. He’s not Andre Roberson, but probably also isn’t Jimmy Butler.

Brad Penner

10. Portland Trailblazers – Jarrett Allen, C, Texas

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 22
Change: +12
Stats: 7.5 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 17.7 PER
Actual Pick: Zach Collins

The Blazers, loaded at the two guard positions, wanted a big man in this spot. They made a good pick the first time around—but make a better one this time. Allen has Brooklyn fans excited; he could be the NBA’s next top-tier post presence. Allen recently squared off with Andre Drummond and more than held his own. The 6-foot-11 19-year-old has looked so good that the Nets, who have no incentive to bottom out, felt comfortable trading Tyler Zeller at the deadline.

Brad Penner

11. Charlotte Hornets – Markelle Fultz, G, Washington

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 1
Change: -10
Stats: 6.0 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 1.8 APG, 3.7 PER
Actual Pick: Malik Monk

It’s too early to label Fultz another No. 1 pick bust, but what’s going on with him in Philly is bizarre. Fultz has only played in four games this year, but his shot looks truly broken, and the Sixers are going to weird lengths to try to fix it. The Celtics had to know something. Their move to trade down and take Tatum now looks brilliant. Still, it’s premature to give up on Fultz, and his slide ends at No. 11. Fultz can play off the ball, which is music to Kemba Walker’s ears.

Jamie Rhodes

12. Detroit Pistons – Josh Hart, G, Villanova

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 30
Change: +18
Stats: 6.1 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 39% 3FG, 11.0 PER
Actual Pick: Luke Kennard

The Pistons consider sticking with the more offensively gifted Kennard but choose to take Hart, as they know they’ll miss Avery Bradley’s perimeter defense. Hart had a decorated career at Villanova, but scouts doubted his explosiveness and off-the-dribble shooting ability. He’s still limited with the ball but has proven to be an excellent rebounder and defender. The scouting report doesn’t label him a good shooter, but he’s been surprisingly effective, knocking down 39 percent of his threes. Hart has turned heads in L.A. and was a coveted prize on the trade market.

Jonathan Isaac

13. Utah Jazz – Jonathan Isaac, F, Florida State

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 6
Change: -7
Stats: 5.3 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.0 BPG, 9.6 PER
Actual Pick: Donovan Mitchell

Isaac has always been a long-term play, and Orlando is excited with what it’s seen so far. His upside is huge. He’s super coordinated for a 6-foot-10 guy, and his defense has been excellent. It will probably be a long time before we see Isaac making things happen in an iso situation, but he knows how to move on offense. This could very well be a steal—too early to know. Isaac could one day form an imposing frontcourt with Gobert.

Brad Penner

14. Miami Heat – Bam Adebayo, F, Kentucky

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 14
Change: N/A
Stats: 7.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 17.3 PER
Actual Pick: Bam Adebayo

The Heat are the only team in the re-draft to stick with their original first-round pick. They’re perfectly happy with the 6-foot-10 former five-star recruit. Bam isn’t taking many shots, but he has played efficient basketball in his 20.6 MPG. His Value Added is fifth among rookies—the four players above him were taken in the top six—as are his PER and Estimated Wins Added. While Whiteside brings force, Adebayo brings quickness. Erik Spoelstra has elected to keep Bam on the bench, but that could change soon.

Brad Penner

15. Sacramento Kings – Zach Collins, F, Gonzaga

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 10
Change: -5
Stats: 4.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 6.8 PER
Actual Pick: Justin Jackson

This slide doesn’t say nearly as much about Collins as it does about the players above him who have emerged. The 7-footer has been good in Portland, and the Blazers are bullish on his future. Collins’ Rebound Rate of 11.8 is 10th among rookies, and his rim defense FG percentage is among the best in the entire league. He and Ed Davis have formed a formidable bench pairing. He’s only playing 15.4 MPG, so people haven’t seen much of him, but the Blazers believe Collins will be really good. The Kings are thrilled to get a skilled young big who can learn under Zach Randolph.

Robert Deutsch

16. Minnesota Timberwolves – Jordan Bell, F, Oregon

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 38
Change: +22
Stats: 5.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 19.4 PER
Actual Pick: Justin Patton

Leave it to the Warriors to buy another valuable young guy for cash. That draft-night deal now looks like a heist. Bell has gotten 14.4 MPG for the best team in basketball and has made the most of his minutes. His PER is second-best among rookies. The Warriors needed depth in the frontcourt, and the adaptable Bell has provided that. The T-Wolves, in the throes of jockeying for West playoff position, get a valuable bench energy guy who can guard multiple positions.

