Let's be honest: For all the excitement surrounding the 2016 NBA Draft, it just didn't have the same buzz as most years. Besides the overall dearth of star-power and a big drop off after the No. 2 pick, there was the simple fact that, well, we already knew who was going No. 1 overall three days before the draft actually started.
Where's the drama in that?!
For all the suspense that the 2016 NBA Draft lacked, the 2017 version could be much more intriguing.
Simply put, it looks to be one of the most loaded drafts in years. Granted, it's hard to evaluate before some of these players have stepped on a college court, but as it stands there could be upwards of six guys considered in the top spot.
So who are those guys?
Here are the half-dozen that could be the top pick in next year's draft:
Under most circumstances, Giles would be considered, without a doubt, the top draft prospect in the 2017 class. Unfortunately, nothing has been "normal" for Giles over the last year or so, when he missed his entire senior year of high school after tearing his ACL just days before committing to Duke.
Giles appears to be on his way to a full recovery, and when he gets there, he should be nothing short of a college basketball star next season. The versatile 6'10 forward is perfect for the new age NBA, a guy able to both bang down low in the post and shoot a 15-footer, as well as pass and handle the ball.
Assuming he makes a full recovery, Giles could be a no-doubt-about-it No. 1 selection by the time next year's draft rolls around.
Jackson had been encroaching on Giles' turf as the top player in this high school class for years, and with Giles' injury, combined with a big senior season, he might just have taken it over.
In terms of what Kansas fans can expect next year (and NBA fans the year after) just know that Jackson is a 6'8 wing, and legitimate two-way player, a guy who not only relishes scoring the ball, but locking down the opposing team's best player too. An emphasis on defense isn't something you always see from guys at the high school level, but it is with Jackson.
Speaking of Jackson, he is already turning heads in Lawrence, just a few weeks after arriving on campus.
Do I think Rabb will be the No. 1 overall pick in next year's draft? It's unlikely. But it is a possibility based on what we saw this year, and what we should expect going forward with Rabb.
In terms of last year, Rabb was Jaylen Brown's right-hand man and running-mate, averaging 12 points and eight boards as a freshman. But with Brown off to the NBA, Jordan Matthews transferring and Ty Wallace gone to graduation, there is no doubt that the 2016-2017 Cal Golden Bears are Rabb's team.
There's also no doubt that the soon-to-be sophomore is in line for a breakout year, after playing his best basketball down the stretch.
Rabb had four double-doubles in Cal's last six games in 2016.
I already know what every North Carolina, NC State and Kentucky fan is thinking reading this article: "Another Duke guy? Really, Torres?"
Yes, another Duke player, and not just one who could be a lottery pick, but one could go No. 1 overall. Watching the 6'8 Tatum on the court, he just looks like he was born to play wing in the NBA, and is a kid who is equally adept at attacking the rim as he is stepping out and hitting a three.
It might sound crazy to say this, but as good as Brandon Ingram was this year, his replacement (Tatum) will be even better.
The question with Bryant simply comes down to this: Was his 19-point effort against Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament a one game aberration? Or a sign of what's to come in 2017?
If it's an aberration, well, someone will still take Bryant in the lottery next year, based on his 7'0 frame that already carries 250 lbs. and could easily add more weight without losing any quickness or athleticism.
But if it wasn't an aberration, and instead a sign of what's to come, look out. Bryant could be a double-double machine next year, and a guy in contention for the first overall pick in 2017.
No list of potential "No. 1 overall picks" would be complete without at least one (if not more) players from Kentucky, and of everyone on next year's roster, Fox seems most likely to fit the bill.
The point guard out of Houston is already drawing comparisons to John Wall and with good reason: He's long and lanky at 6'3, with elite athleticism, and the speed to get by just about anyone off the dribble.
It's a long shot that he ends up No. 1 overall, but in a loaded 2017 draft, little is out of the question.
Other potential lottery picks: Markelle Fultz, G, Washington (freshman); Edrice "Bam" Adebayo, PF, Kentucky (freshman); Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA (freshman); Miles Bridges, SF, Michigan State (freshman)
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