Brad Penner

17. Milwaukee Bucks – OG Anunoby, F, Indiana

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 23
Change: +6
Stats: 6.0 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 9.8 PER
Actual Pick: D.J. Wilson

It wasn’t Anunoby’s fault that he slipped in the draft; he was recovering from a serious knee injury that knocked him out of his final college season in January. With a 7-foot-2 wingspan and impressive athleticism, Anunoby was an intriguing prospect. A regular starter for the East’s second-best team, the 6-foot-8 former Hoosier has made a number of teams regret passing on him. The Bucks get a defensive treasure whose shooting has been better than expected. Opposing wings quiver when Anunoby and Greek Freak are on the court at the same time.

Brad Penner

18. Indiana Pacers – Luke Kennard, G, Duke

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 12
Change: -6
Stats: 6.9 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 42% 3FG, 11.4 PER
Actual Pick: T.J. Leaf

Kennard is another guy who falls despite looking pretty good so far this season. It says something that the Pistons were willing to unload Avery Bradley. The former Duke star has grown as the season has gone on and his role has increased. His shooting will always be the strength of his game, and he looks like a lock to have an above-average role player career—which may sound like a knock, but it’s not.

Peter Casey

19. Atlanta Hawks – Dillon Brooks, F, Oregon

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 45
Change: +26
Stats: 8.9 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 38% 3FG, 8.5 PER
Actual Pick: John Collins

The Hawks consider taking Ntilikina but decide they’ll commit to Dennis Schröder as their PG of the future. They go for Brooks, who was a second-round steal for Memphis. Brooks goes three spots after Bell, his former Oregon teammate. He’s getting 27.9 MPG and has been a fixture in the Grizzlies’ starting lineup since early November. The former Oregon standout has been a reliable double-digit scorer, providing consistent production for an inconsistent team. 

Brad Penner

20. Portland Trailblazers – Justin Jackson, F, North Carolina

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 15
Change: -5
Stats: 5.8 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 8.6 PER
Actual Pick: Harry Giles

Jackson saw his NBA projections vary dramatically during his outstanding college career at North Carolina. Sometimes he was a top pick. Others he was a late first-rounder. The middle of this round is where he belongs. Portland is trying to build around Lillard and McCollum and figure out what exactly Jusuf Nurkic is. Jackson won’t be that third big piece the Blazers need to reach the next level, but he fills a need on the roster.

Brad Penner

21. Oklahoma City Thunder – Frank Ntilikina, G, France

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 8
Change: -13
Stats: 5.3 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 3.3 APG, 6.6 PER
Actual Pick: Terrance Ferguson

Ntilikina simply hasn’t gotten enough minutes for the Knicks. What are Jeff Hornacek and company thinking? The season basically ended when Porzingis went down. Why add Emmanuel Mudiay to the roster at the deadline? Get the kid in the game so you can see what he’s got. Ntilikina has looked mostly good in a limited role this season, but the 19-year-old from France has a ways to go—he’s still limited with the ball and doesn’t look for his own shot enough. OKC selects the high-motor, 6-foot-6 guard to learn under Westbrook, who has certainly never had that problem.

Brad Penner

22. Brooklyn Nets – T.J. Leaf, F, UCLA

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 18
Change: -4
Stats: 3.1 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 47% 3FG, 10.3 PER
Actual Pick: Jarrett Allen

The scouting report on Leaf coming into the pros: he was a big who could shoot. That much has proven true. He’s third in the league in three-point shooting percentage. He’s also developed an unlikely chemistry with Lance Stephenson. His defense needs to improve, but he’s shown potential to be a future rotation guy on a good team—think of the Matt Bonner, Brad Miller, Channing Frye mold.

Bill Streicher

23. Toronto Raptors – Semi Ojeleye, F, SMU

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 37
Change: +14
Stats: 2.5 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 4.3 PER
Actual Pick: OG Anunoby

Ojeleye has the most imposing physique of any first-year player. That much was emphasized during a recent Celtics-Cavs telecast in which Jeff Van Gundy questioned how Ojeleye—6-foot-7, 240 pounds, and built like a truck—could possibly be a rookie. The Celtics have given him minutes off the bench and are excited about his defensive potential. The Raptors get a powerful wing for their vaunted second unit.

Denny Medley

24. Denver Nuggets – Frank Mason, G, Kansas

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 34
Change: +10
Stats: 7.6 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 2.9 APG, 12.3 PER
Actual Pick: Tyler Lydon

Mason had an excellent career at Kansas, but scouts questioned his size (5-foot-11) and defense. Early in the season he outplayed fellow Kings rookie guard De’Aaron Fox. Mason is recovering from a heel injury that’s kept him out nearly two months. The Nuggets get an offense-minded guard to back up the emerging Jamal Murray. 

Brad Penner

25. Philadelphia 76ers – Malik Monk, G, Kentucky

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 11
Change: -14
Stats: 5.0 PPG, 1.2 APG, 34% 3FG, 7.6 PER
Actual Pick: Anzejs Pasecniks

Monk has struggled on defense, been in and out of the G-League, and has only gotten spot minutes with the Hornets. The prolific scorer we saw at Kentucky hasn’t shown up yet. The Sixers, seeing his potential and loving projects in line with The Process, roll the dice on another shooter.

Robert Deutsch

26. Portland Trailblazers – Sindarius Thornwell, G, South Carolina

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 48
Change: +22
Stats: 3.3 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 39% 3FG, 7.9 PER
Actual Pick: Caleb Swanigan

Thornwell starred on a South Carolina team that stunned college basketball fans with its run to the Final Four. The Clippers are high on Thornwell and the next guy on this list, Jawun Evans, both of whom they snagged in the second round. Thornwell has played well for the Clippers’ Lou Williams-led second unit. The Blazers get a wing who doesn’t shoot much but does a little bit of everything.

Ray Carlin

27. Los Angeles Lakers – Jawun Evans, G, Oklahoma State

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 39
Change: +12
Stats: 5.6 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 2.4 APG, 7.2 PER
Actual Pick: Kyle Kuzma

Scouts thought the 6-foot Evans, an explosive scorer at OK State, would struggle adapting to the pros. He’s been a surprise, dropping 15 twice and providing great pressure D, forcing teams to start their offense late in the shot clock. He deserves more of Austin Rivers’ minutes. Evans has missed time lately with a groin and abdominal strain but has had a solid rookie year.

Brad Penner

28. Utah Jazz – Justin Patton, C, Creighton

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 16
Change: -12
Stats: N/A
Actual Pick: Tony Bradley

Still recovering from July foot surgery, Patton has been a G-League mainstay. In 25 games at the minor-league level, he has averaged 11.9 PPG, 5.0 RPG, and 1.4 BPG. Utah will have to be patient with the 7-footer, who is still raw and too thin to succeed in the NBA. With Isaac and Patton, the Jazz are punting on the immediate future and looking down the road.

Ray Carlin

29. San Antonio Spurs – Harry Giles, F, Duke

Where He Went on Draft Night: No. 20
Change: -9
Stats: N/A
Actual Pick: Derrick White

Giles has not had an opportunity to show his stuff, as he will sit out this entire season rehabbing his knees. We've seen recently that giving a rookie a full year to recover and watch from the sidelines can pay dividends. Before his health issues emerged, Giles was once the top recruit in the nation. If there’s any organization that can turn a project into a valuable player, however, it’s the Spurs, who are in no rush.

Troy Taormina

30. Los Angeles Lakers – Alex Caruso, G, Texas A&M

Where He Went on Draft Night: Undrafted
Change: N/A
Stats: 2.6 PPG, 1.9 APG, 7.8 PER
Actual Pick: Josh Hart

The only undrafted guy to make the cut! The Lakers go heavy for guard play in this re-draft, taking two scrappy bench players (Evans and Caruso) after picking a franchise guy (Tatum) at No. 2. Caruso was a star at Summer League, where he outshined lottery picks. He’s had a cup of coffee in the G League, but the balding 23-year-old has proved he belongs in the Association. 

Biggest Climbers: Alex Caruso (Undrafted to No. 30), Dillon Brooks (+26), Kyle Kuzma (+23)

Biggest Falls: Malik Monk (-14), Frank Ntilikina (-13), Justin Patton (-12)

Fell Out Of First Round: D.J. Wilson (No. 17), Terrance Ferguson (21), Tyler Lydon (24), Anžejs Pasečņiks (25), Caleb Swanigan (26), Tony Bradley (28), Derrick White (29)

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